When I wake up early in the morning to the refreshing aroma of Dad's cookies. Immediately I think of home. I feel tears welling up in my eyes and I can't stop them from flowing. The sweet aroma reminds of the days I would bake with Dad. It was right after my Mother's death.
I still remember how horrible it was when she died. Plagued with random sobbing fits and many sleepless nights. I watched Dad fearfully as he was seemingly turning into a hollow shell. No longer did I see his sunny smile, no longer did he make corny quips and make me laugh, no longer did he talk. I remember being in my bedroom, curled up into a tearful ball. The sheer silence of the house mocks me, giving me no source of comfort. I was alone.
Then one day, I saw Dad's smile. It was radiant and heartwarming. That was the very first time I saw my Dad again. He baked in the kitchen, smiling happily and humming without care. I helped, stirring the sugary batter, listening to Dad's jokes. When Rye joined in, the cookies were done and me and my brother did our best to design the cookies with frosting. I still remember Dad's aesthetic cookies. Realistic and vivid autumn leaves were designed onto them. I remember how poorly I did mine and how we all burst out laughing.
That was the happiest day of my life.
"Maybe everything will be okay." Once again I force myself to be optimistic. On the bright side, I'm with my Father. I get out of bed to get ready for the day. I slip into comfortable clothes after a refreshing shower.
When I open my bedroom door, I frown at the sight of Lapis. She is wearing a brand new outfit, a bubblegum-colored, frilly dress that dazzles. Her lush hair tumbles down her shoulders and her crimson lipsticks look like blood.
"Willow, good morning." She chirps. Lapis gives me a bubbly smile.
I can't stand you. I want to shout out. "Good morning," I say halfheartedly, I don't make an effort to look her in the eyes and I walk past her.
I flash Dad a broad smile when I see him sitting at the dining table with Lux. "Willow, sit down, me and Lux are having a discussion right now." He informs me. As Dad says this, Lapis enters the dining area and beams at the Axovs. "Good morning, everyone! Ready to dine?" She says cheerfully. I use all of my willpower not to roll my eyes at her and I sit down next to Lux.
"So, Mr. Mellark, what method should I use to gain popularity with the sponsors?" I can't help to admire Lux's methodical nature. Every single expression he makes is serious and rumantive.
"Anything. You just have to impress them." Dad answers. "It depends on your personality. If you're friendly and charismatic, use your words. Tell a heartwarming story, talk about a sweet moment with your sibling or your best friend. Anything. If you make them like you enough, they'll send anything you need."
Lux takes in all of that information and appears deep in thought.
We are then served by the servants. Thick pancakes, scrambled eggs, and toasty croissants. I hold up my glass to an Axov who is pouring orange juice.
When he fills mine, I open my mouth to thank him, but then I remember he has no tongue.
I flash him a grateful smile and proceed to eat my meal.
"Willow," Lapis's irritating voice pierces my ears. "What do you think your personality is?" Her eyes are pools of interest.
I did not feel like answering and I keep eating.
"Willow." I snap my head at Dad. He gives me a stern look, tilting his head slightly towards Lapis. I silently sigh and look Lapis in the eyes. "I'm not sure. I never thought about. I'm quiet...and a little optimistic." I say.
Lapis only becomes engrossed. "Anything else?"
I take Lapis's question to heart, leading my mind back to a time where I took a personality test at school. I was eleven and I didn't take it seriously at the time. I answered as honest as possible and I was concluded to have a ISTP personality.
"I'm a ISTP." I say curt.
Lapis smiles radiantly. "OH! That's wonderful! I have taken a personality test myself when I was your age! It is so amazing how many different personalities there are in this world!" Her voice is passionate and ebullient. She interacts with me as she has known me for years.
I want her to stop talking to me, but I don't want to make a scene in front of Dad or Lux.
As I eat my meal, Lapis chatter my ears off. She talks a mile a minute and she doesn't give me time to respond. Eventually I can't listen to her rambling and I tune her out. I contemplate how I'm going to appeal to the Capitol. For most of my life, people has seen pictures and articles about me since the day I was conceived. It's surreal to see the articles, but still intriguing. Before I turned seven, I loved the cameras. I liked smiling and making faces at them. I just enjoyed the attention. But when I turned seven, I realized how invasive the cameras were.
The Capitol definitely knows about my existence, but do they know about my personality? Well from snapshots of me as a little girl, they just see me as bubbly, innocent and cute. Maybe that's how I should act?
"Willow!" Lapis snaps me out of my thoughts. She is pointing a excited finger to the window. "We're here!" She sings.
When Lapis stops talking, an Axov hands her a cup of black coffee. She beams at him and chirps out a thank you.
Dad and Lux are deep within a conservation about sponsorship. Curiosity takes over and I head over to the window to look at the Capitol.
It is breathtaking to look. I gaze astonished at the luxurious Capitol. It is nothing like District 12. It is nothing like the Victor Village. The Capitol is magnificently astounding. The city of the Capitol is wide and enormous. Towering buildings that shimmers, glistening cars that drives down the smooth roads, the streets are crowded with colorful citizens. The citizens are strikingly dressed, similar to Lapis. When they see the Tribute train, the crowd goes wild.
I stand there motionless, unsure of what to do. Appeal to them, Willow. Act like you actually like them! I order myself.
I summon all of my willpower to raise up my hand. Smile, Willow! I command myself. Act like you're the same little girl from the news.
A wide smile is smeared on my face, I wave excitedly at the crowd as if I adored them. For extra measure, I blow kisses to the crowd, causing them to uproar.
The crowds chants out my name with great enthusiasm. I'm so invested in my little act that I get carried away. I didn't even noticed that Lapis and Lux were at the window with me. I only notice Lapis when she puts a firm hand on my shoulders, for a brief second, I turn my head to her, preparing to give her glare. But I catch myself and I make sure my smile remains on my face.
Lapis is beaming with happiness. "Keep going, you're doing great!" She encourages. I glance at Lux, curious to see his reaction. Lux appears perplexed, he is looking at the structure of the Capitol rather than the people. Perhaps he dislikes the people of the Capitol? I can't blame him. I do not outright hate the citizens of the Capitol, but I do certainly resent them for allowing this death game.
"Isn't it remarkable?" Lapis chirps.
I do not answer her and continue smiling at the roaring crowd.
Next chapter will come soon. Reviews and thoughts.