Chapter 2 Child of the Sea

The huge white buildings of the Capitol reach ever closer as the train begin to slow down. The dreading pit in my stomach grows bigger the closer we get. The people outside look ridiculous. Their hair and skin and eyes are died every color imaginable. And don't even get me started on their clothes.

Ari and I stand in the window, still and unsure. When I give the tiniest wave, the crowd goes wild. We look at each other, shrug, and wave. They go insane, shouting our names and cheering. It's strange, and for a moment I like all the attention. Then I remember where I am and what has happened and I don't feel so excited anymore.

"Geez," Ari whispers in my ear. "And I thought Paris's clothes where bad."

I laugh and nod in agreement. Paris isn't as bad by himself. But in a crowd of insane Capitol people he looks even worse.

When we step out of the train the crowd swarms us. It takes several Peacekeepers to help us get to our car. On the drive to the training center Paris chirps like a bird about how excited he is and how he can just feel that he has two great tributes this year. He babbles on and on, but Ari and I are already having our own conversation.

"Hey," he whispers, poking me slightly to get only my attention. Paris doesn't notice and keep talking. "Want to make a pact now?"

I look at him confused and he leans closer to elaborate.

"In the arena, let's promise to look out for each other. If both of us are still alive by the last five, we'll split up. That way it won't come down to us."

And what if it does, I think. But that's not what I say. "Yeah, that sounds good." Quietly, we shake on it and are silent the rest of the ride.

I lay on a hard table as my prep team scrubs me down with a stinging liquid. It covers every cut and scrape on my body and I cringe at the horrible burning. They've already cut my hair, washed me off, and waxed my entire body, which was the most unpleasant thing I've ever experienced. I feel raw and very uncomfortable as I'm not wearing anything.

Finally, they rinse the liquid of and a woman with green hair hands me a thin robe.

"Wait here," she says. "Sven will be here in a minute."

I'm nervous as I wait for my stylist. We are the fishing district, so there are a variety of things he could dress me up as. I would be a fish are a fisherman. Both seem extremely embarrassing. The door opens and in walks the most normal looking man I've seen today. He has shaggy, jet black hair and piercing blue eyes. He wears all black except for the thick gold chain he wears around his neck.

He studies me for a moment, then says, "You are stunning." He stretches his hand out to me. "My name is Sven." I take it and say, "Laken."

"Well," he says. His voice is so normal. There is no trace of an accent, which shocks me. "Let's talk about your costume."

"We're usually fisherman. Or fish." I cringe and he laughs.

"Well, this year I've decided to use the ocean instead of the fish."

"My mom always said I was a child of the sea," I say. "But how will you do that?" I ask intrigued.

"You'll see," he laughs. "Besides, someone so gorgeous can't be dressed up like a stupid fish, can they?"

I stand in front of the mirror, unable to speak. Sven has made me beautiful, something I never thought I could be. My dress is sea blue and the bottom that reaches my knees is crinkled like waves. Under that is a sheer green fabric that floats to the floor. When I move, the colors blend, giving it the look of the ocean in the sun. My hair lies in beautiful ringlets down my back. I have a crown of seashells on my head and Annie's shell bracelet sits on my wrist. A piece of netting is tied around my waist and a large shell hangs from my neck.

"I-I I'm beautiful..."

"Of course you are," says Sven, slightly adjusting my dress.

"How did you do it?"

He stops and gives me a stern look. "All I did was give you fancy clothes. You were beautiful before."

I smile uncontrollably as we make our way to the chariots. Ari leans against the side with Finnick and Mags. Ari's outfit matches mine. He has on blue shorts and a piece of fishing net wraps around his bare chest. We have matching seashell crowns and sandals.

When Finnick sees me he breaks into a huge grin. "Well don't you look pretty?"

"Thanks Fin."

"You look great," says Ari. "We really match."

"Oh," says Sven, as if he has just remembered something. "We have a little surprise once the chariot starts moving."

"What is it?" Ari and I practically shout together.

"Well if he told you," chuckles Paris. "It wouldn't be a surprise." Everyone laughs and I decide to go look at the horses.

As I'm petting one's midnight black coat, something catches my eye. The boy from District 2 is staring me. I look up and our eyes lock. He's handsome with his spiked blonde hair. His eyes would be a pretty blue if they weren't so icy. They look a bit cruel and very mysterious. Neither of us breaks the contact for what feels like way too long.

"Checking out two, huh?" Finnick's voice makes me jump and turn around, looking away from th handsome boy. "I'd stay away from him," says Finnick, giving a hard stare in that direction. "He's trouble."

"Well you're trouble but I don't stay away from you. Even if I should." I laugh at his pouty face.

"Shut up and get in the chariot," he says with a grin.

Ari and I step up and our chariot begins to move.

"You ready fr this?" He has a grin on his face and I can tell he's excited.

"As I'll ever be."

Our chariot begins to move and the parade begins. The first three district get good reactions from the crowd, but when the see us the go insane. For a moment I don't know why, but then I realize our costumes are swirling like water and behind us is a trail of vapor. This must be Sven's surprise. People are screaming our names and I wave and blow kisses. The crowd goes wild and every one's attention is on us. Everyone wants a kiss from me. Right before Ari and I get to the front he locks his fingers with mine and thrusts our hands into the air. The crowd somehow gets louder. When it finally dies down, President Snow makes his speech.

"Tributes," he booms. "We honor your bravery and we honor your sacrifice."

It's not a sacrifice if your forced, I think.

"Happy Hunger Games," he finishes. "And may the odds be ever your favor."

The chariots pull back into the stables and we get down.

"That was amazing!" Chirps Paris excitedly. Mags gives a toothless grin in approval.

"You guys where great." Finnick gives me a pat on the back.

We head to the elevator and I see him again, the district 2 boy. Again he is staring at me. When I stare back he gives me what I assume is a smile but really looks like a smirk and walks off. Already I am curious about him.

The elevator is amazing. It's all glass ad you can see the entire Capitol. When we reach our floor all I can do is gawk. Everything is over the top and incredible. We eat an amazing dinner of plumb and lamb stew and watch the recap of the parade. Ari and I are so memorable in our costume and triumphant hand holding. I know we will already have people interested in us.

I am the first to bid goodnight. When I get into my room I look around feeling astonished. Even in Finnick's victor village house, I've never seen a bed this huge. I head into the bathroom and get in the shower. I'm fascinated by all the buttons and press as many as I can. Some squirt soap, some shampoo, and one even squirts bubbles into the air witch I thoroughly enjoy.

After my shower I rifle through the drawers to find something to wear to bed. Everything is way too fancy and I just end up settling on my underwear. I crawl in the unfamiliar bed and try to relax. Visions of the rolling ocean crowd my mind and I drift off. My mother was right; I am a child of the sea.

Next chapter she meets Cato! YA! :) Review pleeeeeeease!

Love,

Audrey :D