The thing about the Hunger Games, is that even if you win, you end up losing. You're the last one standing but it feels as if there's nothing inside. You've left the arena long ago but a part of you remains in the streak of bloodshed. Your hands will never be clean, the demise of innocent and sinners alike stained in your mind. 

Adaliya Longhurst had known since she was a little girl that she was much to fragile for the horror of the Hunger Games, and yet, when her name was called, she wasn't even slightly shocked. She'd seen people she loved die the same way — her sister torn apart by an evil girl from District Two and her younger brother not even surviving the initial bloodbath. Her parents, in an attempt to rebel had gotten themselves killed, and not even a year later, the only living child was thrown into the Games to die. The lineage of a family that had nothing but cause problems for the Capitol was set to a screeching halt, and would have if the brunette hadn't fought her way out.

Snow knew who she was and what her family stood for, when she came out the other side he made sure none of that would come to pass again. Forced to live within a large building in the Capitol center, Adaliya made her public appearances and kept that smile plastered on her face for Panem to see.

She knew the things they said about her in the Districts, that she was a traitor, a disgrace to her family name. They believed the news of her settling into Capitol life, refusing to return to District Five because she simply enjoyed life in riches so much better and even going as far to believe that she'd requested Snow to cut off their yearly supply of grain and oil.

The people of the Capitol adored her, they would hang on to every soft word that came out of her mouth, but she'd never cared what they thought. They weren't her people, they stood for everything she hated — and yet now she's seen as one of them.

Adaliya was a pawn, one that Snow had used in his advantage in the game of life. For years she'd simply lived with it, there was no other choice. She would greet the new victors with warm smiles and took pictures with her 'adoring' fans as if she was the happiest person in the world. She feared for her life if she hadn't done what she was told. She knew exactly what would happen if she stepped out of line — District Five may hate her, but her love for them ran so deep her heart ached every time she thought of them.

It wasn't until Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark came along that she finally felt some reprieve. Two teenagers entangled in a web of rebellion and emotion, something she knew about better than anybody. Yet their rebellion sparked something more than hope, it also brought consequences. 

Adaliya knew the moment once the Quell was announced that she would be the one to return to the arena. She knew her fellow victors would be a little kinder, a little more understanding, but watching the way their faces fall when she walked by told her that they cared nothing for her either. All except one because if there was anybody who knew what it was like to be taken advantage of by Snow and the Capitol, it was Finnick Odair.

Adaliya grew to trust him rather quickly, nobody had bothered to know her in a long time. 

Her ticket to freedom lay on the shoulders of one girl, Katniss Everdeen of District Twelve, and yet all she could see was into the future. A future where she could actually show a true smile, laugh with happiness around the people she loved. 

A future where people could see her.

Olivia Cooke ... Adaliya Longhurst
XXII. District V.

Sam Claflin ... Finnick Odair
XXIV. District IV.

Eva Green ... Cassiopeia Locket
XXXVII. Capitol.

AND...
Richard Madden ... Marcel Fraiser
As described ... Hemera Amitere

the rest of the cast as their respective characters.

disclaimer. this story contains themes of violence, blood, death, war, weapons, abuse and strong language which may be triggering to certain people. please read at your own risk.

credits. the gifs and photos i used do not belong to me, i found then on pinterest, rights go to their rightful owners. this plot idea was created by the amazing and talented sporadicstarsx and this AMAZING cover by girldirt (go follow them!!) psd is renaissance by @ breewaffle on deviantart.

dedications. elliemosbyy starxsky3 yoongidoyeons strwbcrrykisses AUGUSTG4RDEN yanefilms cosmonism