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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄

    𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐍 it to heart when Sage had told her the truth about the ridiculous costume she was forced to wear during the opening ceremony. Sage had not been kind about it, telling the stylist on multiple occasions how stupid she looked and felt when being fitted. Tatyana had met her harsh and critical words with her own sass and resorts, telling her if she wants a choice on what to wear then she should design something for the most boring District there is. Sage had resorted by telling her a monkey could design something better and with much more clothing.

    Now, Sage did not feel guilty about her words. Not in the slightest. She still thinks back to being forced hideous getup and her hair being tugged back so tightly it had given her a painful migraine. It was like a nightmare she couldn't escape. She has even reminded Tatyana a couple times after that she will never wear something like that again or she will off herself before anyone can do it in the arena.

    It only drove Tatyana to do some serious work. Designing her dress for the interview with Caesar Flickerman was the biggest challenge she had ever done. In the past, she honestly did not take into account what her charge in the past wanted or really cared if she liked it. She mainly designed what she liked and they never complained. Ever.

    Until Sage Rowan. It had become like a challenge for Tatyana. She had never been told her designs were terrible... but then again she has never worked with a tribute so outspoken and critical like Sage. Someone who wasn't afraid to tell you exactly what she thought straight to your face and damned your feelings or any consequences. Tatyana had told Sage that the reason she likes her so much was because she had attacked her the first day they met, that she proved just how deviant and strong and fearless she was in just one simple action that could have gotten her in serious trouble with anyone else.

    Tatyana has made her feelings clear from then. Finally there is a tribute actually worth rooting for. Someone worthy of winning the games. As the short days passed, Sage had gotten used to Tatyana and even grown to respect the woman, proving there are some Capitol people who might not feel the same as most do. Some who might even hate the games as much as the Districts do. Telling Tatyana that she has no intention of winning is a mute point. No one is going to know, not until she completes her main goal. Nothing is going to stand in her way of sending Lorcan home. Nothing is going to stop her from ending her life the minute it is just the two of them left standing.

    And she will do it before he gets the chance to question what happens then. She will do it before he gets some ridiculous idea to do it himself to save her instead. It will be without warning. The minute the last tribute dies and it is just them two, before he can even truly process that fact, she will end it all and she will do it happily knowing she is getting what she wanted. Lorcan lives to see his mother and brother, and she does not have to become victor and become a haunted, pathetic version of her mother.

    Telling anyone was not going to do anyone any good. She needs them to think she is fighting for herself, to get sponsors, to get things to help the both of them. Tatyana doesn't need to know she is wasting her time rooting for her when she will never see her again after tomorrow.

    But Sage will indulge the exotic stylist as she brings her into District 9's dressing room, revealing a large black garment cover hanging dead center. Sage had just spent almost two hours getting washed and groomed by her prep team for the interview. Her hair was much better than it was during the opening ceremony. It was down in loose, beautiful thick curls that bounced as she walked. The sides of her hair were braided and pulled back, laying gently on top of the curls with gold and blue clips spread all over.

    Sage couldn't bring herself to look long enough in the mirror to really admire them, as she was already overwhelmed with the fact that she will be forced to stand in front of all these people and be forced to talk to about things she definitely does not want to talk about, she does not need to see her mother staring back at her, picking at all her insecurities.

   Her makeup was a little bolder than she would have liked, gold eyeshadow with blue eyeliner. Her prep team thankfully chose to leave her eyelashes alone, just a little mascara. She hated the fake ones she had on before. They felt so strange and heavy on her eyelids.

    Tatyana grinned brightly as she looked over the fifteen year old girl. "You look magnificent!"

    Sage just tugged at the black silk robe she was forced into, playing with the helm of the sleeve. "You need to tell that prep team to leave my hair alone. They tried to cut it again."

    "They are only trying to cut off the dead ends." Tatyana defended.

    "They already did that when I first arrived."

    Tatyana placed her hands on her hips. "Oh, honey. Your dead ends are over an inch long. They barely cut an inch last time before you threatened them."

    Sage grumbled under her breath. "Well, you might want to go comfort Pinky after you are done dressing me. She dropped the scissor the minute I glared at her and ran away crying."

    The stylist couldn't help but giggle. "Pinky will cry at anything. The girl is afraid of her own damn shadow."

