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『ʜᴏᴡ ᴛʜʏ ᴇᴠɪʟ ʀᴇᴍᴀɪɴs』

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"Hunter, you have to go, my love." Finnick murmurs into her hair before kissing the top of her temple softly. Her body tenses against his as his hands cling to the thin fabric protecting her. His chest physically tightens at the thought of her having to go back there.

Both would rather stay here under their designated tree forever. Where no Games and no vile presidents or men can harm or touch them ever again.

"Please." Finnick begs, licking his lips. They had already risked to much being gone this long, but both knew this would most likely be the last time they could get away with this... which is why it meant so much. His back presses against the rough bark of the tree trunk, unwilling. Unwilling to give in, unwilling to move, unwilling to let go.

Hunter angles her head back, eyes meeting Finnick's as she cups his cheek and his long lashes flutter shut at her touch and their foreheads meet. Their breath intertwines as their chests heave in sync, words unspoken hurt more than ones puncturing the air.

"I can't lose you." Hunter whispers against his lips.

"You won't." Finnick couldn't stomach the thought of what would happen to her or what she would do if she did.

He knows when it comes to the Games it will be him. He knows his fate was written long ago. And he knows he will go into that arena and willingly lay down his life for the woman he's loved since the 66th Hunger Games. It doesn't matter if they're an old friend or an ally, every other Tribute stood in no comparison, and it would be the easiest desicioon of his life.

He wanted Hunter to win, and run. He wanted her to live the life she was meant to live, even if it was without him. The Capitol, her godforsaken brother, Snow... none of them deserved her. Finnick even felt as though he didn't deserve her most days. Her radiance, her strength, her beauty, he feels as though he tarnishes it, just like everything he touches.

The gorgeous fourteen year old boy that went into the his Games ten years ago had a reason. He didn't know it then, but he found out that next year he was meant to live for her.

But now?

Living and victory be damned.

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The spring air nips at Hunter's neck as she makes the agonizingly long walk back to District 7 and through the Victor Village... which had never felt so stretched before today. But she knew what she was walking back into, and the consequences he would make her face for her actions to escape earlier. Her gaze lands upon Johanna's house, merely steps away from hers. The gravel crunching beneath her bare-feet turns sharp thinking about her. Johanna.

Johanna.

Guilt crushes her windpipe as she turns on her heel to enter her house instead. Johanna's future lay in the same probability as hers, but she knew she had already pushed far more than she should have. But since her imminent death swirls above her head like storm clouds in her mind... she couldn't bring herself to care as much anymore.

As the door clicks shut behind her, before her foot can step forward a hand wraps around her throat and a pang of nausea washes over her as her head slams into the wood. Fuck-

Hunter feels rigid, disgusting breath fan over her face and her eyes refocus on the monster in front of her as the grip on her throat tightens, oxygen lodging in her throat.

"Don't you ever, ever pull a stunt like that again." Damien warns. "Do you understand?" Shadows dance around Hunter's vision, spots forming in the corners. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND!" Damien screams. Strained, choking noises escape Hunter's lips, her stare piercing into Damien's darkened eyes before a deranged chuckle vibrates against his iron grip.

"You can't kill me." The taunt falls sharp off her tongue. "You need me to be your precious little Victor." Her words strain as she begins to fade. Damien breath rages as he leans forward til their faces touched. Hunter's nostrils flare in disgust as she fights to turn away.

The devil grins sadistically. "But that doesn't mean I can't have my way with you until then." He chuckles darkly, bringing his lips to her ear. "There are punishments worse than death, dear sister." He releases her roughly and Hunter's lungs immediately gasp desperately for air as her body contorts, crumpling over as she struggles to regain her full capacity when suddenly pain strikes her cheek, jerking her head upward as Damien backhands her. "You don't have to be on camera again for a few months." He says, pulling the cuffs of his suit down his wrist. "We can have all the fun until then." He grabs a fist full of hair, jerking her up and bringing her body into his. "To remind you never speak to me that way again."

Emotionless expression settles on Hunter's face as a single tear breaks free from the corner of her eye and rolls down her cheek while Damien's hand slips the material off her shoulder. She will never truly be free...

Until her canon is released in that arena.

And maybe not even then.

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𝟶ʙᴜᴛᴛᴇʀʙɪsᴄᴜɪᴛ𝟽 sᴘᴇᴀᴋs!

Hello, hello lovely readers.. long time no see...

I was going to update on Tuesday in honor of Sunrise on the Reaping AND today, but unfortunately did not finish this chapter in time... BUTTT it is finally here!! And it was a rough one... :(

My disgust & hatred for Damien cannot even begin to be put into words & I hope y'all truly hate him as much as I do... he has everything that's coming to him is all I can say rn... but oh Finnick & Hunter WILL absolutely destroy me I fear... gosh the way they are both so willing to lay down their lives for each otherrrr, I can'tttt...

Anywayssss, even though it's been FORVER, I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter!! I cannot wait for this book to continue as we're just getting started!! Also someone commented & asked for a prequel book for Hunter & her Games, her & Damien's lore, her & Finnick, etc. And since I've created this book I've ALWAYS wanted to write that bc there is SO much backstory for Hunter & her story!! Sooo... if that's something y'all would be interested innnn... pls let me know & I think that will definitely be something for the future of this series ;)

I cannot wait to read Sunrise on the Reapinggg, so no spoilers!! Hoping to get it tomorrow!! Pls don't be afraid to comment your thoughts, questions, & reactionssss!! And until next time... may the odds be ever in your favor, mwah!!

HAPPY 2 YEARS BURNING OUTLIERS & HAPPY 13 YEARS HUNGER GAMES!! <3333