If you like this story, please review it. I'm starting to lose interest in writing this. If I get some requests to continue, then I will. Sorry if it has format mistakes! Uploading chapters is a little confusing to me. Hoping the next chapter will be out tomorrow night. Please let me know if I'm keeping him in character. Thank you! Enjoy (: xo
Chloe DeBenedetto
"Can I look in the mirror yet?" I complain as Evianna is making last minute adjustments to my costume.
"Almost. I'm sending in Fastrada, your make-up artist, and Alexandrie, your hair stylist. Aubrena is already done waxing so she'll just keep you company," Evianna says, closing the door on her way out.
"Hello, Lovebug!" A woman with bright red straight hair, like fire, exclaims as she walks in, accompanied by Aubrena and a neon yellow haired woman.
"I'm Fastrada, and I'm honored to be doing your make-up!" she smiles. "And that's Alexandrie. The best at doing hair, if you ask me. You already know Aubrena."
Fastrada makes sure nothing gets awkward, so she begins my make-up right away, unpacking one of those rolling suitcases containing enough make-up for all of Panem. She wipes off all the crap Maddie put on me earlier this morning.
"Oh, honey, your face is like a blank canvas. So pretty!" Fastrada wipes the tears from her eyes and starts applying black eyeliner. When she's done, it's a perfect wing. Five tubes of mascara and thirty eye shadow palettes later, my make-up is done. Fastrada nods approvingly.
"Almost done," Alexandrie says. She removes her hands from my head, pleased. Evianna strides back in, checking on the progress.
"Amazing! Great work, girls. One more thing -" she places something in my hair. "You can look now," she motions towards the mirror.
That's not me.
My hair is in a very tight high bun on the top of my head, and it's curled. A tiara made of black and white granite is placed on my head, glinting slightly. It's surprisingly light. I'm wearing a very revealing set - a halter crop top and booty shorts the same color - black and white and granite-looking.
The prep team and my stylist are clapping while I strike various poses jokingly. "You'll have so many boy sponsors," says Aubrena suggestively, while everyone else chuckles. "You have to act the part now. Look flirty!"
"District 1, please board your chariots," a voice comes on through the loudspeaker.
"Wait, I'm not wearing shoes."
Evianna grins. "It's more natural if you don't. No worries, the Capitol is spotless, we hate dirt."
"District 2, please board your chariots."
"I'll see you soon, Lovebug," Fastrada licks her finger and wipes a smudge off my face motherly.
"You look good. Now go get some sponsors!" says Evianna proudly.
"Looking hot, Cato," I laugh. He's wearing loose shorts (they look like swim shorts) that are the same pattern as my 'clothes.' And that's it. No shirt.
Wait, no shirt?
He smirks when he sees me looking at his abs. "Chlo-bird, you don't look too bad yourself."
Yes, training for the Games all your life does come with some advantages - being fit.
"Hey, District 2!" a particularly girly voice shouts in front of us. She's from District 1... what was her name… Glimmer? She can't help but flash a flirty smile at Cato. Glimmer is sporting a ridiculous pink headdress and a matching pink get-up. They're our friends. They're Careers.
Her partner, Marvel, doesn't seem to be too thrilled at what he's wearing - a maroon suit that is very feminine. "Cato!" Glimmer shouts. She isn't allowed to stray too far from her chariot since the parade is starting soon, but if she was, she would definitely be over here.
In a spur of rage and jealousy, I take Cato's hand and pull him down to my level, kissing him with lust.
I hear Glimmer and Marvel gasp. Fuck it.
"Catoooo," I draw out the 'o.' He picks me up and I wrap my legs around his torso, smiling. I know Glimmer is watching. I know the Capitol is watching. And they know now that this District 2 boy is mine.
Cato Vindisi
Too bad that she'll die in the arena. I'd kill her, no doubt, if we were the final two. Would I feel a little guilt? Sure. But who says I can't have a little fun while we're in the luxurious Capitol?
Wait, would I really kill Chloe?
Yes, Cato. This blonde vixen will turn on you at any moment in the arena.
No. You have feelings for this girl. You wouldn't kill her. She wouldn't kill you.
