"Raptor!"
I jerk upright and find Effie Standing in my doorway. Her eyes are filled with disappointed. She doesn't say anything instead she just storms away. With a sight I throw off my covers. As I start to stand my head starts swinging so I sit back down and bow my head. Once I feel a bit steadier I stand up then exit the room.
"I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! I LEAVE YOU ALONE WITH HIM FOR ONE MINUTE AND NOW YOU'VE GOT HIM DRINKING!" Effie yells.
Haymitch looks at me with a bright smile.
"It's not his fault my Pop-pop use to let me drink a glass during our family dinner, after the reaping. I didn't want anyone to catch me so I took the bottle and a glass into my room." I lie.
"What about the vodka?"
I shrug then sit beside Haymitch. She looks at the man then me and glares. With a quick spin she walks back down the hall.
"Feeling hungover?" Haymitch asks as he sips whatever alcohol is in his cup.
"Not really." I state as I start to make my plate.
"You know Haymitch you should thank me and Raptor for cleaning you up last night." Effie says as she reenters the room.
She walks straight to the coffee pot and pours herself a cup.
"Yeah right. The only reason I threw up was because you were trying to strip me and I felt disgusted. Then you blinded me with your ridiculously white teeth causing me to fall and hit my head. So all in all this was all your fault." The man says.
Her body goes ridged and she slams the sugar dispenser down on the counter.
"Next time I'm just going to let you die in a pile of your own vomit, like the pathetic piece of shit you are!" She growls before storming off.
As Effie leaves Katniss walks in, still wearing the same outfit she wore yesterday. She still looks gorgeous, even though her braid is a tiny bit messy.
"Sit down! Sit down!" Haymitch says while waving the girl over.
She does then looks over the food on the table. I notice her staring at her second mug curiously, she obviously doesn't know what it is.
"They call it hot chocolate, it's good." I inform while taking a sip of my own.
She takes a sip then moans causing me to smile. As she drains the glass I start to eat the food on my plate. I take my time eating because I need to get as much in me as I can without throwing up.
"So, you're supposed to give us advice." She says to Haymitch in a pointed tone.
"Here's some advice. Stay alive." He retorts before he starts laughing.
My jaw and fist clench as I look over at my fellow tribute. Our eyes meet, her's just as angry as mine probably are. She looks away so that her gaze is fixed on Haymitch.
"That's very funny," I chuckle before slapping the glass out of Haymitch's hand.
The glass shatters on the floor, sending the blood red liquid running toward the back of the train.
"Only not to us." I finish while glaring at him.
The man sucks his lower lip into his mouth and nods aimlessly. Suddenly he slaps me across the face. Enraged I grab him by the collar lift him up then head butt him back into his seat. Ok that was stupid because it hurt me just as much as it hurt him. Slowly I sit back down because my head is swimming a bit.
He glares at me then reaches out for the bottle. Katniss drives her knife into the table, between his hand and the bottle, barely missing his fingers. I can't help but smirk.
"Well, what's this? Did I actually get a pair of fighters this year?"
Rolling my eyes I grab my plate and hot chocolate then stand up.
"Fuck you, you pathetic drunk."' I growl before walking back to my chambers.
I hope that's enough to get him to favor her. He has to focus all his mentoring skills on her, just incase I die early in the game. Besides I don't need him like she will. My Gran was a victor of district 1 and trained way more victors then Haymitch.
As soon as I was old enough to walk she started preparing me for the games. She told me about the ins and outs of the entire process, from the reaping to the actual game, and how certain districts manipulate them. She told me to never doubt, argue with, or fight my stylist as their wardrobe can make or break our social game. She told me that my last name holds so much weight I won't need to speak to get sponsors.
Then I didn't understand but now I do. Everyone in my family, except for my gran's ancestors, were tributes. They all won and went on to marry fellow victors. Winning is a part of my family's legacy. My family is like royalty because of all the victors we are connected to. Today we are the only true "victor family". Because of that I will be treated like a royal. I pray that the time flies by.
Slowly the train screeches to a halt. Getting up I walk to a window and look outside. There are magnificence buildings in a rainbow of glistening hues that tower into the air. The shiny cars roll down the wide paved streets. Everyone here is oddly dressed, with bizarre hair and painted faces, and look like they have never missed a meal. All the colors seem artificial, the pinks too deep, the greens too bright, the yellows painful to the eyes. I guess the inability to take in such rich colors is a con of living in district 12, cause nothing is truly rich in district 12.
People in the area begin to point eagerly as they recognize a tribute train rolling into the city. Gran would tell me to wave, that I should make a good first impression, but I don't feel like it so I walk away from the window. I exit my chambers then walk to the entrance. Katniss is already there waiting for the doors to open.
