The 'Flower of Panem' or 'The Angel of Mercy', Seraphine Reza is the jewel and pride of Panem. One of their most treasured victors in the history of the Hunger Games and a favorite of President Snow.
While she smiles, comforts and plays her part ev...
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TW: This chapter deals with suicide along side mentions of sexual assault.
Nobody had seen Leora since the stomach churning dinner with Minister Thistlewood and all the living victors. Her terrified eyes made its home in the back of Sera's mind whenever she thought about the older victor.
How terrifying it must've been for her to learn that her 'workload' increased. The way she trembled expressed how Sera was feeling when Minister Thistlewood announced her own increase of 'workload'.
Now she was the one who needed the pity.
She was so careful, so meticulous yet she still didn't know how it happened. Whenever she thought about the fact that soon she'd be selling her body, she shook violently as she wrapped her arms around herself to stop herself.
Finnick's promise echoed in her mind. He promised he'd try to help her but how? He couldn't even help himself. She didn't know what to do.
Things were only getting worse for Sera as the new decade of games officially began and she was called in mid-preparations to take Leora's place again.
Another year.
The second year, Sera was filling in for Leora. The year before she had no complaints but now, she couldn't afford to take Leora's place again.
Her aunt's sickness had gotten worse again and now her brother was heavily injured, she had her hands full. To Sera, it was clear her aunt may not make it through this time. She wanted to be by her side through it all. Ramiel was getting through it but aunt Dahlia wouldn't.
Unfortunately, things didn't work out that way for her. First Huxley was chosen as the mentor then Leora fell 'ill' again, Estelle offered to go in Sera's place to everyone's surprise but Minister Thistlewood insisted Sera replace Leora, much to her annoyance. That man was determined to ruin her. He even commanded her to hurry to sell herself in the absence of President Snow.
It angered Sera which was another surprise for her, she never knew she could feel such rage against anyone yet she did.
She hated how she foolishly believed she had done enough to be safe.
She hated how Plutarch Heavensbee was right.
Most of all she hated Janus Thistlewood.
Ever since the night of Director Walston's ball, Minister Thistlewood had taken a strange interest in her. He had asked her age once and eyed her before asking her to come visit her when she had time.
Back then, Scarus, thankfully, carefully turned his offer down. He made sure to mention the President. He tried to do the same as the dinner but clearly it didn't work. Instead, Minister Thistlewood offered Sera to him. She felt like breaking when she heard those words. Scarus accepted his godfather's offer claiming he did so out of protection. She didn't believe him. She knew the way he looked at her just because she threw a small grain of kindness his way and like a starved dog he had pounced, refusing to let her go with anyone or be with her own thoughts. His mother was right.
