CHAPTER SEVEN
the circus act

THERE IS A BELIEF THAT THE WAY PANEM ACQUIRED HER NAME WAS THROUGH THE PHRASE 'PANEM ET CIRCENSES', AN OLD SAYING THAT MANY WERE UNFAMILIAR WITH. The men down the docks quarrelled about it often in hushed whispers which Eleanor always heard whenever she came to assist with any injuries, their whispers low so they could talk as freely as men at docks could. According to them, it was from one of the old languages and directly meant 'Bread and Circuses'.

In an effort to quench public discontent, they provided food and entertainment: The Hunger Games. 24 children will arrive, 23 will emerge in caskets and 1 will emerge in a crown. That was their circus, watching as each child was carried to the slaughterhouse in luxuries none would have recognised prior. It took Eleanor a while to comprehend that, but she was now a performer, then she'd become a killer, and then she would become a corpse in a tomb, yet another face on the screen that reminded the surviving tributes of her existence.

She'd live through the canon that would echo in the arena in just under a week.

She'd soon simply become a memory to all that loved her. She'd become a grave in Finnick Odair's graveyard, tulips placed on her grave by Finnick and Annie and all that remembered her. The concept seemed suicidal to conclude, but Eleanor realised very quickly that the odds were never going to be in her favour.

She'd just have to shift them so they'd at least be in Kai's.

Eleanor's depressing thought process was forced to a pause when breakfast rolled around. She had woken up with the bedsheets over her frame, tucked in so she wasn't cold. After throwing on a presentable dress, she made her way to the dining room. It was there she saw everyone, Finnick, Mags, Thana, and Kai, all eating breakfast. She sat down and reached over, grabbing a sweet pastry and filling her plate with berries. Finnick began explaining his advice at breakfast, both Eleanor and Kai listening rather contently as they began pooling their plates which foreign luxuries, berries and pastries immediately becoming poison on their tongues. Mags was too busy in thought to even spare a moment of advice, though she nodded at every word delivered by Finnick. "If you want to win, you have to gain attraction. A sponsor can be the difference between life and death in the arena," he elaborated further. "That trident I got? Sponsor. The medicine? Sponsor. You get my gist?"

Kai nodded at him. "So, how do we do that then?"

Mags began in her soft voice. "You can always make them feel sorry for you, give them a sob story. I did that," she gave a small smile, her eyes swirling with emotions Eleanor did not recognise. Perhaps Mags Flanagan had a graveyard which she visited in her withering mind. "Or you can attract them, just like Finnick did."

Finnick nervously shuffled, discomfort permanent on his face as though his skin had been permanently vandalised by the sensation. A deep pang resounded in Eleanor's heart, but she did not know why. "You make them love you and they'll simply buy your way to victory."

Eleanor nodded, cutting the stem off a strawberry and plopping it into her mouth. She swallowed. "So aesthetic appeal and emotional appeal?"

His eyes flickered to Eleanor, widening ever so slightly as though he forgot that one of his tributes was his best friend. Finnick swallowed. "You'd need personas," Finnick nodded finally, reaching over and grabbing a strawberry from her plate. Before she could protest, he plopped it in his mouth with a grin. "If you want to protect the privacy of your lives, play a character of your choosing. The Innocent Kid? The Seductive Beauty? Believe me, they will love it."

Eleanor did not like the idea of using her body to gain attraction, especially from Sponsors. Mags seemed slightly uncomfortable at the mention of Eleanor over sexualising herself for sponsors. Finnick, too, seemed uncomfortable, though, he was simply reiterating his method to victory.

There was something in Mags' eyes that told Eleanor that there was so much more to her discomfort than the idea of a sixteen year old simply using her sexuality. Eleanor hoped she would never find out why.

"Such a gorgeous frame," one woman remarked, her hand stroking Eleanor's collarbone. Her hand moved to her jaw, tilting her head upwards as though to get a closer look at her bone structure. "Strong bone structure, a perfect canvas so we can perfect you even more."