As soon as they do we are met by a group of peacekeepers. They separate us, taking her to the left and me to the right. I'm led to a car like the one that took us to the train. The driver takes me to a building not to far from the station. The car pulls into an underground lot then is parked beside a door. A short hefty tan man with bright lavender hair, which matches his suit, opens my door.
"Hello young tribute, will you please follow me?" He asks in that ear grating capital accent.
With a nod I get out of the car and follow him into the building. We walk up some steps then through a white corridor. The corridor leads to a fairly large room with a table in the center. Beside the table are blank machines.
"Please strip, completely." He orders
I look at him skeptically but I know not to argue. Quickly I pull off all of my cloths. He looks at my body the whole time and rubs his chin.
"Ok sit on the slab please."
Nodding I walk to the slab, as he called it, then sit down. The man exits the room just as a woman walks in.
"Hello Raptor, my boy, I am Suzie Brigs a Capital surgeon." She says while holding out her hand.
With a smile I take her hand and shake it.
"So why are you here?" I ask.
"Well your mother spoke to me about your condition. I'm here to examine your body and see what surgeries you will need to be a full fledged man.
My eyes widen at that.
"Um...ok but why don't you just ask me."
She gives me a look that makes me feel like a stupid child.
"Ok what do you think you need done?" She asks condescendingly.
"Well my body and face could seem feminine but I'm so muscular it counter acts that femininity. My testicles dropped and produce fertile sperm. I have a fairly above average penis, in length and girth. My body has been producing the proper amount of testosterone. So the only real issue are my breasts." I state.
She looks me over and nods.
"How is it that you know all that?" She asks.
"One of the peacekeepers is the son of a district 3 biologists. My grandma convinced him to get his father to examine me when I was a baby. He was fascinated by my genetic disposition so he's been checking my development." I inform.
"Interesting so why haven't you had breast reduction surgery?" She diggs while examining said breast.
"I've always wanted to get rid of them but district 12 doesn't have the necessary equipment. Also, since they didn't effect my health, he didn't see the necessity of removing them."
"Of course he didn't, you wouldn't be an experiment if you didn't have breast." She says.
"So you can remove them?" I ask.
"Not now, the recovery time would take to long, after you win. I just want to have everything ready." She says.
"How do you know I'll win?" I ask.
"You're a Herveaux everyone knows you are going to win. Anyway it would take four to six weeks for your body to fully heal. We don't have anything that will help you heal that fast." She says.
"Ok. So now what?"
"Well your body is fine other than your breast so I'll get your stylist." She says before leaving.
After a few minutes a tall lean woman walks in. Her face is stretched and tattooed with black and gold tiger stripes. Her nose looks like it was flattened till it just looks like a short snout. She has whiskers and tawny cat eyes. Every step she takes reminds me of a cat on the prowl.
"Hello young one I'm Tigris, your stylist Please stand." She says.
Fuck even her gravelly voice sounds feline like, though more along the lines of a cats purr.
Standing I start to introduce myself, "Um hi I'm-"
"I know who you are Raptor Herveaux. I've been acting as your family's stylist since your grandfather was a tribute. I styled your grandparents, your parents, and your siblings. Now it's your turn." She purrs as she looks me over.
"I don't want to be another Herveaux." I state.
I know I shouldn't have said that, because the stylist knows best, but I can't be just another Herveaux when I'm not really a Herveaux.
"Really boy? Tell me what do you want then?" She inquires while circling me.
"I want to be the exact opposite of them because I am nothing like any of them." I answer.
"I see. Well that is different...let me think."
She takes my hand then leads me into a small adjoined room. It has a thick white carpet and cream colored walls. In the center of the room is a small oak coffee table with a caramel sofa behind it and a matching sofa chair on the left side. Between the chair and sofa is a small oak end table. Tigris positions me so I'm standing in front of the sofa then sits down.
"Well I guess I will be making an outfit that complements that girl's for the opening ceremony."
"Why wouldn't Katniss and I be in complimentary outfits?" I ask.
"Your last name comes with expectations. You are supposed to look like a god during the opening ceremony. The people want to see you topless with a golden gloss over your skin. A flowing white silk kilt with a golden belt that connects to make a V under your abs. A beautiful, beautiful, shiny gold leaf crown that matches your lustrous gold locks. They want-" She stops with a weird look on her face.
"They want me to look like my father and brother." I finish.
"Yes but we shall give them the exact opposite!" She shouts while jumping up.
The stylist walks over to me then stops I front of me.
