that she absolutely adored, she has always had a soft spot for blue. There are so many shades, some more beautiful than others, and that's why when she was approached by her stylist with a light blue dress, she was actually happy. It's a longer dress, one that is practically dragging along the floor, she hopes she doesn't dirty it as she's walking.

Ruby smiles at the tribute, fixing up her hair so it's not sticking out everywhere. She has a few pretty hair pins in, pulling back the left side of her hair slightly. They're silver with small blue flowers along their surface, like some of the ones you'd find back in District Four. Elena smooths her hands over its surface before allowing Ruby to apply the last of her makeup.

"There, all done! They're going to love you!" Ruby's voice is full of joy as she guides her out the door. "Not that they didn't before," she adds the last part as if she needed to assure Elena.

Elena doesn't even acknowledge the last part of her comment, deciding that she could care less if the people sitting out there actually like her. They were part of the reason she is the way she is now, so emotional and overall broken. It didn't take long for her to come to the realisation that these people didn't care for her, even if she is one of their precious victors — she's a pawn in their games.

"We must move quickly, they're expecting us rather soon. I believe Finnick is already waiting for you," Ruby comments as they walk down the hall together, Elena gently clutching her dress so it doesn't get damaged along the ground.

Elena doesn't answer her verbally, simply giving her a nod to show that she was in fact listening to what had been said. She keeps her gaze on the ground, not wanting to be stopped by somebody she comes across, the last thing she wants to do is have to converse with somebody from the Capitol. Instead of getting the peaceful journey she hopes for, she runs straight into another person, their arms holding her steady.

As their eyes meet, she lets out a shaky breath. The familiar blue eyes stare into her own as he holds her upright, careful not to have too harsh of a grip as if he's afraid he'll break her.

"Elena," Peeta greets quietly. "You look beautiful," he adds and her cheeks flush a bright red, her shy personality taking over.

"Thank you. You look nice," Her voice is soft and lacking confidence but she couldn't leave his compliment unreturned, it would be rude. He really does look good, she's just not sure how is else to word it. "I-um-I have to get to Finnick. It was nice seeing you," She mumbles.

"Um yeah, you too. Haymitch and Katniss are probably looking for me," Peeta replies as he slowly lets go of her, allowing her to regain her footing entirely so she doesn't stumble. "Good luck,"

"You too," Elena responds as they move away from each other, Elena turning to look at Ruby who has a small smirk on her face. The older woman doesn't comment, simply gesturing for them to keep walking towards where they have to go.

Elena almost sighs in relief when Finnick comes into view, wearing a white outfit that only he could pull off. He smiles as she comes into view, holding his arm out for her to take and she does, looping her arm through his. He leads her to the lineup that has started, her heart beating erratically the closer they get. She ignores people who stare at her as they walk by, not needing the judgement. They stand in their places behind Wiress and Beetee, watching as the siblings from District One start their interview.

They seem to fly by and as the crowd applauds Beetee, Elena becomes increasingly more anxious which Finnick notices almost instantly. He turns her around and gently grabs her face in his hands, careful not to ruin her hair nor her makeup. Her eyes are watery as her hands shake at her sides and her breathing is becoming faster.

"You will be fine. It's just like last time, they'll ask you a few questions and then it'll all be over. I'm right here, ok? If you feel too overwhelmed, just look back. I'm here," Finnick tries to soothe.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome the victor of the 73rd Hunger Games. From District Four, Elena Rogers!" Caesar Flickerman's voice booms and she freezes up.

Finnick kisses her forehead before letting go of her face and nodding, which she hesitantly returns. She takes a deep breath before stepping out onto the stage to a thunderous amount of noise — it's just as loud and overwhelming as the first time she had done it. The crowd are clapping and cheering, smiling as they watch one of their victors step back into the spotlight. They hadn't seen Elena since her victory tour ended and therefore have been almost clamouring at the opportunity to see her again.

"You look gorgeous! Doesn't she?" Caesar speaks to the crowd and they cheer again, she manages to plant a small, fake smile on her face in response. "Come, have a seat!"

Elena manages to walk to the chair without stumbling, sitting down on the free chair as the announcer sits across from her. He has a bright smile on his face as the audience begins to quieten down so that they can hear the blonde and her answers to the questions asked. Elena shyly plays with her hands as she awaits said questions, too nervous to look out at all the people who are staring at her. Whilst she couldn't care less if they like her, she didn't really want to offend them by seemingly like she wasn't paying attention.

"It's been a while since we've seen you, Elena. Almost two years I believe," Caesar starts and the blonde nods her head slowly. "How have you been? Is victor life treating you well?"

The microphone is directed over to her and she shakily breathes into it as she figures out to actually answer his question. It's been hell.

"I-it's been pretty nice. I've been able to spend lots of time with my brother," Elena's voice is incredibly shaky as she speaks, the nerves clearly getting to her. The audience seem to remember her brother, making a few noises as she mentions him. Their initial interaction at her first reaping apparently 'broke' lots of their hearts.

"That's good! Now, we must get to the topic that I've asked everyone else. How do you feel about these Games?" Caesar asks, suddenly a lot more serious than he was previously.

"It's pretty scary, I didn't do too well the first time," She admits quietly. "I can't say I was happy to be called back,"

"I can understand that. The first time was a heartbreaking time for not only you but for the rest of us as well. Our original star crossed lovers who didn't get such a happy ending," Caesar's voice seems to be filled with pity. "How have you been coping? It must be hard without Everett,"

"Please don't leave me,"

Her body starts to shake as the memories flood in. The way he smiled, the crinkles that appeared at the corners of his brown eyes as he did. How he would greet her every morning with that same sweet smile that she grew to love, to expect. That same smile she hasn't seen in two years, the smile of the boy she loved more than she could even imagine possible.

"You'll be okay. I told you I'd take care of you. Now you can live,"

There was also the way he would hold her with such delicacy as if she were fragile, his comforting embrace that would keep the nightmares away whilst they were in the Games together. He was so warm, so welcoming when he held her.

"Please. I-I love you,"

The first time they'd whispered those words to one another was on the second day, the day he'd found her hiding in an old closest that had somehow survived the damage. She remembers the way he was so quick to pull her to him, his heart beating erratically as he comes to the realisation that he'd found her, that she was okay.

"And I love you,"

"Elena? Elena?"

She hears her name repeated several times and it finally registers that they're trying to talk to her. Elena's gaze moves back to Caesar who seems to be awaiting her answer, pity evident in his eyes as she uses the back of her hand to wipe away a tear that has fallen.

"How about we move on, yes? Your dress is beautiful. Did you have any input?" Caesar asks and she's never felt more grateful for him.

"I told Ruby that I really like blue and she took it from there," Elena responds, her voice cracking at the end as Everett still manages to run through her mind.

"Well she did an absolutely wonderful job! Unfortunately we are out of time, we wish you all the best for the games. Elena Rogers, District Four!"

She stands up as Caesar gently raises her arms and the audience cheer for her, her eyes wandering over to Finnick who gives her a small smile. She's led up to a higher level so that she can still be seen. As the interviews pass, she becomes increasingly scared. The sooner these are over, the sooner tomorrow comes and she will be forced back into her biggest nightmare.

"If it weren't for the baby," Peeta's soft voice fills her ears and the audience begin to rage at the announcement, obviously angry at the idea of a pregnant woman being put in the Games.

As Caesar tries to calm the audience down, all of the tributes on the stage link their hands, lifting their arms up to show their solidarity in that moment. As the lights black out, Elena is left wondering whether or not their togetherness would last long. The minute that countdown hits zero tomorrow morning, people will die.

More than likely herself.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter!