***TRIGGER WARNING: super sad content that pulls at the heart-strings.***

You have been warned, we'll talk after. 

***

The Avox

     The girl took the rest of the Victory Tour by storm. Aside from the unexpected hiccup in District 12, Scarlet Wolfe had managed to capture the scorn of nearly every district while capturing the attention of every person in the Capitol. They loved her from afar. Fascination shined in their eyes as they watched raptly from the safety of their rooms, couches, or viewing rooms. All eyes were on the girl now known as the Wicked Wolfe of District 14, as she flaunted and flashed and dared to be so bold under the banner of Panem.

     This is perhaps the only reason she was left alive. She never gave mercy or offered pity. And even though she stirred countless restless hearts as they watched her act so freely, aching to do the same, there was not a soul that dared to follow Scarlet's bold actions as there was no love or loyalty towards the girl herself.

     Perhaps, if things were different. If Scarlet had been raised in a loving home. If she hadn't been forced to face her own brother in the Arena. If she still had someone at her side who she could trust. Perhaps then, she could make a difference in the world in which she lived in. Perhaps then she would care to make a difference in the lives around her.

     But then of course, perhaps the girl would already be dead.

     Yes, she would most certainly be dead.

     It was better this way.

     Why should any more burdens be placed on the shoulders of a twelve-year-old girl. A twelve year old child? Even if she could no longer be a child in any other way, she should be allowed to be a child in this way. The whispers and murmurs of dissension and plots of rebellions should not be Scarlet's concerns. The Capitol has taken enough from her. How could others ask for more?

     It was good that Scarlet was selfish, even if the selfishness stemmed from a spirit hardened by burdens a child should never have been exposed to. Her selfishness would stop her from being used. Her selfishness would stop her from becoming a tool. Her selfishness was her only protection. It was her shield. And it was likely what would save her life.

    She stared at her reflection in the empty TV screen for just a moment. As always, her reflection took her by surprise. What had once been soft and sleek brown curls, were now coarse and dull. Her hair was cut to shoulder length and held by a simple band at the nape of her neck. Her brown eyes were dull too. Hopeless. Her body had once been tall and strong, was now lean and thin and wrapped in blue rags.

     But still, deep within her, pride welled for the girl who had been on the screen just moments before. She had won. She had not died in that Arena. She had not faltered or hesitated. She had never given up, even when it had seemed every odd was stacked against her.

     There was still concern about her future though. Even if she wasn't turned into a tool to be used for the rebellious plots and plans, there were other threats. Even if she was not a threat to the Capitol, her willfulness would still be crushed and brought to heel. Her selfishness might save her from becoming a tool to be used against the Capitol, but it would not save her from being used by the Capitol.

     President Snow would never leave her alone. Not until she was well within the palm of his hand and under his complete control.

     The girl would never submit willingly though. It wasn't in her nature. President Snow would use her and teach her lessons to keep her in line. Slowly, she would lose pieces of herself until she wasn't herself anymore. Until she was broken. And then President Snow would discard her.

     She didn't want to see that happen.

    She didn't know if it was possible for the girl to avoid it though.

     Perhaps, though, there was one who could reach her—keep her grounded amidst the unrelenting storm. A glint in his green eyes and a spark in her golden ones said there was something lingering between them. His hooks were already dug inside her and he didn't seem like he wanted to let go.

     Perhaps he could keep Scarlet strong and stop her from crumbling under the weight of the Capitol. After all, he was valuable to President Snow. He was beloved by all. It would hard for him to be discarded. They would both suffer. But they would both live. Perhaps, if they could work together, if they could find a way to trust one another, they could find a way to protect each other.

     What had once been hate, could be turned into a liking. What had once been misunderstanding could become trust. What was once selfishness could become selflessness.

     "Excuse me!"

     A voice called out, startling her from her thoughts. Despite the words, there was nothing polite or kind about them. She stood silently and turned around; head bowed demurely as she waited for her master's orders and demands. She remembered the rules. Do not look at them. Do not express anything to them. And never ignore their orders.

     "Stop slacking off and get back to work, Avox!"

     She bowed her head in deference and turned back to the entertainment stand. She continued dusting the dust free surface. Her eyes caught on her reflection once more.

     She wanted Scarlet Wolfe to be alive and well and free.

     Because if she wasn't, then she would have sacrificed her own life for nothing.

     Cassandra Valentino was no more. She was no longer a citizen of the Capitol. She was no longer a stylist with a promising future. She was no longer a sister. She was no longer a lover. Or a friend.

     Cassandra Valentino was gone. Disappeared behind dull eyes and a voiceless mouth and forced to live a broken life of servitude. Cassandra Valentino was an empty shell now known as nothing more than what she was and would likely be for the rest of her life. Avox. A silent slave of the Capitol.

     The words of her master didn't affect her. They did not sting her pride or her ego. Those had long since been squashed from within her. The words did not bring self-pity. She had made her peace. She had made her own choices. She did not regret the ones that led her here.

     Though she was not Scarlet Wolfe and she was not completely regret free. She had one.

     Her only regret was choosing to trust the person she loved most and knowing the pain of being betrayed by them.

     She did not want revenge. She did not want the woman to suffer. She dared not hope for anything but one thing.

     Let her sacrifice not be in vain.

     She wiped the television screen clean and then proceeded to move through the room, straightening the objects that were slightly ajar. A photo frame here. A magazine there. The remote placed back by the television. A flower arranged ever so slightly to look the best. A vase turned to catch the light just right.

     It was relatively easy to lose herself in this way. With her hands busy and her mind focused, she could almost pretend that she was still herself. Still a stylist with an analytical mind and a keen eye for beauty.

     All it took for reality to hit was a single glimpse of her reflection.

     Which is why she looked so readily when it was available.

     She could not afford to forget her place.

     Cassandra Valentino was no more. But Scarlet Wolfe still had a chance. She could live. She could learn. She could grow to be an adult. She had a chance to experience the things that she had never experienced before.

     Love. Laughter. Loyalty. Trust.

     She wanted nothing more than to see it happen. That would make this life of hers bearable. That would make her fall worth it.

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Cassandra!!!!!! I love you. 

I hope you love her too. What do you think about her life now? Her situation? Does it break your heart as much as it breaks mine? 

She is more of a mother than Scarlet has ever had and more than she even realizes. I agree though that Scarlet's selfishness is probably what is saving her life. I'm sure we will see President Snow use other methods to try to rein her wildness in and I'm not so excited about her future as a victor. 

Thank you so much for reading. I hope to see you next chapter! Vote if you liked this chapter!

Take care and stay safe!~CANGEL