"Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor," said our representive from the capitol, Priscilla. She had a new wig every year, this year it was a seaweed color green afro with sea blue dyed skin to match. One of the girls stated it made her look like a creepy mermaid.
Yes it was that time of year again, sure my district had the best chance of winning but believe it or not District 2 hasn't won a game in years. Apparently the special training given at the academy wasn't that useful afterall. I scanned those standing around me, I noticed my little 12 year old sister Jewels standing nervously. I gave her a sympathy smile, if her name was reaped I'd volunteer. That was the agreement I made with my parents, but my childhood best friend Cato refused. He said if I volunteered he'd volunteer.
Then Priscilla interrupted my thoughts, "Now! Ladies first," she walked toward the huge crystal bowl that was half empty. My district doesn't normally need to volunteer for the games since we don't need the Tessera, but some do for the heck of it.
"Clove Fuhrman," I was in utter shock. I walked over with confidence but slowly, waiting for one of the graduates from the academy to volunteer. Nobody did. So I had the peacekeeper help me up the metal stage and I looked over the crowd with a smirk on my face, but in reality I wanted to breakdown. I saw my little sister who was sobbing, my parents who were squeezing each others hands, and Cato. Who wasn't looking at me.
"Tribute Girl!" Perscilla grabbed my hand and raised it up then dropped it and shoved me to the side. "Now, the boys." She dug her hand in their bowl and pulled out a name and cleared her throat. "Thom Holder." I remembered the boy, he was my neighbor, and my little sister had a huge crush on him. He was only 12 just like her.
Then suddenly Cato shoves the boy and lunges forward, "I volunteer as tribute!" I heard a few boys clap and whistle but I stood there frozen.
Perscilla smiled at me, "Oh goodie a volunteer! Step right on up dear!" Cato walked up with confidence, I couldn't tell if he did it for me or just because. He once told me someday he'd just volunteer to make a statement. I never understood what he meant by that, so I never really thought twice about it.
"Tribute boy!" Before Perscilla could grab Cato's hand he pulled away and I noticed her blushing under her dyed face. "Well shake hands you two," I hed out my hand but Cato harshly walked into the Justice Building where the train would be waiting for us.
Me and Perscilla walked in after him, "Would it kill you to be polite? You just humiliated all of us in front of not only your district, but all of Panam!"
Cato let out a laugh and looked at her, I could tell he was angry, "I don't need a lecture lady, okay?"
Once we were all on the train, our mentors, Lyme, Brutus, and Enobaria entered. They were each past victors, and were supposed to guide us and give us tips on how to win the games.
They sat down across from us without saying a word, until finally Brutus spoke, "So we saw your reaping tapes."
"They have them aired already?" I asked.
Enobaria sighed, "Kid those things are live. And let me tell you two something you both are the most arrogant and cockiest group I have worked with. You know those are the first impressions sponsors get of you, and if they don't like what they see good luck surviving."
I clenched my fist and then Lyme spoke, "Let's watch the other reaping tapes, you'll need to know your competitors."
I didn't care for any of them, to me they were far from competition, until I saw that one girl from district 12. How she was so ready to volunteer for her little sister, just like I was. Cato was staring at the screen and I clenches the sofa and stood up.
Enobaria then tried stopping me, "Hey where are you going, we have to discuss strategies."
"We can do that after we got off the train," I wanted to get away from them all and just be alone.
Then the trained stopped and Brutus chuckled, "Well its time."
Priscilla rushed over to us in her 10 inch heels, "Smile, wave and-"
Enobaria interrupted, "Just look straight ahead like your above them. Don't even glance at the other tributes."
Lyme rolled her eyes, "They already think that don't worry."
Cato began walking and I speed walked after him, "We need to walk together," I said.
"Okay then keep up," He rudely suggested.
I sighed at the district 12 tributes whose names I didn't bother to remember and smirked. Their mentor looked drunk, there was no way they could win. I knew one thing though, that girl is my target.
Then me and Cato entered our designated prep room to prepare to get on the chariots and make our second impressions to our future sponsors.
"Darling!" Squealed one member of my prep team, "Aren't you just the cutest little thing?" Then another member rolled his eyes, "Yes but look at her! It looks like she just rolled out of bed." They both chuckled.
"Maybe because I did?" I said annoyingly, honestly they try waking up early to receive a death sentence.
"Well in that case let's get started by hosing you down, put this on please." Said someone I didn't notice, he tossed me something that looked like a hospital gown, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was. I waited for at least the two men to leave the room but they didn't so I closed the curtain to separate us and began to undress. Then I reopened the curtain and they began the cleansing process.
"Ugh, you're a hair beast! Honestly do you ever shave?" I rolled my eyes then winced when he ripped off the waxing tape.
"She's ready!" Called the woman and my stylist entered.
My stylist was a tall, middle aged, slender woman with purple contacts and purple skin to match. Her hair was a neon pink and she smelled like wood dust and roses. I didn't recognize her but she must have been well-known around the Capitol, since I heard several squealing young girls banging on the door begging for an autograph from her and peacekeepers demanding to know how they got in here.
"Where is she?" She said looking around, she had the usual Capitol accent that most girls envied. I found out disgusting and probably fake.
"Right here?" I said, either she was rude or blind.
"Oh...sorry darling it's just your so...young. Hi I am Starletta Jones, your stylist." She held out her hand to shake but then quickly took it back, "Well lets begin making you the Capitol Darling! I have designed the most adorable outfit for you and your district partner!" She then clapped her hands and my prep team held up a viking outfit.
Your kidding me.