ODDS

ꜱʟᴀᴠᴇᴅ ɪᴅᴏʟꜱ

"𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 stylists have a bit of freedom this year, due to President Snow being focused on District Twelve. So I used as much material as I could." Cinder explained, eyes scanning the work my prep team had finished only minutes before.

"Well, that's fortunate." I commented as her feet glided over to the large bag which hid my dress. She chuckled.

"Don't get so confident. The interview dress won't be so forgiving." she mentioned regretfully.

A frown pulled at my lips as I slipped the robe off of my shoulders. The blast of cool air hit my skin, chills running up and down my body. Cinder made her way over to me, dress in hand. The thick, navy material spilled to the ground, decorated with tiny, golden designs. The sleeves would hang off of the shoulders, rhinestones shining in the light. It flared out in the back significantly, and I knew that Cinder had planned in that manner, to represent the ocean itself. Paired with the glam makeup and high up-do with a crown, which likened to small tridents, it was a costume sure to get the Capitol's attention.

"Cinder." my voice filled with awe. "This is one of the most beautiful dresses you've ever made." My hands traced the intricate bodice, looking over each design carefully.

Cinder smiled, eyes filled with something I couldn't quite place. "It should be. I drew inspiration from you."

I furrowed my brows, meeting her eyes. "Me?"

She nodded. "As beautiful as the sea and infinitely more real."

I felt myself get choked up. I pulled myself together, desperately trying to save my makeup.

"Thank you, Cinder."

"Don't thank me, yet. Let's get you in this dress." she called out to one of the Avoxes for help. I stepped into the dress, suddenly feeling very regal. Cinder definitely had a way with material.

The Avox behind me clipped the golden buttons together, making me stand up straighter. As I looked in the mirror, I didn't see myself, or even my Capitol persona. I saw something raw and beautiful, as rough and elegant as the stormy sea. Every bit of the outfit sparkled, gaining the attention of my eyes. I was a masterpiece, a queen of the sea.

A hand laid on my shoulder, delicate, as if it were nervous or antsy. It felt familiar, despite the cold the fingers seemed to radiate. I was transported to my fifteen year old self, the day of the reaping, which would change my life forever. I was comforted, even with the traumatic memories floating in my mind, begging to be replayed. I turned my head to find a familiar face.

She looked healthy enough, looking well-fed and her eyes sported no dark circles. But her face no longer glowed, as it did when we were kids from the far side of District Four. Her eyes didn't shine as brightly as they used to. All I could think of was how worried Morgan would have been about her. He would've been furious and heart broken all at once.

"Calypso?" I whispered, my eyes flashing to the right, where my stylist stood, smiling. I looked back to my sister, tears once again threatening to spill over. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I was pulled into a hug. I blinked, and clung to my sister while a lump forming in my throat.

"What are you doing? If Snow finds you here-"

She shook her head, her dull hair waving with the force. She grabbed my hand, putting it over her heart, then mine. Even with the lack of words, I knew what she was trying to tell me. I knew my sister well.

Don't worry about me, Lana. I am with you and you are with me. Always.

I gave a small laugh, thinking of how blessed I was to see my sister one last time. It's one luxury I didn't have with Caspian or Tora.