She met him at the town hall, right before the ceremony started. "Hello Mr. Novak. My name is Kali Martell, District 12's new Escort. It is a pleasure to meet you." Even though he smelled awful and looked like he could hardly stand up from so much drink.
Gabriel had a plan. He didn't like Escorts since he'd only had negative experiences with them in the past. So he smacked her ass and winked as drunkenly as he could manage. There was still a bright spark to his eyes, though. Gabriel wasn't dull. He didn't really think she was hot either, all plastic and paint. A fake Capitol creation. He just wanted her, or rather it, gone.
Kali gave him a look that was as scary as any tribute in a Games had looked at someone. "You will not do that again," she said in a low voice.
"What are you going to do? Try to kill me? Been there, done that." He rolled his eyes and drank some more. Maybe if he was drunk, she'd leave. Or be bearable.
"Understand that, like it or not, you and I have to work together now. That can either go smoothly, or we can work against each other and make things more difficult than they have to be. Your choice."
Gabriel laughed and put his feet up. "I don't like Escorts. Was hoping you'd go away. But here's the thing, you can't do anything to me that's worse than I've been through. So stop threatening me. You got nothin'."
"You misunderstand. I have no interest in threatening you, I am simply saying that we have to work together," she clarified. "That can either run smooth, or not."
Gabriel watched her for a moment with calculating eyes. "It's not gonna run at all. You're going to do your job, and I'm not. I'm just here for the free drinks, sweetheart."
"You're not going to get sponsors for the tributes?" she raised an eyebrow.
Gabriel scoffed. "Do you know which district you're dealing with?"
"Twelve," she answered.
"And have you ever been to Twelve?"
"Not before now, no."
"This isn't Twelve. This is the victor's village. Let me take you around. Come on. If you want to work with me, you have to get this."
"This is the town hall."
"It is?" he asked. "Oh. Must be drunker than I thought. But my point stands."
Kali shook her head slightly, not really saying 'no', rather than a physical reaction to disgust. Drunk. On a day like this! "I would accept your invitation, but I'm afraid we have a ceremony to begin."
"Screw that. They'd be happier if we didn't."
"Unfortunately it is my job, and I don't want to lose it. Come along."
Gabriel grumbled, but followed her. "Fine. Ruin two kid's lives. Hope they don't live."
"How horrible," Kali shook her head. "And...unpatriotic for your district."
"You have no idea, Martell," Gabriel muttered as he sat back in his seat, wishing this whole thing wasn't happening.
Kali went out onto the stage with a smile, looking at all the kids in front of her. The glamour of the Hunger Games, and here she was, at the start of it all. The Reaping. "Welcome, welcome, to the 59th annual Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor!" She began the ceremony perfectly.
Gabriel watched with pitying eyes. He wondered if this escort would make him shave.
When Kali read the name of the girl, a 15 year old came forward. She had light blonde hair, and wasn't skin and bone. She was from the town, but Kali didn't know that. A solid 15 year old, that was good. Could be better, but it was workable. Next came the boy. A 13 year old. That wasn't good. He was dirty and looked scared. But, everyone had a chance. And if he won he'd never have to worry about food again! But...a 13 year old had never won. Then again, someone from 12 had never won, until someone had. Perhaps this was this boy's year. Or the girl's. Kali was already thinking strategy, and that they should probably put their effort into the girl.
Kali had them shake hands, and then they went to say goodbye to their families. "That went well," Kali muttered as she was lead back into the town hall with Gabriel.
Gabriel rolled his eyes. Was this chick serious? "Sorry, must have nodded off. What was good about it?"
"We got through it without a hitch," Kali answered a bit proudly. It was her first time after all, and it was perfect.
Gabriel picked his bottle back up. "We got a chubby girl from the town who's probably eaten every day of her life and a boy from the other side who's probably starved most days of his."
"Yes, the girl looks stronger."
"The girl won't stand a chance. Do you know why kids from 12 never live?"
"Because their mentor doesn't seem to care?" Yes, her tone was snide. But he was getting on her nerves.
"Because their mentor knows about 12, unlike their Escort." He took an annoyed drink. "12 is split into two sectors. The Town and the town are a little better off, worry about if they'll have to go hungry a night or two this week, but they usually get to eat. And the people from the Seam are too busy fighting for their lives to worry about anything. No one wins. Not from here."
"You did," she countered.
Gabriel barked a laugh. "You still think anyone wins the Games? Most people lose their lives, and one lucky individual loses their sanity! I was just lucky."
A/N: Okay, here we go, chapter 2! I'll be honest, finding the balance of characterization between Capitol Girl and Kali is difficult, which is why I think their characters are a little shaky in this chapter. They should get stronger as soon as I get a feel for them. So anyway, hope you are enjoying and please review :) They make my day!