After the initial crowning and interview with Caesar Flickerman, the time has come for my victory tour. Cashmere and Gloss are next to me, talking, but I don't hear them. It's nearly time for my first speech, and I am prepared, small index cards at my side to put on the podium. I know for a fact that it bears the Capitol emblem in front of it. As the mayor of our District introduces me, the crowd goes wild, and I begin my walk onto the stage. I shake hands with the mayor, then turn to address the crowd.
"Thank you, Thank you." I say, as they quiet down. "It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as a victor. I am proud to be speaking for all of Panem when I say that we salute the courage, honor, and valor of my fellow tributes. It is truly a blessing to be able to share this experience with them. Today, we salute the courage that they had and honor the lives they lived. It was an honor to compete with Silver. He was a good man, and a good opponent. He will be remembered in the best of ways, as he competed valiantly and fought hard. As we continue into the next year, we salute the sacrifice that was made by these tributes, and honor their lives with grace and dignity. Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever." I finish.
The crowd goes nuts as I exit the stage, and climb the stairs down to the ground to make my exit. Cashmere and Gloss are on the other side, telling me I did well and that we're going on the train to District two. I sigh, thinking about the boy and girl I killed, particularly reminiscing about the girl's scream. I wince, but say nothing. The car that we ride in is covered in crystal plates overflowing with food, sparkling vases, and lights. I sit down on the cushioned chair, bored. The train whizzes by at 200 miles per hour, showing the gleaming buildings, clean streets, and tall skyscrapers that make District one shine. we are, after all, the district of luxury.
I pass the time by reading paperback romance novels- one of my favorite indulgences. When I was growing up I remember sitting in my father's study, staring up at his bookcase which stretched all around the room. I developed a love of reading from an early age, and have devoured one book after another whenever I got the chance. Now, reading has become my escape from the flashing lights, the cameras, and general fame that now haunted me.
Sooner than I'd have liked, the train pulls into the station. I set my romance novel on the table spine up, hoping to get this over with so that I can get back to my reading. I wave to the crowd the same way that I did at my home, and spew the same speech that I had earlier. What I notice, though, during my speech is something I never thought I would notice.
It was a boy.
Tall, with spiked blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, who had a confidence about him that I only see in the wealthier districts. He shouldn't have been anything special- but he was. The way he kept looking at me, like he was confident I'd be attracted to him- was in itself incredibly appealing.
I finished my speech as usual, but instead of stepping down from the stage the way I normally did, I went the opposite way. The boy seemed to understand and pushed his way through the crowd to get to me in a way that was incredibly flattering.
"Hello there," I say as I get to him. "I'm Glamor."
"Everyone knows who you are." He said. Even his voice sounded perfect.
"May I know your name?" I ask, feeling foolish.
"You'll know it soon enough, Glamor." He said. I could almost feel his ego inflating. A victor of the Hunger Games wanted to talk to him- what an accomplishment. I know he knew I was interested. I pull a pad of paper from my small satchel and write my number on the piece of paper.
"Here..." I say almost breathlessly.
"Cato." He says.
"Cato." I agree. Cashmere and Gloss are looking for me in the crowd, I have to move quickly.
"I have to go," I say, "But feel free to give me a call sometime."
Dear Lord I hate myself for sounding so desperate.
He simply nods, and I find my way back to the stage. Once I'm safely inside the car, I allow myself to sigh.
Cato.
I'll never see that name the same way again.