    Sage tried not to smile, though she was amused by the statement. Instead, she went over to the black garment cover and tried to unzip it, only to have her hand slapped away by Tatyana. "Did I say you could touch the dress?"

    Sage crossed her arms over her chest. "I only want to see what hideous thing you came up with this time."

    Tatyana glared at the redhead, placing her hands on her hips. "Do you really have such little faith in me?"

    "Well, seeing as I only have one experience to base on, yes." Sage walked over to the small coffee table where a bowl of grapes were and plucked some into her hands. "If this interview wasn't bad enough, I have to worry about whether I'm actually going to be fully dressed."

    "You really are insufferable, child. You make it hard not to smack you across the face."

    Sage simply shrugged, unfazed and popped a grape into her mouth. "Do it if you must. I definitely deserve it. You might be one of the few people I can actually stand, but unless you can change my opinion here and now, I will continue to believe I got stuck with the worst stylist the Capitol has to offer."

    Tatyana, though frustrated, was not hurt by her words. In fact, she had a mischievous glint in her cat-like eyes, before confidently walking over to the garment cover and pulling the zipper down, pulling out the dress she had spent every day since the opening ceremony working on and turned to face Sage, revealing it to her for the first time.

    Sage took in the dress, carefully examining every inch of it from top to bottom. She gave no emotion on her face, instead just stepped forward and reached out, running her hand over the material. The redhead didn't speak for a long time, just took it in, turned it around and actually found the corner of her lips tugging upwards slightly.

    Finally after another minute, Sage stepped back and hummed in contempt. "Wow... you might be one of the first people who have ever proven me wrong."

    Tatyana beamed in delight. "Yes! That's right, you little shit. I want my apology now please."

    "Oh, I don't apologize."

    "Oh, come on! I deserve an apology!"

    "How about this? I'll apologize when I can finally think back on the opening ceremony and not cringe at the memory."

    Tatyana threw her head back and groaned loudly. "You are insufferable. I need a drink if I'm going to have to deal with you any longer."

    Sage watched as Tatyana went over to the wine bottle she most definitely brought with her and poured herself a large glass. The redhead turned back to the dress and found herself thinking about Adrian in this exact moment and how her friend back home is going to faint when she sees her in this dress. Adrian would probably die to own something like this. She would kill to design something this wonderful. And despite the fact that in less than thirty minutes she will have to walk onto a stage with lights beating down on her and answer questions she already knows is going to test her very short temper... a part of her was actually looking forward to putting on the dress.

    Never in all of her life did she expect to admit that.

><><><

    𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 more beautiful on. As Tatyana helped the fifteen year old into the dress, she went on to explain the number in exact detail. The gold and blue of the dress matched her eye makeup perfectly. It is made of embroidery, sequins, crystal tulle & netting. Never in Sage's life did she think she would ever be fitted into a corset with bust cups and boning, but clearly she was proven wrong yet again. It might have been the worst part about the dress, but Tatyana was right, it fitted the look.

    Her favorite part about the dress was the detachable cape/bolero with long sleeves, tulle wings and back buttons. She had even allowed herself to look in the mirror for longer than a couple seconds admiring it and the minute her mother appeared, she looked away before her voice could be conjured inside her head and make her even more nervous and pissy than she was.

    The interviews had already started and Sage had been watching on the screen in her dressing room. Caesar was already in District 4, talking to Azebel. Lorcan was up next and Sage was becoming a bit anxious because she really needs to speak to him before they go back to the tribute center afterwards. She can't allow him to go into the arena without knowing the game plan. The thought that he might already be in an alliance had crossed her mind, but then she also remembered that Lorcan spent his training time either on his own or speaking with her. It's not like he was aligned with Azebel, it was clear the two couldn't stand one another. The other Careers? Forget it. He hates them as much as she does.

    The only reason they have not left the dressing room yet is because she and Tatyana were once again arguing and Walker had joined to see what the hell was going on. The look on his face when he discovered the reason behind their bittering was definitely a memorable one, as he looked like he wanted to bash his head against the wall.

    "I'm not wearing them, Tatyana! Find something else!" Sage yelled at her stylist, crossing her arms stubbornly.

    "There isn't anything else! Nothing that goes with the dress."

