Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games. They belong to Suzanne Collins.
Note: Finally, we're at the chapter where we'll be meeting the Tributes from all of the other Districts besides Four. I've been really looking forward to getting to this chapter, I can say that for certain. I have some good plans in mind for what is to come, so hopefully you'll stay interested in the plot as it happens. We still have a long way to go, so read on and enjoy the parade. :)
It's a while before I leave my room, but eventually I find it in me to leave the temporarily safe confines of it.
Mainly because Pike is ordering me to.
But, despite the dread and fear I am filled with, I need to watch the Reaping recaps. Who am I up against? Is Rue alright? How much worse is this day going to get…?
I tell Pike to give me five minutes. I doubt he will but...well, what else can they do to me? I'm already reaped again and I kicked the Head Gamemaker! I don't really see how this is going to end up any way that doesn't conclude with my agonizing death. And awful as I feel, I don't think it's truly hit me yet.
Back to the Careers. Back to the Mutts. Back to boiling water…
I almost puke at the thought. Even the fact everybody will be my age and not a Cato sized brute holding a gigantic sword longer than I am tall doesn't do much to help me feel any better. If anything, so many kids dying for the Capitol's sick entertainment...dead tributes are bad either way, but it's always worse when the youngest die…
I guess that's what the Quell is all about. Making it worse and punishing the young most of all.
I slip on a sleeveless teal shirt and a fancy pair of jeans, and leave my room to whatever may come next. The second I step out Pike takes my hand, leading me towards the carriage with the TV. I'd guess the living carriage?
"I know you may want your rest to be on top of your game for round two, but this isn't the time to sleep," Pike says in a tone I cannot help but find insulting, whether he means it or not. "It's a big, busy and grand day! You must be awake to celebrate the Quell, my boy! Now come, we need to watch those recaps!"
"I preferred Prussia," I mutter. What can the dragon man really do to me? Hit me? Yeah, tracker jackers and arrows hurt more.
"Stop being silly. Prussia lost her touch, and went to do other things. I'm a dragon, what's not to like?" Pike says gleefully.
...Everything? Just a guess…
But I don't say this, if only because I'm already tired and sick enough. I don't really need more grief right now. I'm already fearing the worst in these recaps. The only reason I'm not bawling and screaming right now is the fact I feel so crushed I've become emotionless, almost.
Pike leads me into the carriage. I jerk my arm free, shakily sitting down next to Dory on the sofa. She puts a hand on my shoulder, giving me a smile. She still has that look of hope in her eyes...but, why?
"Whatever happens, I'm by your side," Dory promises.
That was exactly what I needed to hear. I reply to Dory not with words, but with a weak smile. It's all I can manage.
Tide and Anchor stayed behind in Four, but the rest of the Victors came along. Sitting together on a larger sofa are Finnick and Annie, the former holding the latter. ...I hope Annie becomes my auntie one day. That'd be lovely. Meanwhile Ron stands and watches the screen silently, but he seems to be eyeing Pike warily...almost suspiciously. As for Mags, she sits quietly in an armchair. She gives a Grandmotherly smile to myself and Dory...I'm grateful.
"Isn't this exciting?" Pike exclaims. "A Quell, and a chance for a lucky child to gain so much glory...we may even have a two time champion!"
Ron looks like he wants to break Pike's neck. Actually, everybody does.
"Well, here comes the Reaping Recap," Finnick says, looking stressed, tired and beaten down. He gives me a tragic look. "Let's see...who we're up against."
"At least the Careers won't be as tough this year," Ron says, folding his arms. "Younger tributes usually don't fight well...but then again, I, you and Urchin all prove that wrong."
Ron is right. I won the first, maybe last, time at twelve. Finnick was fourteen and Ron turned fifteen a week into his Games. I guess every winner has an image...Annie the timid, Finnick the flirty, Mags the wise, me the...me, and Ron the determined. He's the kind to never give up. Sure, he's tough and muscular now, but he went in kind of weedy with forty to one odds of winning. But he never gave up, and he kept fighting until the last cannon fired.
...I could learn from him. Last year he didn't come along, but this year...yeah, I'll talk to him. Soon.
"Well, it's only younger tributes...no, children this year. I' not sure what to expect from a Hunger Games full of little kids," Finnick says. His voice is full of pain.
"Maybe they'll all get along?" Annie whispers.
"Oh, not a chance! If they didn't fight then the Gamemakers would interfere," Pike assures. How can he see that as remotely comforting!? I sure don't… "Ooo! It's starting!"
Everybody seems to briefly drop their urge to strangle the dragon man as we look towards the TV. Dory sits closer to me as it begins.
"In and out of the Arena, we're in this together," she says.
I nod in response as we look at the TV screen. Maybe if I stare hard enough I'll briefly forget how hopeless and sick I feel?
Every year the reaping recaps are shown in order of District number, starting with One and ending with Twelve. So, the horrible feeling within me that is panicking over Rue's safety is going to fester for a while...and it hurts. A lot. I can only hold my curls and shudder. Let's see who the Careers are…
After a bit of chatting and banter between Caesar and Claudius the screen cuts to the first reaping. But, is it just me...or does Caesar look a little bit uncomfortable? It's hard to spot but...he looks different. And not just because he's styled up with gold hair, lips and eyes this year.
Hmmm.
