Deja Vu Battle | Hunger Game 3 (Part 1)

11.

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𝔼𝕊𝕋𝔼𝕃𝕃𝔸'𝕊 smile radiated as she addressed the host, "Oh, Caesar, how I long for your presence." She extended her hand gracefully, inviting him to bestow a kiss upon it. With her indulgent demeanor, Estella embodied the essence of a pampered princess, basking in the sea of compliments and cheers that engulfed the room. Unbeknownst to her, Aries muttered for her to glance at the camera, a detail only Dennis managed to catch.

"Tell me, isn't it a bit excessive to label me the victor of the 75th Hunger Games?" Estella's delicate gesture captivated everyone, her movements enchanting all who beheld them. "Nonsense, my dear! I could compare your beauty to that of Aphrodite herself, and it still wouldn't do you justice!" Estella giggled, tilting her head down slightly as a strand of hair attempted to conceal her blushing cheeks.

"Now, my dear, as much as I would love for this segment to revolve solely around admiring you and all that you are," Caesar leaned in closer, his smile revealing both his teeth and his sincerity. Estella couldn't help but laugh, following his lead as he steered the interview. "Just like Peeta before you, I must ask: what was your perspective on the events that unfolded in the arena?"

Estella's eyes flickered with a mix of pride and sorrow as she recounted the trials she had faced in the arena. The memories of bloodshed and loss were etched into her mind, forever haunting her. She had witnessed the darkest sides of humanity, the desperation and ruthlessness that consumed the tributes. But amidst the chaos, she had managed to find glimmers of hope.

"I remember the first time I stepped into the arena," Estella mused, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "The fear was overwhelming, but I knew I had to push it aside if I wanted to survive. I had trained for this moment, honing my skills and preparing myself mentally. And yet, nothing could truly prepare me for the brutality that awaited."

Her smile, once radiant and carefree, now held a touch of weariness. The weight of her experiences had aged her beyond her years, leaving behind a sense of maturity that belied her youthful appearance. She had seen too much, and endured too much, to ever be the same again.

"But it wasn't just about physical strength," Estella continued, her voice growing stronger. "It was about strategy, about outsmarting your opponents. I learned to read people, to understand their weaknesses and exploit them. And yes, my charm played a part in that. It was a weapon, a tool that I used to manipulate and deceive."

Caesar nodded, his eyes filled with admiration. "You truly were a force to be reckoned with, Estella. Your ability to adapt and survive in such a hostile environment is remarkable." He reached out to hold her hands, and he chimed in, agreeing, "But I must say, with your charms, you could have emerged victorious even with just a smile." He playfully teased.

Undeterred, Estella continued to share her story, her words carefully chosen and filled with contemplation. "While I may have utilized my charm to my advantage, I also forged alliances and friendships that proved invaluable along the way. And here I am now, speaking to you as the triumphant victor of the 75th Hunger Games, aren't I?" There was a taunting tone as if she was spitting down to the other tributes.

Ceaser gave a nod of approval, his hands clapping together. He couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness and pride as Estella's confidence continued to grow, and she embraced the title bestowed upon her by the people in the Capitol. Her poise and grace under pressure left him truly impressed. However, at that very moment, Aries sensed a shift in the room. Disgust and disbelief hung heavy in the air, but no one dared to voice their thoughts in his presence.

"Bravo, my dear," Caesar exclaimed, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He turned towards the audience, fully aware of the anticipation that filled the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been eagerly awaiting has arrived..." His voice trailed off, the suspense building. "Estella, my dear, you have emerged victorious in this game. You have won not only the hearts of the people but also the privilege of residing in President Snow's prestigious mansion..." His tone shifted, becoming solemn, and Estella's eyes flickered with uncertainty as if she knew what was coming next. "But what about Aries?"

Caesar's question hung in the air, causing a collective gasp to ripple through the room. All eyes turned to Aries, who stood frozen, his face a mask of shock and confusion. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, and he struggled to find the right words to respond.

".... Aries?" Estella spoke his name as if he was a stranger. Aries could feel his heart breaking, the smile on his face, the genuine cheer he had done before fell. As he stares at the screen, his mind begs that what's happening is not history repeating. He waited and felt the air leave his body when Estella finally stared back into his gaze through the screen. She looked like a mixture of guilt and determination welled up inside her, and she stepped forward, her voice steady but filled with emotion.

"Ceaser, Aries has been an integral part of this journey," Estella began, her eyes never leaving Aries's. "He has supported me, believed in me, and fought alongside me every step of the way. Without him, I would not be standing here today. He deserves recognition and reward just as much as I do."

Her words gave Aries a sense of accomplishment. Aries found himself hanging onto every word that escaped Estella's lips. Her voice was melodic, filled with a mixture of strength and vulnerability that only added to her allure. But amidst the admiration and adoration, a sense of unease began to creep into Aries' heart. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, that there was a hidden agenda behind Estella's sudden appearance on the screen.

The way she had embraced Peeta, the whispered words that passed between them, it all seemed too intimate, too personal for Aries' liking. He noticed a subtle change in Estella's demeanor. Her smile, once radiant and genuine, now seemed forced, her eyes betraying a hint of sadness. It was as if she was putting on a facade, playing the role of the Capitol's prized jewel while concealing her true emotions beneath the surface.

"I wish he was here to celebrate this moment with me but..." Estella extended her hand, seeking comfort in Caesar's touch. He held her hand tightly, sensing the pain in her words before she even spoke them. Without hesitation, he completed her sentence, "I'm certain he is celebrating this moment with you from above, my dear."

"... What?" Aries was left speechless, his mind racing to comprehend the situation. He turned his gaze towards Dennis and the screen, then to Heavensbee and President Alma. Finally, his eyes met Katniss as the realization sank in. "... I'm dead..."

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