Wallace de Brugge, 13, D10
The train doors open. An uneasy feeling sprouts in my stomach and I start to feel sick. Thousands of Capitolites are screaming out mine and Doe's names. It is very overwhelming.Mareand Suzanne lead the way. Doe and I follow close behind them. Doe's lips move but the crowd is so loud that I can't hear what she says. Our group traverses through the crowd. A small aisle marked off by a rope is our path. We quickly scurry toward the end where a long black car is parked. Suzanne opens the door and Doe and I hop inside. All eight of us pile into the car. Suzanne enters last and slams the door shut behind her. The sounds outside are deafened but still audible. The inside of the car is spacious and there is plenty of room for all of us.
"Wasn't that just exciting! The thrill of the Games is already beginning!" The escort, Dionelia, says with a cheerful smile. I'm breathing hard and it takes me awhile to catch my breath. "So, where are we going now?" I ask.
"First we will drop you and Doe off to get ready for the ball tonight. Then you will be sent to the President's Mansion hopefully either Koda or I will be there to assist you. When the party ends you will come to the suite and rest for a few hours. The next morning you will be expected to be in the Training Center. It will be busy the next few days," Mare says. She pulls her blonde hair back and puts it in a high ponytail.
It takes only a few minutes before the car stops outside the Prepping Center. Doe, Mare, Koda, and I climb out of the car.Mareand Koda will introduce us to our stylists. As we start to enter the building another black car pulls up to the curb. A dark-skinned girl walks out followed by her mentor. I think it's the girl from Eleven but I'm not quite sure. I follow behind the rest of the group and walk inside. We enter a large lobby with two hallways leading in different directions Mare and Doe go one way and Koda and I the other. "Good luck!" I hear Doe say. "You too," I mumble back.
Koda and I walk past many doors before we finally stop at the one with a plaque on it that says, 'District 10M, Wallace de Brugge'. Koda doesn't even knock but instead walks right inside. I'm nervous to meet my stylist and I start to feel a little light headed. I slowly raise my head and see a large obese man sitting on the sofa. His skin is dyed light orange and he has large blotchy brown spots tattooed into his skin. He looks like a no-neck fat giraffe. "Ah, Wallace! What a pleasure to finally meet you! My name is Chevani." His voice is high-pitched and squeaky.
"Nice to meet you?" Chevani's appearance is overwhelming and I look to Koda for help.
"Well I need to get going, I'll be back later," Koda shrugs his shoulders and walks out of the room leaving me alone with the fat giraffe.
Marina Walters, 14, D4
I lay naked on the metal table as my stylist and prep team circle around me. The table is cold and the eyes of the prep team make me anxious. It's almost as if I have already died and they're preparing for me to go back to Four in a box. The bad thing is that there is no one for my body to go back to. I grew up on the streets and only have a few friends. My mother was charged with treason and executed under suspicion of being part of a rebel party after the aftermath of the War of Four. My father was so distraught that he killed himself leaving me alone. I was put in a community home but decided to run away with my two friends Seaton and Noelini. We've been together ever since. If I don't make it back I will be buried in the Fallen Cemetary. It was once a place where fallen Careers were buried to honor their bravery but since they're are no longer any Careers from Four it is a place where discarded and unclaimed bodies are buried.
"This may sting a little," One of the prep team members with a fluorescent blue wig and purple eyes says. She pours a sticky substance on my leg and applies a paper over it. She leaves it there for a few seconds before ripping the paper away. I yell out in pain and have to bite my lip. My leg feels like it is on fire. The woman does this repeatedly until all the unwanted hair is gone from my body. The three members of my prep team leave the room. My teeth hurt from where I gritted them and my body is covered in sweat. I have never experienced as much pain as that before.
"That is all of that. Now get in the tub it will soothe you," My stylist, Cartasia points to a large bathtub filled with steaming water. Cartasia helps me down from the table. "You are such a beautiful young girl. I love your freckles and red hair. It's hard to get my hair color that way. What type of dye do you use?"
I give her a confused look? Does she really believe that I could afford to dye my hair? "It's natural," I say with a laugh. She must be joking.
"Really? Red hair is so rare these days and since so many of the tributes this year have red hair I only assumed that dying your hair red was becoming the fashion in the Districts."
Cartasia holds my hand as I step down into the warm water of the tub. "It's only a coincidence. This water feels so nice and soothing," I give a sigh of relief and sink lower into the water.