Much to my surprise, there is no Volunteer in One. Claudius remarks it's the first time since the Fifth Hunger Games that District One has not had a volunteer. The crowd of 12 year olds generally look pretty calm and cheerful, though nobody is yelling out and begging to be picked. Only a precious few look nervous. The names are drawn and soon a boy and a girl take to the stage.
The fairly well built boy, named Silver, smugly waves and blows kisses to the crowd, putting on a sort of 'show' for the girl's section. He seems arrogant from how he acts, and...might just be me, but his face sort of reminds me of a toad. He tries to give a flirty wink to the camera, but it looks bad.
The girl is rather small but seems elegant and pretty, full of grace. Her reddish hair is curly but flows down to her mid back and she seems indifferent to the whole thing. Hey! I remember her! She was in the crowd on the Victory Tour, the girl who had a cellphone. And now, I learn her name is Citrine.
"It feels bizarre seeing kids that age come from One to the Hunger Games," Finnick says.
"At least they're probably not going to be as dangerous as the two there were last year," Mags replies.
The thought of Marvel and Glimmer makes me feel worse.
The screen cuts over to District 2. Most of the kids look eager, bouncing on their heels...it's like watching puppies, if the puppies had a desire for glory and murder. Even so, it's less of a showing than there was last time. As with One there is no volunteer, the first time there has not been one since the Fourth Hunger Games according to Caesar. The names are drawn and a boy and girl are selected, both taking the stage.
The boy has wavy blond hair, styled nicely. He's somewhat lanky, but looks much better built than most twelve year olds should normally be. Like Silver he seems to be milking it, but...he seems less arrogant and more like he's acting? Hard to say. This boy's name is Cassius and he claims it is an honour.
The girl is toned and strong, but for a Career, well, as much of a Career as she is, she seems surprisingly passive. Her skin tone is like caramel and her eyes stony as the masonry Two is known for. Oh, I remember this girl as well...she was the one who was holding her mother's hand in the crowd at the Victory Tour. And now I learn her name...Valkri.
"Ooohhh! Now there is a boy who knows how to play the part! He might even win this thing," Pike remarks.
Please...shut up…
"Pike, fuck off," Ron scoffs. "They look good, but they're still kids. Not as tough as the ones last year. Thank goodness..."
The scene cuts to District 3 where nobody looks very happy. Indeed, the kids here look depressed, scared or like they have given up already for the most part. All the same, two names are drawn.
I almost puke in horror when the boy takes the stage...he has to be lifted upon it by three Peacekeepers due to the fact he is in a wheelchair. The boy looks terrified, but is trying to hold it together and look strong for the camera. I don't doubt he'll die early...the thought makes me sick. How is this funny? It's not. The boy's name is Coil, and one slip of paper was all it took to do this to him. I can relate.
The girl has her hair done in two short ponytails and wears goggles. She seems nervous, but isn't showing much fear. Indeed, she is showing little...she looks shy. On her ashen skin appear to be many oil stains. Possibly from working on all kinds of tech? She must be smart, and her name is Satella. She's tiny.
"That boy is dead..." Finnick sighs, shaking his head wearily.
"The girl might be too," Mags sighs.
And now...I see ourselves on the screen. I watch Dory be reaped, scared but not giving up. I see her mount the stage and try to smile. And then...then I watch myself be reaped a second time. Caesar and Claudius chatter about it so energetically for how 'unprecedented' it is, but I just feel sick. I wonder how horrified Rue feels to see that...assuming she's not on a train as a Tribute right now. All I know is that watching what happened a few hours ago...it really adds a dreading sense of finality to the whole thing. There's no escape.
"I think I was the star of that reaping, you know? I think I owned it," Pike remarks.
This time Ron actually does hit him. For a few seconds I feel a little better.
At District 5, some kids look indifferent, others tense and some are even brave enough to scowl. The Escort, of course, doesn't say much of anything before drawing two names.
The boy is scowling and has a very cold look in his eyes. He has a buzzcut and seems to be decently built. He could do well here. The way he carries himself and looks at the camera...this boy isn't one to be crossed. If nothing else, he looks well fed...he must be well off. Pounding a fist into his palm, breathing deeply, he is introduced as Isaak.
The girl who takes the stage seems a little off...it's like she's not sure what's going on, or where she is. She just mumbles to herself, too low for the cameras to pick up. This little blond is holding a book of some kind, but what it is...I can't make it out. She mumbles something to the escort about liking trains, and we are told her name. Electra.
"I'm not sure about the girl, but...that boy could bring trouble," Ron mutters. Even now though, he is eyeing Pike who is still in pain over the punch which wasn't even that hard.
"You kids be careful of him, alright?" Annie says quietly.
The TV next shows District 6, and as it's the District with the biggest population it seems the kids here are more safe than most. But the way some of them stand and even wobble...the morphling problem is even found in the youngest. The Escort just ignores this, and two names are called.
The boy is already in pieces and bawling by the time he reaches the stage. He seems kind of on the heavy side, so he's probably well off...but with his tearful eyes, already messed up black hair and how he has gone from tidy and styled to a mess with crumbled and tear stained cloths in seconds...he's not well off now. As he wails he is introduced as Farro.
