Fighting Words

Tiffany, Butch and their stylist Annalise stood within the wings of the backstage. The pair were adorned in matching leather outfits in order to represent their districts trade. Annalise circled the pair ensuring they were ready for the cameras.

She quickly pulled Butch aside while the other stylists attended to the other tribute.

'Look I'm sorry about earlier I-' Now that Butch was calmer he felt racked with guilt.

'Don't be. You were right. I don't know what it's like to live through such a thing and I never will. Just know that I'm proud of you and her and I will do whatever I can to help you in that arena.'

No more words needed to be said- Butch simply ended the encounter with a tight hug and returned to the waiting room.

While the stylists continued their work, Butch's focus was dragged on the screens ahead of him showing the tributes being interviewed by the host Caesar with each tribute seeming to implant their own digs into the Capitol for putting them in this position. He didn't blame them for this, all the tributes were angry as they all fought for their freedom and yet now they were shunned back into the limelight- it reminded Butch of his own rage towards those who put him in this place. However he would have to watch his words during his interview as he was unaware of the condition his daughter was in as he was provided no update on her location, therefore he would need to ensure his words were calculated.

Finnick entered the stage, met with the rupture of excitement from the Capitol audience- he continued his charming persona as Caesar bombarded him with questions. As the interview went by, it came to a moment of suspense as Caesar questioned the love life of the victor to which he recited a thoughtful message.

As the words left his mouth, Butch cast his mind to Annie Cresta, victor of the 70th Hunger Games and due to Mags' intervention- a woman who would not be facing the risk of death. After winning her games, she refused to speak to anyone however that changed when a unique bond formed with Finnick which blossomed into a rich love. Annie's 'insanity' as many call it was something Butch was enraged by as despite his initial scepticism of the girl-due to her being a talented career- he realised the depth of her trauma and he found himself resonating with the girl as no one leaves the games in a stable mind- they all have demons which are fused within them. Butch smiled as he knew Annie would appreciate those words from wherever she was watching.

Johanna hastily shared her opinion amongst the crowd with her rage embodying her words as she spoke out against those who put her in this place- she was fighting for herself and for her friends who would be joining her. Butch looked on proudly and small fits of laughter escaped his lips as he was glad Johanna had not changed from her fighting spirit so close to the games- while finding amusement into the shocked gasps emitting from the crowd due to Johanna's outburst.

'And fuck anyone that has anything to do with it.' Exactly how every tribute would have put it but none would dare.

Tiffany's interview was one of grace as she felt that her emotions had been perfectly portrayed by her fellow victors- she looked on into the camera as she said her goodbyes to both Butch and hers family who still were distraught over the concept that two of their children were fighting in the games. A paradox from Gloss and Cashmere- alongside their pride filled parents.

Next up was Butch himself, he breathed out his feelings of hesitation as he walked into the spotlight beaming down onto him. His mask was on and no one within the crowd was going to break him. The host and guest both sat within their seats and began to discuss after the crowd had fell silent from their applause.

'Well, it is certainly a pleasure to see such a notorious face within our roster tonight. Tell us, how are you feeling about returning to these games?' Caesar spoke out in a direct manner.

'I can't say I ever expected to be back within these games I must say. To see all your wonderful faces was supposed to be a one time thing but yet here we are.' Butch spoke out with bitterness lacing his lips.

'Oh stop it, I'm sure you're more excited than most to enter the arena and once again display your lethality for us to marvel at. If I'm not mistaken, it's been recently rumoured you trained for the games you so valiantly won, am I right?'

'Train isn't the word I would use, within our district we're all taught the right places to hit in order to ensure the cleanest kill, after all I can't imagine the Capitol would be happy with mangled meat for dinner. If anything, through learning those skills, we become pre-programmed to fight within the games. That's simply all that needs to be known.

Just play along with the questions, that was all Butch told himself.

'Fighting words- fighting words indeed. I am confident that you will be putting on a show for us at home very soon. Now before I release you into the stands, any final words for those at home- maybe your daughter perhaps.'

Butch tensed at the mention of his daughter- he had actively tried to shield her from any attention from the pampered eyes of the Capitol, he knew they didn't deserve to know about her because of what they took from her and continued to take now.

'Tiana, just know that whatever happens within this arena- I will be fighting to get back to you. I'm with you every step of the way, I love you.'

The interview shortly wrapped up and Butch took his place amongst the other victors as he intently listened to the words of the tributes from 11 and 12. His shock was brought forward at the sight of Katniss' mockingjay dress and he would further be stunned by the words of Peeta's 'baby bombshell'. It was obvious the announcement was fake but anything that could end these games was worth an attempt in his eyes.

After the uproar grew amongst the spectators at the hearing of Peeta's announcement, Butch firmly grabbed onto the hand of Tiffany and Seeder before the victors raised their hands in a sign of unity but more importantly defiance to the Capitol- adding more fuel to the one thing they all wanted...

Rebellion.