The Ride Along
Everyone in the room is talking amongst themselves, catching up on old time or just liking to talk about the idea of seeing the future. Then the screeching of the intercom is heard again. “We will now begin to watch the next scene so if everyone could take a seat.”Wade says over the intercom as everyone does so.
The scene opens to show Florence and Odessa talking as Odessa tries to do her dress which is an all black dress with a slit down her thigh with a long dark blue dress coat that has simple blue lighting cracks decorating the bottom and the sleeves. Her platinum blonde hair is gelled back strongly as it ends in a tightly wrapped ponytail something she finds horrible and knows will cause her hair alot of damage, not that the capitol can’t fix it plus the hairstyle is one of the hottest styles in the capitol at the moment. “With me wearing this I don’t want to know what Daniel’s wearing.''Florence says as she looks at her outfit, finding it stupid at the highest point. “Cheer up, it could be worse. Remember the dress you wore at your hunger games interview.”Odessa says, making the girl cringe as she remembers.
The outfit she was wearing was a light blue dress with tons of lighter blue lighting strikes twirling around the dress to match the male tribute who wore a suit jacket with the same design, it was horrible. “Yeah…this is way better.''Florence says as she steps down as Odessa finishes. “Yes it is.''Odessa says as she gestures for Florence to do a quick twirl. “Good to go now when you walk out you and Daniel will meet down at the ground floor at your chariots that are in the front.''Odessa says before kissing the girls cheek and sending on her way, making sure no lipstick got onto the girls cheek.
Florence walks down to the chariots going straight to hers, smiling at those she passes kindly before arriving at her chariot where Daniel already awaits. She looks over his outfit, which is a lot better than hers in her opinion. He wears his dirty blonde hair brushed to the right light gel at the ends to keep it in the position. His outfit consists of a dark blue button up decorated with white wisps in a pattern and a pair of all black pants covered by a suit jacket that has shoulder pads with fringes and rope on the left arm pointing into an arrow at the end of the sleeve light markings, the same as the one on his shirt near the mid section of the jacket.
“You look nice, better than me certainly.”Florence says as she looks down at her outfit. “You look fine like…a lighting strike.”Daniel says jokingly to the girl as he shoots finger guns at her. “Ha ha very funny you George Washington looking man. I’m gonna go look for Finnick or Johanna.”Florence says, making Daniel nod. “Be careful.”He says as he sees the girl walk away towards the district 4 horses.
As she makes it to the district 4 horses she sees Mags sitting in the chariot making her smile as she climbs in to sit beside her. “Hey Mags.''She says smiling to the woman who smiles at her. “Florence, lovely to see you.''She says looking at the girl, her speech strained. “We saw each other a month or two ago but it feels longer doesn't it?"Florence asks the woman who nods. “Hey Mags ...stay close to me and Finnick please.”Florence asks, holding the woman’s hands. Mags just claps her hand on top of the young girl. “Oh Florence…I love you and Finnick’s kindness but..if it comes down to it, I know I’ll die. And I would rather it that way rather than you or Finnick. I’ve lived life, you two haven’t yet.''Mags says as she cups the woman's jaw as a tear starts to fall. “Ok Mags…I’ma go find Finnick now.''Florence says as Mags nods at her with one last smile before she exits the chariot going to look for Finnick.
Many in the room look at the two tributes mentioned with sympathy at what the woman said.
“Finnick!”The girl screams out as she sees him getting a sugar cube from one of the platters. The man turns around confused until he sees the girl making him smile. “Florence!”He says with equal enthusiasm as they hug. “Sugar cube?”He asks the girl who shakes her head. “I’m pretty sure something is in that only for horses to eat, plus sugar is a no.”Florence says looking at the boy who shrugs. “If it is then I won’t be too surprised.”Finnick says before eating a sugar cube and grabbing another.
