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Chapter Text

I stood with the other 17 year old girls and bit my lip. Effie trinket was getting ready to read the name of the male tribute from district 12 and I was distracted by the image of president snow watching the reaping live from the capitol.

“Blaze jay.” Effie called out. A young boy stepped out and walked up to the platform. Snow clapped politely on the screen and my attention was drawn back to the platform as effie announced she was picking the female tribute.

”may the odds be ever in your favor.” My neighbor whispered. I crossed my fingers and bit my lip harder. I could feel blood pool in my mouth as I did.

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N).” Effie called out. My lip twitched and as I stepped out of line to walk up, I dipped my finger into my mouth. Trying to make it look like I was going to whistle, I pulled it out and went to paint a sinister red onto my lips. I could see snow shift in his seat as I came into view and I held my head high as I took my spot next to Effie. She was staring at me, a look of both awe and disgust on her face. “Ladies and gentlemen, your tributes from district twelve!” She called out when she seemed to snap out of it. I stared out at district twelve as they stayed silent. It was the same routine every year. A peacekeeper grabbed my arm and dragged me off to the train.

“Who’d you piss off?” Blaze asked after we picked ourselves off the floor of our compartment. I rubbed my arm where I had fallen on it.

“damned if I know.” I said back, walking over to the drinks cart and pulling an ice cube out of the container. I rubbed it against my lips, using the container as a mirror to watch the blood drip down my face. “thinking of leaving this. Effie would have a fit but it’d be a good look to come into the capitol with don’t you think?” I asked, turning around to see a horror stricken Effie and blaze struggling to contain his laughter. “Hi Effie.”

“you will wipe that off at once!” She shrieked. I didn’t move. She made a noise and moved to push past me. “Fine. If you want the capitol to see you as nothing more than a disturbed tribute from twelve that’s your choice. But without a mentor, it’s my job to make you presentable. Show them that you are not just district and can become something more.” I threw myself into a seat and frowned at her.

“something more?” I scoffed. “More than a sacrifice to snow?” Effie rolled her eyes.

“More than just a tribute. You do know they are allowed to send in supplies don’t you?” I nodded. “Well you won’t get anything if you go out in the capitol looking like that.” She waved a hand in my direction. I raised an eyebrow at her and shifted in my seat to let my legs dangle over the arm of the chair. That earned me another noise and it was my turn to roll my eyes.

“that’s for the stylist to deal with. Not you Effie.” I shot back. “Besides if I remember correctly, Lucy grey baird went into the arena after not being fed or bathed for little over a week. And president snow was her mentor.” Effie bowed her head at the mention of the last victor from twelve. “So there you have it. Let them take care of me in the capitol.” Effie gave up and blaze snorted before attacking the buffet table. I continued to watch the world pass by outside as we traveled through the districts. Lines of people were on the platforms in each district we stopped in, trying to get a glimpse of the tributes. When we reached the captiol, blaze and I stood at the window. We waved to the people waiting for us at the station and followed Effie when we were ushered out of our compartment. I looked up at the tribute tower as we were ushered in.

“we’re on the top floor. Each district gets its own floor. One starts at the bottom which means we get the…” Effie paused as she led us in. My eyes widened momentarily as they settled on president snow in front of us. “President snow. It’s an honor sir.” Effie curtsied and snow looked a little out of place as he nodded to her.

“These must be the tributes from twelve.” He intoned. “Welcome to the capitol.” Blaze and I stared at him. Snow raised an eyebrow but shook off our non compliance. “I do hope you find the accommodations to your liking. This is the first year we are having tributes stay here. Normally it’s just the mentors but give than some districts don’t have any…” snow trailed off as he looked me over. I saw a gleam in his eye and we made eye contact and I raised an eyebrow. Everyone knew the story of how he had shaped Lucy grey into a winner only for her to disappear just before the next reaping, leaving twelve with no mentor. “We thought maybe the tributes would like to enjoy it instead.” Blaze was looking around the lobby while Effie looked like she was trying not to pass out or do something else. I stared down snow the best I could, glad I didn’t take effies advice and wipe off the blood. Snow couldn’t seem to stop looking at my lips, a small frown on his face as he seemed to remember what I had done.

“I assure you sir. The tributes are most grateful. But i must insist we head up to our floor. So much to do you see.” Effie cut in, almost nervous to do it.

