Fiiress

We spent the rest of the trip down to the train in silence. I knew that the people I was with did not know what to say to me to help. It did not surprise me, but I was still upset that Martin had not so much as looked at me since the lecture he had given me earlier in the night.As we boarded the train amongst the cheering Capitol fans, we were supposed to wave and act ecstatic that we were going home, but none of us could manage more than a feeble smile except Sariah. Sure, I was glad to go home, but it was also among my emotions that I found anger. Anger at President Snow, at the Gamemakers, at the Capitol, at the Hunger Games, at being f...

President Snow looked Martin up and down. "Dinner will be served soon. I suggest you retire to the ballroom until it is announced." His voice held a hidden threat, and I raised my eyebrows, a silent dare that he try something right now, in the midst of everything. My hand slid to my waist, where a carefully crafted sheath was hidden inside the dress I was wearing. Self-protection, I had told Bevel, but he had understood what I really wanted, and had said nothing of it to anyone but my prep team.Martin turned sharply on his heel, keeping a close hold on my hand. I pulled away from him, turning to give President Snow a level look. "Have you ...

The gong rings and you leaped forward, your legs pumping as hard as they could and you ran towards the forest, trying to put as much distance as you could between you and the Cornucopia. You made it to the edge of the forest right as the cannons began to blast behind you. You lost track of the count, instead focusing on the handsome District 2 tribute, Cato, oh Cato, with that blond hair, and the muscular body. You weren't scared of him, in fact, you admire his sheer strength, and the dangerous look in his eyes.He noticed you and ran straight in your direction. You took a couple steps back, then stopedp, and stared towards him. You remembe...

Martin came back about fifteen minutes later with two trays. His was loaded up with all the works; bacon cheeseburger with tomatoes, pickles, onions, and lettuce, chocolate milk, a milkshake, and a big thing of salty french fries. He passed me my tray. A blue plate sat in front of me, loaded high with rice and a generous portion of chicken with decorative carved carrots. They were shaped like flowers and little birds, scattered throughout the meal."The chef told me it wouldn't be the best idea to eat the garnishes because they were marinated in vinegar to keep them fresh in between meals."I snorted into my chicken, trying not to laugh too ...

My stomach was doing nervous flips. The audience had cheered for so long and at such volume that we hadn't been able to finish the interview. I was glad for it. I didn't want any more questions. I was still struggling to get it through my head that Martin was alive and well and that we could go home tomorrow or the day after."We won," I whispered, when we were backstage. And I was crying, but I was so happy I couldn't contain it all and I pulled Martin close and whispered the words again."Yes, Esme, we did," he murmured. "But at what cost?"I stiffened in his arms. "I don't want to think about that," I said, though I was already forming an ...

They brought out my group; Bevel, his prep team, Glint and Trinket, and Sariah. They were standing along the side of the stage, waiting to be called to step forward."Ladies and gentlemen!" Announced Caesar. "I'm pleased to introduce Mr. Bevel Onair, Esme's stylist!" There was a thundering round of applause as he came over and took a bow. He gave me a hug, then retreated back to the line-up."Next up is the prep team! Without them, we'd have a tough time indeed," Caesar called, throwing them a grin. "Tricati Lennings, Erita Gurs, and Aeron Plause." The three of them came out, clasping hands, with Aeron sandwiched in the middle. They bowed to...

After the anthem played I was supposed to go on stage. I took a couple deep breaths to collect myself and put on a small smile, then walked out. The trip across the stage to the simple armchair felt a lot longer than it had all the other times I'd taken that walk across the stage.The crowd was cheering and screaming. Some of the Capitol citizens were throwing flowers and kisses as I took my chair. I gave them a wave, then turned my attention to Caesar. He gave me a grin, but his eyes were sad. I knew he was thinking about how hard it must be for a tribute to sit here and watch everything that they'd been through all over again.The large sc...