But you never know. If she kills me first, my parents would be ashamed.
I stop thinking about this when Chloe's tongue finds mine.
Caesar Flickerman
All eyes are on District 2's Cato Vindisi and Chloe DeBenedetto.
Everybody is silent.
You could hear a pin drop in this place.
When the Tributes pull apart, the audience is "aww"ing and clapping and standing and applauding.
I have some great interview questions in mind for these two…
Let the festivities begin!
Chloe DeBenedetto
Smile and wave, smile and wave. Act the part. Look flirty.
The crowd is going crazy due to me and Cato's kissing stunt. Sponsors love stuff like that… doomed lovers, or whatever. I grin and blow kisses at some boys, while Cato winks at some lucky girls.
Soon, everybody is quiet again… They're looking behind us…? The Careers always get the attention, not those stupid Districts behind us!
"What are they looking at?" I ask Cato sweetly, hiding my anger. He glances back for a quick second, just quick enough for no one to notice…
"District 12 is on fucking fire!"
"What?" I turn around briefly, and sure enough, the hunk next to me is right. Their backs are literally on fire. And our viewers love it.
"They'll be the first to go," says Cato, regaining his calm ego. "12 never lasts longer than the bloodbath. I'll kill them with my bare hands."
Reassured by Cato's natural born leader personality, I shut up.
The chariots are now side by side under President Snow, who's giving his annual welcome speech. I'm zoned out, thinking of ways to kill Glimmer. Maybe a knife in the back? Or in the chest? Or in the face…?
"I'm sure you'll have a grand time in the arena!" Snow concludes, and the people of the Capitol and the Careers clap.
The Districts with no chance are too stunned with fear to do anything.
Zorrelia presses the button labeled '2' in the elevator. When it closes, she looks at us like I-told-you-so. "I knew you two were sweet on each other," she grins casually. The accent is really starting to annoy me.
"Shut up," Cato sneers. "I'm not in the mood. District 12 made us look like fools. They'll have painful, bloody deaths."
Our escort shrugs. "So be it," when the doors open, Maddie and Will are on the couch, watching the parade. It just started, and it's the part where me and Cato are… kissing. They're giggling like idiots. Trying to hold it back.
"Get a boyfriend, Madisyn. You need a life," Cato looks at her and the color drains from her face. "Odds are, no one wants you as their girlfriend, your too ugl -"
"GET OUT!" Maddie screams. "GO AWAY!" She's sobbing into Will's shoulder.
Zorrelia looks horrified. "We'll have to work on your manners -"
"You have to work on not being so annoying," Cato snaps. I pull him by the shirt into the elevator. Pressing the button 'roof,' I turn to him as the door closes.
"Cato, baby," I wrap my arms around his neck and he picks me up.
"Chloe, damn it. I can't wait until these Games start. I'll take out my anger out on those faggots in the arena," his eyes are full of lust and I know he can't resist. Is that all our relationship is? Lust? Who cares. I like it. Now, remember, we're still wearing our costumes from the Tribute Parade…
I run my nails lightly along his bare back and giggle when he shivers. "Chloe -"
The elevator makes a 'ding' noise and in steps Glimmer and Marvel. "Oh, hey! Funny seeing you guys here! I love your costume, Cato!" she swoons. She's not wearing hers anymore because her mentor didn't kick her out of their room. She notices the 'roof' button is lit up, and she smiles. "That's so funny, Cato, we were going to the roof too!"
"Glimmer, we were going to the -"
"Shut up, Marvel. We're going to the roof," Glimmer responds casually. Marvel sighs.
"Glimmer, in case you didn't see at the Tribute Parade, Cato is mine," I giggle.
"Cat fight!" Marvel fist pumps.
"I think we'll save that for the arena," I smile. "Come on baby, let's get off here."
We get off at the next floor, intertwining hands and leave Glimmer and her partner fuming in the elevator.
After taking the steps back to our room, we ignore the evil eyes we get from Will and Maddie. Zorrelia is minding her own business, examining her nails. I lead Cato to my room.
"Now let's pick up where we left off," Cato smirks.