“ah yes. The make overs.” Snow said. His eyes lingered on me again. “I do hope they don’t do anything to take away the natural beauty of twelve.” A shiver went down my back as Effie ushered us into the elevator. The last I saw of snow was a smile directed at me before the doors closed.

Chapter Text

the next morning blaze and I met our stylists. Blaze was taken by the hand and lead away by the woman introduced to us as sin. I had snickered and earned a smack upside the head from Effie. Raising my eyebrow at her, I turned in time to see my stylist.

“hello. I’m fielding.” He said with a smile, revealing hot pink teeth. I furrowed my eyebrows but shook his hand anyway.

“(Y/N).” I said. I followed him to a new room where he had me strip. I laid out on the table while his team moved around me. “Is all of this really necessary?” I asked as they went about removing all the hair from my body.

“President snows orders kiddo.” Fielding said. “He wanted you made up as pretty as could be. No coal miners outfit for you.” I frowned. Everyone knew district 12 wore coal miners uniforms for the parade of tributes. Something was wrong this year.

“why not?” I asked as the team left the room and I was finally allowed to sit up. Fielding looked at me softly.

“Honey, don’t you get what’s going on?” He asked. I shook my head. “President snow has taken a liking to you. He picks one every year. His special tribute. They are the one that usually comes out on top of the betting pool. They don’t always survive the games but by god do they make it pretty far.” I gulped.

“why me?” I asked. Fielding looked at me sympathetically.

“we never know. It’s usually girls. Sometimes boys. Not always the prettiest. But sometimes they could almost pass for capitol. Best to ride along with it and hope you make it out.” Fielding said. I nodded and he moved to style my hair.

“he does this every year?” I asked. Fielding hummed in agreement. “Does he meet the tributes every year?” Fielding paused.

“what?” He asked. I turned to look at him.

“president snow met blaze and I at the tribute tower last night. He kept staring at me.” I explained. Fielding looked over my head before looking back at me.

“I’m going to give you some free advice (Y/N).” Fielding said before turning my head back and finishing my hair. He walked in front of me and grabbed my hands. “And you listen good. Whatever he offers you, take it. He wants to parade you around, do it. If president snow wants to take you to bed, go and find a way to enjoy yourself.” I stared at fielding in shock. “What I’m saying is give that man anything he wants and you just might make it out alive.” I nodded slowly. “Good girl.” Fielding started doing my makeup in silence.

“fielding?” I asked. He hummed in response. “What’s he like? Snow.” Fielding thought for a second.

“he’s alright. Grew up during the war. Mentored during the tenth hunger games. Won because he cheated. Served as a peace keeper in twelve. Came back and worked his way through the hierarchy. Game maker and then president. All by the time he was 20. He’s been president since he was 25. Nine years now.” Fielding listed off. “From what I’ve heard, he’s jaded. Doesn’t trust many people. And I know he’s killed before. No one talks about it really but he’s got his own demons he fights with.”

“sounds like he understands the districts better than any president before him.” I said after a while. “The victors village. The tribute tower. All the pomp and circumstance.” I shrugged as fielding took a step back and held out his hand to help me off the table. “It’s like he wants to remind the districts what they could have but also show them that the captiol could help them if they really wanted it.” Fielding nodded.

“he’s smart. That’s for sure.” He agreed. “Now into the dress you go and we’ll get you all set up in the carriage.” I nodded and put on the bright organge dress that fielding was holding out for me. He zipped me up and led me down to where blaze waited for me in the carriage.

“what the fuck did they do to you?” Blaze asked softly as the carriages got into position.

“courtesy of president snow.” I whispered as they pulled out onto the Main Street. “Apparently he’s taken a liking to me.” Blaze looked me over with a frown. “Who knows. Maybe it’ll help us get through this.” Blaze nodded.

“let’s hope so.” We stood up as the people of the capitol came into view. I started to wave as people cheered for us. “Let’s hope something good comes out of all this.”

“I doubt it. But there could be worse things happening with snow.” One kid fell through the barricade and into the path of the carriage. “Oh fuck.” We looked at each other and nodded. Blaze grabbed the reigns but I knew we wouldn’t stop in time. Looking up, I saw president snow watching me carefully.

