The Life of A Victor || Finnick Odair

CHAPTER 16

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Dove knew this would happen. She knew it would. But then, why was she feeling as if a sudden blow had knocked out her ability to breathe? Everyone was looking at her expectantly. They weren't exactly pitying her. Dove already had a mother and brother, that were Victors. They probably thought her losing a sister was fair.

Her plan was to wait for Delia to ask for volunteers, but as she saw her sister walking through the crow to the Podium, she couldn't stop herself. Running, she got out of the place where the fourteen-year-olds stood, and made her way to the centre, yelling her sister's name. As two peacekeepers went to put her back in her place, she yelled again.

"I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" Dove hoped Delia and the District Four mayor would allow her to volunteer already. It was obvious that no one would volunteer for an Ogilvy. So, why bother with formalities?

"I believe we have a volunteer, but that part hasn't-" Delia was trying to save Dove. She thought that if the redhead had a bit more time to think about it, she wouldn't make such a reckless decision. Clearly, she didn't know Dove too well.

"What does it matter? Let her," the mayor replied. He sympathised with Dove, she knew how one of his sons had died in the Arena years ago, against all odds. He knew what hopelessly trying to protect someone felt like.

"Alright, then," Delia said. Dove passed her sister. Angel was too stunned to say anything, as two Peacekeepers took her back to her spot in the eighteen-year-old row. Dove climbed the steps and positioned herself next to Delia.

"Well, bravo!" she shouted, faking excitement. "What's your name?" she asked. It was a stupid question, but Dove guessed it was one of many Reaping formalities.

"Dove Ogilvy," she said proudly. For the first time, she spared a glance at the crowd. Surprisingly, everyone looked at her with pity. Was it because they knew she was going to die? Or was it that volunteering for her older sister had impacted them?

However, it was, Dove didn't care. District Four was the least of her problems right now. Delia was already preparing herself to announce the male tribute, who Dove had to either end up killing or see dying.

"Evan Moore!" a boy around the age of fifteen came to the stage, shaking uncontrollably. He was the definition of a humiliating tribute for District Four.

Fortunately for him and his family, another boy volunteered for him once they were let to do so. Of course, he had to be the deadliest of all the eighteen-year-olds allowed to volunteer. Screw you, odds. Dove thought while looking at the boy, who walked to the stage flirtatiously. 

"Lovely. What's your name?" Delia asked with her cheerful voice back. "Edric Dawson," he said.

The mayor began to read the Treaty of Treason as he did every year, which was a required point in the Reaping. However, Dove didn't listen to any of it. She was staring at her sister, who was about to lose her mind.

When the mayor finally finished reading, he motioned for Dove, and the male tribute, to shake hands. She took this chance to inspect him. As he turned to shake her hand, he smirked at her. Just like a hunter to his prey.

He was letting her know he had no plans to play allies. Confidently, Dove gave him the same smirk he had given her with a light chuckle. She wanted to convey a message. Do you really think I'll cower in fear just because you have looked at me like that? She would not play allies, either.

They turned back to face the crowd for the play of Panem's anthem. The very moment the anthem ended, both tributes got taken to custody. A group of Peacekeepers marched with Dove and the boy to different rooms in the Justice Building. Once they reached her room, she was finally left alone.