Rose's mother once told her that love could be the key to the door of happiness, but it could also be a dangerous weapon used against her. Now, she was starting to think the feeling she felt was a danger to herself and Beren.
It was an hour past eight and Ray wasn't knocking on her door, and she started to question whether what she was feeling was love or stupidity. She had brushed her hair, reapplied her makeup, and even sprayed on some of her aunt's pink old perfume. As a younger child, Rose would imagine that the sweet-smelling perfume was a magical potion, and that every spritz of the bottle would give her a sliver of joy, hope, and courage.
Now, as the gentle scent danced in the air, she found herself starting to regret volunteering for the Games. She was for sure going to be punished, her father was alive and held captive, her mother barely spoke to her anymore, and her Mockingjay pin was being strange.
Rose unclipped the little thing and held it in her palm, unsure what to do with it. She stared at it for a while, until the golden little bird looked like it might burst out of its circle cage. As soon as she had the thought, the mockingjay flapped its wings and left the sanctuary of the circle. Rose stared in awe as the bright bird flew around the room.
Then, the little thing was sitting on her palm, its tiny body glowing and warm. "What are you?" Rose breathed.
It met her eyes. They were a glowing amethyst and seemed very wise for such a small creature. I am Aminta, Rose heard in her head, I have been trapped in that golden cage for decades, waiting for it to fall in the right hands.
"I'm going insane," Rose muttered to herself.
No, you're not. I am a magical creature that is real. I would think that you know this, given the scent of magic on you.
"It's just my aunt's perfume."
Are you sure? What color is it?
"The liquid? It's pink, why?"
Look at it.
Rose quickly turned her head in the direction of the bottle. The liquid was no longer the pale pink it had been just a few moments ago. Now, it was a mystical swirling mix of blues, purples, and gold.
"Why didn't you fly out when my mother had the pin?" Rose asked.
She wasn't the right person. You are. But your friend is in danger. If you wish to save her, say so now. Aminta said friend like someone else would say enemy.
Rose sighed. Beren wasn't being the greatest friend in the world right now, but Rose still cared for her a little bit. "Yes, please save Beren."
The dainty wise bird flew towards the door and opened it. A breathless, cursing Beren shoved her way in. "Rose! You can't trust that Ray guard!"
You're welcome. Aminta said sarcastically.
"Who said that?" Beren warily whipped her head around, searching for the voice she heard.
"That's Aminta," Rose replied, "She was the bird in my Mockingjay pin. Aminta is a magic bird that was trapped inside the little circle for–
For how long?"
Too long. Much, much too long.
"Great. So helpful." Beren muttered.
Aminta swooped down, landed on Beren's shoulder, and pecked her in the arm.
"Ow!" She exclaimed.
You try being a piece of metal! I can tell you from experience that it's torturous. It's almost as bad as being trapped in a card. Or becoming a statue. I don't recommend any of them.
There was a long period of silence after that. If magic was real, why hadn't it been exposed all this time? If the Capitol knew about magic, Rose imagined that the people would know, since the only thing that came out of the horrid place was fear. If the rebels knew about magic, there wouldn't even be a Hunger Games. Why was it hidden? Did anyone except her and Beren know it existed?
"–and so that's why I don't trust you." A voice fluttered its way into her room. Katniss. But who did her mother not trust? Another tribute? Another mentor?
Rose crept close to the cracked open door.
"Oh really? I am the president. Why would I ever lie to my people?"
"Because you're the darn president. You're basically Snow, only worse. It shouldn't even be possible, but it is, Marvens." Katniss drew out his name as if it were the most disgusting thing in Panem. Which, he really was.
"Well then, why don't we ask Beren? I'm fairly certain that she's in your daughter's room right now. I have cameras everywhere."
Katniss then called Marvens a very colorful name and pointed a few curses his way. He retaliated by launching into a rant about his position and power.
Rose silently backed away from the door and looked at Aminta for advice.
Only, Aminta turned back into the silent golden pin and was attached to her dress.
The shiny pin started to glow a warm light.
Suddenly, Rose was no longer in control of her body. She grabbed Beren's blood-soaked dress and slammed her into a nearby wall. Rose wanted to pull back and gasp in horror, but her body had other ideas. She clamped her hand down on Beren's mouth before she could cry out, and muttered words that tasted sweet on her tongue.
Before she could blink again, Beren was gone, the pin stopped glowing, and Marvens was into her room.