Gritting my teeth, I grabbed my dress and ripped it. I threw the fabric to the wind and jumped off the carriage. I rolled across the asphalt and pushed myself up. I took off running and tackled the kid, forcing him to the side of the carriage. I covered his head as dust and dirt kicked up around us when the carriage barreled by. I looked the kid over and sighed in relief. I gently pushed him in the direction of the peacemakers that were making their way over to us before taking off running again, leaving behind my shoes. There was cheering as I gained on the carriage. Blaze offered a hand and I grabbed it, using the momentum to pull myself back into the carriage. I looked back up as I pushed my hair out of my face. President snow was clapping and I bowed as he started to smile.

“if anything that just bought us some love.” Blaze said. I smiled as I continued to look at president snow.

“it sure bought me his full attention.” I said. Blaze looked over and nodded. “Hoist me up. I’m going to do something reckless.” Blaze frowned but grabbed my hand and helped me climb onto his shoulders. We turned the corner and I grabbed his head to steady myself. “Sorry.” Blaze grunted in understanding. “When we reach the podium, help me over.”

“ok.” Blaze said. “Why?” I smiled wickedly.

“I’m going to kiss his cheek.” I said. I could hear blazes breath hitch but it was too late for him to say anything. We slowed down as we came to the podium. Blaze forced me up but he put too much force behind it, making me tumble off his shoulders. I twisted and somersaulted onto the podium, throwing myself to my feet in front of president snow. “President snow sir.” I said with a smile. Walking over, I leaned down and kissed his cheek. He watched me carefully while smiling at me.

“that was quite a show my dear.” I shrugged.

“the alternative was to run him over sir.” I said. “And I don’t think that would have made us very favorable to the people of the capitol.” President snow nodded. “And if you mean this, well it wasn’t the plan. But accidents happen. Or so my mother tells me.” President snow raised an eyebrow.

“What was the plan?” He asked, raising a hand to stop the peacemakers from grabbing me.

“lean over, kiss your cheek, and be on my merry way.” I joked. “But it appears my ride has taken off without me.” President snow stood and offered me his hand. I took it and let him pull me to the front. He raised my hand in his and the streets erupted in cheers.

“they love you sweetheart. Keep this up and you just might capture their wallets.”

Chapter Text

after the events of the parade, I had done pretty well for myself during the ranking. I had earned myself a 10. Blaze had gotten a 7. I was now a target of the careers. Fielding was getting me ready to be interviewed by Nero Flickerman.

"They already love you." He said as he pinned my hair back. "Just make sure that they love you enough to send you money and supplies." I nodded as he covered my eyes to spray hairspray over me. "Make sure to wash that out tonight. You don't want to go into the area with helmet hair." He shuddered and I rolled my eyes.

"Will Snow be there tonight?" I asked. Fielding nodded. "What do I do?"

"Let him do what he wants." Fielding reminded me, waving his brush at me. "You took the initiative last time. Now it's his turn. Just like dating sweetheart." I stared at him and Fielding raised his eyebrows at me. "You have dated right?" I shook my head. "What?!"

"I'm sorry. I was more concerned with my family not starving to death." I deadpanned. Fielding shook his head and muttered something about district life under his breath. He finished up and helped me into my dress. He attached the small hair clip and led me down to the waiting car. I kept fidgeting with the dress, thinking that the nude coloring would allow the audience to see what I was wearing under it. The feeling of the flower petals against my skin didn't help matters either. Fielding kept grabbing my hands and gently placing them back at my sides. He rode with me to the center where the interview would be held.

"You're going to do perfect. If you ever get nervous, find me in the crowd." He assured me, rubbing my arm. "Or Snow. You seem to do well around him." I nodded and squeezed his arm before I was led away in line. Blaze looked me over before shaking his head.

"Another show for Snow?" he asked. I nodded.

"I'm the favorite." I muttered. Blaze scoffed and I rolled my eyes. The longer this went on, the more judgmental he got. It was making me almost ready to get into the arena to get away from him. Before I knew it, I was being led up onto the stage to cheers. I smiled and waved at the audience as Nero took my arm. He led me to the seat and I carefully sat down. "Hello." I said softly.

"Hello. So (Y/N), you seem to be the capitol's golden girl. How does that make you feel?" I shrugged and smiled, eyes searching the crowd for Fielding. When I couldn't find him, I searched for Snow. Finding him, I breathed out softly.