    "Who cares? It's not like you'd be able to see them, the dress will cover them."

    "I refuse to let this beautiful masterpiece I worked so hard on to be ruined because of your stubbornness, Sage Rowan!"

    Sage groaned. "It's not stubbornness! I'm telling you right here and now, I can not walk in those heels."

    Tatyana scoffed in disbelief. "Oh please. You mean to tell me you can take down a grown ass man half your size in a fight but you can't walk in high heels?"

    "Uh, yes. Because I am not in those stupid things you call fashion footwear."

    Tatyana threw her hands in the air. "Walker... help."

    Walker was currently rubbing his hand over his face in disbelief before holding out his hand, nodding his head at Tatyana and pulling Sage to the side. Sage pulled her arm out of his grasps and crossed her arms over her chest. "I can't walk in those things."

    "Have you even tried them on?"

    "No. But I'm telling you right here and now that if you put me in those things, it won't end well."

    Walker sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. He took a couple seconds to think before snapping his fingers. "Oh. Okay. Remember the Gauntlets at the training center?"

    Sage frowned. "Yes?"

    "That station was all about balance, right? Just keep imagining you are on the edge of the gauntlet with trainers trying to push you off."

    "Those two things are completely separate things." Sage argued.

    "Well, you are just going to have to make it work. They won't let you go out there barefoot. It would be considered rude. Just walk slow and steady and pay attention where you are walking, you should be fine."

    "You seriously are no help at all," Sage said, rolling her eyes at his stupid advice. She was about to argue more, but when she glanced over his shoulder, she saw Azebel was finished with her interview, meaning Lorcan was up next. Knowing she needs to be out there before he is finished, she bit back every single logical explanation she had that the heels are a terrible idea and relented, thinking if she can learn to balance on anything, heels shouldn't be too bad. "But whatever. Fine. I wear the damn stupid heels."

    Walker closed his eyes in relief. "Thank you!"

    It wasn't long before Sage went out of the dressing room to go wait for Lorcan who had just been announced onto the stage. The crowd went crazy for him, she could hear them even before she opened her door and not just from the screen. She couldn't walk as fast as she would have liked, trying her best to take one step at a time, almost losing her balance four times before she made it just outside the curtains. A few tributes were out there with their mentors, mainly Districts 5 and 6 seeing as they were next. Chance was still in his dressing room, which is where Walker went when he realized Sage had no desire to wait in hers.

    Sage paid no one any attention, just stared at the screen with her arms crossed and watched as Lorcan took a seat after shaking hands with Caesar. He was in a very elegant matching white suit with black buttons and undershirt. A silky gray tie was tucked under his white vest and a white blazer was left unbuttoned. His long, golden locks were combed back out of his face and styled nicely with what Sage knew was a lot of hair product.

    Caesar just asked Lorcan if he had any special skills he wanted to share, anything for the audience to look forward to. It was a typical question, but Sage was hoping he doesn't give too much away.

    "Well, other than knowing how to fish without any equipment, I'm a pretty strong swimmer. I also am pretty decent with an ax if placed in my hand. I do not have a lot of experience with the weapon, but I grew a fondness of it while training these past few days." Lorcan finished, placing his hand on his shaking leg. Sage could tell he was nervous, and a part of her felt a little better knowing she wasn't the only one.

    Caesar seemed to like his response and nodded. "Yes. Yes, it is amazing what skills you can pick up in only a few days, isn't it?"

    "I agree."

    "Now, I must ask you... during the reaping ceremony. You volunteered for your twin brother." Caesar casually brings up, his voice nothing but humble and respectful.

    Sage watched as the camera focused on Lorcan's face who nodded once before replying. "Yes. I did."

    "It was very moving. Taking the place of your brother like that, who we couldn't help but notice is... visually impaired."

    "No need to sugarcoat it, Caesar. Atlas is blind."

    "Of course," Caesar says, leaning back in his chair. "If you don't mind a prying man asking, how did Atlas become blind?"

    The audience was silenced, all waiting for Lorcan's answer. Sage noticed how uncomfortable he had become, the way his adams apple bobbed as he cleared he swallowed to clear his throat, rubbing a slightly shaky hand over his mouth before he answered the question, the emotion clear on his face as he thought about his twin back home.

