𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒕𝒖𝒔; 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒊𝒓

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

As they move through the streets of the Capitol, Lilith stays close to Finnick. Boggs leads the group, as he is the one in charge of the Holo. Followed closely by Katniss and Gale. Behind them are Finnick and Lilith, with everyone else flanking each side. The rhythmic beeping of the Holo and explosions are the only thing that fills the silence, that is until Cressida speaks up.

"I've never seen this place so empty," She says.

"Just keep your eyes open," Boggs reminds everyone.

They continue walking, and the eerie silence takes over once more. Lilith feels on edge. At any moment, someone or something could jump out and get them. Her fingers itch to hold at least one of her swords.

The beeping on the Holo gets more intense and Boggs holds up a hand, signaling everyone to stop. "Got a pod," He says. "Let's take cover."

Everyone quickly follows Boggs to a relatively safe area.

Boggs nudges Katniss. "Shoot though those two buildings," He tells her.

"Pollux," Cressida says. "Right here. Castor," She squats and makes a screen with her hands, showing him where to be. "Good."

Katniss looks slightly bothered by the filming, but doesn't argue. Everyone else ducks down behind the Mockingjay.

"When you're ready, Katniss," Cressida says.

Katniss pulls out an arrow and gets it ready. As she's about to shoot, Cressida stops her by saying, "Hold it. Pollux, tighter." Once the camera view is fixed, she says, "Okay."

Katniss sighs and reloads her bow. Lilith snickers quietly to herself. Katniss really hates having cameras on her. Before there can be any more objections, Katniss shoots the arrow between the buildings. It sets off the pod, causing flames to erupt from both sides. Everyone jerks back as a car explodes and jumps out of the flames. Although they're far away, Lilith can still feel the heat from the flames. This reminds her of the willow tree from her first games. She can see it so clearly. Each branch, each ember of fire. She can even see Nora's face as she died. She almost expects to be lifted out of the arena until she feels Finnick nudge her. Lilith blinks as the fire stops.

"All clear," Boggs announces.

─•~ ❉᯽❉ ~•─ ─•~ ❉᯽❉ ~•─

Later, Squad 451 has chosen a spot to rest. They break off into their own little groups and take a much needed break. Lilith and Finnick pick a corner to sit in by themselves. Lilith pulls out some water from the small bag she's been carrying, and takes a sip. She gives the bottle to Finnick and he does the same.

"Are you regretting agreeing to this yet?" Lilith half jokes, leaning back onto the wall behind her.

"I don't know," Finnick answers, eyeing her carefully. "Are you?"

Lilith furrows her brows. "Why would I regret it? It was my idea."

"I'm just worried about you," Finnick murmurs. He grabs Lilith's hand and holds it gently. "Earlier today, with the fire, you seemed like you were somewhere else."

Lilith sighs and looks around. She doesn't know why the fire brought back so many memories. She hasn't even thought about her games since before she was taken from the Quarter Quell arena.

"I'm fine, I just..." Lilith pauses. She shakes her head. "I hate what they did to me."

Finnick pulls his wife closer, feeling a wave of protectiveness wash over him. "I know."