A/N: Once again, I am so sorry! I thought no one even took an interest in this fic until I looked at it the other day! From now on, I will continue to write! PS: Sorry the chapter's only short!
We sit the chariot, Cato and I, ready for the opening ceremony to begin. He's fixing his helmet while I sit idle in the cushioned seat. I look calm on the outside, but really, my heart is racing with excitement. All of Panem will be watching, and that thrills me. Knowing that someone in the crowd I'll soon be exposed to will be a future sponsor.
I glance at Cato, who I haven't properly talked to since the night on the train. I would, but I don't know what to say.
Do I like him? No, I can't. Even if I did, I'd have to face him in the arena. If feelings developed, I wouldn't know what to expect. I've never loved before, I don't believe I'm capable of such feelings. I've always been focused on winning. Nothing else, and my focus will stay that until I do win. And I will. I have a great feeling about this. That I'll come out of the arena a hero, just like who I've seen on the television. Victors, Brutus, Enobaria, Finnick Odair from District Four. I've always aspired to be like them; to come out victorious, be bathed in riches. The thought of it makes my heart race, and a smile soon appears on my face.
Suddenly music begins to play, and the two tributes from district one are making their way towards the city circle. The crowd is cheering wildly, they have certainly already won the crowd over. Not for long.
That's when our two horses make a start. The clap their hooves against the ground and exposes us to the crowd, to the country.
I was right, the thousands of capitol citizens in the bleachers are over enthusiastic, cheering, throwing flowers down at us, showering us with compliments.
I'm waving at them, winning over their affection. A smile comes across my face as they blow me continuous kisses. I feel amazing.
The noise level suddenly rockets. I don't know what makes them so excited but when I turn around all I see in the distance is a glowing red colour.
That's when I see the screen; the tributes from twelve are on fire. Literally. The capes of their body suits are ignited into a cape of fire. I have to admit, it was amazing.
But I couldn't let the attention to be drawn to them. No, it can't let it happen.
The thought angers me; they have no chance in the games, being from twelve. No training for any of this. They shouldn't make such a scene. It's selfish.
And the girl? I don't think she volunteered to save her sister, but to just go in the games, drawing attention while not seeming odd to her stupid, poor district. But everyone knows she has no chance. She's from twelve, after all.
We enter the city circle, and the president makes his annual speech, welcoming us tributes to the capitol, stating the famous 'Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favour'. It's the same every year. The speech, I mean. I see it on television, the same speech with a few tweaked words.
We finish the ceremony not soon after, but all the crowd cheers is 'Girl on Fire'. I now know that she'll be the first to die in the arena. And I'll be the cause of it.