    "Atlas has always been blind. Our mama told us that the delivery was difficult. I was born first, and it was perfect. Easy. But with Atlas, he was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. My mama said he almost died, but he was very strong and fought like hell to stay with us. All the doctors say he was a miracle, that he should have been stillborn."

     "But even though he survived, he did lose his sight. He never let his disability hold him back. Our dad was convinced he can learn to do anything as seeing man can do and made sure he grew up knowing that. He has his challenges, but he never gives up. I admire him a lot for that."

    The entire audience as well as Caesar were silent, all admiring the inspiring words Lorcan spoke of his brother. Everyone was moved and some were even emotional. Sage found herself smiling slightly. She honestly did not know how to feel at the moment. The fire inside her dimmed a little at the short backstory of his twin brother. Hearing Atlas has been fighting since he was a newborn was absolutely amazing. Plus, she could see Lorcan gaining even more admiration and praise from the crowds. This will definitely bring in sponsors for himself. Sage is going to need all the help she can get if she wants her plan to work.

    "Wow," Caesar basically whispered. "I must tell you, Lorcan, you and your brother's story is truly inspiring. Isn't it, ladies and gentleman?"

    The crowd erupted into a loud applause, cheering and whistling loudly that Sage could hear it not just from the television, but from behind the stage as clear as day. Caesar then grabbed Lorcan's hand and stood. "I present to you all, Lorcan Ellison! District 4! Let's hear it for this brave young man."

    The crowd only got louder as Lorcan bowed and waved at them with a wide, bright grin before exiting the stage. Sage turned to watch as Lorcan pushed past the curtain, his grin had disappeared and was taking a couple deep breaths. He was met by his team, his mentor patting him on the shoulder and grinning at him proudly. Azebel stood there, a tired expression on her normally bitchy face. Sage watched as they talked quietly, moving out of the way as the girl from 5 was announced and walked on stage.

    Lorcan hadn't noticed her yet. She was standing behind him, waiting patiently for the right time to approach. Just when she noticed they were about to leave, Sage knew she couldn't be subtle about this and stepped forward. "Lorcan?"

    The blond male turned as well as his team, but Sage did her best to ignore the others, staring right at Lorcan as she nudged her head to the side. "Can I speak to you for a moment?"

    Lorcan seemed to be in a bit of a daze staring at her, but after a second he nodded his head in a skittish manner. "Uh, yeah- yes," he paused to look back at his team who were all staring at him in confusion. "I'll catch up with you."

    He didn't give them any chance to respond, just followed Sage as she led them away from any prying ears. Once she checked their surroundings knowing they were alone, she turned back to the blond male, who had not stopped staring at her in a stunned expression.

     "Okay, I need to-" Sage paused, frowning at the look he was giving her and becoming uncomfortable under his intense scrutiny. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

    "It's just... you-you look breathtaking." Lorcan boldly states, stumbling over his words.

    Sage's lips formed into the shape of an O, not expecting those words at all. Ever since she had gotten here, she has received more compliments than she is used to, but nothing prepared her for Lorcan's strong declaration or look of admiration. A strange, unfamiliar feeling overcame her, but she cleared her throat, looking down at the dress in realization.

    "Uh... it's the dress. It's nice, isn't it? I could do without the corset, but it really is beautiful."

    Lorcan became confused. "I wasn't talking about the dress."

    "You weren't?"

    "I mean the dress is beautiful. Of course it is... I-I just mean-" Lorcan stopped himself, taking a minute to collect himself. "I just meant you look breathtaking in general. Not just the dress."

    "Oh..." Sage whispered, feeling her face burn. Compliments... not her strongest suit. "Thank you." 

    Lorcan just cleared his throat quickly changing the subject. "So, what did you need to speak to me about?"

    Sage pushed down this strange feeling and got back on topic. "Right. Um, about tomorrow, when we go into the arena. Just... don't go for cornucopia."

    Lorcan tilted his head to the side. "What?"

    "Don't go to the cornucopia. When the horn blows, run in the opposite direction and find some place to hide. I will watch out where you ran off too and track your steps."

    "Wait, I don't understand-" Lorcan paused, frowning once again at the redhead before realization suddenly took over. "Why would you need to track me?"

    "Well, if we are going to be in an alliance, we kind of have to be in the same presence as one another and work together." Sage blatantly explains, as if it was already obvious.