"It is a bit strange. I'm a nobody in twelve. All this attention is a bit much." I said. Snow smirked at me and my breath caught slightly.

"I can assure you, the attention is well deserved." Nero said, taking my hand. "Saving a child..." He shook his head and looked out at the crowd. "And risking your own life to do it." I shrugged and smiled.

"I used to do it all the time in twelve." I tore my attention away from Snow, who had blushed and looked away. "Nothing to it really. The real risk was jumping into President Snow's booth." The audience laughed. "I can imagine next year the booth won't be so close to the parade route." I blushed slightly as he caught my eye. Nero chuckled and noticed the look between the two of us.

"It does seem that you have caught his eye." I blushed again as Nero nodded at President Snow. "And I do believe he has something for you." I looked between the two and panicked slightly. President Snow made his way to the stage and pulled something from his pocket.

"I do believe your 18th birthday falls during the Games." Snow said. I nodded as I stared up at him. He smiled softly at me. "Such a shame that a milestone like that will be marred by death and destruction." He held his hand out for me and I took it, allowing him to pull me up. "If you would all join in..." Snow turned towards the audience and Nero started to sing. My eyes widened and I blushed as the entirety of the Capitol sang happy birthday to me. Snow moved behind me and I felt the weight of a necklace being put around my neck. I went to turn around but Snow stepped closer to me to stop me. My hand went to the charm and I pulled it into view. The small leaf with red paint felt heavy against my fingers. "For you my dear." Snow breathed into my ear. "Don't do it now. But in the tower, open it. It will help you in the arena. When that cannon sounds, run. Don't try to get a weapon. You'll already have one. Just run. Run like your life depends on it." He let me turn around and I stared into his eyes. His face was stone but his eyes shone with worry for me. I nodded.

"Thank you sir." I breathed out, our conversation covered by the singing and cheers. "I'll run. And use this to the best of my ability." Snow nodded.

"That's all I ask." He responded, leaning over to kiss my cheek. I was ushered off stage, looking back to see Snow watching me. When I was in the safety of my room at the tower, I opened the necklace to find a sharp knife. I swallowed hard at the implications of it and tucked it away under my shirt for safety. That night I laid awake, nervous for my first day in the arena and hoping against hope that my necklace wouldn't be taken from me before I made it there. The next morning, I was woken and dressed in the outfit chosen for the Games. Fielding went with me to the helicarrier. Peacekeepers were trying to tear me away from him, one grabbing my necklace and yanking it off in front of the camera. Fielding jumped into action, grabbing it and pressing it into my shoe for safe keeping. I let out a sigh of relief as I felt its weight against my foot.

"You're going to be ok." He assured me, kissing my head before letting me be taken away. Peacekeepers manhandled me onto the carrier and I watched as Fielding grew smaller and smaller as I was taken to the arena. I was taken underground and pushed into the room. I grabbed the necklace out of my shoe and checked it. Breathing a sigh of relief, I put it back around my neck and hid it under my top. I stepped into the glass tube and tensed up as I was lifted into the arena. A giant pile of weapons and supplies stood before me as I looked around. It looked like a forest or jungle. I couldn't see water but I was sure that if I explored enough I would find it. A plan started to form, centering around finding water and getting up high. The other tributes shifted restlessly and I looked over at Blaze. He nodded towards the pile and I shook my head, Snow's voice ringing in my ears to run.

"Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the 26th Hunger Games!" Nero's voice rang out before a cannon. I turned and ran into the forest. The sounds of slaughter rang in my ears as I ran. I stumbled over roots and rocks but kept running, the look in snows eyes pushing me further. I skidded to a stop as I heard the cannon. It kept firing and I fumbled inside my top for the necklace, grabbing onto it and holding tight. Ten times the cannon went off. I stood for a second in the quiet and then looked around. I could smell the water but wasn’t sure which direction to go. I heard a noise far behind me and turned to the nearest tree. Scrambling up, I hid in the foliage.

