A Peacekeeper came in and took me out to a car. A real car. The man that had chosen our names was there, as was Brian. We climbed into the car, Brian and I by the windows. The man babbled about all the things we'll see. I didn't pay much attention. I was more focused on being in a car, and not crying. We were taken to the train station. The train was luxurious. Ornate chairs, silver and glass- and it was there for us. At least, that's what the man said. (Whose name is Antony, apparently.) And there was so much food. I'd never seen so much in my life. I ate a little of everything and got so full I thought I'd never be hungry again. Antony explained everything that would happen over the next few weeks: a parade tomorrow night, training, scoring, and interviews- it seemed like so much. He said we should try to get sponsors- they may send us useful things once in the arena. These gifts could be life or death. When I asked how we got sponsors. He said we had to seem friendly, but also like we're going to win. You have to make them like you, so they root for you and want you to win.
After awhile, we all went to our compartments to sleep. I showered and found a nightgown in one of the drawers. I climbed under the sheets and fell asleep. It was odd not hearing the sound of Clara's breathing next to me. A few hours later- or maybe minutes- I woke up with a start. I had dreamed about my first battle. Bombs had been raining down. I was covered in dirt and sand and possibly little bits of a person. It was that day I first killed someone. I felt awful, but knew it as me or her. That doesn't help much though. I still remember her face, and it was near three years ago.
I must have fallen asleep again, as when I reopened my eyes, it was light out. I brushed my hair and put my dress back on. I wanted to keep what little of home I had with me. Then I went to the dining car. Antony and Brian came in shortly after me. Antony started complaining about a delay- something about an unscheduled refueling. I ate a bagel with pink cream cheese on it. It was really good. I stared out the window. Then I saw the blue glint of water, and beyond the water, a beautiful city: the Capitol. Then we plunged into a tunnel, and when we came out, we were in a train terminal. People of all shapes, sizes and colors were standing there waving at me. (I had absent-mindedly wandered over to the window.) I waved back and they went wild. I was a bit confused, unsure of what to think.
From the train we were taken to a building to prepare for the parade. I was scrubbed, waxed, powered trimmed, and then- finally- given a robe and left alone. My skin tingled and hurt a little. After awhile, a lady with purple-ish hair came in. Other than that, she seemed normal.
"I'm Lavender, your stylist. You must be hungry. Come on, I'll order us something." She gestured to one of the chairs, and I sat. She ordered some food, and then sat as well. "You seem quiet. Surely you've got some questions."
"Um, yea. When we got here, everyone seemed so excited to see me. I don't understand why."
"Well, the Games are a way to keep the peace. And everyone here is excited about the new peace, so by extension, you and the Games."
"And you don't feel that way?"
"I have a five-year-old girl. I just don't like the idea of children killing each other for glory." I nodded. Then the food arrived and we ate. Lavender explained the parade to me. "You'll be wearing a costume that represents your district. Since you're from 4, it has to do with fishing. You'll ride in a chariot with your district partner tonight. It will be broadcasted to all the districts, with mandatory viewing."
"Okay, so, what's my costume like?"
I sort of wish I hadn't asked, because an hour or two later, I was standing by a chariot in the most ridiculous thing ever. My costume was a skirt that resembled scales and seemed to grow out of my skin; it's blue and green. The top was silver rope-like stuff knotted all together. My hair had been pulled back and piled on top of my head. It was held in place by starfish and seashells and some seaweed had been braided in. Tiny starfish hung from my ears and a string of pearls around my neck. A starfish was painted under the corner of my left eye, and my eye makeup resembled waves. I was supposed to be a mermaid. Brian's costume was similar, only with dark green "scales" and a seaweed sash. He also got to carry a trident. He was about as thrilled as I was.
I looked around at the other tributes, and realized ours weren't so bad. One looked like sparkly freaks, Two looked like masons, Three were giant lightning bolts… then I saw Eight. They seemed to be wearing multicolored tents. I pointed it out to Brian and we agreed we were lucky.
We were told to stand in the chariots and after a few final adjustments, our teams stepped back. The doors opened and 1 rode out. I could hear cheering. 2, then 3, then us. The crowd loved our costumes. (I think. All I know is that they cheered louder when they saw us.) I wondered if any of them would be my sponsor. I might as well try, I smiled and waved. I hope this will help get me home; I miss Clara so much. Brian nudged me.
"Hey, I bet if we hold the trident together they'll love it. Sponsors will help get us home."
"Okay. Can you read minds or something?" He shrugged and I grabbed the handle and we thrust it over our heads. They went wild. We held it high until the chariots stopped. Then the President addressed us.
He called the rebellion "the Dark Days."
Then we were taken back and the doors closed behind 12. I stepped off the chariot and headed for the elevator. They'd made our floor number easy enough to remember: 1 gets one, 2 gets two, and so on. I punched the 4. Brian had entered right behind me, (it's like we're synched or something) but Antony ran to catch up with us. He got to the doors just as they were about to close. I glanced at Brian. He was just as pissed as I was. This is getting a little creepy.
"I can't believe he'd call the rebellion that. Doesn't he know most of the tributes were or knew rebels?"
"I think he does. Still, 'the Dark Days.' Ha! It must be some kind of joke."
"Yea, the Dark Days are now, if ever." Then we arrived at our floor. Antony had said nothing, but he seemed to be mulling something over.
We were shown our rooms, and I shut my door. I headed into the attached bath. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was beautiful, a lady of the sea, no matter how ridiculous I felt. Clara would have been so excited to see me like this; to see my looking so lovely. She always tried to make me pretty. She said that I was named after a beautiful princess, so I should look like one. Now I do.
I took all the little trinkets out of my hair and everything else. I placed it all in a neat little pile, and jumped in the shower. I washed all the makeup away, and then stood in the cool water for awhile. Then I got out and dried my hair. Wrapping myself in a towel, I looked for nightclothes in the main room. I found a green set. Then I climbed into bed and fell asleep.
My last conscious thought was of Clara.
