Cinna #18 TEASER

No one is there when I arrive. I pour a glass of water and take a seat, but I'm not kept waiting long. When the door opens, it's not Portia who enters. It's President Snow. He comes in and I can see that he leaves two large gentlemen in suits outside the door.

I manage a polite smile even though my mouth goes dry. "Mister President." I stand up to greet him and clasp my hands behind my back, knowing this makes me appear relaxed even though my hands are shaking.

"Cinna," he says and takes a seat, instantly clicking into the computer. He turns the screen toward him so I cannot see it. 

"I'm surprised to see you here, sir. The Opening Ceremonies..." The president always says a few words to the tributes at the City Circle from the balcony of his mansion.

"Yes." His tone is cool, but I try to tell myself he's simply being formal; that it isn't suspicion making him reserved. "I don't have a lot of time, so I'll be brief." He motions me to sit and I suddenly wonder where Portia could be since we were both told to be here.

When I take a seat, the president leans back in his own chair and quietly regards me before speaking. "I want you to dress Katniss in her wedding gown for Caesar's interview."

Cinna #17 TEASER

I really did not mind designing twenty-four wedding gowns for Katniss. Truth be told, I could have designed twenty more because I enjoyed it so much. Getting away from Caesar after the presentation of the photo shoot had been a challenge. I had been told that I was only going to be introduced, but Caesar kept his hand on my arm the entire time the cameras were on us. Tonight was as much my night as it was Katniss'. Caesar asked me question after question as each of the final six dresses were revealed.

I do not want to be anywhere near cameras, however, when the Quarter Quell is announced.

Cinna update, Drabble 16

I've seen scars from a lash before. It makes me worry why she feels she has to lie to me about what happened. I turn to get a foundation sponge and she steps away to put on a light robe. She's limping and this injury is obviously more recent. Taking her hand in mine, I hold it up so she stands still. The robe drapes to her knees so I can easily see the swelling of her left ankle and the purple discoloration of her heel. She stares at me with an expression that tells me not to ask.

Using a blender and sponge, I complete the task of hiding the scar and work in silence as I adjust her makeup and touch her cheeks with a light brush to soften them. I add a touch of silver around her eyes to brighten the gray. The effect mutes the steel-like quality of her eyes.

"You don't have to protect me, you know," I say very quietly as I work.

"Yes, I do," she says just as softly in a flat voice.

Cinna #15 TEASER

"Caesar and I were just discussing the wedding," the president says as he puts his hand on Caesar's shoulder and brings him into our conversation, "and I'd like you to design Katniss' wedding gown."

I feel irritated on Katniss' behalf that he would presume so much about her own wedding, but thanks to Peeta I know why he's pushing this agenda. "I would, of course, be honored to do it," I say, keeping my feelings out of my voice, "but I wouldn't presume to know what Katniss' wishes are about such a monumental day in her life. A bride's dress is-"

"I'm certain she'd want you," the president says dismissively, cutting me off. He turns to Caesar who is practically bouncing.

Cinna update, Drabble 14

The victory tour takes Cinna, Katniss and Peeta to all the districts, but Cinna finds a surprise waiting for him in District 4.

You can find Cinna on Fanfiction.net under this link.