Chapter 33

Blake gained enough strength two days later to get up out of the hospital bed. She was grateful to finally be able to feed and bathe herself. The little basic needs that she was able to do ment the most. To the capital, this meant the crowning ceremony would happen in three days. Blake just wanted to get home and see her family. She daydreamed about being back at home, on the beach, laughing with her family, and Finnick. She hasn't seen Finnick since yesterday morning, due to several interventions with President Snow. He was always very vague with his answer when Blake would ask what these meetings were about.

Several beauticians surround her, deciding what color matches her skin tone best. All of them were in a hassle since the crowning was very spontaneous. No one in the capital thought she would survive, and they made sure to remind her of it.

"Miss Grey, what color do you think? Dark purple to enhance your skin, or an emerald green to make your eyes stand out? Oh there are just so many color choices. We need a dress that says 'I survived and I'm glowing,'" says one of the female stylists with bright blue hair and tattoos crawling down her neck.

"Yes! What dress will do that? Blake, do you prefer silver or gold? Which looks better with her skin, Yola?" They all chimed in one after another, trying to ask questions, yet not giving her the chance to answer. She didn't even care at this point, she just wanted them gone. Blake didn't care about the grand ceremony or the victory tour, the only thought running through her mind was Finnick. Where was he? What was he doing?

Later on that day, Blake was in her designated room that the capital gave her. She sat in her bay window, not a thought running through her brain. How could she think straight? The amount of preparation for one ceremony was insane. The silence was comforting to her, but also depressing. Finnick hadn't visited her all day, which was the only thing that filled her brain. Was he okay? Did he forget?

Three days had gone by, meaning it was the day of the crowning. One day closer to going home, that was the only happiness she could find in herself. Finnick hadn't visited at all throughout the past few days, she gave up on waiting for him. He must've been super busy, she thought to herself. He couldn't have forgotten her, he said he'd watch out for her. Blake didn't think his workload would be that much, considering he wasn't making an appearance until the victory tour.

Blake was currently in the dressing room, three stylists were in her face, trying to hustle with her makeup. She's supposed to be on the stage in 30 minutes, and they were all causing a ruckus trying to get everything prepared. So much noise surrounded her, she couldn't focus on anything.

"Ok! Out of the chair Miss Grey, we don't have much time! The people are expecting you! I found the most perfect dress. It will make you look irresistible, Miss Grey. The capital loves you, but in this, they'll be obsessed with you," says one of the many stylists. Blake tuned them in and out, not really hearing what they have to say about her looks and dress. In 5 hours, she'll be on a train back home, and in the comfort of her own home.

The stylists slipped her into a soft silk strapless green dress with a corset. They moved her in front of a mirror to view their work. The dress brought out her curves; it was stunning, but made her feel uncomfortable. She didn't really know how to describe the feeling, nor explain that she disliked the dress on her.

"Everything to your liking, Miss Grey?" the stylist asks, noticing Blake's facial expression.

"Yes," Blake responds quietly. She quickly remembered that she didn't care about the ceremony.

"Miss Grey, come this way. You are on in 5 minutes!" a man with curly pink hair states. She was escorted to behind the stage, where she could hear the crowd applaud President Snow. Every word that came out of his mouth was like candy to them. The people cherished every moment they had with him.

"And now, please give a warm welcome to this years winner of the 68th Annual Hunger Games! Miss Blake Grey!"

As the president proclaimed, Blake was shoved on stage by the pink haired man. Blake's fake smile appeared once her foot stepped on that stage. Fake it till you make it, she told herself. Her escorts guided her to the throne, where she was displayed for everyone to see. Little did she know, she was their new trophy, a new toy for them to play with. President Snow removed the crown from the pillow, then turned to face her with a smirk. He moves swiftly in front of her, nodding at Blake to stand up. Once she does, he bestows the crown onto her head. The crown feels heavy when placed, almost as if the crown holds the pressure of winning. The crowds enjoyment and thrill fades from her ears; all she can think about is her home.

After the ceremony, she hurries to her room to start packing. Blake got most of her belongings already in a suitcase, but had a few essentials left to fit in. Suddenly, she heard her door open. Her head flips around to see a familiar blonde boy with sea green eyes.

"Blake..." Finnick says, she notices how glassy his eyes appear from the moon's appearance through her curtains.

"Wow, look who decided to visit after 4 days of no show," Blake chuckles with annoyance. She was pissed. A fiery sensation ran through her body, tension consumed her.

"Listen, I am so so sorry. I had no choice, Snow required my presence every day. I wanted to visit, believe me. But I couldn't," he pleaded for forgiveness.

Blake moved closer to him so they were face to face, "you claim that you were in these 'meetings', yet you can't tell me about them. Why? Why are you being so secretive? I thought we could trust each other, why can't you tell me?"

Finnick's face is no longer dry, tears are streaming out of both eyes, "Blake, I wish I could. I wish I could tell you everything, but I can't. If I say anything, there are consequences."

Blake scoffs, and she turns around to zip up her final suitcase. She hauls it over to the door. She felt a hot pool of tears creeping out of her eyes. Her chest felt heavier than usual.

"Blake, look at me please. I care about you! I'm trying to look after you. I don't want to lose you," he says as he grabs her face with his hands.

Blake feels betrayed, how can they trust each other if he's still keeping secrets.

"We can talk on the victory tour. I'm going home. Goodbye Finnick," she pulls her head away, and wipes her tears off her cheeks. She grabs her suitcases and leaves her suite, not looking back at the boy who she cares deeply for. 

Sooo, Im crawling back with my tail between my legs. ITS BEEN A WHOLE YEAR!! That's really bad. Im hopefully going to finish this story, but I am thinking about changing the title of it. I NEED HELP DECIDING. Let me know if I should change it and what the title should be. I just don't know if the title fits the story anymore. Anyways, hope to hear from y'all!

-Grey