”I was about to go talk to Katniss, you know the idea of pushing her to her limits is what we're going with,you wanna tag along.''Finnick asks the girl who shrugs. “Lead the way surfer boy.''Florence says, causing Finnick to shake his head.
“Seems like Florence beat me to the water jokes already.”Daniel says trying to brighten the mood back up from how sad it became after the scene with Mags.
“You only say that because you suck at surfing.''Finnick says, making the girl push him. “You’ve been doing this your whole life, I haven't…so I say I’m fairly good for just learning the past few years.”Florence says, making the boy shake his head and nudging her back. “Don’t nudge too much, don’t want the capitol to complain about wrinkles do we?''Florence says teasingly to the boy with a bit of an undertone of seriousness knowing exactly how the capitol is about any imperfection. “No…come on.''Finnick says as he and Florence walk ahead, comfortable silence in between them, the clear tension by the mention of the capitol there as well.
“Katniss!”Finnick calls out, catching the girl's attention as she turns away from petting the horses and towards the duo. “Finnick, Florence.”Katniss says, glancing at the two. “Want a sugar cube?”he asked the girl. “I mean it’s supposed to be for the horses, but…”He trails off holding it out to the girl. “You only know that because I told you.”Florence says to the man who sends a charming smile her way.
Florence just shakes her head before looking towards Katniss, mildly checking her out.“Who cares about the horses though, they have years to eat sugar while me, you, and Florence ... .if we see something sweet we better grab it”Finnick trails off making Florence look at him with a hard glare. “Excuse Finnick he’s a bit eccentric.”Florence says to the girl a slight smile on her face as Finnick rolls his eyes.
“No thanks”Katniss says when referring to the sugar cube. “I would love to borrow the outfit sometime though.”Katniss says looking at the man’s outfit which is just him shirtless with a fishnet cloth around his lower half. A chuckle escapes Florence’s mouth as she raises an eyebrow at the brunette. “I’m sure you’d pull it off.”Florence says with a smirk.
Peeta has an eyebrow raised at the interaction before looking at the two girls at front who seem fairly comfortable with each other, even if it is the future. ‘If I’m Katniss' husband in the future, why am I not here with her and those two are? I mean I could always change her feelings for me, I had to’ He thinks clear confusion and unbeknownst to him anger and jealousy rising.
Suddenly a person appears making everyone jump up all scared fist up ready to attack if need be. The person in the middle of the room is in the same position. Katniss slowly walks forward Johanna and Florence behind her to see it’s Peeta, their Peeta. Katniss hugs him as he comes out of his shock and hugs back before Florence and Johanna hug the boy as well. “I was just told I’d be coming to this room….”Peeta trails off as he sees others looking at him, some he knows to be dead. “Yeah come sit by us and we’ll explain everything.”Florence says, patting the man’s back as he follows them as she sits down and has Johanna pour her some more liquor in her cup as it was getting low.
After Peeta understands everything he looks towards his past self and then at the girls. “They don’t know, do they?”Peeta asks, making the girl shake their head, Florence wearing a mischievous smirk as Peeta sighs. “God, they're in for a rude awakening.”He says before everyone turns to the screen as Deadpool starts back up the scene.
“It’s a shame…this quarter quell thing..you could’ve had anything you wanted jewels, money.”He lists off running his hands over the collar of Katniss outfit. Katniss' side eyes the man. “I don’t like jewels, and I have more money than I need.”Katniss says, making FInnick smile. “You and Florence are just two sides of the same coin then.”Finnick says before he pops another sugar cube in his mouth.
“More than you know Finnick, more than you know.”Future! Peeta says to the man who looks confused but knows to look out for the interactions the two have.
Katniss merely hums. “How do you spend all your money anyways Finnick?”Katniss says to the man making a small frown make its way on both of the older victor’s faces before they are covered up. “Oh..I haven’t dealt with anything as simple as money for years.”He replies. “Then how do people pay for your oh so delightful company?”Katniss asks making Florence send a minor glare at the woman, not that Katniss is aware with how focused she seems to be on Finnick, but Finnick catches this out of the corner of his eye as he wraps his arm around the woman’s shoulder patting it in a friendly gesture before smiling back towards Katniss.