"Yes, well it's supposed to soften your skin and give it a nice glow. I'll be back in a few minutes, relax and enjoy," Cartasia pats me on the head and prances out the door. I can't help but smile as she leaves, I really enjoy her. The water smells like vanilla and the burning sensation is slowly eased away. Not everything in the Capitol is bad.
Sheen Carver, 16, D1
"Perfection!" My stylist Ophelia says excitedly. She walks around me and straighten my tie and runs her hands through my hair. "What do you think?"
I look at my reflection in the long mirror provided. I wear a chrome suit with a black undershirt and gold tie. It's very classy and I nod my head in approval. "Fantastic! I will go and get Relic and then off to the ball you go!" Ophelia quickly leaves the room. It's not long before Relic enters, "Well, you look very nice Sheen. Now let's get going."
I follow Relic out of the building and we get inside the same black car we arrived in. We climb inside and sit across from each other. "Don't be nervous. Get to know the others, learn their strengths and weaknesses," Relic says.
"I know, and trust me I'll be able to remember a lot about the others," I say tapping the side of my head with my finger. I have an eidetic memory and it will be helpful in these games.
The limousine pulls into a white gravel circle drive. I look out the window in awe. A large marble mansion with a beautiful fountain surrounded with green hedges. A group of reporters stands in the yard. Relic opens the door and walks out first. The atmosphere is similar to that of when we boarded the train. I wave to the crowd and smile as cameras flash and roses are thrown out. I follow Relic into the mansion. Before I enter the building I see another limo pull up and the two boys from Two get out along with their mentors. Let the party begin.
Anya Evans, 15, D5
"Oh wow!" Yvonne says in wonder.
"Wow indeed," I echo.
Our District Five posse has just walked out of the mansion into the rose garden. The scene is enchanting. Fairy lights are strung about, banquet tables filled with the food line the edge, and soft music plays from some hidden speaker. The sun is just beginning to set and it plasters a beautiful light across the area. There are groups of people walking around and talking to one another.
"Alright don't be nervous. Everyone is going to be anxious. By making the first move people will be more likely to look up to you. The other outer districts will be arriving quickly. Look! There's the girl from Six walking out now. Go and mingle! I'll be here if you need me." Iris gives a cheerful smile and then goes to talk to another Victor.
"Yeah what she said," Alum says distractedly. He quickly walks away and Parker follows behind him.
Yvonne looks out across the crowd and turns to Jacqueline and me, "Hmm do y'all want to stick together or..." Her statement is ended by Jacqueline patting her shoulder and walking away. She walks straight up to the Careers. Wow, she's brave.
I look back to Yvonne she gives a worried look. "Don't worry. I won't leave you by yourself...yet. let's go grab something to eat." Yvonne flashes a smile and nods her head. We both walk together as the two large Careers from Eight walk in. These games are going to be tough and I may need to find better allies than a twelve-year-old.
Gadget Mordhix, 17, D3
I walk around the gardens with Harmony. Harmony looks completely different now that the Capitol has cleaned her up. Her matted, dirty hair has been neatly combed and washed to a very shiny platinum color. Her fingernails no longer have grime under them. She also doesn't smell like dirt and sweat anymore. In fact, she turned out to be pretty underneath all that grime.
We have decided to be allies in the games. I'm not sure how I feel allying with someone so young but it must be better than going in alone. Who knows we may find someone to ally with tonight. I motion to a bench and Harmony and I sit down together. The two tributes of Ten make an appearance and walk out into the garden. District Ten is normally a strong Career District but these tributes don't seem to be up to par.
"I do believe that those two are the weakest Careers from Ten I've seen in awhile." Harmony says with a giggle.
"That's exactly what I was thinking," I laugh.
"I doubt they will make it into the Career alliance," she says flipping her hair over her shoulder.
"They're young and they're probably just playing weak to deceive us. I bet they could kill us in more ways than we could imagine."
"Are you man enough to stick to that belief?"
"Yeah...I bet that if either of them scores lower than a seven then I will go into the Cornucopia to gather supplies." I say the words before I even realize it. That's a big gamble that could risk my life. "No, wait...I...I...take it back."
Harmony shakes her head and purses her lips, "You can't take it back. That wouldn't be very gentleman like of you. Now...if they both score higher than seven then...I will take first watch at night each night so that your manly self can get rest." She pats my shoulder and gives a devious smile. Harmony holds out her perfectly manicured hand. I can't believe how stupid I am or how dumb the whole situation is But I shake her hand anyways.