"Which hand do you throw with?" She asks.
I lift my right. She takes my arm and strokes it.
"Your skin is soft but tight over your muscles. It will make the purrrfict canvas." She says with a smirk.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After a few hours I find myself in a pair of black leather pants, boots, and a black leather waistcoat with silver buttons. There is a charcoal texture carved into the outfit and it has a liquid in it that will produce a false flame. In theory it will make my outfit look like burning coals.
Tigris decided I need a bad boy edge so she had a friend of hers give me a tattoo. Now, covering my entire right arm, is a black tribal flame. The ink has the same liquid mixed in so, when lit, it looks real.
I'm not wearing a crown, thank goodness, because it doesn't go with my "bad boy" look. Instead she messed up my hair and spiked it with some type of gel. She also gave me a leather wrist cuff that will light the flames on my arm. I convinced her weld the golden clover pin to my cuff so I can use it as my token. That way I have warmth and fire when I'm in the arena.
As soon as we get to the meeting point my eyes lock on Katniss. She looks gorgeous in a simple black unitard that covers her from ankle to neck. The shiny black leather boots, which lace up to her knees, add to the beautiful simplicity. Her hair has been brushed out and then braided down her back in it's usual style. It makes the costume seem like it's her own, something I can see her wearing back home. Even the meager amount of makeup only works to highlight the beautiful natural forms of her face. The fluttering cape, made with streams of orange, yellow, and red fabric and the matching headpiece look-
"Perfect."
"What?"
I look at Tigris who is giving me a pensive look.
"You just said something." She says.
I simply shrug then look back at Katniss. This time her eyes meet mine. Wow her makeup really brings out her eyes. My smile widens as a sort of giddiness fills me.
We're whisked down to the bottom level of the Remake Center, which is essentially a gigantic stable. The opening ceremonies are about to start. Pairs of tributes are being loaded into chariots pulled by teams of four horses. Our horses are muscular and coal black. The animals are so well trained no one even needs to guide their reins.
"Alright now don't forget to be sexy. You don't have to do much just smirk, raises one of your brows, and puff up your chest." Tigris advises while guiding me to the cart.
As I stand beside Katniss she pats my shoulder then walks towards Cinna.
"What do you think?" Katniss asks in a soft whisper.
"I think you are the most beautiful girl here. Which is saying something cause the district 1 female is like wow, but you...you look like some type of royal or something."
"I meant about the fire." She says with a blush.
"Oh..." I chuckle nervously.
"Um the fire is harmless. It might warm you up a bit but it won't burn you." I inform with a bashful smile.
"So where is Haymitch? Isn't he supposed to be here to protect us just in case?"
"I think they have an open bar. He's probably passed out or throwing up on Effie, again." I state.
"Again?"
"Yeah he puked on her while we were on the train. The look of disgust on her face was priceless."
Katniss laughs which causes me to laugh. I look at her, basking in the joy I have brought her. Unfortunately the opening music begins, causing her to abruptly go ridged. I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close to me.
"You'll be fine, you can do this." I whisper in her ear.
She looks up and gives me a hard nod but doesn't step away. I don't think she's noticed just how close we are. Good that means I get to keep her near me, at least for a moment or two.
The massive doors slide open revealing the crowd-lined streets. The ride will last about twenty minutes and ends up at the City Circle. There they will welcome us, play the anthem, and escort us into the Training Center, which will be our fancy prison cells until the Games begin.
The tributes from District 1 ride out in a gold chariot pulled by snow-white horses. They look so beautiful, spray-painted silver, in tasteful tunics glittering with jewels. What pompous pricks they are, waving and fist pumping like they've already won. They are always favorites because they're trained. I wonder if a member of my family trained them...oh that will make killing them so much sweeter.
District 2 gets into position to follow them. In no time at all, we are approaching the door and I can see that between the overcast sky and evening hour the light is turning gray. As soon as The tributes from District 11 are just rolling out Cinna appears with a lit torch.
"Here we go." He says before lighting Katniss's cape.
As he does I pull away from the girl then press down on the inside of my cuff. A blue flame lights up my tattoo. I press my arm to the side of my top causing it to light up. The flames spread to my pants then boots. My hand then runs through my messy hair. It's a nervous tick that I've had since I can remember.
Katniss and Cinna look at me with wide eyes.
"My hair is on fire isn't it?" I ask.
They nod.
"Well at least the flame is fake." I chuckle.
"Yeah." Katniss chuckles.
"Remember, heads high. Smiles. They're going to love you!" Tigris says as she leans on my side of the chariot.
