So, I'm writing Chapter 2. Yay, wish me luck. Warning, it's a bit long.
By the way, it'll be switching between Clarke's viewpoint and Bellamy's viewpoint each chapter most likely. Just letting y'all know, to avoid confusion.
Thanks Guest for your review. :)
Please review guys, it's our payment on here, and a review really brightens my day and makes this whole thing worth it. Thanks guys!
Clarke:
The train doors slammed shut behind them, blissfully blocking the flashing lights, cameras, and the noisy crowd. Immediately, the train began to move with a lurch, causing Clarke to stumble and fall into Bellamy's chest. Bellamy wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his body and she sighed softly, fighting tears.
She broke away from him, smilingly slightly as she walked into the train compartment to her left. Clarke gazed around in awe at the immense amount of food, drinks, and cutlery that filled the compartment. She glanced back at Bellamy and smiled at his shocked features.
"That could feed our whole district." He commented in disbelief, slight disgust flashing upon his face.
"I know, it's pointless isn't it?" A voice called from the back. A man walked over to the pair, studying them briefly. "The name's James. I'm your mentor this year."
Clarke shifted her eyes to Bellamy's, sharing a look that didn't go unnoticed by James.
"You guys dating or something?" James asked, a slight smirk upon his face.
"No!" Clarke replied forcefully at the same time as Bellamy, anger in her voice.
James held up his hands in surrender. "Alright sweetheart, calm down." He retorted. "Jesus." He muttered under his breath, walking away and pouring a glass of whiskey. "So, tell me..." He looked each of them over. "What are your plans?"
Clarke shrugged her shoulders, turning to Bellamy with question in her eyes.
"Survive" Bellamy replied dryly. "Any advice?" He asked sarcastically.
James chuckled. "I survived by hiding in some hell-hole while everyone mauled each other with maces and clubs." His gaze turned dark. "But you seem like a fighter. Don't be too cocky, but use your strengths. I want to tell you to stay away from the Bloodbath, but you'll go no matter what I say." James shrugged. "As for you..." He turned to Clarke. "Stick with him. He'll kick anyone's ass if they get near you."
Clarke flushed, avoiding Bellamy's gaze. She nodded, eyes trained on the ground
"Go get changed and washed up, dinner's in 15 minutes." James ordered, standing and leaving the train compartment, leaving Bellamy and Clarke alone.
"I'm gonna go get ready." Bellamy mumbled awkwardly, leaving as well.
Clarke followed, finding her way to her compartment. She opened the doors and almost gasped. The room itself was bigger than her house back at home. It was decorated with flowing curtains and artful tapestries. Glass vases filled with bright flowers decorated the mahogany tables, and a king sized bed sat in the center of the room, adorned with silk sheets and wool blankets. "Wow." she whispered, smiling despite the circumstances. She opened the closet, eyes widening at all of the clothes. They came in a variety of fabrics and an impossible range of colors, from the richest red to the deepest blue. Clarke pulled out a pale green t-shirt and a pair of jeans, changing quickly. She brushed her hair and looked in the mirror for a moment before walking out to meet Bellamy.
"Hey." A deep voice greeted her, and she smiled slightly.
"Hey Bellamy" She replied quietly, walking with him to the dining compartment.
They walked in together and sat at the table with James. An amazing display of food was set out in front of them, and the two tributes dug in. The table remained silent, no attempts to start conversation surfacing. Dinner ended quickly, and Clarke and Bellamy stood up.
"We're going to sleep. Night." Clarke called out, leaving with Bellamy close behind.
Clarke stopped before her train compartment, watching Bellamy as he continued on to his own, before slipping inside of her temporary room. She changed quickly before collapsing in the bed, quickly falling asleep.
She was woken by a soft knock on her door.
"We'll be there in half an hour, if you want to get ready." James called.
Clarke groaned and got up, getting ready as fast as she could before going out into the hall. She looked out the window, watching as they crossed the bridge into Panem. Brightly colored rooftops flashed at the edge of her vision as people waved and grinned at the slowing train. The residents of the Capital were covered in all sorts of ridiculous "fashion statements", as they were called. The train stopped, and cameras started to flash. Clarke turned around, searching for Bellamy. A wave of reassurance coursed through her at his presence, and she stepped out into the chaos, knowing he would be right beside her. The crowd cleared, making way for the group of guards surrounding the tributes. They walked for a while, boarded a shuttle, and eventually reached a huge building. They were ushered through archways, paths, and elevators until they finally reached a door with Bellamy's name on it.