Valentine Ford, 17, D6
I lean against one of the various metal tables surrounding the edge of the garden. The three tributes of Twelve walk out with their mentors. Good everyone made it in one piece. I watch the mentors turn to the tributes in conversation. Probably a speech similar to the one Margot gave me. "Make allies. Stop frowning. Don't get into any fights." Well, something like that. I still can't tell if Margot likes me or not. One minute she can be supportive and talkative and the next reclusive and eyeing me as if I'm nothing more than a street punk. The elderly female Victor claps her hands and pushes the three tributes out into the crowd.
One of them, a tall boy starts to walk in my direction. Why is he coming my way? I turn to the table and grab a cup of some red liquid. It's punch. I've always liked punch. I turn back around. The boy still walks my way. Why is my heart beating faster and hands start to sweat? I don't normally act this way. I've faced stronger guys on the streets. Besides, he's not coming over here to fight me. I take a drink of punch and when I take the cup from my hands his here. Right in front of me. He's tall, like over six foot five tall. His ash gray suit compliments his olive skin and his green eyes. What the hell is wrong with me? I'm disrupted from my admiration when he clears his throat.
"Excuse me, but can I get a drink?" He asks.
I blush and step away from in front of the table. "You're very tall," I curse under my breath and nearly face palm myself.
The boy rolls his eyes, "Really? I never noticed before. You are really observant." He grabs a cup and starts to walk away.
"I'm sorry...I meant to ask you what your name was."
"Miles Tuure." With that, he walks out into the crowd. What the hell? I throw my cup down on the ground and start to wipe my hands on my ugly yellow dress. I told my stylist I hated yellow. Like how I hate how my hands sweat and mind gets muggy when I see Miles. This isn't me. I don't get crushes. I don't get feelings for people.
Ezekiel Pierce, 16, D1
I stand among a large group of ten people. Nearly half the tributes are wanting to be in the Career alliance. Now that all of the tributes have arrived we start to formally introduce ourselves. Florence is the first to speak. She is one of the oldest tributes this year. Her fiery red hair and tall, an athletic build will make her a Capitol favorite. "Alright well, I'm Florence Javier of Eight. I've been training for nine years and I believe that my age and experience shall give me credit to be a leader of this alliance. Whether that means one sole leader or a dual authority is up to you all." A few tributes around me nod their heads in approval. Her diplomatic skills are impressive.
"I believe that you are a well-qualified leader but I do believe that we need to save the role of leader until the end of the night. A more important matter is how are we going to control an alliance of ten members?" The boy from one says. Why is everyone so proper and diplomatic.
"Shine does have a point," I say trying to put in my two cents.
The boy from Onesighs, "My name is Sheen. I believe that my mentor said something earlier of a young career alliance."
A slender girl with dark hair and big eyes speaks, "Yes, well my mentor, Mare, thought that it may be possible that the Career alliance be split this year. Oh, and my name is Doe to clear any confusion."
"Maybe we should stay together. Fewer enemies to kill that way." The tan skinned boy from Eight says.
"Isn't killing the point, though?" I ask.
The oldest girl from Seven clears her throat and waves her tattooed arm. I notice then that none of the males of Seven are opting to be part of the Career Alliance. "I propose that the two groups be allied but work independently from one another with each havingitsown leader."
"I think that is a good idea. How will we decide who will be in what group?" Florence asks.
"Easily," I say,"if you are 15 or under you are in the Young Career Alliance. Leaving 16 and up to be in the older alliance." The younger tributes seem nervous about this proclamation but what did they expect. I don't want to hang with whiney inexperienced tributes. "That leaves one thing. A vote. All in favor raise your right hand."
I'm surprised that the motion passes unanimously. " Well, young careers get out of here. Good luck." Florence waves goodbye. Nearly half the group leaves to congregate by the fountain. I believe that went better than expected. It's then that I notice an outer district girl standing next to me. I didn't notice her in the large group earlier. "Who the hell are you?"
Jacqueline Voltage, 16, D5
The words of Ezekiel strike into me. My heart skips a beat. Don't show fear prove that you belong here. "My name is Jacqueline Voltage. I'm 16 and am from District Five." I try to look as intimidating as possible.
"Okay, so why are you here?"
"Oh is this not the line to the bathroom," she says sarcastically. "Why do you think I'm here? I want to be part of the Career Alliance."
Aspen laughs. The others try to hold back giggles. I don't know if they are laughing at Jacqueline' s comment or the fact she believes she can be part of the Careers.
"What makes you feeldeservingto be part of this alliance?" Aspen asks.