The girl practically floats her way to the stage, looking out of it and rather wobbly. She is only twelve, and yet...already addicted to morphling. This is sad to see. She wobbles on the stage and tries to wave, to be confident...but she just falls over, just about knocking the Escort over as well. With Farro sobbing and this girl, Moxie, morph'd out of her mind...this is a very sad sight to watch…
"Poor kids, they're not gonna last long," Annie says, sniffling.
Finnick looks ill from what he has just seen.
"This is sick," Ron scowls.
"Where's your Quell spirit?" Pike says in disapproval.
"Where's your reason to exist?" Dory says with a huff.
The sight of District Seven and it's tall trees makes me flinch, but I try to keep it together. Seven sometimes brings powerful tributes. I'm unsure what to expect as the names are called.
The boy reaped is called Oakley...and for a moment, I thought he was a fifteen year old. But, no, he's twelve like everybody else. With big muscles, a firm stature and refusal to let anybody see him scared he calmly walks onto the stage and gives a nod to the camera. With his muscular build I have no doubts that he'll be extremely deadly with an axe. His eyes seem firm, full of focus. I'll keep my distance from him.
The girl who walks onto the stage is called Wilda. For a few moments she is shaking, her bright eyes wide and without any hope at all, her hands tugging her long dark hair in fright. But then, it passes...she seems to have accepted it. To the shock of everybody she then kisses Oakley without any warning at all. Oakley looks shocked as does all of the crowd.
"That girl knows how to make an impression," Mags notes.
"I'm more worried about the boy..." I mumble. I've seen axes and what they can do to people...I don't want to get axed in the face…
Within moments it is over to District Eight. Many of the kids are openly sobbing or panicking, and precious few are holding it together. As the names are drawn the panic reaches a peak.
The boy is small and seems rather shaky as he walks to the stage. But, he starts waving to the cameras. Already, he's trying to make the Capitol like him...very smart. His hair is brown and shaggy, and his skin rather pale. He seems smart, from a glance, based on the look he has in his eyes...his name is Timm.
The girl called is named Weavee. She shows no fear...in fact, she shoves other little girls over and out of her way and, once on the stage scowls at Timm, possibly to intimidate him. Timm shivers, but keeps his cool and looks at her with a steely look. Perhaps Weavee is a sort of schoolyard bully? She looks strong and has a spiteful look in her eyes...so maybe? I'll steer clear of her just in case.
"The boy doesn't look like he'll put on a good show," Pike says in disapproval. "So weak and useless."
"Can I kill him?" Ron asks hopefully.
Finnick shakes his head, looking almost apologetic.
"That girl...she seems tough," Dory murmurs.
"But if she angers people, she may die quickly. She's not a Career," Mags notes.
Next up is District Nine. Despite being the first District to ever have a winner, it's been a long time since they had somebody win, or even escape the bloodbath. But when the names are called, I can't help but feel wary that this year, 9 will have very strong tributes.
The first on the stage is a girl by the name of Sherri. It looks like nobody is sobbing that she has been chosen...maybe she's an orphan? She looks bitter, her hair messy and her cloths worn, but she looks unbroken and still able to stand. She glares at the camera, and pumps a fist. We're all scared in some way, but I get the feeling she'll be one of the last ones to crack.
The second reaped is a handsome looking boy with a pointy nose and spiky brunette hair named Colm, and he has a look of pure horror on his face. He takes slow, shaky steps up towards the stage. So many people in the crowd look horrified as well...I guess he's popular. Maybe in another year somebody would have volunteered for him? But Colm manages to stop shaking...instead, he surveys the crowd of kids and looks directly at the camera...almost like he is looking at me...and slides a finger across his throat, hatred in his eyes.
"That girl...she seems like she's hiding something. I see it in her eyes," Finnick says, looking thoughtful. "And that boy...you kids be careful of him. He seems like he could be a very skilled tribute. You don't need to be a Career to be skilled."
"But it helps," Pike adds.
And now, we reach the 'Outlying Districts'. My heart is beating fast and I feel more sick and awful every second that passes. It's almost up to Eleven...almost time to see if my sweet Rue is alright...but before that, there's still Ten.
The girl picked has a sort of ratty face, a look of ice in her eyes. The firm kind out for themselves. The kind who get by easier in Panem. Indeed, she at least doesn't seem to be starving. Her flowing black locks are kind of unkempt though, with plenty of hair out of place. Like my curls, but...not. Caesar names her as Meadow, while Claudius makes a sort of meat joke as she is the daughter of butchers. We're all just slabs of meat to the Capitol after all…
The boy picked makes me vomit in my mouth which I barely swallow. He's a small blind boy, fumbling his way forwards. But only seconds later a voice yells out that he volunteers. A boy looking much like the first marches forwards with purpose. Shaking, but still holding onto his emotions, he hugs the blind boy tightly...they're twins...and makes his way onto the stage. This boy is Cobalt, who Caesar remarks is the first Volunteer that District Ten has had in over fifty years. Claudius adds that he and the blind boy are relations of the dead boy from ten from the 73rd Games...again, no name is given…
"That boy may be a tricky one...but to volunteer like that, so brave..." Whispers Annie.
"Just like Katniss," I say quietly.
"Literally who?" Pike asks, looking puzzled.
