Sorry I have taken so long to update! I promise that I will try to update the next chapter sooner. I plan to have this story finished by the end of summer or sooner just so everybody knows. Thanks and enjoy!


Lethal Beauty: The 74th Hunger Games Through Glimmer's Eyes

Chapter 2 – Not An Understudy

"Congratulations hun," My mentor, Cashmere, whispers in my ear. I have idolized Cashmere and her brother, Gloss, since I was a little child when I watched them win the games in back to back years. " Are you any good with weapons?" She asks me in a questioning tone.

"Yeah," I say answering her. I brush my hair out of my face and I stand up tall trying to look confident in front of my mentor and my lifelong idol.

"Which weapons?"
" I usually use a long bladed dagger or sword, but I'm alright with a bow." I say making sure to enunciate and speak clearly, but also trying to sound confident.

"Alright, alright. I think I can work with you," She says as she turns around to talk with her brother. The scenery outside of the window is breathtaking. We are just about to enter the Capitol. I can feel my stomach twist, but I am not sure if it is from nervousness or excitement. Probably both. I grab one of the small pastries with assorted berries on it. The slightly tart berries compliment the sweet and sugary roll it is on. The food is exquisite just like the interior design in this train. The walls of the train have a chrome finish, the chairs are covered with blue velvet, the glass containers. It is beautiful! I know the Capitol will be 10 times more magnificent. Our train pulls out of a tunnel and this is when I get my first glimpse of the Capitol. The lofty skyscrapers, domed roofs, shining silver building seem so surreal to me. I look to my left and can tell that Marvel is having a similar reaction to mine.

"That is amazing!" He exclaims as he looks at me with a bright smile. "There is nothing even close to this in District 1." He is right, not even our town square is close to this monster. Cashmere brushes my hair back and smoothes my dress down. I can see Gloss prepping Marvel for the crowd too. She slips a ring on to my finger and tells me that when you twist the diamond a poisoned spike pops out. She puts a finger over her mouth telling me not to talk about it. I will definitely use it in the games. The train comes to a fast halt and the door opens. Cashmere puts her arm around my back and leads me out of the train. A man with silver tattoos on his face, a young girl with purple hair, an old woman with green skin. Everybody is applauding and chanting our names. I smirk and wave at the crowd. I need to win them over if I am going to be victorious.

Our escort, Dalia, points Marvel and I down a long hallway. I cautiously step into the remake center. I try to look back at Cashmere one last time for help, but the door to the remake center has already closed. I keep walking slowly towards the entrance of the center. It is here where three bizarre looking people greet me. They inform me that they are my prep team. Capitol fashion is even crazier then I thought. One of the three women has tattoos of eyes on her eyelids, so when she blinks it looks like her she is still looking at me. My prep team begins to wash my skin with different soaps and oils. I doze off and begin to dream of my life after the games.


A small mirror is held up to my face as I check how the silver costume looks. It really captures the essence of the luxury items that District 1 produces. After admiring my costume I turn to see the District 2 tributes walking up to Marvel and me.

"My name is Cato," the massive District 2 boy says in a deep voice. "This is Clove." Cato seems to know Clove better then I know Marvel. Maybe they were friend or something back in District 2. I look at the small brunette girl. I glace at her costume and then dart my eyes the District 4 female walking towards us. She doesn't appear to be as threatening as Clove, but she still might be a challenge to take down. I later find out that her name is Marissa. The five us talk about our strategy for training and the games. The other tributes seem to fear us. They can't seem to stop staring except for when one of us looks in their direction. Cato seems to already be taking over our group as a leader. The only way I will be able to take him down during the games is to attack him when he least expects it. A man comes running into the large room telling us to get in our places for the start of the parade. This will be my first chance to impress the Gamemakers, sponsors, and my family and friends back home.

Our chariot is first to leave the holding room. I know that I am all the Capitol will be talking about. I wave and smile at the different citizens as my chariot speeds down the Avenue of the Tributes. The crowd is cheering and throwing flowers in front of our chariot. Suddenly, I hear multiple gasps and then cheers. I quickly turn my head around to see the weak District 12 tributes on fire. I soon realize that it is part of their costume. Why can't I have all of the attention? It isn't fair! I am not an understudy, I am the star of the show!

The chariot stops in front of President Snow's mansion. His face has clearly been through a lot of plastic surgery. The tight skin on his face gives him a cold and dark essence. Snow walks forward to a microphone. "Welcome tributes!" His voice booms over the large crowds of people. "We salute your courage and your sacrifice. Happy Hunger Games!" When the chariot makes it's way back to the holding room, I jump of and yell.

" What the hell? Why did they District 12 tributes get the best costume?" I begin to run over to them when Clove grabs me with her strong little hands.

"Don't Glimmer. Just wait until the arena. Kill them first!" She guides me back to our group where I calm down and begin to think about tomorrow when training begins. She has a point. I walk up to my room and look out the window and I see a screen in the town center playing recaps of tonight's parade. All they are showing is the District 12 tributes. I quickly shut the blinds so I don't have to look at the atrocity. I lay in my bed so I can doze off and dream those lovely dreams of me being crowned victor of the 74th Hunger Games.