    Lorcan finally seemed to understand what she was trying to say and at Sage's surprise, snorted and dropped his head, holding a hand over his mouth as he shook his head in amusement. Sage became very confused by what he found so funny, both her nose and forehead were scrunched up, waiting for him to explain himself. After a couple seconds, he finally looked back up, his blue eyes bright and filled with amusement.

    "So this is your way of asking me to be in an alliance with you?"

    Sage straightened and dropped her hands to her side. "Yes. What's so funny? Do you not want to be in one with me? Because I can tell you right now, that will be the stupidest decision you could make for your game."

    Sage had never even considered the fact that he might refuse to work with her. It could be for a couple reasons. He doesn't trust her or he doesn't want to be in a position of either killing her or watching her die. It made sense. If this happened to be the case, if he really refused her help... well, then she will have to go back to plan A and allow herself to be taken out in the bloodbath.

    Lorcan seemed to chuckle again. "Trust me, Sage, that is far from it. I just assumed we were already in an alliance."

    Sage faltered. "Really?"

    "Yeah," Lorcan nodded. "I mean, I'd hoped we were. I just assumed we'd find each other once we got into the arena."

    Sage tried not to show her relief. "Okay. Good. So remember, don't go to the cornucopia."

    "But I might need supplies-" the blond male tried to say but Sage immediately cut him off.

    "Don't worry about it. I grab what I can and get out of there quickly."

    Lorcan immediately shook his head. "If you think I'm going to run away while you enter the bloodbath, then you are not as smart as I thought you were."

    The redhead couldn't help but roll her eyes. "I can handle it."

    "Why? Because you scored a 10 during individual training?" Lorcan commented. "I'm not saying that's not impressive as hell and if I ever get the chance I might even ask you how the hell you pulled that off, but if we are going to be in this alliance, then we need to work as a team and you'll need someone watching your back."

    Sage pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. She had known asking him to run away from the cornucopia would be a long shot. Lorcan was not the kind of boy to run away, Sage's only concern was what he had told her that day during training. That he might not have the strength to do what needs to be done. And the thought of him anywhere near the bloodbath turned her own blood cold. And she will admit, she wants him to go home with little to no blood on his hands if possible. She doesn't just want to save him... she wants to save his innocents.

    After a moment, Sage sighed before looking up at him. "Fine. But don't run towards the cornucopia. We find each other first and then we go there together. Deal?"

    Lorcan grinned in satisfaction. "Deal. I should go. I guess I shall see you in the lion's den, Sage Rowan. May the odds be in our favor."

    Sage did not laugh and just shook her head. "Don't ever say that again."

    "I think I could get used to you bossing me around," Lorcan teased as he began backing up. "Good luck out there."

    Sage didn't even get the chance to reply, just watched as he rejoined his team who had been reduced to just his stylist and his mentor. His escort, District partner and her stylist were nowhere to be seen. As they departed, Sage found herself locking eyes briefly with Lorcan's mentor, Finnick Odair, who just gave her a skeptical and brief look before turning around and walking away.

    The redhead didn't bother to go back to her dressing room. Instead, she decided to practice walking in these ridiculous heels that were starting to hurt her feet. If she twists an ankle before she is forced out into that arena tomorrow, she is going to kill Tatyana. After she makes the crazy woman admit that she was wrong.

    By the time Walker and Bird joined her alongside Chance, the male tribute from District 8 had just been announced onto the stage. Sage felt her insides twisting and turning, and she regrets eating lunch as she felt it coming up. When she sees her team, Sage did her best to hide her nerves and fears, swallowing the lump in her throat.

    "Sage, there you are." Bird chirps, taking her in and admiring attire with a bright smile. "My, my, don't you look beautiful. Tatyana really outdid herself with this dress."

    "Sage," Walker spoke, trying to gain her attention. It wasn't until he called her name the second time that she truly acknowledged his presence. "You're on deck. Remember, you want to play into this mysterious persona you are given off. Don't get too personal, but don't hold back either. If he says anything to piss you off, just remember you are live and there are plenty of security and peacekeepers around to put a stop to whatever triggers in your mind to attack. Understood?"