I inhale deeply. Don't show fear. I've been raised my whole life that the impressions you make on people is the most important thing. "I'm smart. Especially with electricity. Also, my family is rich. One of the richest in Five. I won't be lacking in sponsor money. My family could have the majority of Five sponsoring us in no time." I look at the other five looking for any signs of agreement.
"I believe that we should let her in. Her qualities would be a great asset to our alliance," Sheen says with a smile. My eyes light up.
"How do we know what she says is true. We can't just believe her word." Ezekiel says to the others.
"If she is with us that will strengthen our group," Gabe says.
"There isonlyway to settle this and that's with another vote. Has everyone come to a decision?" Florence looks at each of the other tributes. I watch anxiously as each one nods that they have decided whether I will stay or not. "On a count of three raise your hand if you believe Jacqueline should not be part of the Career Alliance.One...two...three."
Florence, Ezekiel, and Aspen raise their hands. Three of the five have voted against me. My heart sinks and I feel nauseous. "Shouldn't we wait to decide on this after we see her skills?" Gabe stammers.
Ezekiel only shrugs his shoulders, "Bye bye Jackie." I give a huff and march away. They don't know what they're missing.
Catclaw Ruddock, 15, D7
Leaf and I sit on the edge of the garden on the outdoor lounge chairs. Leaf and I have been good friends for a few years. It's sad that one of us won't be able to come out with the other. That is if one of us actually wins. The Careers seem extremely strong this year. One of our district partners, Hope, asked if Leaf and I wanted to join the Young Career pack but we both agreed we would do better in a smaller group. There will be less drama and we don't have to worry about betrayal. We also thought about maybe asking Luke or maybe even Aster if they wanted to join our alliance. In the end, we decided to stick to ourselves.
The national anthem starts to play at high volume. It makes me jump. A hush falls over the crowd. A spotlight turns to a balcony on the upper level of the mansion. I look up and see President Carmello walk out. He stands stoically on the balcony and looks down towards us. "Welcome everyone to the first inauguration of the Tribute Ball. I hope that everyone is enjoying themselves. This year's games will be remembered for generations. I wish each of you luck. May the odds be ever in your favor and happy Hunger Games!" The president waves goodbye and enters back into the building. Many of the people give a round of applause. I look at Leaf and we join in. The normal peaceful music starts to play and everyone continues with their earlier conversations.
"I'm nervous about this," Leaf says shyly.
"Why wouldn't you be? We're basically being sent off to our deaths."
"Maybe not...maybe the arena will be a forest. Like the ones back home."
"I doubt it. They're probably going to make is something extremely bizarre. A forest would be too predictable and boring for a Quell. It will probably be something like the center of a volcano but yet there's a blizzard going on."
Leaf chuckles at this. "I don't think even the Capitol could pull that off."
"I don't know, they are creative. No matter what we need to be prepared. We need to learn as much as possible in the next few days in training." Leaf nods his head. I sometimes forget that he is thirteen. I'm only two years older but I still feel like I need to look out for him.
Wanda Butron, 12, D12
I stand with Yvonne on the outskirts of the crowd. She said that her district partners left her. Jacqueline for the Careers and Anya left to talk to the girl from eleven, Aster. After a few minutes of awkward conversation, we decided to be allies. It's what we both wanted but both of us were nervous to bring it up. Now we are becoming close friends. She told me about her life back in Five. She secretly trained with some of the older boys in her neighborhood. Which I think is cool. It's good to be allied with someone with some weapon experience. In return, I told her about my life and growing up in theater performing with my parents acting troupe. She seemed interested in my background and pointed out that my dancing skills will make me agile in the arena.
"Do you think we should ask anyone else if they want to join our alliance?" Yvonne asks.
I look out into the crowd and look at the different faces. "I'm not sure. I think it would be a good idea to have more people. Do you think it will be better to have an older tribute to ally with?"
"I'm not sure maybe we should wait until tomorrow in training before we decide."
"I think that is a good idea. I'll talk to my mentor tonight and see what they think." I look over to where many of the mentors are. Most are sitting around tables talking with each other. A few are out in the crowd talking to their tributes.
"I love this song!" Yvonne says excitedly. I've hardly been paying attention to the music. I stop to listen. I recognize the song. I think an older Victor composed it before the second rebellion. It has become a classic in Panem.
"I once did a ballet recital to this song."
"Really. Do you remember the dance?" She asks practically jumping up and down.
"I mean yeah. It was last summer."
"Please perform. Do it for me."
"What? In frontof all these people?"