I don't reply, because my terror has peaked. I have to swallow my vomit twice and everything in my small body hurts. The screen is showing District Eleven and the camera even glances over Rue in the crowd. Nobody volunteered for her last time...why would they thus time? Please, let her be safe…
The boy is called first, and he approaches the stage without fear, or sound. He walks as sleek as the night, his eyes focused. The Escort introduces him as Thorrn. Apparently he got stung in the throat by a Tracker Jacker once and lost the ability to speak, except making guttural sounds. However, he looks focused and determined, giving the camera a cold look as he folds his arms.
And now it's the girls. Please...please…
Please no…
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NO! NO! NO!
I hear somebody screaming, and only after a few long seconds do I realise it's me. I feel Dory and Finnick holding me, but still I scream in despair as I watch Rue walk up to the stage. Surely somebody, anybody, would volunteer for her!
But no, they don't. Because my little apple would never want another child to be hurt in her place. I'm powerless as I am forced to watch Rue, and Thorrn, enter the Judgement Building on District 11.
I cannot hear the comments of all others in the room. I can only gag and shake in horror. How could this happen...how could this happen?
There were hundreds of papers in Four, and even more in Eleven...and we only had one each. How…?
I don't even get time to start bawling at the vileness of the Quell and how it should have never happened when the screen finally shows District Twelve. Shuddering and shaking, my breathing hard, I look to see the last two tributes. The twelve year olds are all starving, sad and various shades of unhappy. They seem to have a different Escort this year, like us. Wait...Eleven did too.
Strange…
This time I actually do throw up, to which Pike squeals in protest. Imagine that, a dragon man squealing. I can't help vomiting though because Primrose Everdeen has been called up, and Katniss can't save her now...Katniss died to save Primrose, and me...and Rue. And now the Capitol is making that sacrifice of love and loyalty worthless. I'm shaking in rage, looking at Primrose shaking on the stage.
But the boy...the boy has my attention. He is named as Hopper and, with a shrug of acceptance...a shrug...he mounts the stage. His hair coal black, his face dirty and his eyes grey as winter sleet he looks at the camera, refusing to show fear.
And then…
And then, Hopper punches the escort in the crotch, quickly kicking him over. He grabs the microphone and begins to shout out various bad words at President Snow, the kind of words that most kids would get heavily smacked for. He finishes with a rude hand gesture, yelling that the Capitol sucks and leaving into the Justice Building, fists raised above him. All of 12 is silent, Primrose looking shocked indeed...and then their one Victor starts laughing uproariously.
We're all stunned as the recaps come to an end. Stunned that Primrose was reaped, and that Hopper just acted as no tribute has done before.
He's dead.
"Well, I never," Pike says in displeasure. "You all saw that nasty boy, didn't you?"
"I like him," I say instantly.
"I wish I'd done that," Dory admits.
"Nice to see one against the Capitol," Ron says with a snicker. And all the while Finnick, Annie and Mags are laughing.
Pike just frowns a bit. He soon cheers up though.
"Well, it will indeed be interesting to see the younger Everdeen," Pike remarks. "Our little...champions, were close to the elder. Maybe history shall repeat?"
Pike leaves and I am left feeling even more ill. Alliance? Definitely. Primrose dying like Katniss did? No…
I can't think much more though because finally the stress is too much, and I completely pass out.
(Time passes…)
I awaken with a jolt, looking around in alarm. I'm alone...everything is totally silent. It's eerie. Actually, the only sound is the humming of the train's engine, and even then only if I focus hard. A look out the window show's it's the dead of night.
I've been unconscious for hours. The stress finally got to me.
I hope Dory is faring better.
I feel uneasy, being alone in this room by myself. Knowing what's coming, I feel even worse. I don't want to be alone.
I'm still dressed, so I make my way to the door, carefully opening it. Before I walk out, I pause. Last time I overheard a conversation on a train at night I learned what...or rather who... those Dog Mutts were made from. Do I want to risk overhearing anything else right now?
…
Yes. I need to be prepared for whatever is next. And whatever it is, it'll hurt.
I creepy quietly down the hallway towards the Living Carriage. I see a light up ahead...somebody is awake. But with how dark this carriage is and how the outside is dark with a lot of fog gathering, it's like being in a horror movie. It makes me nervous.
I've been through worse.
I walk through the carriage, knowing that I can't complain about the dark. Not after Mutts and a second reaping.
And soon, I'm in the next carriage. I crouch down behind a large chair, and I listen. I listen carefully.
It's Finnick and Ron. Both talk quietly, and angrily.
"Urchin, we know you're there," Finnick says. "Come over here, you need to hear this."
I didn't expect to be caught, so this takes me off guard. But if they are going to tell me something...something I need to hear...I won't refuse. So I make my way over and sit on a chair.
Both Victors look a great mixture of angry, sickened and uncertain. Whatever it is they have to tell me, it's something big.
Any more shocks today, and I might die on the spot. It creeps me out how I can think that so seriously, yet feel so uncaring about it…
Finnick and Ron look at each other. Finnick speaks first.
"This was not meant to happen," Finnick says seriously. He's tranquil, but looks more furious than I have ever seen him.
"Tell me about it..." I mumble.
"No, really, it wasn't," Finnick says. His usually warm expression is now full of fury. "Ron...show Urchin what you found in Pike's jacket."
Ron looks even more furious, somehow. Muttering foul words about the dragon man he hands me two slips of paper. Wait, these are the papers that got me and Dory into this mess…
"...Read them," Finnick says, pain in his eyes.
I'm not sure what's going on here, but I read the papers. I expect to see my name and Dory's name.