“for fucks sake.” I heard blaze mutter below me. I held my breath and stared down at him. He looked around and sighed before propping a sword and a bow with quiver against the tree I was hiding in. He hid it behind some branches and turned to look behind him. “The things I do for that girl and this is the thanks I get.” He took off running and I climbed higher to see where he was going. Peeking out of the tree, I caught sight of blaze going against a career just in time for blaze to get stabbed in the neck. My breath caught and I ducked back down as the cannon went off. There was a second cannon which I could only assume meant blaze took the career with him. Slowly making my way back down the tree, I grabbed the supplies he had gotten me and climbed back up. As the arena shifted to night, I heard the capitol theme start playing. Nero read off the names of those who had died during the day as their image flashed on the dome.

“and from district twelve…blaze jay.” I frowned as I noticed a countdown clock in the corner of the images. “Twelve tributes down. Twelve left. Good luck to those left, with special luck sent to (Y/N) (Y/L/N) who only has a day and a half until her 18th birthday. May the odds be ever in your favor.” The banner faded out and I stared at where it had been in shock. They were counting down my birthday.

Chapter Text

the next morning, I sat in my tree trying to listen to the sounds of the forest I was in. My main goal was to find the water. The second goal was not run into anyone else. Twelve tributes were still left including me. I played with the necklace around my neck and finally took it off. Flipping it open, I marked a small snowflake into the bark of the tree. If I needed to come back at least I could find safe trees to stay in for the night.

carefully, I climbed over to the end of the limb and looked around me. I jumped over to the next limb when the coast was clear. Making my way towards the trunk, I marked it and kept going. By the time the sun was high in the sky I had made my way to the other side of the weapons pile. I paused and sat in the tree for a minute.

“Fuck.” I muttered as I glanced at the weapons like, remembering the sacrifice blaze had made for me. I wiped at my eyes, knowing the cameras were still watching me. There was a ruffle of foliage below me and I shifted in the tree. “Shit.” I murmured as one of the last careers emerged from the bushes and headed towards the weapons pile. She looked around before taking off towards it. A spear came out of nowhere, emerging from the tree line. My eyes went wide and I froze. The career went down and the cannon went off. There was rustling not far from me and I dropped out of the tree. Hiding in the bushes, I waited to see what would happen.

Bushes rustled as the other person in the trees dropped down and started after me. I turned and ran, clutching the knife in my hand and drawing my sword. Whoever it was didn’t have their spear anymore but it didn’t make me feel any easier. A sharp pain went through my calf as a knife embedded itself there. I kept running, ignoring the burn I felt. I tripped over a root and went sprawling. Turning my body at the last second, I raised my sword. The girl from 11 batted it aside and I slashed at her with my knife. With another hit, my sword fell to the floor. With a twist, I pulled the other knife from my calf and lunged at her with it. Straddling her, I slashed her jugular and clambered off her. I tucked her knife into my belt and grabbed my sword before taking off again.

I heard the water and ran off towards it. Tears of joy started to stream down my cheeks as I saw it. Collapsing on the bank, I cupped my hand and drank while keeping an eye out for the other tributes. The cannon went off and I paused. It sounded again and I frowned. I turned and saw a tree, hurrying to climb up it. My calf burned something awful. Once I was positioned securely, I pulled my leg up to look at it.

“for fucks sake.” I breathed out. I leaned my head back against the tree and closed my eyes. Using the knife, I cut off my sleeves. I pressed one against the wound and tied the other around my leg. It would stop the bleeding and probably would keep my blood trail to a minimum. Marking the tree, I moved to the next one. “Nine more to go.” I examined the new knife I acquired and put the necklace back on. “Thank you snow.” I whispered. The cannon went off again and I sighed. The rest of the day was quiet and I was surprised when the capitol anthem started. I watched as the fallen tributes graced the sky before being replaced with Nero.

“and our countdown continues to (Y/N) (Y/L/N)’s birthday. Just twelve more hours to go sweetheart.” He said. “May the odds be ever in your favor.” I stared up at the sky and raised three fingers pressed together. I fell asleep not long after. The next morning, I was woken by a buzzing sound. A drone was hovering near me, the small silver ball dangling under it. I grabbed it and watched as the drone buzzed off.

“what’s this?” I muttered and opened the ball. Proper bandages and salve were nestled inside. There was also a note.

