Finnick was not amused by this current situation. He hadn’t been when the announcement to pick from past victors was announced. He had been even less amused when Mags volunteered. Though he kept the same strong smile on his face, making sure to wave and does as he was told. He was protecting his family. Annie. He hated his time in the Capitol, and relished when he could be home. Being deemed, desirable was one his least favorite days. But now, he tried to move past it, enjoy the spot light. They wanted him to be a player, then a player he would be.
The outfit the stylists had picked, to him seemed a joke but he embraced it. Might as well show off what he had. No shirt meant more people wanting to get him back. People would pay more to have their favorite commodity saved and have him win. But he wasn’t sure if he wanted to win. That was really where he was torn. If he won again, he would just go back to doing the same things, for the same people. He would still be apart from the person he wanted to be with most.
He was looking at the competition in the arena. Looking over their outfits, saying hello to old friends. He turned his head hearing a familiar voice. He smirked and walked to meet her. He gently touched her hair and pulled a curl letting it bounce back. “I could ask you the same thing.” He teased. Finnick shook his head, still grinning. “Might as well remind them of the thing they will miss most you know.”
Finnick scans his eyes over the rest of the tributes. His friends. “How have you been? I haven’t seen you at the…usual events” he said casually.
*****
Sleep is for the dead, at least that’s what Katniss has decided. She hasn’t slept much since the games, but even less so now that they were going back in. Even when she had a chance to relax, she couldn’t. Sure she was stoic, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t feel. She didn’t want Peeta to go in with her. Anything but that. Katniss came to peace with what was going to happen that first night she ran from her home, but now. She couldn’t come to terms with him loosing his life, like this. She doesn’t want to get ready, but it’s too late.
They have her hair done and its pulled up from her face. The makeup is dark, and his makes her look angry, serious. Something to not mess with. A change in Cinna’s style for sure but she likes it. She feels its more her then anything he has created so far. The dress is dark and tailored, sparkly softly in the light. She can’t help looking at it as they walk. She isn’t listening as they walk. She catches snnipets.
“No Smiling, look forward” says Cinna, and she nods. Her eyes land on Peeta. He looks handsome, but also tired. The dark colors make his blonde hair more startling. She likes this look on him. He looks...strong. But she wasn’t going to say that. Nope. He’s probably her only saving grace right now. She can only get rest when he’s in the bed with her. She doesn’t know why, but it helps to some extent. Perhaps it’s the ability to let her listen to his breathing, even if she can’t sleep. It’s comforting to know, he’s still alive. She saved him.
Katniss is brought back to attention when he speaks. She laughs softly. “Thank you” she replied. “You don’t look half bad” She smiles a little bit, hoping that was friendly enough. Her eyes drift over the tributes, all talking and mingling. She knows only of them, and from how the others keep glancing at their group. Sizing up the newest to the group. They had years behind them and they had pure luck and what everyone else assumed to be undying love for each other.
Katniss spoke slowly. “We’re going to be an easy target” she mumbles shaking her head.