odair

Chapter Four - Finnick

The Capitol was everything I thought it would be, and more. Adella and I were at the window of the train, looking out at whatever we might see. I noticed the Capitol first and gasped. It was huge and almost beautiful, but it couldn't be called that because I knew what happened there. As we got closer, we could see the people, the Capitol citizens, crowding the station, wanting to get their first glimpses of the Tributes. Adella began to wave and I glanced back at our mentor, Mags, who I trusted more than the teenaged girl beside me. She nodded. I turned back to the people and I began to wave, too. I didn't smile.

Once situated in the Capitol, a prep team and stylist get me ready for display. They dressed me in a floor-length tunic of the palest of blues and gave me tan sandals to wear on my feet and a crown made of what looked like seaweed to put on my head. It wasn't the worst Tribute Parade outfit, nor was it the best.

They took to me Adella, dressed identically, but with a big smile on her painted face, and we both got in our chariot. It was completely white with two matching white horses in the front. Mags gave us a big smile and whispered, "You're both beautiful. Don't wave at the people, just smile if you want, but I wouldn't even suggest that. Just nod. Acknowledge them without seeming happy to be here, because I can't imagine why you would be. You want to appear friendly, yet strong, and resiliant. You want them to like you. Do you understand?"

I nodded. Adella shook her head. "I'm going to smile, and wave."

Mags shrugged. "Don't blame me if Finnick gets more sponsors than you."

Adella glanced in my direction, brow raised. "As if."

Mags looked at me and winked. I smiled back, for the first time since my name was picked from that bowl. She believed in me. I had a chance.

The chariot started and we were on our way. District 1 was first, then 2 and 3, then us. The Capitol citizens were shouting and cheering our names. I gave them gracious nods, but didn't smile or wave. Adella did both, and even blew a few kisses.

The people cheered, but giving them love wouldn't help her win the Games. She was supposed to make them think she could win. That she was strong enough. Not that she was sweet enough. Friendly enough.

I was going to show them that I was strong enough.

I was going to win.

At the end of the Tribute Parade, President Snow stood and looked at each of us in turn. I couldn't stand the man, but I held his eyes long enough for him to give me a small, evil smile and move onto Adella, who gave him a wide smile and blew him a kiss. I rolled my eyes.

After the Parade, we were taken to the Training Center. The first floor held the training station and was also where District 1's Tributes were staying. 2 was on the second floor, 3 was on the third, we had the fourth, and so on up to the twelfth floor, the Penthouse, where 12's tributes lived for the time being, until the Games.

"Happy Hunger Games," I muttered to myself.

Mags was standing beside me on the elevator beside me and replied, "And may the odds be ever in your favor." I glanced at her and she gave me a small, sad smile. "I'm sorry you have to go through this, Finnick."

"Thanks, Mags."

"I'm not allowed to bet, but if I could, my money would be on you."

I must've looked surprised, I know I felt it. "You haven't even seen what I can do yet."

"No," she said, "but I don't have to. I can see it in your eyes, you want to win, you believe you can. That's all it takes, Finnick Odair. Truth starts with belief, you can only survive if you believe you can."

I nodded. "Thanks, Mags."

Adella sighed and glared at me. "I'm going to win, and show you both." The elevator stopped and she walked haughtily through the doors.

Mags looked at my sheepishly. "I'd forgotten she was there."

I laughed, just a little. "Me too."

"Go get some rest, Finnick. It's almost time for dinner, and then you'll need lots of sleep. You've all got a big day tomorrow."

I nodded and walked away. I already felt like I'd been friends with Mags forever. And now I had a real reason to win, other than just because I wanted to. Mags wanted me to, too.