The Unsaved Victor from District 7
I wasn’t sure why the President had summoned me. Even more so, why had he requested I wear this dress specifically? The soft, thin fabric of the lavender dress flowed effortlessly in the warm breeze that carried with it the sweet scent of roses.
Endless rows of rose bushes lied before me. Their thick, green leaves branches imprisoned petals of every color safely within their thorny embrace. However, it was the startling white that stood out the most. Their seemingly vibrant purity shining through the dark as if to mimic the stars above.
Jumping slightly, I turned to see President Snow lurking beneath the veranda doorway. His eyes, bright blue and piercing, smiled cruelly at my fright; the corners of his overly expressive face drawing up to expose a row of shimmering, artificially enhanced white teeth.
“Oh, did I frighten you?” he asked, his voice mockingly apologetic. “I do beg your pardon. I noticed you were admiring my rose gardens.”
“They’re lovely,” I said, my throat like that of the desert I had just escaped from.
“Yes, indeed they are. Especially the white ones. They are so alluring to the eye for many reasons but do you know the main one?”
I shook my head not daring to give him an answer.
“Their unblemished nature, unspoiled as if they have never known...touch before.” Instinctive fear rose within me. The cold, lively eyes almost twinkled with delight at the furnaces that were undoubtedly urbing from my cheeks.
Looking past the President, I noticed another figure lingering on the shadows of the mansion.
Stepping forward, I instantly recognized the new arrival. Vile and disgust rolled through my stomach as Valnor Kempt lumbered into the light.
His dark eyes racked over me with obvious intentions. Instinct recently acquired in the arena consumed me, forcing my muscles and nerves to react as if I was facing a deadly opponent.
Valnor chuckled, his top teeth biting playfully at his full, rosy red lower lip. “I don’t believe our victor is too pleased to see me, President Snow.”
“Of course she is,” Snow insisted coming to stand beside me. “You are the only one with the means of saving her whole family.”
Fear chilled the raging fire coursing through my veins and stilled my heart that was so consumed with hate.
“What do mean save my family?” I demanded, turning on the most powerful man in Panem. “Don’t you dare lay a finger-“
A painful chill seized my chin as President Snow gripped my face in an unbreakable grasp.
Pulling me close, Snow smiled into my my eyes for they displayed the fear he so desperately craved.
“I do not take kindly to threats, my dear,” He cooed, “Not kindly at all. Everything comes at a price, even the lives of those we love most. The very air they breath is costly and payment is due.”
Snow’s eyes moved to the towering beast who smiled monstrously at the scene before him.
The dark hair and tanned skinned marcted the all black suit that covered his massive form, making him the very embodiment of evil.
“And our Mr. Kempt, is willing to pay the price, for just a small amount of your time. This will in turn, protect your family from any...mishaps that could very easily happen. The forests of District 8 are such treacherous places after all.
Snow’s grip increased until I could stand it no longer. My hand flew to his wrist and a small gasp breached my lips. Kempt snickered at my struggling.
“From dusk till dawn, Valnor.” His icy blue eyes pierced my very soul, almost highlighting what lied in store for me.
“Very well,” said Kempt, shoving away from the archway. “Very well, indeed.”
Releasing his grip, Snow affectionally patted my throbbing cheek and said, “In one piece, Valnor. A victor of this beauty is beyond value. Nothing that will leave a mark or disfiguration.”
A shutter ran through my body, nearly causing me to fall.
A single hot finger traces its way down my exposed spine. “Of course not! Besides, I might want to come back for a second visit.”
#author #hungergames #maytheoddsbeeverinyourfavor