    Sage scoffed and shook her head at the ridiculousness of his words. "What are they going to do, Walker? Are they going to put me in an arena and force me to fight to the death and survive a harsh environment for their entertainment? Oh, wait a minute..."

    "Bite your tongue!" Bird said through gritted teeth. "You really are playing with fire, girl."

    Sage placed a hand over her heart and dramatically faked a frightened expression. "Oh, I'm so scared."

    "Bird is right, Sage. Damn it, I need you to take this seriously and stop saying shit that could get-"

    "-me killed?" Sage finished for her mentor, rolling her eyes. "They are already taking care of that tomorrow."

    Walker shook his head in a disapproving manner. "Not you. Adrian. You know, that girl you volunteered for? The one you risked your life for? From what I gathered in the short time I've known you, she is the only one in the world you actually care about. And if you think the Capitol won't kill a mayor's daughter just to punish you... then you have another thing coming.."

    Sage didn't say anything. She couldn't, because his words had shocked her silent. Especially the look in his eyes, the hidden meaning behind it. Like he was speaking from experience. She even resisted the urge to correct him. Adrian wasn't the only person she cared for as Hyacinth came to mind briefly, but she immediately pushed it back, not needing to admit that so openly.

    One thing Sage hates admitting is when she is wrong and someone else is right. But Walker was and she couldn't ignore that fact. Straightening her back, Sage cleared her throat and tried to appear ready. "Don't get too personal and rein it in. Got it."

    Walker seemed pleased, nodding his head just as the male from District 8 was finishing up. Her mentor placed a hand on her shoulder and tugged the corner of his lip into a half smile. "Remember to breathe. You got this. Everything is going to work out just fine."

    Sage nodded and turned to Chance, who gave her an encouraging smile and wished her luck as the girl went to the edge of the curtains, waiting for her cue and trying not to vomit while someone was attaching a tiny microphone to her dress.

    "Now this next tribute is the one we've all been dying to meet. Help me welcome to the stage, all the way from District 9, the astonishing Sage Rowan!"

    The crowd erupted into loud cheers and applause as Sage lifted the skirt of her dress and began walking towards the stairs, Caesar Flickerman grinning like a madman, arm stretched outwards with one hand. She took her time climbing the three steps, squinting from all the lights and spotlight shining down on her. The audience was still cheering for her and just when she was starting to think maybe this wouldn't be as terrible as she imagined it would be, she took another step and suddenly felt her ankle buckle, resulting in the redhead losing her balance entirely.

    Sage fell face forward, her hands outstretched to catch herself as she hit the floor with a small thud. Loud gasps sounded all over, cheers seizing as silence and whispers soon replaced it. Sage stared at the black shining stage floor, her face red with immediate and internal embarrassment. She could see her reflection over the polished floor, which quickly transformed into a familiar face glaring back at her in disgust. She could hear her voice as clear as day

    "So pathetic. Can't even walk properly without making a fool out of yourself. How do you think this makes me look having an idiot for a daughter?"

    A hand on her shoulder immediately snapped her back to reality, Sage looking up to see Caesar was there with a concerned look on his face. "That was a big tumble. Are you alright?"

    Shaking off her internal self loathing, she accepted Caesar's outstretched hand and allowed him to help her up. Once she was steady, she gave Caesar the best fake smile she could muster, which wasn't much. "I'm fine."

    The host held out his arm for her to take. "Well, to be safe, allow me to assist you to the chair."

    Sage didn't argue, just took Caesar's arm and managed to walk perfectly to the yellow cushion chair where she took a seat, Caesar sitting across from her. "Are you sure you are alright, my dear?"

    The redhead nodded softly. "Yes. I told my stylist not to let me wear heels, it would not end well. I can't wait to tell her I told her so."

    Caesar, along with the audience, all laughed at her words though she did not mean to be funny. She just stared out at everyone, trying to keep the contents in her stomach. Caesar spoke as soon as it quieted down. "I must admit, I have been dying to meet you. Sage Rowan; the mysterious tribute from District 9. The progeny child of the legendary and beloved Deirdre Rowan. You truly are a wonder, my dear. I'm not sure what to call you, mystery girl or the progeny child?"

    "Or, and I'm just spitballing here, you could call me by my actual name. It's why I have one, isn't it?"