“With secrets.”Finnick says before leaning closer to where the two’s lips are a mere centimeters apart. “What about you, girl on fire. Any secrets worth my time.”Finnick asks. Katniss looks at the man. “No…I’m an open book, many seem to know my secrets before I do.”Katniss says standing her group against the man making a look of amusement quickly flash through Florence’s eye.
She taps Finnick’s shoulder. “I'm going to look for Johanna before we board up. Nice meeting you Katniss, maybe whenever you borrow Finnick’s outfit I’ll be there to witness it.”Florence says winking at the girl who blushes at the comment, something that doesn’t go unnoticed by FInnick as he looks between the two females.
“You were cause I am most certain you three have done…some things”Peeta says, whispering over to the girl who only smirks, holding a finger up to her mouth, winking at the man before turning back to the front.
When she goes to find Johanna she’s by her carriage already preparing to get on her mark. “Tree there you are, you gonna make me some wood soon?”Florence asks, leaning on the side of the carriage carefully to not mess up her dress or make up. “The day you give me some electricity.”Johanna replies with a smirk on her face
“You both do know electricity doesn’t work with wood right?”Jack says, causing the two females to turn to each other with amusement on their faces. “Why not?”Johanna asks, causing Jack to sigh. “Because wood is not a conductor of electricity so if it was hit by electricity it would just absorb it, matches y’alls relationship pretty well now that I think about it.”Jack says his finger tapping his chin before shrugging at the realization. “I’ll agree with Jackie chan, it does fit our relationship well.”Florence says, winking at Johanna who merely raises her eyebrow at the woman before turning back to the front having to look behind them to talk to Jack.
“Hmm…that day seems to be coming sooner than later. See you later Johanna.”Florence says.
“Healing the world with comedy seems to be all of our styles, I think the writer might have some problems if she does this to her characters in her books, especially if you’ve read some of her others..”Deadpool mutters to himself the intercom mic off.
As the music starts playing and she rushes to her chariot where Daniel awaits to help her onto the carriage. “Ready to do this again?”Daniel asks as Florence shakes her head, her anxiety creeping up on her at being presented to the capitol again, the interviews, and the impending death of some people even if the plan succeeds. “Calm…I got you.”Daniel says, squeezing her hand before they are pushed out into the crowds after district 4 waving and ‘charmingly’ smiling at the crowds before they come to their stop in the City Circle.
“Aww, are you worried about little old me danny, don’t worry I’m alive!”Florence says to the man who raises his glass to the woman who raises hers back as she downs it with the man getting a very stern look from both of her girlfriends making Future!Peeta chuckles from beside Katniss making her glare at him.
Both of the two’s eyes turn when they hear the crowd get louder seeing Katniss and Peeta coming in being on fire, similar to last year both mesmerized by the outfits and the people behind them before turning their attention to President Snow as he start talking with the typical speech before the capital theme plays and then their pushed into the training center where the door closes behind them.
The two are met by Odessa and Jack as they smile at them as the two tributes get off their chariots. “Wonderful performance, and you looked marvelous.”Odessa said, clapping her hands happily as she looked between the two. “I think the star-crossed lovers won us out.”Daniel says, shrugging before they are approached by the workers ushering them to the elevator’s.
“I think we were meant to”Peeta says flatly to the duo who shrugs. “Even past me knows it’s the truth…I’m just more appealing as I’m nicer than you.”Future!Peeta says making Florence let out a dry ‘ha ha’.