I see the names of two children…Spadge Barra and Aqua Smith…
I stare at the names on the papers, barely able to breath.
Pike was going to read my name and Dory's name no matter what names he picked! It was rigged! This...this...I can barely stop myself screaming and destroying everything on this rotten train. But I am very tempted, very tempted indeed…
...Rue must have been picked this way as well! Her District had a new Escort too!...And this must be how Primrose is here as well. The odds...it's so unlikely, so nearly impossible…
Snow wants to bring us back to ensure we die…
Finnick and Ron look at me. Both are angry too, but only have sympathy for me.
"Yes, it was rigged. I bet this whole Quell was made because of the last Games and how they ended. Kill the beacons of hope, kill the little sister of the brave girl who helped them make it...and kill a bunch of other little kids too. This is sickening," Finnick says, snarling. "They picked the wrong nephew of mine to target! And the wrong future niece in law!"
"So, we can get me out of this? A-a-and Rue and Prim? Maybe everybody?" I ask, for a mere moment daring to hope that this is possible.
Finnick gets up, and hugs me. Ron watches on sadly.
"People are going to die, no matter what we do," Finnick tells me. "But, we'll keep you alive. We'll sponsor you whatever we can. So long as you keep the Capitol citizens liking you, you'll live through this."
"...If Rue and Dory die...what's the point?" I whisper, breathing shakily. "This Quell...the rigged reapings...it all comes back to me."
"Only because you showed humanity in the Hunger Games, and the games were created by the Capitol," Finnick says seriously. "Don't self loath. I do enough of that. You...stay as yourself Urchin, can you do that for me? Because if you can do that, I'll do anything I can for you."
And all I can do is agree. Not just to stay as myself, but to help Rue, Dory and even Primrose, the girl I've not known other than by proxy, to stay as they are.
Alive.
"This is gonna be a year to remember, one way or the other," Ron says grimly, cracking his knuckles. "...Guess it's time."
"Not for a few weeks," Finnick says. "But soon. Urchin, we can't get you out of this...even with this proof, Snow would find a way to dispel it. So...train hard, keep your friends close and stay true to yourself. You got two out last year...maybe you could get more out this time?"
I'm just a child...I can't beat the system twice! But, I know I'll try anyway. Maybe there's a way...some unknown way…? I can't stop the tears flowing.
Eventually, after telling me to keep quiet for the moment and giving me much pep talking and kindness, Annie arrives and gentle escorts me off to bed, whispering gentle things. I like Annie.
As we leave the room I can hear Finnick and Ron say something else.
"Plutarch doesn't see our Mockingjay?" Ron says quietly.
"Nobody feels they can ray behind him. He's not Miss Everdeen. But, they'll see," Finnick says. He sounds proud and admiring.
I wonder what they are taking about. Me? And...if so, what exactly about me?
(The next day…)
I didn't sleep well last night. Too many bombshells of information dropped at once. But, I slept a little...which may be more than some other Tributes on other trains did. With unease in my heart and worry in my eyes, I find it in me to sit at the breakfast table. Dory is already there, chatting to Mags.
"So if we are low on food, are Mutts edible?" Dory asks as I sit down.
"They can be. But some of them are poisonous and...well...some Games it'd be better if you didn't eat them," Mags says, looking to the side.
I think I know all too well what she is referring to. I shiver, trying to focus on the toast.
"Ok, so scratch eating the Mutts," Dory says, tapping her chin. "Can fishing hooks be used as weapons?"
"Any can be a weapon if you use it right," Mags says confidently.
"Yeah...we all remember that girl who set the kill record with a shoe..." I mumble, sick at the thought. That, and many other thoughts too.
Dory puts a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry Urchin, chin up. We'll be fine," Dory says confidently. "Who knows, maybe one of those boys might want to join us. And maybe join me."
Dory smiles dreamily for a moment. This is the problem with having Tributes who are going through puberty...it makes things so awkward. I just eat my toast quietly, trying to relax before we reach the Capitol where things are bound to get worse. Much worse.
But it's hard...how do I tell my friend that we were rigged into the Games, as was Rue and possibly Primrose, and that the Quell is...all my fault? A punishment for showing kindness and not killing my girlfriend? A Quell where we may die, as well as more than twenty other innocent children. I feel so unsteady on my feet, the urge to puke strong and the desire to stay conscious low.
Presently though breakfast is over, with hunger not being among my problems at least, and the Capitol is near. We may even arrive in fifteen minutes, maybe sooner. By now Finnick, Annie and Ron have joined us and, to my dismay, Pike too.
I don't like dragon anymore.
"Ok, we're almost there now. So, remember to smile!" Pike exclaims eagerly.
I doubt my smile could even fool a blind person, but then again...it's the Capitol. They might not even notice. They don't see the Hunger Games as wrong, so why would they detect a fake smile, right?
"He's right," Finnick says and I can tell it hurts him to admit that. "Put on smiles, wave to the crowd. Be sweet and lovable. Urchin, you know the drill. Dory...follow Urchin's lead."
"With pleasure," Dory says, putting on a perky smile.
The train continues to blaze along the rails, and soon enough the Capitol comes into view. For all the ugly things, and people, that reside here...I have to admit, it's beautiful. I love how colourful and pristine the place is. We only have a few moments to admire the view though before we pull into the train station. The reality of the situation returns once more.