‘apply generously and stay alive - CS’

I looked up at the sky and nodded, knowing he’d see me. I quickly undid my makeshift bandage, wincing as the dried blood pulled at my skin. I rubbed the salve into the wound and bandaged it properly. The cannon went off twice and I started. Six. Climbing back down, I drank some water before venturing into the bushes to find some food. Berries lined the leaves and I carefully inspected them before washing them. Another cannon went off just after I’d heard rustling to my left. The tribute tumbled down at my feet and I dropped the berries that were in my hand. Nightlocke. Washing my hands, I made to climb back into my tree.

“if we can just smoke her ass out.” One tribute was saying. The other one nodded. Looking back at the tribute that had fallen at my feet, I took a deep steadying breath and notched two arrows into my bow.

“fly fast. Fly true.” I whispered before letting go. The two arrows met their marks and the cannon went off twice. Two more to go. Another drone buzzed down next to me and I grabbed the ball. Biting down on the string, I climbed my tree and settled in. Opening it, I smiled at the small piece of cake that was in there.

‘Happy birthday. Win this and we’ll celebrate properly at the capitol, if you’ll have me -CS’

I blushed at the note before tucking into the cake. I sat there for most of the day, trying to form some sort of plan to make it out of here alive. I could wait and hope the other two would kill either or I could go after them and risk my own life. The first option seemed more likely so I decided to stay put. If necessary, I would fight them. Leaning my head back against the tree, I closed my eyes for a second. There was a buzzing sound again and I looked up. The drone wasn't headed towards me. Biting my lip, I tried to follow it as best as I could through the trees. The drone dipped down towards a small cave where the last two tributes were huddled together. The boy and girl from ten looked sick. I stared at them for a while, finally realizing why I hadn't seen them much during the games. They had probably been sick when they entered the Capitol. Or they had gotten sick while there and just started to show signs in the arena. My heart cracked at the sight of the two struggling to open the little silver ball. Once opened, I saw medicine for them. I ducked back among the trees and set up camp not far from them. There was no threat there, therefore no harm in just waiting to see what would happen. Night fell and the Capitol anthem sounded once again. Tributes appeared and disappeared. Nero took the screen.

"Three tributes left. Two deathly ill." He said with a shake of his head. "What will each of them be planning? May the odds be ever in your favor." I raised an eyebrow at the lack of recognition for my birthday but knew it was Snow's doing. Sighing to myself, I leaned back against the tree again.

"I don't know how long they have. And I don't know how long until you all force us together to fight. But I will tell you all this now. I am not going to kill them. Just let them die." I whispered, feeling pretty confident that the Capitol could hear me. And if they couldn't, Snow could. "I am the tribute who saved a Capitol child from the cart. I am the tribute who survived by hiding. I'll be damned if I am going to be forced to kill those sick children." Silence enveloped me as the night took over the arena. A soft buzzing came next to me and I saw the drone come closer. I waited until I was sure it was for me before taking the ball and watching it fly off. Opening it, I saw a note with new bandages for my leg. I redressed my wound first before reading the note.

'So shines a good deed in such a wary world. One day. Then run. -CS'

I pocketed the note with the others and planned. I had one day left before the gamekeepers unleashed something into the arena to end the games. Or force the three of us to fight. Snow didn't know it but he had just given me the perfect plan. We were still close enough to the water that I could go back and fill two of the little balls with Nightlocke. If the two tributes hadn't passed from their illness, I could stage it that they would be able to find the balls. I wouldn't be killing them exactly. Not when they thought it came from someone else. I would still feel guilty but at least their suffering would end. And they wouldn't have to face the horrors of whatever the gamekeepers had come up with. I decided to do it in the morning as I closed my eyes and went to sleep. I was startled awake the next morning by two cannon shots. Jumping to my feet, I looked around. The Capitol anthem started and Nero appeared but it was drowned out by peacemakers coming to collect me. They made me drop my weapons and I held my hands up as they approached. One went to reach for my necklace when I heard him.

"Don't." Snow said. "Remember what happened to the last person who tried to take that necklace from her." I instantly turned towards him as he held out a hand for me to take. I ignored it and threw myself at him, circling my arms around his waist tightly. If he was surprised by the action, he didn't show it. He just hugged me back just as tightly before picking me up. "You're safe now. I won't let anything happen to you." He whispered. And I believed him.