Florence sees Johanna breaking off from Daniel and waits until the girl catches up with her. “Hey”Florence says as Johanna looks at the girl with a mix of anger on her face. “I’m tired of being a tree.”Johanna says, sighing trying to contain her anger. “Yeah well…welcome to the 75th hunger games.”Florence says with a sigh of her own as the two make it to the elevator. “Hold it!”Florence calls out, placing her hand in between the crack as she and Johanna walk in to see all of the district 12 tributes, old and new, in the elevator.
“Oh god not this”is heard from everyone in the future who look down not wanting to see this scene at all making everyone from the present even more curious to what could possibly be that bad that they regret it, especially in an elevator.
“I’m pretty sure the actors are still embarrassed by this scene to this day.”Wade says over the comms making the people from the future groan not understanding the actor part but are feeling the same way the ‘actors’ are.
Johanna tosses her headdress off and throws it on the floor not caring where it lands, making FLorence look at the girl confused while she merely winks at Florence making the girl sigh. “Why am I just involved in everyone’s plans today?”She mutters under her breath already over this entire game that the other two in the alliance are trying to pull off.
“You're just so easy to get along with…you're our witness as well so we can’t even say we’re doing anything wrong now can we.”Finnick says with his award winning smile on his face as he looks at the girl. “Oh sharkboy go out and sing me a song about sleeping.”Florence says, making Daniel gasp with laughter. “How have I never called you sharkboy. You are forever branded as that kid in my head now.”Daniel says, making Finnick groan. “You’ll come up with something worse I bet.”Finnick says to the man.
“Isn’t my costume awful? My stylist's the biggest idiot in the Capitol. Our tributes have been trees for 40 years under her. Wish I’d gotten Cinna, you look fantastic.”Johanna says, making Florence shake her head. “Taking being a tree over painted all white nude for paper anyday, wouldn’t you?”Florence says, looking at the woman who shakes her head.
“She’d probably prefer the white paint from what we know.”Future!Peeta says as the quartet from the future avoid looking at the screen all together, just having to deal with the audio of it all.
Johanna then continues to undress herself in front of the other four, unzipping her dress completely and kicking it somewhere as people in the elevator stare at her nude body.
Many gasps are heard around the room at the scene while simply looking at the screen with interest. “Look away ya pervs.”Odessa says, hitting her heels on the people’s heads closest to her and throwing them to hit those not in arms reach causing many ‘ows’ to be heard around the room.
“Maybe this room is a horrible place.”Johanna says as she takes Florence’s cup and drinks a gulp of the liquor and gives the rest back to the brunette.
Florence looks away trying to be respectful refocusing her eyes on one of the other three, all who seem interested in seeing the woman’s body, which is a bit surprising to Florence whenever it comes to Katniss but…guess Peeta is a big beard, something she doesn’t blame the girl for with how the capitol is.
The ding of the elevator finally stopping is heard causing Florence to sigh. “I’m not going to strip naked like she did but this is my leave.''Florence says slightly smiling to the two before walking off the elevator with Johanna behind her, clothes in hand.
Everybody from the future let out a sigh of relief after hearing that as they look back up at the screen while everyone else in the room are looking at the four at the front with more interest, mystery, and something else.
“Why are you coming with me?”Florence asks, hearing Johanna’s heels clicking behind her. “To talk of course, if we are to mess with her you have to be onboard.”Johanna says, making Florence roll her eyes as she turns to look at the woman before remembering the girl is naked making her turn back around. “Please put on some clothes.”Florence says, making Johanna chuckle as she walks past her, FLorence’s eyes accidentally trailing down her back before she goes into her room getting change of clothes that the capitol provides, mainly just training outfits.
Whenever Johanna returns she sits on the couch while Daniel walks out of his room. “Johanna what a surprise, what are you doing here?”He asks, running his hand through his chair having just changed. “I’ve come to talk but…I did an experiment with Katniss..and may I say I am intrigued.”Johanna says. “Odessa and Jack should be up soon but with what?”Daniel asks as he sits down with two glasses and a bottle of some brown alcohol in his hand as he offers a cup to Florence who gladly takes it. “Oh..you are a lifesaver.”Florence groans out happily as Daniel pours her a cup and she downs it quickly, liking the rush of the alcohol down her throat, the burning easing her mind a bit of the nerves that are occurring due to being back in a training center..