It's the Quell, and outside on the platform is an utterly massive crowd of colourful citizens. The scream, cheer and...some even hold up posts with my face, or name, on them. I have a fan club...I miss being unpopular sometimes, but if one of them is rich and an impulse spender...maybe I have a hope of not dying on day one.
"Well, let's meet the fans," I say anxiously.
"I'll show them how lovable I am," Dory promises, looking so serious.
At least Peacekeepers will block the crowd from reaching us, and the car that will take us to the Remake Center is not very far away. I would sprint to it, but no...we have to walk, and wave. As is custom, I think. But, this is our first chance to grab some sponsors. A previous Victor and his close friend...safe picks to bet on. They don't know the Head Gamemaker probably despises me, or that Snow wants me killed.
And so when the doors open, we exit the train with Pike and all our Victors following behind us. I feel ridiculous through the hole fifty meter journey to the car but if the big smiles, shook hands, high fives and finger guns paired with winks get us sponsors...so be it.
The crowd loves it, screaming our names and throwing roses and coins to us. Of course, I don't pick them up because I've never been fond of the smell of roses, and what would I need money for right now? A bribe? That'd probably get me killed faster! So, we just smile and wave and thankfully we arrive at the large car with some of our dignity intact. With final waves to the crowd, we file into the vehicle. The doors instantly lock behind us.
Next stop, the Remake Center.
I hope my curls stay intact…
(Time passes…)
Thankfully, my curls have been left alone.
As my Prep Team have worked on my before, they already know what to do. Dory lays in wait on a different table behind a curtain. I think she actually be sleeping to pass the time? Either way, I feel smooth and fragrant...unnaturally so. It's not exactly painful, but the vigorous scrubbing is not pleasant. I like being clean of course, but...this is intense. I just sit and accept it through. I've gone through this once, and this is nothing compared to what comes later. At least it gives me time to think. That, and listen.
Already I've seen some of the other tributes walk by with their own Prep Teams. I don't speak to them, and I've sadly not seen Rue yet...but, it's useful to listen. Finnick knew it, and now I know it.
As my curls are gently brushed and made to gleam, the boy from 3 passes by with his prep team. In that wheelchair, he's gonna have a hard time. Coil, that's his name.
"I'm gonna have my wheelchair upgraded, right?" Coil asks seriously. "I need it to work in the Arena. That, or your Capitol tech could fix my legs?"
"You'll be given a better wheelchair," one of his prep team members say airily.
"Can't you fix my legs? I know you can!" Coil exclaims.
The prep team just smile fondly as they lead Coil away to be made up. I can tell he is seething. He's also not the last Tribute to pass by. A few minutes later, once I am almost finished being prepped, the pair from 8 pass by with their Prep Team. Weavee and Timm, that's who they are.
"You all better stay out of my way! Don't touch me!" Weavee barks, her voice a little squeaky. "Same to you Timm. There's only one Victor, and if I came across you in the Arena, it'll be like at school but with a sword!"
Timm seems to sigh. It seems this is not a brand new occurrence. Even now, he's inching away from his District Partner.
"I'm running from the Bloodbath, you won't see me at all," Timm says softly. "But, it'd be an idea to work together and-."
"Kill or be killed!" Weavee says with an ugly scowl on her face. "Stick to your poetry and I'll stick to the swords."
Timm shrugs, even rolling his eyes. He looks at me for a few moments...he gives me a nod, and then walks on his way with Weavee and his Prep Team.
District 8 is sure to be something this year, from what I am seeing. Weavee could be dangerous...Timm though, maybe he'd be decent? I can hope.
"You're all done," a member of my team tells me. "Baleni will see you now."
I'm up and being escorted by a Peacekeeper in moments. As I go I glance around for any sign of Rue...but so far, nothing. I pass by Citrine on the way, but she doesn't acknowledge me.
"Stupid meanies, taking my phone," she huffs in annoyance.
She's a Career, and might be mad about Glimmer...I can't risk it, so I walk a little faster and out the room.
(Not much later…)
It was embarrassing and uncomfortable last time, and it still is even now. But here I stand in only my underwear as Baleni surveys me. I hope this won't last long...I feel exposed, and like a meal. Baleni soon nod, seeming satisfied.
"As before, I can work with this," Baleni says, looking almost eager. "Last year's costumes were a big success, but this year...we're doing something big and new."
Baleni looks at me. What, am I supposed to guess what she means? Uh…
"...Shark costumes?" I say awkwardly.
"Of course not. No, you and your District Partner will be mermaids. Or rather, mermaid and merman," Baleni says, almost bouncing on her heels. "You'll look great with a trident. Like a smaller Finnick! The sea, and the parade, will be yours."
Having the sea to myself, sailing far away from Panem...I am tempted. But, I could really do much worse with costumes so I don't complain. I remember the years with the pirate outfits and the shrimp costumes...yes, much worse indeed.
(A bit of time passes…)
If nothing else, the fabric of the costume feels really nice. Though I must wonder how much of it was made within the Capitol, and how much was taken from District 8. But either way, the outfit feels nice. Indeed, the sea themed armour, with the netting, fake fishtail covering my legs and the crown on my head...they make me seem strong. The silver trident helps with this, even if it is just a fake one.
