Poisoned Flower (The Hunger Games)

Eleven: The Defiance

It was nothing more than a display of solidarity.

The Victors stood along the back of the stage as one. They held hands with each other with their arms raised high. Despite Caesar's best efforts, he looked lost for the first time in his career. The cries coming from the audience demanding to stop the games rung clear through the television screen. This reaction was likely reflected throughout the entirety of Panem. If only it was that easy to bring it to an end.

Diantha was once again in the Gamemaker's control room. The main room was abuzz as they worked on the final preparations. The 75th Hunger Games were less than twenty-four hours away after all. In the small side room, Diantha was stood alongside her father and Plutarch. A large screen in front of them showed the broadcast of the tribute interviews. Just like the rest of the nation, their eyes were glued to the screen.

The interviews had been interesting to say the least. Some of the Victors acted upset and tried to appeal to the citizen's hearts, whilst others focused on expressing their anger. However, all of them spoke of the same message; how unfair it was that they had to fight for their lives once again. As a reward, they had been promised exemption from the reapings by the Capitol, but they had taken it back without a care.

As she watched, Diantha kept a blank face. However, internally she hated this. When certain faces showed up on the screen, Diantha could feel her stomach drop. Mags, the old woman from District 4 looked so old and frail in comparison to the others. There was no way she would last very long. Shortly after, Finnick's declaration of love caused tears to form in people's eyes. There was no doubt that hordes of women were thinking it was them he was referring to. Yet, the sincerity and emotion in his eyes as he looked directly into the camera showed that there was someone more than the Capitol women who fell at his feet. Diantha could feel her heart pounding in her chest as he spoke. He thought that he would have a future, but it was all taken from him. There was no doubt that Finnick had a good chance at winning, but there was some fierce competition.

On the other hand, Johanna Mason from District 7 went for a completely different tactic for her interview. Allowing herself to let out all of her anger, she voiced her thoughts on being a tribute once again. She used some choice words to which Diantha couldn't help but smile at. The woman had guts and she admired that. Not many would risk swearing on live television. Not that she would face any consequences, she was being sent to her death anyway.

When Katniss graced the stage in her wedding dress the audience let out a collective gasp. The citizens of the Capitol had been looking forward to the wedding which was obviously never going to happen. Out of the corner of her eye, Diantha could see a hint of a smile on her father's face when he saw her. As Katniss admitted that it was him whom had suggested she wear it, she knew why. Much to her pleasure however, his expression was wiped off when the dress transformed. The white fabric turned to black and wings spouted behind her turning her into the thing he most feared.

The Mockingjay.

As she watched her father tense, a smirk tugged at the side of her mouth once again. He was watching his control weaken in front of him. Although most wouldn't understand the implications, it was an act of rebellion.

But the surprises didn't stop there. Just like he had the previous year, Peeta made an announcement which shocked everyone. Apparently, Katniss was pregnant. Whether it was true or not, it seemed to have the desired effect. The audience shouted in protest of the Games. It only got worse when they stood along the back as one. Out of the frying pan and into the fire.

"Look at this, they're holding hands". Snow broke the silence, his voice laced with venom. "I want them dead".

"Be patience". They're holding hands now but the minute the guns go off it will be a bloodbath. The whole idea of revolution will be discredited" Plutarch replied, trying to keep the President calm.