“Anyways…Katniss seemed to be very interested in me stripping naked, even if she has her “star-crossed lover” fiancee.” Johanna says with hand quotes and amusement strong in her voice. “Alright sure, I’ll bite. If she’s into you-a very low probability-what do we do with the information?”Florence says, throwing her legs up on the couch with another cup of alcohol in hand, her legs coming across Johanna’s lap as she takes a sip. “Nothing…I just think it’s nice to have the information.”Johanna says, shifting so both her and FLorence are comfortable, making Florence squint her eyes at the woman.
“Are you interested?”Daniel asks the redhead who looks at him as he takes a sip from his glass. “Come on there's no secret about lots of the victors having some sort of attraction to the same type of person as themselves, those were friends with anyway, which isn’t a lot.”Daniel says with an all-knowing look at the woman.
Many around the room look down, not from shame but knowing that there is always the possibility of people reacting horribly. Florence looks towards the old Peeta knowing he probably is gonna be the one with the worst reaction from what Katniss has told her and Johanna about their relationship with each other, though their happy Peeta came to his senses.
Johanna looks at Florence and then Daniel with a raised eyebrow. “Alright look if it helps Florence is not attracted to guys like Finnick and I am attracted to anyone that has a nice personality.”Daniel says knowing that the capitol has camera’s therefore hidden messages about this type of thing has to be said, and praying that Johanna can read inbetween the lines. “Bingo!”Daniel says as he sees the look of realization come across Johanna’s face as he brings his cup up to his lips downing it in full before leaning back in the armchair he’s sitting in.
“I’m surprised you didn’t say Yahtzee.”Florence says to the man who shrugs even though she remembers the conversation very well.
Johanna sighs, rubbing her forehead before looking up at the two. “Get me a cup, I’ma need a drink since we’re doing this.”Johanna says making Florence chuckle as she looks to one of the Avox gesturing for them to get another cup, finding it a bit sad of their life cause she would definitely take death over being an Avox.As the Avox sets a cup in Johanna’s hand Florence nods her head in thanks as Daniel pours Johanna’s cup of alcohol.
Suddenly the ding of the elevator is heard making them turn to see Odessa and Jack walking in smiles on their faces before they see the trio. “Oh what a surprise, what are you doing here Johanna?”Odessa asks, looking at the woman. “Having a drink and then going to bed.''Johanna says quickly downing the drink Daniel gives her and then starts walking to the elevator. “You don’t have to leave because of us.”Jack says, causing Johanna to shake her head. “I’m not, it’s late and we have training in the morning so it’s for the best.''Johanna says, sending one last smile to the duo before gesturing to the phone doing a call motion to Florence before getting in the elevator and making her way to her floor.
“I’ma head to bed too, night Danny Phantom and friends.”Florence says before walking to her room, deciding against calling and taking Johanna’s words to heart and deciding to get a good night of sleep before the screen fades to black.
The scene opens to show it is now night as Florence and Daniel are walking around their floor in the training center before sitting on the couch. A ring from the elevator alerts the two that people are coming, making them curious and confused as the stylists are in their own rooms, they are each other’s mentors and tributes, meaning no one should be coming onto their floor. The two quickly jump up grabbing the nearby knives off the table on edge as they are back in the hunger games and though fighting before the games is prohibited, it does happen.
“Already back to killing..no surprise there.''Peeta says, making Daniel and Florence roll their eyes at the male who is forever starting to get on their nerves. “Ya know you're a lot better now.''Florence says to the older blonde who smiles at her. “Yeah…I’ma be apologizing for him the whole time I‘m here most likely.''Peeta says sheepishly as Florence chuckles nodding her head at the man.