Eleanor was used to the comments on her body, how people her age, regardless of gender, lusted over her. She had a rather voluptuous figure for someone her age and background, many noticed. It was something many craved in District 4 and so they watched contently as Eleanor wandered the grounds. It seemed as though her figure was desired, though Eleanor was never bothered by that.  It wasn't something she despised, though sometimes she wondered if they loved her or her body.

"We never see girls with such bodies!" Another woman gasped, gesturing to Eleanor's chest ever so slightly. "All the girls are always lacking!" The comment reminded Eleanor that the Capitol created a quota and she somehow managed to fit it. The idea alone made her feel ill.

Finally, it seemed as though a gasp from a woman entering finally had all the stylists meekly sauntering away, ashamed. "You barbaric fools! Out, all of you! I will not have this!" She ushered all of them out, shutting the door besides her with a sigh. "Fools, the lot of them. Gawking at a girl as though she's a piece of meat." She finally turned and saw Eleanor, awkwardly standing on a stepping stool, fully nude. She gasped.  "Oh, my sweet, I apologise for them. They're just eager, I'm afraid." She turned, rushing to a draw and pulling out a thin piece of cloth. Heavily sighing,  she tossed Eleanor a robe, turning away so she could put it on.

It didn't cover much, way too thin to actually provide security, though it was better than being fully exposed. Eleanor coughed, signally for her to turn around. As the woman did, Eleanor finally could look at her properly, noticing every small detail she presented in herself. She had long, silky black hair, dark brown skin and wide brown eyes which welcomed Eleanor in ways the other Capitol people hadn't. Her face had small tattoos painted carefully, swirls and stars caressing her skin gently in a gold tinge. She looked as though the moon had personally blessed her, bathed in a beauty that didn't belong anywhere near the Capitol.

"Well, my sweet, my name is Lucille Hathing, though you can call me Lucy or Lu if you prefer nicknames." She finally reached into a bag she was holding, pulling out a seemingly miserable cat. It had an ugly face, but in a way it seemed adorable. It's fur was a greying storm, and it had the widest blue eyes Eleanor had ever seen. She didn't know a cat could possess such eyes. The cat cooed into her as she held her close. "And this is Luna, Luna this is-"

Eleanor filled her in, her voice surprisingly hoarse. "Eleanor."

"Luna, meet Nora." Eleanor gave a smile at the automatic nickname that rolled effortlessly off Lucille's tongue. She placed the cat onto the floor and Luna immediately nuzzled up to Eleanor, allowing her to place her hand on the silver fur. The cat nuzzled more into her, practically pawing at Eleanor to pick her up. As gently as she possible could, Eleanor scooped the feline into her grip, bouncing Luna calmly. However, this seemed to totally perplex Lucille. Her eyebrows furrowed together, lips downturned in thought. "Odd."

"Hm?" Eleanor tilted her head to the side, her eyebrows furrowing together at the comment. "What is?"

Lucille's lips twisted into a bittersweet smile as she looking at the girl. "Luna usually hates the tributes each year," Lucille commented lightly. She observed Eleanor's delicate behaviour with the feline, a smile already on her face. "Though, this is only my first year doing District 4. Was promoted after that girl from District 10 won last year."

Eleanor knew exactly who she was talking about: Odette Marsh. She had watched the girl's games last year with slight terror. Odette Marsh was a silent reaper, as dubbed by the Capitol after her game. She hadn't spoken a single word after she entered the arena, gradually breaking her silence with mumbles during her Victory Tour. 

Though, the entire Capitol was entranced by her beauty and Lucille's styles only enhanced that.

Finnick would mention the girl ever so often, elaborating to Eleanor that she was simply a scared kid who needed as much assistance in navigating Capitol life as possible. Eleanor was glad Odette had someone to get behind in the Capitol, even if it was Finnick. 

"Now," Lucille tutted as she pulled out random fabrics from another bag she had been dragging along with her. She hung the outfit up by the mirror, allowing for Eleanor to finally stare at it. "Sponsors are important and while your mentors have a duty to fulfil, if you want to have them eating from your hands, you must dress the part."

Eleanor nodded, moving to delicately touch the fabric of the skirt. It was silky soft and comforting to feel, though she felt undeserving to wear it. It was a mix of different greens which she had seen on the coast, fake nets woven in. It was a two pieced outfit, the bra being made of different shades of green, just like the skirt, outlined by shells clearly artificially made. "I gotta play my part in the circus, right?"

