If Maxon Picked Kriss

Chapter 3:

America's POV

It's November the First today. That means in two weeks is the benefit concert. Not long after Queen Amberly took the throne she set up a charity event called Helping Hungry Humans or for short HHH. This is where singers from all around the country come and perform to raise money to the lower castes who don't have accurate food to eat. It's kind of like a big concert with different singers who come to help raise money. It happens once every three years or so. It's a big deal when it does happen.

Since the royal family helped start it up they come to the concert along with their allies to show them that the lower castes aren't being abandoned without support from the upper castes. This year there will be a few big singers from England. I'll be performing there too. It says something about a social status and popularity to be able to perform at one of the biggest events in Illea.

It's one of the most stressful weeks of my life. This event is huge. Most people know my music but they haven't seen me sing in a long time, and compared to the other singers coming like Carrie Underwood, Train, and the Weekend I don't stand much of a chance to stand out.

When my old manager came and told me about HHH he suggested I put on a show. I had a few sad and mellow songs but he told me to make something new and upbeat. "Something to dance to" and "make the crowds roar. Not Bore.". His words not mine.

Since then I have yet to put together the songs and choreography to my routine. I also had yet to pick out how many people i would need to help me perform and what to wear. It is a mess. I should be perfecting my routine instead of creating it. Due to this I've had to pull a few all-nighters.

Currently, I'm laying on the floor exhausted. I was working on my songs and choreography for some time but eventually I fell on my butt from either lack of sleep or clumsiness. Since then I wasn't able to get back up.

Due to the level of drowsiness in my eyes I started to reflect on my life. How I got here. How I started singing. How I ended up so alone. And what would've happened. In the alternate universe if I had won the selection. If he hadn't found me that day with Aspen. 

This wasn't something I hadn't thought of before. In fact I've probably thought over thirty scenarios of what could've happened. All of them ending in Maxon hating me and me not getting to properly apologize and fix things. If there was one regret in my life I could take back, one regret I could change in any way or go back in time it would be hurting him.

I imagine now he's happy. Kriss is perfect for him, and the country. I imagine now he doesn't regret his decision to pick her and he's happy. But I still carry a lot of that guilt. That feeling of regret for not telling him sooner. For dragging him along without him knowing. For lying.

It took me a long time to get to that point. After the selection I was embarrassed and angry. I blamed him. For not giving me a chance to explain. For not picking me even though I went behind his back. But after time I realized it was my fault. He trusted me and I let him down. I ruined his innocent and kind heart. I just hope he's happy. He deserves that.

A lot of time had passed of me laying on the floor. I loud, firm knock awoke me of my daze. It was then I had realized I had spent the past hour and a half lying on the floor being sad. When I looked at the clock I realized that it's 11 PM.

It's probably Georgia and August here. They always like to get their business done super late at night. I'm not sure if it's because they want to be discreet or because they don't like to sleep. I look through the peek hole at the top of my apartment door and I was right. It's them. 

I open up the door and signal them in. They're wearing big jackets and scarfs. Must have gotten colder since I last went out. 

"So what brings you here tonight?" I start. Georgia turns to me.

"Nice to see you too. How's it going preparing for HHH? You ready?"

I ponder what to tell her. Telling her I'm behind and am going to be singing in front of millions of people in two weeks without having made a set list is very embarrassing.

I decide to lie. Better for them not to have that weight of failure on their shoulders too.

"It's going good. Just practicing my routine a bunch." I say hoping she can't detect my lie.

"That's good. We came here to talk to you about HHH. So we heard the JO the rapper is going to be attending HHH and performing a routine first and as you know he's a firm advocator for caste abolishment. We think it would be good if you performed an opening song with him."

She looks at August and then back to me.

"We think it would be helpful to have the people of Illea see two very influential figures together. Give them a sense of hope and unity to the lower castes. I know you're busy and need to work on your routine too so if you don't have time to put together a part with him it's fine."

She finishes and then looks at me trying to gauge my reaction.

I don't want to tell her no. She's right it'll help. But in doing so I'll look like a fool to Illea in two weeks time.

"Yeah I'm sure that'll work, I can fit it into my schedule." She beams and looks at August.

"Alright great! August will call him tonight and give him your info. I really appreciate it. I know you'll do great at HHH. I can't wait to see your part!"

She grabs her coat and August gets up from the couch.

"Well we better get going. We need to have a meeting with the royals later tonight and we don't want to keep them waiting." He says heading toward the door.

Georgia makes it out the door before him and he says quieter to me,

"I really appreciate you taking out the time to make another song with him. I can tell you're nervous for the Charity. You'll do amazing. Both Georgia and I seriously can't wait." He says making his way out of the inside of my apartment.

"Thank you." I say unable to process his words due to the stress I have now.

When they leave and I'm finally alone I go straight to the kitchen and grab a bottle vodka. Just tonight. I need to calm my nerves tonight and I'll be on my A- game tomorrow to get back ahead.

Or at least that's what I thought.

Authors Note:

I know it's been forever since I updated. I'll try to update more frequently. Please vote and comment on your thoughts. Want to hear your opinions and feedback.

Movie/Show Recommendation: American Horror Story