Audrey should have realised the impact of hearing her own words, and had she been reflecting privately, she would have also realised how cowardly she felt in both herself and within the role that was complicit in plucking children from their homes and murdering them.
There had been many sleepless nights and as the games drew closer, she would wake up retching in anticipation, wishing that there had been a different fate, that her mother hadn’t been so ‘fortunate’ in her bid to survive; what kind of freedom did she have now whilst her mother knew nothing in her rose covered grave?
“I wouldn’t say my intervention is significant in their fate, I think their fate had already been decided for them before they were even an idea to their parents. Audrey needed to watch herself, she felt the morbidity creeping up her throat and spilling from her mouth. “Yes, though it was by punishment that my family was taken here to the capitol and lavished upon. My mother grew up wild and free in District 12, though before that they were able to move between districts; I have limited knowledge but this I do know.”
A small huff and her lips turned upwards, bashful. “Yes, it’s the only thing that keeps me sane for 364 days of the year. It’s a good place to forget, to pretend that the world outside isn’t terrifying.”
But she wondered when the but was coming in, and she felt her smile drop, a small flush of embarrassment. “Oh. Yes, of course I guess it is a little early and - right now i’m going to pretend not to be offended by your comment.” She folded her arms and looked at the woman with perplexity - sure, she knew what kind of vibe she gave to people, but she wasn’t one to let it go as quickly as she had done with Melanie.
No one could blame Melanie for being so wary - it took her fourteen years of her life until now, to perceive people’s full intentions since she had been a victor. Capitol pulled strings from victors, and it had been the exact same for Melanie, especially in her younger years. Melanie remained careful with everyone, besides maybe Joseph Wilford, that guy who had pretended to adopt her, take care of her and give her a purpose out of the District for Capitol ressources.
She had felt manipulated, spied, adored, that Audrey’s confession wasn’t the first one she had heard. Melanie was a freak, people liked freaks. Almost an animal from a district that people liked to play with. Deep down, the woman’s words resounded truly genuine to her ears - unless it was actually something she wanted to hear ? Was she blinded by her own needs ? Having a real attention from Audrey… Melanie would be willing to sacrifice a lot.
Melanie had never heard anything about… what Audrey described from District 12. Whatever happened before the war, it didn’t seem to matter anymore. Should she care ? Perhaps.
“You’re good…” Melanie’s lips formed a smile, a bratty one. “You’re very good, but I don’t trust you. I mean, I can’t trust you, at least not right now.” Even though Audrey’s lips felt genuine, it would be against everything Melanie’s beliefs to give her trust away to a one nightstand, as perfect as it had been. “No need to be offended…” Her eyes trailed on Audrey’s features, whom was looking back at her with intensity, “You’re very desirable, Audrey. I want to believe you, so I will give you a second date.” She bit the inside of her own jaw, knowing that it was sounding how so arrogant, but Melanie just wanted to protect herself. “And for the record, the world outside is not terrifying. It’s the people who are terrible.”
Plate of toasts empty now, Melanie looked back at Audrey, gave it a thought before leaning to set a chaste kiss on the corner of her lips. Quick, but enough to long for more. Barely stepping back, “I need to go now, thanks for breakfast,” she told her, then proceeded to change into her clothes from last night. It would be hard to leave, because all of Melanie’s senses were awake and ready to jump on the woman.
