A/N: I don't own anyone but my OC's….though I wished I owned the rest….*sighs*
I would like to thank those who have added this story to their alerts: mmec4ever, the-rebellion-dies, NoWarningSignsNoAlibi, and synimysin and those of you who have been reading and lurking ;)
the-rebellion-dies: Thanks for the kind words! I wasn't sure if anyone would believe our extravagant Head Gamemaker could find love and be loved in return! I think he deserves his own story!
Seneca sat on the edge of his seat beside his father as they awaited the Tributes to parade by. This was the heralding of the Games, the one week of the year that all the citizens anxiously awaited for. He drummed his fingers against his forearm feeling as if the seconds were passing more like hours on a clock. Across the road sat his uncle, the officials of the Capitol, and President Snow. His uncle caught sight of his antsy nephew and cast a reassuring wink.
"Who will we sponsor this time Father?"
"I have not made that choice yet Seneca. Be patient and see what the Districts have to offer us this year in the parade and interviews. Besides, it is on the shoulders of the mentors to secure sponsors for their Tributes."
His father was relaxed and poised as the clock ticked down to the zero.
Ailith felt the weight of granite and marble as it crowned her perfectly curled locks that were nested inside of the stony circle. She was dressed as the Egyptian goddess Isis: Her body masked in a suit of layered granite sheets that trailed from the top of her breasts to her ankles. Her strong shoulders and upper chest were left exposed for the crowds to see the strength the Tribute possessed. Each arm was strapped with a wing that fanned out to the tips of her fingers, shimmering with flexible cuts of copper, gypsum, onyx, rose quartz, and malachite. Each stone was arranged in neat tight rows that moved with striking fluidity when Ailith raised her arms over her head. Her skin itched where the wax had been layered against her virgin skin only to violently rip the hair away. She wanted to scratch but knew the costume was too tight for her to bend down and it was in an intimate place so she fought ignore the burning annoyance.
Her partner, Callen, was dressed as a pharaoh. His costume was simpler but still attractive nonetheless. His crown was made of granite with malachite as the center piece as his breast plate necklace was covered in coral, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. It covered his well sculpted chest but left enough rippled flesh to whet the appetite of the crowds. A wrap around skirt was tied securely at his narrow waist, stopping just above his knees to reveal the strong toned calves. A belt strategically covered his crotch with an elaborately decorated belt. The Egyptians had been renowned masters of the quarry and their stylist was thrilled with her own efforts and those of her prep team. The costumes and makeup had turned out exceeding her personal expectations.
"You are both just beautiful!" Julia gushed over them both. "Oh I've outdone myself this time!"
Callen flashed a smiled at Ailith which made her turn red where she stood. She cast a nervous shaky smile before he helped her in the chariot. Brutus stood off to the side, giving his nod of approval to his Tributes. He knew where to secure sponsors for his Tributes and how to wrangle substantial gifts and supplies from the Capitol citizens. Citizens from District 2 always pulled together to help their Tributes and these Games were to be no exception.
"Remember," the older man approached the chariot. "Get out there and give the crowd what they want to see! Show them what you have! They will throw anything you need or want to you if you win their favor! Wow them! Make them love you!"
"We won't fail you Brutus," Ailith confidently reassured him. She was thrilled to have Brutus as her mentor as he had a great deal to share with her and Callen.
Beyond the doors of the barn, they could hear the deafening roar of the crowds clamoring for the Tributes to come out.
Seneca craned his neck hoping for a glimpse but all he could see were the brightly colored tops of the citizens' heads.
"If you see a pair that catches your attention let me know." His father gently nudged his side.
"I will," Seneca didn't let his eyes avert from the street before him. Suddenly he heard the booming voice over the loudspeakers.
"Ladies and gentlemen I am pleased to announce the start of the chariot parade of this year's Tributes! Let the parade commence! And may the odds ever be in your favor!"
It was Claudius Templesmith's booming voice igniting the opening for the Games. The traditional chariot parade was always the starting point for the festivities. He sat in an area above the street which granted him a spectacular view of the oncoming chariots. He never once disappointed a single citizen in the years he has announced the Games making him almost as popular as some of the past victors.
Seneca felt his heart racing against his chest as the pair from District 1 drew closer to where he sat. They were dressed in matching gold and silver suits that clung like a second layer of skin against their bodies, representing the industry of luxury. Diamonds encrusted a tiara that sat on the girl's head and sparkled in the blinding lights of the city. Seneca thought of them as human nuggets of silver and gold as the boy and girl turned waved and smiled at the clapping screaming masses. He turned his neck to the next chariot and felt his heart stop cold.
