Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger games

A/N: Hey guys. Sorry about the chapter. There were some issues but they are solved and here is the fixed chapter. Thanks SibunaMockinjay for the reviews. So here's the tribute parade with a twist...

Chapter 7 ) Tribute Parade

The crowd goes wild looking at this gesture only seen at my parents' games. I begin to wave with my free and hand and Keeth does too. Many Capitol people throw roses at us so we send flying kisses in a general direction, causing there to be an uproar of people pretending to catch it. We haven't even shown them the best part of our chariot ride. I think this is the right time to trigger our costumes. I turn to look at Keeth and find him looking at me. I guess we had the same idea. I nod and he presses the button.

Within a few seconds a heap of black smoke is being released from our costume, starting from our feet. The smoke, mixed with ash, swirls around our bodies until the black smoke covers us completely, blocking our view completely. What's going on? How will this impress the sponsors? I turn to my left but I cannot see Keeth either. The smoke is blocking my view of Keeth as well. I try and listen to the crowd but nothing. Only silence. I hope we didn't disappoint them. They usually don't react when they do not like some tributes or their costume.

Soon I witness the black smoke disappearing, this time from head to toe. In a few seconds I hear the crowd cheering once more but this time even louder. What wonders has Justice done? I look down to see my costume on fire. It is an ember. It is not a yellow colour. It is dark. A dark red and orange. This explains the colour of my makeup and nails.I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun.I look at Keeth and he looks at me, both of us the beaming smiles. I suddenly realise that Keeth and my hands are still locked and held in the air. It hasn't moved a bit. However I don't want to let go either. It gives me a sense of security that nothing bad will happen, which is especially necessary in this situation. I stand large and tall, especially after the fire boost.

Eventually we reach the circle and our chariot comes to a stop. I believe this is when the President gives his speech. From the corner of my eye I can tell that all eyes are on us not only from the crowd but from other tributes. Good. At least they know I stand a chance. Soon the crowd starts cheering. I turn to see Aquilo taking the stand on high balcony, symbolising his power and authority. I can see his snake-like eyes watching me. He is targeting me. I know it. His presence brings a shiver down my spine. It brings me a spooky feeling. He is wearing a dark suit over a white shirt and a grey vest over it. To accompany it he wears a tie, matching pants and black shoes. In the left pocket he wears a white rose. He is definitely Snow's grandson from what I have seen in textbooks.

"Welcome tributes! Welcome to the 77th Hunger Games. There has been a slight alteration to the rules of the Games on the occasion of it being the 1st Games after the Rebellion. We are now allowing two tributes to become victors of these games if they, combined, have killed 5 tributes by the end of the Games. If they haven't only one tribute will be allowed. The choice is yours. This change is a permanent change for these Games and will not be revoked. We salute your courage and your sacrifice and we wish you a Happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favour!" He says. This means I don't need to kill Keeth. I give a sigh of relief. I won't need to betray him. I feel a sudden jerk as our chariot beings to move again. I can see that the President's eyes lay upon mine. I don't turn away either. I fixate my eyes on him until my chariot turns around completely. I don't want to be the one to give in.

Quicker than before we reach the doors. My heart only comes to rest when the chariot comes to a stop. We are soon ambushed by my parents and others.

"That was amazing." Dad says.

"You two were unforgettable." Mum says.

"Good job." Says Haymitch and all he says.

Justice and a lady walks towards us.

"This performance certainly would've brought in tonnes of sponsors." Justice says.

"Thanks." Keeth and I say in unison, prompting us to laugh.

"Hurry up now, we need to get into the elevator." Effie says, always hurrying us to keep on schedule.

As we walk towards the elevator I can see that the District 1 and 4 tributes along with the District 2 girl, Amelia have formed an alliance without Mason. Maybe he isn't a Career or didn't make the Career Pack. As we walk past them I hear them shouting something at me.

"Oh look it is the fake girl on fire." They exclaim then they snigger. "She has no chance." Another says. I think it is the District 4 boy, Salten.

"Ignore them." I hear someone whisper in my ear. I turn to see Keeth. I do as he says and look straight ahead to show them that they don't affect me one bit.

All my mentors, our stylists and Keeth and I fill up the elevator and we are up to the 12th floor in seconds. All tributes live in the training center, which is known to be the tallest building in the Capitol. It is situated right behind the President's mansion. The only reason the training centre was intact was because it would be dangerous to demolish.

"We're lucky. Since we are District 12 we get the penthouse apartment." Effie says. She goes on about how the view is so much better. Because a lovely view will make my death seem more pleasant. I tune her out, because honestly, her comments really make me furious. It takes a lot of convincing to not shout right at her face.

Soon enough the elevator doors open. I am soon awe-struck. If I thought the train luxury was the limit I was wrong. The first thing I could see is the living room, which was probably bigger than my entire house. We begin to walk in.

