ODDS

ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ

Alana

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓟𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓮𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓵𝓮𝓭 us down corridor after corridor, allowing Johanna to guide me with her arm. I was grateful for it. I couldn't have made it in one piece without her. The Peacekeepers would've dragged me along. Or worse.

The cool, tile floors turned to carpet underneath my feet. Even in such a terrible position- because we were in a terrible position- I wished that I could see the horrible beauty of the mansion that we were being lead through.

Pristine walls, ornate carpeting, modern art hanging from the cavernous walls. I could imagine it all, sure, as I'd been in this very mansion many times since I was practically a child And a part of me didn't want to see the residence that was representative of the death I'd been thrust into. It was too painful.

But the darkness. The darkness pulled me deeper into the feelings of nothingness. No color. No light. Nothing.

Nothing.

At first, I'd admit, it was terrifying. I'd never been blind before, unable to take in my surroundings. And what would happen when I needed my sight, but had no way to use it? What would happen when I was put in danger? Either I'd be a liability for someone else, which tortured me, or I'd be dead.

I didn't know which option I would've preferred.

But now? The only terrifying thing about the darkness was the fear of never seeing his face again. I'd never see his dimpled smirk, or his gorgeous, glowing eyes. I'd never watch his face contort in disgust at some awful joke someone had made. I'd never see him smile at me. Never again.

But I had to look at the bright side, otherwise, I'd fall into a never-ending pit of dark gloominess and hopelessness. I wouldn't be any help then. I couldn't do that to them. I couldn't do that to Finnick.

He would've stayed strong for me, so I wasn't going to do any different for him.

A sweet aroma filled my nose then. I heard some clattering, sounding like cutlery moving against a plate, and my stomach gurgled as a monster would. I hadn't realized how starved I was until now, as the hunger rose into my throat, making it hard to breathe. I'd never felt like this before, so weak. I would've done anything for the seaweed-wrapped rolls Finnick and I always seemed to gain from sponsors in the arena. Anything sounded delicious if you were hungry enough.

"Mm. Welcome, my victors." A snake-like voice sounded.

I focused on how tense Johanna had become from my side, stiff as marble. I wondered if I was insane for not reacting the same. I was just so tired. So tired.

Not being able to watch his yellowing eyes study our every moves, calculating, as if he knew our very next moves, our thoughts, our souls, helped tame any fear I might've had.

"Miss Mason. Miss Knight. Please, take a seat."

We were nudged forward, and I would've fallen face-first into the warm carpet if Johanna hadn't been by my side. I noted to thank her when this nightmare was over.

"I do hope you ladies enjoy pulled-pork. It's one of my favorites, and my chef's specialty."

I melted into the seat and barely held in a shaky sigh. There was no way I would give him any benefit to watching me break, so I held tightly to my façade. It was only a lunch. I could hold out until it was over.