Beside me on the chariot that is yet to move, Dory also looks impressive. A more feminine version of my outfit, but still one that makes an impression. I guess it's fitting to have her be a mermaid...Dory is a flirt after all, and I've heard stories of mermaids being flirty. So, I guess our costumes are good...Baleni did a great job.
"Ready for the parade?" Dory whispers.
I nod. I've done this before. Only, it was with Marina and...no, I can't let myself think about that. Crying in the parade...it's what Snow would want of me. Even if I dearly want to cry.
"Smiles, waves and holding our tridents up, yeah?" I say.
"Yep! Show them our power," Dory says. She's looking at me again with that hopeful expression. "Once this is over we can get down to business. So...how you holding up, with Rue back there? Hurts, right?"
"More than when I got shot in the shoulder by Weldar's bowgun," I mumble.
I was only able to give Rue a smile and wave. There was no chance for us to talk, or indeed to talk to any of the other Tributes besides our District Partners. No time for anything much besides getting onto the Chariots and waiting for the parade to begin. Right now Caesar and Claudius are hyping it all up...not that the event needs it...and the chariots will be ready to go is probably just a few minutes. So, besides quietly talking with Dory all I can do is wait.
Well, wait and also look at the costumes that the other Tributes are wearing. Some of them actually look good...others make me stare in bewilderment, and also ask myself if the Capitol may have people on morphling as well. I mean...what the heck?! Much like a bow and arrow, Capitol fashion is very hit or miss.
In the District One chariot it's clear that Silver and Citrine's outfits are as luxurious as the goods their District makes. Sparking platinum gowns with jewels all over, royal crowns, fuchsia gloves, and each holding a golden sceptre. They're elegant, all the way.
In the District Two chariot Cassius and Valkri's stylist seems to have gone a similar route from last year. Armour and war themed, just like what Cato and Clove wore. It may just be me, but it seems they are having to work hard to stay balanced...that armour must be rather heavy.
In the District Three chariot I can't help but do a double take. It looks like Coil and Satella have been dressed up as...I think robots, they are called? Yeah, those. They even have antennae on their faces and glasses that make their eyes look red and evil, though I only get a brief glimpse of this when when Satella looks back, briefly giving me a short wave. It seems Coil's wheelchair has been done up too, with wires and lights attached to it.
In the District Five chariot Isaak stands bitter and annoyed, while Electra seems very off in her own world, gazing around spacily. I don't know how their stylists have done it, but the Tributes from 5 are not only covered in, I think, nodes of some kind...but are buzzing and crackling with electricity. They are left unharmed, but impressive to watch. The fact the electricity is somehow neon pink though...I kinda see why Isaak looks annoyed.
In the District Six chariot...I can only shake my head. I feel bad for Farro and Moxie. They seem to be dressed to resemble a road. A solid rectangle block is worn with yellow lines dashed onto the middle of it. If I know Claudius, he's likely gonna make a joke about these two being run over in the Arena. And with Farro's sniffling, and Moxie swaying from morphling, he may be right…
In the District Seven chariot stand Oakley and Wilda, both dressed as trees. It seems that most years Tributes from seven are trees...and if not that, then usually logs. Oakley stands tall and stoic, clearly hating the costume and trying to focus on the ground while Wilda seems sly, brushing up her fellow Tribute, batting her eyes and trying to tickle him with a leaf from the costume. Dory would get along with her.
In the District Eight chariot, it seems clear to me that I really did luck out with my costume. How ironic that the District all about textiles and making cloths...are just wearing sheets over them with some swirly patterns and eye holes. I can tell them apart by the fact Timm is shorter, but even without this their eyes say it all. Timm seems like he just wants to get this over with so he can hide in his room, while Weavee seems angry and furious. If it were me, I'd just be groaning.
In the District Nine chariot, things start getting a little bit ridiculous. Nine is all about grain, which means bread and wine, though I've only ever had the former. I am wondering if Colm and Sherri are sick of bread right now...they're literally dressed as baguettes and both are upset. Sherri seems very embarrassed, while Colm is seething. He might even turn his costume into toast with that much anger.
In the District Ten chariot...I find myself almost at a loss for words. Here I was thinking the cow suits from four years ago were silly...but here, Cobalt and Meadow are literally dressed as strips of bacon. I think they even have barbecue sauce drizzled onto the costumes. Cobalt is hiding his face, looking humiliated while Meadow seems passive and uncaring, scooping up a little to the sauce to taste it.
In the District Eleven chariot...it seems to me that calling Rue my little apple is actually, well, kind of accurate. She and Thorrn are dressed in big apple suits. A red one for Rue and a green one for Thorrn. It seems that the size of the apple outfits are making it hard for them to both fit in the chariot. Rue gives me a pouty look though she seems to giggle. Thorrn just stares at me, before looking down at his costume in displeasure.
And finally, at the very back in the District Twelve chariot are Primrose and Hopper. Both are dressed similarly to how Katniss and Peeta were last year, but with the additions of shiny miner helmets and their chariot looking a little done up as well. If I had the guess, their chariot may be set on fire too this time? I'm be happy to be out of the limelight, so if Twelve outshines us again this year then so much for the better.
After looking at all of these outfits I feel glad that I have no intent or ability for a fashion career. This is really dumb. But, it's what the crowd outside of the tunnel want. In fact, it looks like it's starting now. One of the staff looks about ready to give the signal to get the chariots moving.