"On your left is the dining room." Effie says, pointing to the dining room. It is a huge area, with a dining table in the middle of the empty space. It is a glimmering black glass dining table with contrasting white chair. It is a strange shape however. Nothing like chairs I have seen before. But the shape is intriguing. On the table are numerous dishes and delicacies. I hear them calling my name to come and taste them.

"Straight ahead is the television and the sitting area." The television is wall mounted. The wall behind the TV is light blue and the TV is black. The sofas are blue too. They are a light blue. Like the sky, without a cloud in sight. I guess this is where we will watch re-telecasts and our training scores. I could possibly get used to this place if it weren't in the Capitol and I weren't heading for my death.

"Your rooms are down the corridor to your right." Effie says, gesturing to Keeth and me. "Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch your rooms are down the corridor straight ahead. The chariot rides telecast will be repeated in an hour. I would like you all present here in half an hour for dinner." We all nod and go to our rooms.

I am astonished by my room. The room is painted a navy blue colour, which gives it a sophisticated look. I like it. The room is big, but with minimal décor. I like a spacious room. At the far end of the room is low bed with a light blue duvet. Upon entrance there is a wardrobe and a chest drawers. I walk up to it to see that it is full of clothes the Capitol has provided. On my left is an in suite bathroom. I scavenge through the clothes and decide on a green tank top and baggy trousers. I want to wear something comfortable in my last few days. It takes quite a while to wash all the make-up off but I finally get rid of the thing I despise the most. I believe in natural beauty not beauty that comes from make-up. I walk out of the bathroom, put the Mockingjay pin on to hear someone pounding their fists on my door.

"Dinner!" Effie shouts. Half an hour up already? That was quick.

At dinner I sit next to Keeth and Justice, with Mum, Dad and the other lady, who I assume is Keeth's stylist. At the ends of the table are Haymitch and Effie. Finally I get to eat. Something I was waiting for. I place a bit of everything on my plate and begin to stuff my mouth with food, causing Effie to through a fit about manners. I don't exactly care right now. I am starving and I have had a long day. I take seconds of everything too, causing me to get astonished looks from Haymitch. Soon we are done and we get ourselves comfortable on the couch to watch the parade.

I sit next to Dad and Justice. Keeth next to Justice and his stylist next to him. Mum sits next to Dad. Haymitch and Effie sit on a separate couch, seating one. An avox turns the TV on. I was shocked to see avoxes but I found out they are avoxes from before the rebellion, who survived. The tribute parade commentary is by Caeser and Claudius. Great.

I watch how the crowd cheer wildly for the first 2 Districts. I am shocked about the 1st District because their costume is very loud. District 3 is given a good response and so is District 4. The other Districts get a good response but nothing great. District 11 surprises me. They wore flower clothes. With a beautiful flower headband, necklace and bracelet. Simple but beautiful. They make a big impression and I am certain they will get sponsors.

Next appears District 12. I can see the determination in both our faces as our hands are locked. We look strong but at the same time people with hearts. Not deadly.

"Wow. They look great. A marvellous first look from District 12. These two remind me of Katniss and Peeta. Am I right?" Asks Caesar.

"Indeed but without the fire." Says Claudius.

"I don't think their stylists thought of the fire. That would've driven the crowd wild." Caesar says.

"Wait a second. Something's happening." Claudius states, indicating the smoke swirling around us.

"Well this is new, don't you think?" Caesar says.

"It looks like ash. And hold on the ash is turning into fire. Strong fire."

"Looks like we have the girl who rose from the ashes." Caesar nicknames me. Hold on. This links in with what Aquilo said. He said there is only ash. Well then I am the one who will rise from it.

I am the girl who rose from the ashes.

Mum and Dad take me in an embrace and congratulate Keeth for the outstanding performance in the chariot rides.

"Thanks Justice, for the amazing costume." I say to him. He truly deserves the praise being given. After all it is his brilliant idea of the costume. At least I know I can trust him with my clothes in the future. The short future ahead of me.

"It wasn't the costume, it was you." He says. He always tries to make me feel good about myself.

"Okay, okay. We have a busy day tomorrow. It is the first day of training. Of you go everyone. Time to sleep." Effie says. She is just like an alarm clock. As soon as it is the right time she starts ringing. Everyone gets up and walks to their room. Before Keeth leaves he walks to me.

"Goodnight, Girl who rose from the ashes."

The Girl who Rose from the Ashes...my nickname.

A/N
Like Ash's nickname? Took me a while to come up with that one.
The new Hunger Games twist. Two victors. And don't worry it is permanent. Who do you think Ashlyn would want to win with her?
Next chapter is training...let's see what that has for Ashlyn Mellark.
Favourite/follow and review guys.
And sorry once again guys.