Chapter Text

I didn’t remember the ride back to the capitol or being brought into the tribute tower for the doctors to look me over. I had a vague memory of snow yelling about not touching a hair on my head to fix anything. I didn’t know what that meant but the only person I wanted to touch my hair was fielding. When I finally woke up, snow was changing out the flowers on my bedside table.

“oh. You’re up.” He said, sitting down on the edge of the bed and taking my hand. “Good. It’s been a long few days for you. I’m sure you needed the rest.”

“How long was I asleep?” I asked, hand instantly going to my neck. My eyes went wide when I found my necklace gone. “Sir! My…” snow smiled at me and grabbed something off the bedside table. I sighed as snow let the necklace drop from his hand, the chain tucked between his fingers. “Oh thank goodness.” I breathed out.

“they had to take it off to make sure you didn’t cut yourself in your sleep.” He assured me. Leaning forward, he put it back around my neck. “To answer your question though, you were asleep for two days. They had to medicate you because you had nightmares.” I looked around me and frowned.

“I thought they brought me to a hospital.” I said. Snow nodded.

“originally they did.” He confirmed. “But when the nightmares got bad, they moved you to the tower. I haven’t left since they did.”

“where’s fielding?” I asked, cheeks heating up at snows admission.

“he’s getting some sleep. It’s six in the morning.” I turned to look out the window and nodded.

“when he gets up can I see him?” Snow nodded.

“you’ll have to. You have an interview with Nero tonight.” He admitted. “We’ve had it scheduled for the day you woke up.”

“I’ll have to talk about what happened in the arena won’t I?” I asked after a moment of silence. Snow nodded.

“I’ll be there. And so will fielding.” Snow assured me. “If you need anything, just look for us. One of us will go help you.” I nodded. We fell into a comfortable silence. Snow took my hand in his suddenly. “I meant what I said in that note. About celebrating your birthday together if you’d have me. I mean it. I’d do anything for you. As long as you’d have me.” I looked at him and swallowed.

“I kept the notes while I was in there.” I said. “I was looking forward to spending my birthday with you.” I squeezed his hand, hoping he’d understand what I meant. He smiled at me before kissing the back of my hand.

“I’m glad.” He whispered. “Please. Call me Coriolanus. None of this sir or president snow crap.” I nodded with a small smile. A doctor walked in and Coriolanus looked over before moving away from me. I held fast to his hand, a slight tremor moving through me.

“just want to check on the scaring on your leg.” The doctor said. “You took quite a hit with that knife.” Coriolanus tightened his grip on my hand as he watched the doctor lift the blanket to look. “Healing nicely. Any adverse affects from the medication?” Coriolanus shook his head.

“she just woke up.” He said bluntly. “Maybe we can get some food?” The doctor nodded and left the room. “Fielding will be in later. For the interview.” I smiled up at him and gently tugged him down. “Which I said already.” He chuckled.

“yeah.” I said. “But that’s ok. It’s been a long week for all of us.” We sat in silence before I sighed. “What were they going to send into the arena?” I asked. Coriolanus looked at me, his expression hardening.

“you don’t want to know.” He said, shaking his head.

“please Coriolanus.” I said, leaning forward into him.

“no.” He said.

“corio.” I whined. Coriolanus’s face dropped.

“don’t. Call. Me. That.” He said, voice low and menacing. I swallowed and nodded as food was brought in. He glanced over his shoulder and sighed. “We can discuss this later. You need to eat and get ready…” he moved to get off the bed.

“i need to know Coriolanus. You want me to trust you, tell me.” I said. Coriolanus took a deep breath, looking out at the capitol before nodding and looking back at me.

“mutts. Genetically engineered animals. They can mimic the look and sound of any animal. Including humans.” He said. “There would be two for the two kids that looked like their parents. And yours…”

“blaze?” I asked, shakily. Coriolanus shook his head.

“Fielding.” He said. “…and me.” He added after a pause. “It’s why I said you had a day. I saw it and…I couldn’t…” he took a deep breath and let it out, a shiver running through him.

“that’s why you were there when I got out. That’s why you took me out of the arena yourself.” I said, staring at him in awe. Coriolanus nodded, not quite looking at me. “That mutt terrified you.” I cupped his cheeks and made him look at me. “And if it terrified you…”

“you wouldn’t have made it out.” He breathed out, eyes dropping to my lips. We both moved at the same time, pulling each other closer until our lips met.