Girl on Fire

She stands silently

by her chariot, stroking the mane

of a jet black horse.

The other victors smile,

talk, socialize. But then,

they have known each other

for years.

Her brilliant stylist is nowhere to be found.

Her mentor, her boyfriend are

both talking to Chaff.

Then he appears,

in a golden net, stark contrast to her

simple black suit.

He leaves.

She enters her chariot.

Then her flames flicker on.

She looks like the embers from a bonfire,

the ash from a fireplace,

the inside of a

volcano.

She stares straight ahead,

though the audience adores her.

She doesn't, she won't look at them.

The tributes circle,

and a spark of hope begins

in the districts.

If the Girl on Fire dies,

they will carry on her spark.

They will rebel.