cruel summer 'n cruel intentions // luna|xaa|thomas|will

She's lounging in a chair, smoke curling from her mouth. The Capitol's lights illuminate her face, the blue and white hues of skyscrapers screaming for attention. My eyes are on her, though. Bottles line the table in front of her. Three other seats circle the makeshift bar, and they each are angled slightly at the girl from district one. She's making it clear which chair is meant for royalty. What does she want?

When the avox delivered the card earlier that day, I had stared at the words "Xoxo, Xaahira Mahdavi" for a solid minute. She had disconcerted me more than any other tribute. More than Elise giving me a makeover or Vallen's fear or Quentin's clear fascination with what's about to get him killed, Xaa had the ability to send chills down my spine. Her eyes were always calculating and strategic, and it was clear when she thought you had a use for her or not. Now, she's making it clear to me.

At first, I thought about tossing the card. I was planning to go into the games alone. It would be easier to stitch up my wounds with no one hovering around me. Besides, people weren't the easiest to deal with anyways and the tributes are definitely no exception. It seems like they were handpicked to make my last few minutes living hell. Xaa, however, seemed to like throwing a wrench into my own plans. At least joining her team will keep me alive longer.

Also, I would never pass up an invitation to self-medicate on the eve of my death.

I found myself slipping past my stylists after a heavy dinner. Will was nowhere to be found, so I didn't go looking for her. Besides, the invitation didn't mention bringing a plus one. Nico and Stella were nowhere to be found, of course. It was starting to feel like they had already given up on us. The only ones who seem to pay attention to my comings and goings were my stylists who are desperate to slather bronzer onto my skin.

As I made my way up to the roof, I had wondered what weird initiation or hazing Xaa had planned.

Seeing her now, I knew that my suspicions of strategy were not unfounded. Four seats, four glasses, four tributes. It's the number of a winning alliance. She's assembling a team who are meant to be loyal to her.

"Isn't it a bit late for sunglasses?" I ask, a tint of suspicion in my normally level voice.

I reach the table and pour a drink into my glass. With a sip, the wine dances on my tongue before gently singeing the back of my throat. I'll need more of that to make it through the night.

The chairs are still empty, so I have my pick. I take the one to Xaa's right side. If she's trying to assemble a court, I need to stay in her good graces. If she needs a right-hand man, I'll be there until it's the time to take the crown for myself.

"What's this all for?" I ask her, hearing the elevator door slide open behind me.