#thg request

“I wasn’t smiling last night,” you muttered, your fingers tightening on the edge of the vanity. “I was just trying to breathe.”

“And they loved it,” he said, his tone softer now. “Trust me, you’re doing better than you think. Besides, you’ve got me in your corner. That has to count for something.”

It was hard to argue with the confidence in his voice. You glanced down at your lap, where your fingers brushed against the little carved fish he’d given you. It was smooth now from how often you’d held it, a small comfort against the chaos of the Capitol.

Before you could respond, your stylist appeared, fussing over your hair and making sure everything was perfect. Finnick stepped back, giving you space but keeping his sharp eyes on you. As the stylist finished, she placed her hands on your shoulders and smiled at you in the mirror. “You’re ready,” she said, though the words felt more like a command than reassurance.

When they called your name to go onstage, you froze for a moment, the noise from the crowd hitting you like a wall. Finnick must have noticed the hesitation because he stepped close enough to whisper, “Remember what I said—confidence. Even if you have to fake it.”

You nodded, standing up and forcing your legs to move. As you walked toward the stage, Finnick’s voice followed, low and teasing. “Don’t be too dazzling up there. I’d hate to lose the spotlight.”

You rolled your eyes, but his words pulled a reluctant smile from you. Maybe, just maybe, you could do this.

When the bright lights of the stage hit you, the roar of the crowd almost swallowed you whole. Caesar Flickerman’s beaming face greeted you, and you felt your heart pound just as it had in the parade. But you straightened your shoulders, forcing the fear down, and stepped into the spotlight.

The Capitol might have owned the arena, but here—on this stage—you could own them. At least for a little while.

Caesar welcomed you with his usual flair, extending his arms as the crowd roared. “Ladies and gentlemen, from District 4, the tribute who’s been making waves—let’s give them another Capitol welcome!”

The applause was deafening, and you forced a smile as you made your way to the seat beside him. Caesar was a master at his job, his charm and energy a lifeline for anyone who stepped into the spotlight. Still, your heart raced as you sat down, the bright lights making it hard to see past the first row of Capitol citizens.

“So,” Caesar began, leaning forward with a gleam in his eye, “you’ve already captured the Capitol’s attention. The parade last night was one for the books—how did it feel to have all eyes on you?”

You hesitated, gripping the armrest for a moment before answering. “It was… surreal,” you said honestly. “I didn’t expect that kind of reaction. It’s overwhelming, but I’m trying to take it one step at a time.”

Caesar nodded as if he completely understood. “Overwhelming, but you handled it with such grace. And let’s not forget that stunning outfit—you practically stole the show! Tell me, does confidence come naturally to you, or is it something you’ve had to work on?”

A flicker of uncertainty passed through you, but you quickly remembered Finnick’s advice. Be bold. “I think confidence is like swimming,” you said, your tone steady. “Sometimes you dive in headfirst, and sometimes you’re just trying not to drown. Either way, you keep moving.”

The crowd laughed and cheered, clearly entertained, and Caesar’s grin widened. “Well said! You’re already a natural at this. Now, tell me—what’s the secret to standing out in a sea of tributes? How do you make sure you’re remembered?”

You hesitated for just a beat, your eyes scanning the crowd before landing on Finnick, who stood near the edge of the stage, watching. His posture was casual, but there was something in his expression—a hint of pride, maybe—that gave you the courage to push forward. “I think the key is to just… be yourself. People can see through an act, but if you’re genuine, they’ll remember you for that.”

Caesar clapped his hands together, delighted. “Ah, authenticity! A rare quality in the Capitol, wouldn’t you agree?” He gestured to the audience, earning more laughter and applause. “But speaking of authenticity, I’ve heard you’ve got a pretty interesting mentor. What’s it like working with the famous Finnick Odair?”

The crowd erupted in excited murmurs, clearly eager for gossip, and you felt your face heat up. Finnick raised an eyebrow at you from the sidelines, a smirk playing at his lips. You cleared your throat, trying to sound casual. “He’s… helpful,” you said, choosing your words carefully. “He’s given me a lot of advice, and, well, he’s definitely good at keeping things interesting.”

Caesar leaned in, clearly loving the tension. “Interesting, you say? Care to elaborate?”

You shook your head, trying not to laugh. “Let’s just say he’s got a way with words.”

The crowd roared with laughter, and Caesar nodded knowingly. “Oh, we all know that! Finnick’s charm is legendary, after all. But don’t let him hog all the attention—you’re holding your own just fine.”

The rest of the interview went by in a blur of laughter and applause. By the time it was over, you felt a strange mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. As you stepped off the stage, Finnick was waiting for you, arms crossed and that ever-present smirk on his face.

“‘A way with words,’ huh?” he teased, falling into step beside you.

You rolled your eyes, though you couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at your lips. “Don’t get used to the compliments.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” he said smoothly, leaning in just enough that his voice was a low murmur meant only for you. “I’ve already gotten used to you.”

Your heart skipped a beat, but you refused to let him see the effect his words had on you. Instead, you quickened your pace, pretending not to notice the satisfied look on his face. The Capitol had their show, but it seemed Finnick had his own game—and whether you liked it or not, you were part of it now.

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