"You've been performing your whole life. Don't be shy. Think of all the attention you'll get. Sponsors are watching." Yvonne points to a camera stationed at the end of the garden. I hadn't even realized they were recording the event.
"Fine. I'll do it. Only because the song is already halfway over and this party is dead." Yvonne claps her hands excitedly. I slip off my heels and feel the cool grass. Luckily my dress is loose and flowy. I take a deep breathe and begin to dance.
Miles Tuure, D12, 18
I stand amongst the crowd of people. Close enough to be considered "mingling" but yet still not having a conversation with anyone. I take a sip of punch. This is probably my fourth cup. I kinda need to go pee but I'm not sure where the bathroom is or where my mentors went to ask them. I look around and spot Wanda dancing across the lawn. The other tributes are starting to notice. Most seem to be surprised while a few of the Careers give her despising looks. She twirls, leaps, and spins across the ground as if she's floating. She's a real crowd pleaser. The dance lasts only about a minute. Many people clap and she gives a curtsy.
"She's from your District right?" I flinch and nearly pee my pants. I quickly turn around and see the girl in the yellow dress. The one by the punch table. "Oh, sorry did I scare you?"
"No... I just didn't hear you walk up and yeah her name's Wanda"
The girl gives a quick smile. " I just wanted to apologize for earlier. You obviously know that your tall but I'm five ten and you're at least a half foot taller and I acted childishly and I normally don't act like this and I also don't normally ramble." She clocks her head and stares up at me.
"Ummm...It's all good. So what's your name?"
The girl gives a deep inhale, "My name is Valentine Ford." She holds out her hand.
I take her hand and shake it. She has a strong grip and I notice the tone muscles of her arms. "You're from Six?"
"Yeah, but don't worry I have never taken Morphling, became a cannibal, burnt down a building, or whatever story your parents told you to make you behave."
"My parents never really talked about Six. I now that it's rough and that there are a lot of gangs and people get killed in fights."
"I'm not part of a gang. Too busy helping out my mom and sister. They're addicts but not the worst kind. I've been in some fights but never killed anyone...that I know of."
I look at Valentine. This girl is an enigma. She can obviously take care of herself and is strong hearted but only a few minutes ago she was a blubbering nervous wreck. I have a strange curiosity to find out exactly who Valentine Ford is. "Would you like to be allies?"
Valentine doesn't seem to be shocked by my question. She tilts her head and taps her finger to her chin. "Sure, why not?" She says shrugging her shoulders. Valentine is a mystery indeed.
Florence Javier, D8, 18
The other Careers and I stand in a group in the center of the lawn. That way everyone else can see us. There are only five of us this year compared to the traditional ten tributes, but I think that it is a good idea that we split up this year. I don't want to feel like a babysitter in the arena. At the moment we are all talking about our backgrounds and what are strengths are. I talked about how training has been my top priority for years and that my best weapon is a sword. Gabe talked about volunteering as a firefighter and that he was going to miss his girlfriend. I was surprised that he didn't talk about the death of his family. Maybe he didn't feel comfortable talking about it right now. Aspen was next. She showed her tattoo and told the story of how her brother gave it to her. One of her many brothers, she has a huge family and is proud of them. Ezekiel talked about how he has been training nonstop for years and that he is good at everything but prefers a bow and arrow. He's a little cocky. Now Sheen is talking.
"I'm from One, but you all already knew that. Even though my dark hair and olive skin would say otherwise. I come from a loving family. My favorite weapon is a war hammer. I think that it is cool and unique. Also, I'm smart, I can remember things easily. And that's about it." I can't help but feel as if he is hiding something. Then Suede and Twyla walk up.
"Are you guys about ready to go?" Suede asks.
"We're already leaving?" I ask.
"It's almost ten. You guys have to be up at seven for training and I don't want yall cranky." Suede says with a laugh.
"So say goodbye to your new friends. We have some things to tell you back in the room." Twyla says cheerfully.
Gabe and I say our goodbyes. We follow Suede and Twyla up the stairs into the mansion. I look back and notice many of the tributes have already left. We pass through the bottom floor of the mansion and out the door. They really didn't want us to spend any time inside the mansion. We walk out and climb into the limo. Suede says a few things but it's hard for me to concentrate. I didn't realize how tired I was. I lean my hand back and before I know it I fall asleep.
Thanks to everyone for reading. I hope you all enjoyed. I can't wait to hear what you have to say about the tributes. I will be posting a poll on my profile for you to choose your favorite tribute. Training chapters will be next. Until next time and happy new year! Thanks again!