"Precisely," Lucille nodded. "You already have their attention. There are many who adore your presence at the Reaping ceremony, from you holding that boy's hand in the air without any prompting, to that smile."

Eleanor's smile faltered. I wasn't smiling, I was terrified. But none of the Capitol saw that. They saw a girl who welcomed battle when, in reality, she hide away from the battle scene, happily trading a dagger for a bandage.

But, all they saw was a fighter.

Lucille, however, took no notice, clapping her hands together excitably. "Now, when I was researching about everything to do with District 4, the most obvious thing is the fact they're centred around fishing," A flash of dread went on Eleanor's face, already vividly imagining herself in a fish inspired outfit. She couldn't help cringing as she imagined the Jellyfish outfit worn by Cleo Hermes, Finnick's district partner from his games. She could still perfectly envision the scowl on the blonde girl's face as she waved at the Capitol citizens.  Lucille seemed to notice this, laughing. "Don't worry, my sweet, I will not be pulling that atrocity."

Eleanor relaxed at the reassurance. "So what will I be? An angelfish?" 

Lucille laughed at the remark. "Well, I was thinking a siren of some sorts, you know, the creatures that lure men in to the sea and charm them to their deaths." Her explanation seemed oddly gruesome, though if she was performing in this circus, she'd have to seem that way. She couldn't simply be the Eleanor Eves District 4 was familiar with, she had to be someone else completely.

If she wanted to make it far in the games to help Kai, then she'd have to lure the Capitol in, like a siren.

Finnick had said they better create personas to sway sponsors into actually wanting them to survive, but Eleanor wondered how long she could fake a smile for. She couldn't help the feeling of exposure as she skirt shimmed with every step she took, the bra barely covering her chest and leaving very little for the imagination. She could see the other tributes all preparing for the Tribute Parade with their stylists, some staring at her as she made her way to where her chariot was. The idea of the Capitol citizens eyeing her up with this on was nauseating enough, but the sight of Kai Vains, dressed as one of those sea men the sailors would dress to make the kids laugh, reminded her on why she was going to act the way she was.

She smiled as she saw his blushing face, which Eleanor affectionately squeezed. "You look so cute!" She laughed at his face, which was now bright red, before crouching so she was on his level. His small fingers held onto her hand as she found joy in this moment. "Nervous?"

He hummed in response, picking at his skin to distract himself.

Eleanor's hands snaked down and held onto Kai's, squeezing his hands gently yet firmly. Kai squeezed back, tighter and more needy. He needed her and Eleanor wanted to be there for him. She squeezed his grip once more."Don't be!" Eleanor reassured with a soft smile. Years of helping at St Magdalene Rossetti meant that she saw many children. When Eleanor was fourteen, she was the one in charge of child related medical care, since she had the kindest face. Naturally, that taught Eleanor many things about how to act around nervous children. "We can hold hands if you feel nervous. Is that okay?"

Kai gave a mumbled response, which assured Eleanor that it was okay. She pressed a small kiss to his forehead, making him smile up at her.

"Aren't you two the sweetest?" Lucille cooed at the pair, finally gesturing to Eleanor to stand up. Eleanor nodded and turned towards Lucille, who was busy holding a large crown made of shells.  "I'm so sorry, I just have to perfect this. We will be done soon, my sweet."

Eleanor laughed. "Don't apologise, I'm your canvas, Lu, and believe me, I'm honoured."

Lucille swatted her slightly. "You're my tribute, Nora, and hopefully, my victor. It is an honour to style you so beautifully." She secured the overly bold crown made of shells on her head, then moving to straighten up the necklace Annie gave her. Her hand finally rested on her jaw, tilting her head upwards with a smile. "There. A true siren."

"Thank you, Lu." Eleanor placed a hand on her forearm with a smile, truly grateful. She could only imagine how beautiful she looked in that moment, wondering how others would react.