"Here we go," Dory says anxiously. Looks like we're both nervous.
"We better hold on tight," I reply. "Smiles on our faces...or, as close as we can get."
The chariot of District One has started to move now, and it's not long before the chariots in front of us follow and then we start following them. The parade has begun, and even though we're not out of the tunnel yet the cheering is already deafening.
It becomes three times as louder once we're out of the tunnel and into the grand night. I thought this was a huge, loud event last time but clearly I didn't realise just how much grander in scale, to the Capitol anyway, a Quarter Quell is. Everybody in the crowd is screaming and shrieking in excitement. It's like watching an audience of multicoloured howler monkeys or something like that. And just as rough on the ears…
But, this is our chance to earn sponsors and make sure we're not the first ones dead. It's not about being vicious, but living the longest, and people with sponsors usually live longer. And so, we try to look eager and proud. We pose, wave to the crowds and hold up our tridents. As much as I would to be back home in dear District Four, it's sort of...oddly fun charming the crowd and making this our night. With what comes next, it may well be the only chance left in my life to have any fun at all.
As we give it all we've got the crowd shrieks in excitement about something behind me. A glance over my shoulder tells me all I need to know. District Twelve is on fire...and their chariot is too. If I'd not seen this more or less happen last year then I'd think something had gone wrong and another reaping would be ordered. Their stylish must be a genius. But, while Primrose shyly waves to the crowd Hopper seems content to make rude hand gestures at them.
Everybody tries their best to make an impression, and so it's no surprise that by the time the chariots come to a stop at below Snow's balcony the crowd is screaming in awe and delight. I give Rue a smile which she returns. As I look around at the other tributes, who copy my action and survey each other, I can see that Wilda gives me a wink and blows me a kiss. I gulp and turn away, but now I see that Silver is scowling at me.
He almost seems jealous…
But, soon enough the cheering dies down to an eager silence as President Snow comes to the front of the balcony. He holds up his hands to ask for quiet, the crowd obeying. For a few moments he is silent as he surveys us. I can't help but shiver as his gaze very briefly passes by me. The man who wants me dead and pulled strings to get me back here...it makes my heart pound with panic that he is so very nearby.
"He's even older in person," Dory whispers. "I don't like him."
"...Me neither," I quietly agree.
But we stop taking once Snow speaks. I don't think ignoring his speech would be a good idea. Small it may be, it's not a doubt to me he'd kill anybody who did not let him finish it.
"Welcome, to the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and the Third Quarter Quell," President Snow begins in a grand, yet soft voice. "Tributes, we-."
"Fuck you Snow! You soggy arsed old bastard!" Screams a voice...very close to me.
Everybody is frozen in absolute shock and barely able to breath as, in usion, we look at the District Twelve chariot. Primrose looks pale and scared while Hopper looks defiant, making a rude gesture at President Snow.
"You heard me! Fuck you!" Hopper screams.
From what I can see, President Snow is calm on the outside but probably seething on the side.
"Tributes," he continues. "We-."
"Fuck you! You old buggery codger, I hope you die in a fire!" Hopper yells.
Snow paused, and tries again. Meanwhile every other person has gone deathly silent. The kind of silent where you'd be able to hear a beetle breath.
"We welcome you," Snow says quickly and, by now, a bit less calmly. "and we-."
I almost scream in shock as a shoe is thrown at Snow, bopping him on the forehead. Not enough to hurt him, but enough to make him have a frighteningly angry expression for a single second. That face will be in my nightmares tonight. Hopper meanwhile just continues to scream, shout and swear at Snow.
Snow just gives a signal, now looking furious. He hides it well, but it seems he might just hate the boy from 12 more than he hates me. I watch him turn and leave as the chariots begin to move to the Tribute Building. All of the Tributes are in a shocked, stunned silence. Hopper meanwhile seems indifferent. He looks a me for a brief moment.
He winks.
...I am going to make sure I speak to the boy from 12 during training. After that display he has made himself, quite literally, impossible to forget.
(Not much later…)
We've arrived at the Tribute Building...a place I never, ever wanted to return to. Least of all as a tribute once more. But, we've here. The chariots have all stopped and we're getting off. Sticking close to our mentors, all of us Tributes are led to the large elevator that'll take us to our floors for the night.
"You did great," Finnick says, clearly proud. "I...need to take care of an appointment. But after that, I'll meet you on our floor to go over strategies. Until then, I'm sure Ron, Annie and Mags can take care of you."
"And Pike?" Dory adds.
"Who cares?" Finnick chuckles lightly. "See you guys soon."
Finnick takes his leave as we move to the elevator. Rue briefly walks beside me.
"Roof tonight?" She asks quietly.
I give her hand a squeeze.
"Roof," I confirm.
And so, we stand in the elevator as it begins to go up. But on thing I do notice, after Citrine and Silver step off, is the boy from Nine.
Colm is looking at me. And he is scowling...not just an intimidation tactic, but...like he feels nothing but sheer hatred. I look away, gulping.
Not much longer until we get to my floor. At least for a few hours, I'll be safe and able to think about a very important topic.
What do I do now?
If nothing else, it was certainly a parade to remember! So, there are our Tributes. And we all know already not all of them are gonna survive this one, not a chance. The Games are approaching, but first a few chapters in the Capitol. Enjoy meeting the new kids, and may the odds be ever in favour of your favourite!