"In you go." One of the guards ordered, opening the door quickly. He closed it as soon as Bellamy went in before opening the next door. "Your turn." Clarke walked in quickly, hearing the door slam behind her and the sound of receding footsteps. She looked around before three strange people caught her eye. They were all grinning. "Hi Clarke!" One of them chirped. "We're your beauty stylists!"
Clarke glanced at them, irritation appearing upon her face as she realized what they were going to do.
"Sit down please!" Another order happily, smiling when Clarke obeyed.
Clarke was forced to undress, have her whole body waxed, scrubbed, and shined, get her hair cleaned thoroughly, cut, blow dried, and cut again, and much more. The only thing that got her through the miserable hours was the entertaining thought of Bellamy going through a similar process. She smiled before wincing as they waxed her supposedly bushy eyebrows. Finally, they left her with a robe, saying her costume designer would be with her soon. Clarke put on the flimsy robe and cringed at her sore skin.
"Hi Clarke. My name is Elizabeth. Call me Liz" Clarke looked up at the female figure standing before her, shocked that she wasn't as covered in makeup and jewelry. Clarke nodded.
"I figured we'd get right to it, the parade starts in 2 hours. Maybe we'll have some extra time." Liz continued, holding up a dress. She handed it to Clarke, turning around. "I'll give you some privacy."
Clarke nodded once again and quickly changed into the satin dress, turning and looking in the mirror. Even though she didn't favor fancy clothes, the dress was beautiful. It was a multitude of blues; sky, turquoise, teal, cerulean, all blending together yet standing out with a sheen of sparkles that matched her eyes. The fabric billowed out around her waist down to her feet like the rolling waves of the ocean, complete with white.
Liz turned around with a smile, handing Clarke a matching pair of blue flats before calling the other stylists in. Clarke quickly put her shoes on and sat as she had her hair, makeup, and nails done within two hours.
Clarke quickly thanked Liz before walking out to the square where the chariots were gathered. She stood by the chariot of white horses, waiting for Bellamy to arrive. She heard footsteps behind her, and turned around happily, before her face fell.
"Hey there. You look pretty." The newcomer commented with a flirtatious smile.
Clarke shook her head, going back to petting the horse. "Thanks" she replied, not a trace of emotion in her voice.
"Not who you wanted to see, eh? Anybody special I should know about?"
Clarke turned around, ready to argue, before she saw Bellamy coming. She rolled her eyes, biting back the retort.
Bellamy rested his gaze on the newcomer as he reached Clarke's side.
"Goodbye" he muttered, running off quickly as Bellamy smirked.
"What was that all about?"
"Some flirt" Clarke murmured, turning to look at Bellamy. She looked at his outfit before rising her gaze to meet his.
"You look nice." Bellamy whispered, a rare smile coming onto his face.
Clarke blushed, directing her gaze to her feet. "You too."
At that moment, someone called out that the parade was starting. Clarke got onto the blue and white chariot, Bellamy helping her, just as the horses started to move.
Clarke took his hand, squeezing it lightly. "Here we go."
They were then out in the blinding light, surrounded by thousands of cheering, wild people. Clarke cringed, forcing a smile onto her face. She glanced at Bellamy, who stared straight ahead, and held his hand tightly.
The parade seemed to last an eternity, but at last, it was over. President Jaha stepped forward to the podium, giving a long speech about some bullshit that Clarke didn't care about before looking down at the tributes. "Happy 98th Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor." He smiled and waved to the crowd as the chariots were led into a dark chamber.
Bellamy hopped off, lifting Clarke off without a second thought, despite her protests.
"That was fun." He commented sarcastically, smirking.
Clarke shook her head even though she smiled slightly.
They were escorted up to their rooms by guards, and shared a silent goodnight before Clarke collapsed in her bed and fell asleep in the gown.
Yay! Finished! Let me know what you think and please review. Don't worry, the legitimate Hunger Games will start soon. :) I'll write again as soon as I can. Thanks guys, and cheers!