Haymitch walks out of the elevator making the two let out a sigh of relief as they place down the knives knowing the man is no threat, especially if he drunkenly wandered his way here hitting the wrong button on the elevator or something along those lines. “Haymitch, what do we owe the pleasure?''Daniel asks as the man walks in not stumbling as much as usual but rather seeming in the right mindset. “You're not drunk? Came for a drink?''Florence asks, gesturing to the bottle of liquor on the table the two got out but hasn’t been touched yet. “Tempting…yes ...later”Haymitch says his eyes trained on the bottle before he turns back to the tributes.
“What is it then…we have important things to do…such as enjoy the last few days we have before our inevitable death.”Florence says as she grabs one of the glasses and the bottle as Haymitch turns it down. “Just that…your death..or the games rather.”Haymitch says, peaking the two's interest as Daniel sits up straight from laying down. “We’re listening.”Daniel says, gesturing for the man to continue. Haymitch shakes his head before gesturing to the room and his eyes and ear making the two understand. He grabs a sheet of paper and shows it to the duo. It reads ‘Meet me on the roof in a few minutes after I walk out.’ making the two nod as Haymitch then takes Florence mug out of her hand and downs it making the girl a bit shocked but allows the man to have it before he leaves, as he needs to keep up the front of an alcoholic before he leaves the room the sound of the elevator closing playing through the room.
As the two district 5 tributes come to be on top of the roof they are faced with Finnick and Johanna also being on top of the roof making them look at each other. “Haymitch?”Johanna asks, causing them to nod. “Haymitch.”Florence says before she walks over to Johanna with a slight smile on her face. “Ya know, being out of clothes that resemble a tree really fits you.”Florence says smirking at the girl who glares at her. “You being out of electric clothes fits you.”Johanna says, making Florence cringe at the outfits she has to wear. “Touche”She says before the two let out a simple laugh before turning to see Daniel and Finnick talking with each other before the sound of the elevator is heard.
“All you two ever bicker about is electricity and trees….I’m glad that doesn’t translate over to me and water honestly.”Finnick says looking at the two, always wondering how the two are even friends with how much they rag on each other. “I will start making surfer jokes if you want them to come too easy.”Daniel says, making Finnick roll his eyes. “No thanks yours will all be about being wet.”Finnick says, causing Daniel to let out a mocking ‘aww’. “You know me too well that it’s no fun fish fin.”Daniel says, making Finnick shrug while cringing at the nickname that was added at the end of the sentence..
“Ya know Finnick your body and water do mix really well. It’s like you're the older version of Poseidon, as you’ve been fancasted many times.”Deadpool says through the intercom making people confused. “What?”Finnick asks, making Deadpool chuckle. “Never mind the readers know what I’m talking about.”Wade says with an all knowing look.
Haymitch walks out making everyone look towards him as he smiles. “Good you're all here. I am asking for an alliance between y’all four and Katniss and Peeta.”Haymitch says, making Johanna scoff at the mere notion. “Uh…they’ll be dead at the end of this as we all will.''Johanna says, making Florence pinch her arm causing the girl to glare at the woman.
“A rebellion is happening, Plutarich the game maker you all met is in on it. We just have to protect Katniss until the end of it, and Peeta too.''Haymitch says, peaking everyone’s interest even more. “This is a symbol for being allies as I told Katniss and Peeta.''Haymitch says, giving Daniel, FInnick, and Florence their boxes but Johanna refuses, causing Haymitch to nod. “That’s why I didn’t get you one.''Haymitch says. “Fine…but we all make it alive.''Florence says, making the man nod. “I know you will.''Haymitch says before exiting the roof area leaving the four tributes behind in bewilderment as they look at themselves. “Guess the couple just became a lot more important than, best to get to know ‘em.”Florence says before walking off and into the elevator going back to the district 5 floor as the screen fades to black