    Caesar chuckled and inclined his head. "Yes, of course. Sage. Such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. But you are filled with many surprises. I must ask you, during the Reaping Ceremony, did you plan on volunteering?"

    "Why would I plan that?" Sage questioned bluntly, truly curious to what he meant.

    "Well, there is some speculation that you might have volunteered so you could follow in your mother's footsteps. Such a tragedy what happened to her, I know there are many who still mourn her," Caesar explains, as Sage looked out to the audience and could see a few people nodding their heads in sadness. "Maybe you volunteered so you could be closer to her, in some way."

    Sage brought her eyes back to the older male, her eyes blazing with fiery hatred and bit down on her tongue, hard. Rein it in. Rein it in. Rein. It. In.

     "Actually, Caesar, you couldn't be more wrong. Following in my mother's footsteps is the last thing I would ever want to do." Sage admitted, doing her best to keep the calm composure and say what she needs to say without insulting anyone in the process. It was very hard. "No, I volunteered because someone I cared about dearly was just reaped and it was a spur of the moment decision."

    "And this is Adrian Pine, you are talking about? The mayor of District 9's daughter?"

    Sage nodded in confirmation. "Yes. The thought of possibly losing her wasn't something I could bear to watch. I knew I would have a better chance at winning. I'm physically stronger and faster. That moment Bird asked if there were any volunteers, I just knew I couldn't let her get on the train."

    A chorus of 'awes' came from the crowd, causing the redhead to look out to see a woman in the front row with a hand over her heart as well as a man behind her. Caesar was smiling fondly, moved by her words. Sage didn't react, just kept the blank scowl on her face, trying not to reveal the small lie hidden beneath the truth.

    Caesar reaches out and takes her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Wow. That was very noble of you, my dear. And I am sure your mother would be very proud of you."

     You ruined my life. I should have stabbed myself in the stomach the minute I found out I was pregnant, then I would have to deal with your pathetic cries.

    It took everything in Sage to force the smile onto her lips, but it did not meet her eyes. She couldn't find the right words to respond to that, not as her mind was haunted by memories she wished she could forget. Instead just gave a stiff nod and tried to ignore her mother's voice haunting her. They normally never come unless she saw her reflection... but sometimes they snuck up on her.

    "Now, before I let you go, we are all dying to know. That individual training score. How did you receive such a high score? You must have done something to impress the gamemakers really well."

    What Walker said to her earlier as well as in the past resurfaced just then. Don't get too personal and don't reveal anything that could be used against her. She already did that on day two during training, so the other tributes know she can fight, but they do not know what happened during her assessment. She can't exactly tell Caesar that she was very suspicious of the score she received, that it didn't make any sense, that she had held back. Would anyone believe her? Probably not.

    Instead, Sage simply shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I just got lucky. I gave it my all, but if you want to know how exactly, then all I can say is stay tuned. You will all find out tomorrow."

    "Oh, hoo, hooo," Caesar cooed with a cheeky grin, pointing at the girl across from him. "There is that mystery girl we have all fallen in love with, living up to her name. Alright then. Well, Sage, a pleasure it was to speak to you. Ladies and gentleman, give it up for Sage Rowan, District 9!"

    The audience jumped to their feet cheering as Caesar stood with Sage, her hand still in his. Sage gave a very awkward bow, before turning around and making her way back towards the stage, where her team was now currently waiting, Tatyana seemed to have joined them.

    The look Sage was giving her stylist was enough to make her quiver, as the older woman only stared at her with those big eyes before smacking Walker on the arm. "I told you not to let her wear those damn heels."

    Walker glared at the woman just as Sage rolled her eyes, taking off each heel and shoving them into her stylist's arms and going back to her dressing room just as Chance was announced onto the stage. The only one who followed her back was Tatyana, who helped the girl take off the corset part of the dress and instructed her to sit down, the only thing going through Sage's mind was how that could have gone worse.

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Long ass chapter! We were due for one. Can I just say how excited yet terrified for my babies to enter the arena? Yes that will be next chapter and I'm dreading it. Shit is going to go down and I'm already stressing. Ugh!

This chapter was fun to write. I love writing Sage being sassy and a bit mean. As well as I loved her not knowing what to say to Lorcan complimenting her. She is so awkward, not used to it. I love them both so much.

Hope everyone enjoyed!