"Oh and go back to holding her the way you were. It will defiantly make you both desirable." The woman advises before stepping back.
As Cinna walks over to her I wrap my arm around Katniss again. The chariot starts to move as they give us a thumbs up. Katniss looks at the city but keeps her face stoic. She is so amazing.
"DISTRICT 12! DISTRICT 12! DISTRICT 12!" The crowd cheers cause me to look around.
All eyes are on us and, oddly enough, it's not making me feel good. In fact I'm starting to get tense and rather agitated. Suddenly Katniss places her arm over mine then starts squeezing my hand. That simple gesture relaxes me enough to play my part as flirty bad boy.
The twelve chariots fill the loop of the City Circle. In the buildings that surround the Circle every window is packed with the most prestigious citizens of the Capitol. Our horses pull our chariot right up to President Snow's mansion then we come to a halt. The music ends with a flourish.
The president, a small, thin man with paper-white hair, gives the official welcome from a balcony above us. Gran once told me that he tried to get her to be his wife. Said if she married him she would defiantly win the game. She turned him down of course, at that time she was in love with my grandfather. Plus she said his breath smelled like blood and decay. After her rejection he made the game hell for her but she still won.
Looking up I see that the camera is on us. It is traditional to cut away to the faces of the tributes during the speech. However the attention we are getting is over kill. The darker it becomes, the more difficult it is for people to look away. It's like they're eyes are moths attracted to our flames.
When the national anthem plays the camera make an effort to do a quick cut around to each pair of tributes. Yet somehow the camera stays on us as it parades around the circle. As it makes it's final round it zooms in on me before disappearing into the Training Center.
Once we get into the center we are swarmed by prep teams. They are so excited their words sound like gibberish or maybe we stunned them stupid. Looking around I see the other tributes staring daggers at us. At least looks can't kill.
As Cinna and Tigris walk over to us I lift Katniss a bit then step down from the chariot.
"You two were purrrrrrfict." My stylist says.
"Yes. No one will ever forget you two." Cinna states calmly.
"We should work together more often Cinna, you have amazing talent."
The two start chatting so I look at Katniss. Some of her hairs has slipped out and are in her face. With a flirty smirk I brush it back so it's with the rest.
"You were amazing out there." I state amorously.
"Thank you. You look pretty hot yourself, flames suit you. Especially with the burning Mohawk." She says.
"Thanks beautiful."
She smiles then kisses my cheek. If possible my smile gets wider.
"HEY YOU TWO!" Haymitch calls.
We turn just as he starts gesturing for us to follow him.
"After you."
She gives me a quick nod then starts to walk towards the Elevator. The Training Center has a tower designed exclusively for the tributes and their teams. I'm guessing that our rooms will be like fancy prison cells. Twenty times more posh than the train chambers.
"Each district gets it's own floor. Since you are district 12 we get the pent house!" Effie says in excitement.
"It's got a great bar." Haymitch says while patting my shoulder.
I nod then look out one of crystal walls, to see the people on the ground below us.
As I look I see a husky man with a lustrous gold Mohawk. He's in a ivory suit with gold shoes. Another man in a gold suit walks over to him. His hair is just like the other guys but is not styled in a Mohawk. It's cut to his collar and neatly slicked back. Like the first man he is thick in the arms and chest. They look up causing me to tense.
Those rectangular faces with strong square jaws. They both smile and wave at me. I turn my back to them and stare at the doors.
"I've been very mysterious, though," Effie says.
She must have been talking since Haymitch mentioned the bar. Whatever her words don't matter to me. All that matters is keeping my temper in check.
Just relax lovey, breath in and out slowly.
With a sigh I follow my grandmother's instructions. She said I was born with my mother's violent temper. So, when I was four, she taught me that breathing technique. It always helps me calm down, well it usually does, at the moment I'm just getting angrier.
"Where is the gym?" I ask.
"It's closed at the moment but you have equipment in your room." Effie informs.
"Will you take me to my room then?" I ask.
"I'll take you." Haymitch agrees kindly.
That's odd I punched him in the face and he's eager to help me.
"Let me guess all the good booze is in my room?" I question aloud.
"Yup." He confirms.
When the doors open the man leads me to my room. It looks exactly like my room on the train only everything is bigger. There are is also a hoard of automatic gadgets scattered around the room.
"Where's the work out stuff?" I ask.
"Behind the door next to your bed." He says while walking to a small black fridge on the other side of the bed.
I walk to the door then open it. Inside are a variety of large and small mechanisms that are supposed to be for working out. Right beside the door is a nightstand. Opening the first drawer I find tank tops and work out shirts. Great I hope working out helps me release some anger.