She's beautiful!
"Representing District 2 is the ever lovely Ailith Brennan and her partner Callen Reilly! Their costumes symbolize the great masonry empire of Egypt as Ailith immortalizes the tragic goddess Isis while Callen is a powerful pharaoh! May the odds ever be in your favor!"
Seneca felt his mouth drop open as Ailith lifted her arms over her head, showing off the rich plumage that lay hidden.
She truly is a goddess! My sweet Isis!
Seneca watched as Ailith swished her arms around waist then back up over her head before letting them go level with her shoulders. Her smile was infectious as he couldn't peel his eyes away from the full painted mouth that revealed newly brightened teeth. Her eyes were a delicate level of turquoise which were dramatically enhanced with the specks of stones in her costume. Her shoulders were toned and strong as the tops of her breasts were pressed against the form fitting layer of granite threatening to break free from their glittery confines. Her hips jutted out before sloping back in and into her legs. Her lips were full and painted dark red as her eyes had been accentuated with eyeliner and eyelids painted gold. The crowd roared at this exotic display and Seneca decided right then and there who he wanted his father to sponsor. He didn't need to see the other Tributes for none would be able to compare to her.
Ailith turned around to dazzle the crowd to her right and lifted her eyes until they landed on Seneca's. Seneca felt the world around him melt away as those full ice blue rings lured him in to her world letting him get a glimpse of her soul as hers delved in his. She could see his lips quivering and suddenly hungered to taste those tender lips upon her own. Ailith felt her cheeks beginning to burn as the boy with diamond eyes trailed her as they continued down the street and towards the training center. She smiled sweetly at her dark haired admirer which caused his mouth to drop in shock. His hand lifted with the grace of a robot's and timidly waved back. His wrist refused to fan faster as he was mesmerized by her presence, feeling his body tingle from head to toe as she vanished around the corner towards the City Circle but never wavering in her enchantment of the throngs of people.
"Ailith, Isis, my beautiful goddess," Seneca whispered to himself. "I desire to know you more."
Ailith kept the witty smile plastered on her face as the chariots neared the City Circle. She could still see the soulful cerulean eyes fresh in her mind. He had to have been a few years older than she. The boy had dark burnished hair that kept behind his ears revealing the well defined jaw and nose. His dress was typical for the Capitol though he didn't color his hair or put it in some bizarre fashion like those who were seated around him. Her pulse quickened as her costume grew heavy and uncomfortable all of a sudden as the chariot came to a rolling stop in the Circle. The other Tributes joined them as President Snow now stood perched atop a balcony. Ailith noted how the much older man stood with confidence and poise as his eyes were like steel traps searching out their prey. It unnerved her how he seemed to looking straight through her though he was gazing over the entire crowd.
Seneca rushed from his seat hoping to get closer to Ailith. His father watched as he was consumed by the crowd then reappeared on the street below as he pushed and shoved past the tightly packed bodies. A few grumbled at his rudeness as he edged closer to the head of the avenue and more importantly the District 2 chariot. He squeezed by a few larger sized citizens before reaching the edge of the crowd. The cool night air rushed around him as he teetered on the edge of the street and saw her once again. He felt his heart racing as he watched her costume shimmer with each movement no matter how subtle it was.
"Welcome!" President Snow boomed. The crowds cheered and hollered in unwavering support.
"Tributes! We welcome you! We salute your courage and your sacrifice and we wish you all…..Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor!"
Ailith felt the pull of the chariot beneath her as they started towards the training center. The crowd roared and stomped in support of their leader as he waved and smiled at them all. As they started towards the doors Ailith got sensation to turn around and look over her shoulder. She twisted around to see Seneca at the edge of the street. His piercing eyes were fixed on her, trailing her as the horses pulled her away. She couldn't but help to avert her stare towards the street but quickly glanced back and cracked a tiny knowing smile. Seneca smiled at her reception as he silently vowed:
Beautiful Isis…..We will meet again….
Seneca watched as the massive entrance consumed the chariots before slamming the doors shut with a thunderous clang. He didn't move from his spot until his father arrived to take him home.
This took me 2 days to write and rewrite and write...Next chapter will go back to the present...Thanks again everyone!