Finnick Odair could not help the feeling of anxiety as he waited for the tributes to finally arrive. He had done this only once prior, last year, but he had never felt so nervous in all his life. He could hear the low chatters of the greedy, all betting on which tributes will look the most attractive. Ever so often, he'd hear the comment on 'the doll from 4', but simply ignore it. He did not want to hear about the lusts of the men and women who only knew Eleanor Eves from her looks and not who she was.

If they knew her truly, then Finnick Odair wouldn't fault them for loving her. Who could not love such a girl?

He wasn't allowed to see his tributes before the parade, something he hated because he wanted to reassure Eleanor as much as possible. He doubted she would be openly nervous about this though, back home she was always the type of person who sought crowds. Finnick was the opposite, lingering slightly in the dark with Annie, clinging to Eleanor. Of course, his Capitol Persona was nothing like that, but that persona was not the real Finnick.

On his right was Mags, holding his hand out of view from everyone, and to his left was last year's victor, Odette Marsh from District 10. Finnick had took it upon himself to practically take Odette under his wings, since she was now the youngest mentor. He knew exactly how it felt to be so young and isolated and wanted to be the person he never got to have. His eyes flickered on the practically dazed look on Odette's face. Her hair was neatly slicked back with a light peach headband, her black hair brushed behind her ear as she nervously began to peer around. Her soft brown eyes were softened with confusion, her lips parted lightly. She sat in a soft yellow dress, which stood out in the sea of overdressed Capitol people for its casualness.

For a moment, Finnick forgot the fact she was only fifteen, the reminder hitting him hard. She had been his age when she won.

 Odette nervously stared ahead, both her hands folded on her lap as she waited for her tributes. 

"It'll be okay, Odette." Finnick reassured the younger girl. She turned his way, giving a wary smile. "You know how it goes, each year they each come and sponsors go wild. It'll be fine, I promise."

She smile dropped ever so slightly at the mention of sponsors, though it perked up once more when Odette asked him softly, her voice almost a whisper in the wind of jeering Capitol men and women. "Your tributes." Finnick tilted his head to the side slightly, confusion etched in his eyes. He egged her on to continue and Odette coughed slightly. "The girl, she's your friend, isn't she?"

Finnick hesitantly nodded, hoping no one acknowledged Odette's soft question. "Yeah, Nel."

Odette hummed quietly, acknowledging the nickname with a small smile. Her smile faltered ever so slightly.  "She'll be safe, I know it."

The moment the words left her lips, the anthem boomed and cheers erupted. Finnick sat with wide, almost terrified eyes as he watched as each District's tributes were rolled out in golden chariots. His eyes stared at the elated careers, the District 2 girl grinning wildly and waving her hand at sponsors, blowing them kisses. He watched as she turned to her district partner, her eyes dark as she eyed him. It made Finnick's insides shiver. Her partner, a cunning boy, looked proud as he grinned at the women, flashing a smile that had them screaming with joy.

Finnick couldn't help the nauseous feeling in his stomach as he saw that glint in the kid's eyes.

He hoped Eleanor avoided both of them adamantly.

Then, District 4's chariot rolled in and all eyes seemed to focus on Eleanor Eves and Kai Vains. Caesar's commentary on how sweet they looked, with the added beauty of Eleanor, assured Finnick that maybe not everything was doomed.

Well not doomed right now.

He watched as Eleanor held tightly onto Kai's hand, not missed by the camera, a confident smile on her face as she waved at the spectators. She caught onto one of the roses thrown her way, smelling it with a loud smile, and placing it behind Kai Vains' ear. The audience loved them. They loved Eleanor, especially when she winked at passersby and blew them kisses.

Hopefully not too much though, Finnick reminded himself. The nausea never ceased and only worsened when he heard the comments on Eleanor Eves' glorious body.

If they liked her too much, they'd want to have her and Finnick Odair would rather die then give Eleanor away to the greedy.

finnick: I'm not in love with eleanor
also finnick: **literally falls in love with her when she appears in
the tribute parade and is simping**

same finnick, same

ALSO WE FINALLY MET LUCILLE !! LUCILLE <333 AND HER CAT LUNA

luna is baby

i love luna sm

now shit does get real from here on out. im scared but excited for all of you fr