So, I'm going to say Effies 15 now, and this is just after the 62nd games. My artistic license :-) Hope you enjoy!
I wake up, stretching my toes, enjoying the satin feel of my comforter. I'm momentarily confused, I shouldn't still be in bed so late in the morning. I force myself from my sheets, slipping on my velvet slippers.
Making my way down the stairs, I run into our house maid, Claudia. She's lived with us as long as I can remember, she's like a second mom. Maybe more like my first.
"Claudia, have you seen my Mom?"
Her tan cheeks form into a small smile, "No, Miss Trinket, I have not served Madam Trinket this morning."
I know my lips have formed a small pout, because of the sympathetic look forming on her face, "May I get you anything? A cup of chocolate perhaps?"
I slide unto the bar seat, "Sure, I'd love some cinnamon spice with that."
She nods, scurrying to fetch my favorite drink. I guess my mind has wondered, because I don't hear my dad until he speaks.
"Good morning, Effie. Claudia getting you breakfast?" he places a hand on my shoulder, giving me a comforting massage.
"No, just a drink, you haven't gone to work. Are you going?"
He sighs, sitting beside me. "No, I'm going to take you to stay with my sister, Georgiana. Things will get better there."
My eyes widen, and if it weren't for the solemn look on my Dad's face I would be delighted. "Are you and Mama coming?"
He runs his hand down the marble counter, "Go pack a bag, Effie. We need to leave soon. It isn't polite to be late."
I nod, knowing he doesn't want to discuss Mom. My climb up the stairs is rather joyless. There's this lingering fear that my parents may end up separated, even divorced. That's what happened to my best friend, Alyda's family.
Divorce is fairly common among the upper aristocracy, but my parents' are working class. If Mom left, I would be socially shunned. I know that Alyda is never invited to parties, she can't even find a boyfriend. We stopped talking after their family affair, and I haven't even see Alyda at school in ages.
I grab my favorite bag, a purple case, stuffing it with a few outfits. I jump into a turquoise dress, placing my favorite feathered hat on my half combed hair. Slipping on a pair of heeled sandals, I run downstairs. Dad is already waiting. Claudia had poured my chocolate up, and I sip the tasty drink while Claudia rearranges my messy bag. I can't help thinking that if Mom left, Claudia won't be around. She would be disgraced to even work in our household.
Once Claudia has straightened my clothes, Dad and I set out. We walk to the metro. I've always been glad the nearest pick up is only two blocks from our condo.
Once we're seated I finally work up the courage to really ask about Mom. "Are you two going to be alright?"
Dad glances down, his eyebrows raised. "If you are worried about our relationship, Effie, your fear is misplaced. Your mother and I don't want to damage our family reputation or ruin any chance of a future for you."
I must have let out a sigh of relief, because he chuckles before speaking again. "I know you must think we don't love each other, and you are probably right. I don't think I've ever even heard of someone marrying for love. But your mom can at least tolerate me for a little longer."
I purse my lips, concentrating on the advertising screen on the back of the seat in front of us. I guess Dad is right, I don't think any of my friends' parents actually love each other. Having never thought of this before, I run through reasons why people get married. There's really only one reason to be married, to advance your social status. And since I plan on doing that through work, I suppose I'll never get married.
I lean on dad's shoulder, closing my eyes, trying to rest on the 45 minute ride. Aunt Georgiana married above dad, I think he might even be a Gamemaker. Anyway, they live far into the center of Capitol city. We can only visit occasionally, I gather Dad's economic status is something of an embarrassment.
I must have fallen asleep, because Dad has to nudge me awake. Yawning, I notice we've gone underground. Space in the city center is so precious, they have to put a lot of stuff underground. And apparently everyone is here, because it is very crowded. Not that I'm complaining, seeing all these people is definitely fun!
We step out, instantly accosted by advertising. One man catches my attention, he had posters from last year's games!
"Learn the secrets to victory! An exclusive interview with Enobaria!" The magazine cover glints, and I pause, secretly hoping dad will buy me a copy.
"You don't have one of these?" He stops, noticing my glances toward the seller. "Would you like one?"
"I think so, Mom doesn't pick these up when we go shopping."
He nods, handing over some bills to the seller, who smiles widely at me. "Enjoy it miss. You might even catch her running around this part of the city."
I gasp, "Really Dad?"
He takes my hand, pulling me towards the exits, "Georgiana can tell you more about that, she knows a lot about meeting victors."
We go above ground, finding a rickshaw to take us into the residential peaks. Aunt Georgiania's house is massive, surrounded by other celebrity estates. People like the Flickermans, Templesmiths, and Cranes.
The rickshaw takes us right up to the front steps, and I jump out, rather excited to get to stay here at all. We've been here for dinner, but I've never gotten to stay the night. I kind of wonder how dad managed this.
An avox opens the door. I forget that Aunt Georgiana's servants can't talk. I'm glad Claudia can speak, it would be strange to be surrounded by this quiet people. The avox leads us inside, but before we go very far, Dad's sister appears.
"Oh, there you are! I was worried about how long it's been. Oh, Effie you've grown so much! Oh, how old are you now?"
I glace at dad, "I'm almost 16."
She nods, turning to dad, "Oh, Pythagoras, you look so down! Here, let's have a glass of Boudreaux." She pats my head, but I'm only watching her purple curls. I'm kind of jealous, they look so fun to wear!
"No, Georgi, I'm already way over my head. I just hope you can help Effie."
My aunt purses her lips, which are a cute shade of lavender. "Oh, I know. But you mustn't worry. Oh, Salem and I have big plans for darling Effie."
My dad shifts, bending down to give me a hug. "Be careful, and have fun." He whispers in my ear, before standing to kiss his sister's cheek. I'm kind of surprised that he actually does leave me here all alone.
My Aunt grins at me, "Oh, Effie, I can finally give you the culture you've always needed."
I suppose some people would be scared by my aunt, but I'm only jittery. She lives in pretty high circles here in Panem, I should try to learn all I can from her. Especially if that involves me and a future job. Something other than marriage.
