A/N- Sorry about the long wait, but I've made up for it by making this chapter extra long, not sure whether the quality is as good, thats why you should let me know!

I was going to include the Opening Ceremony but it was babbling on and on so I decided to stop at her outfit and carry on in the next chapter so that one won't be as long!

Disclaimer- Still not owning The Hunger Games

Chapter 10 - Preparation For Slaughter

"Wake up darling, its going to be a terrific day" Flora calls into my cheerily, I rub my eyes before allowing myself a glance to see whether all this is a dream, that I would wake up and be home with Finnick. But unfortunately, I'm still stuck here in the wrath of the Capitol. Flora doesn't seem convinced that I have awoke so she starts rattling on my door once again. I consider going back to sleep but the knocking echoes through my head and is beginning to irritate me beyond belief. "Okay I am awake" I reply sharply, I really can't be dealing with her cheeriness. Does she not realise that in a couple of weeks I will probably be getting sent back to my District in a wooden crate awaiting my burial? She is unbelievably naïve which angers me. How peaceful it must be to live in the Capitol, where you are guaranteed the safety of you and your children.

My mind wonders back to reality and I rip the duvet from me and choose out a simple pair of trousers and a white top, I don't feel like making an effort, so people should be grateful that I look at least acceptable. I unlock my door and wonder down the corridors hoping that I won't stumble upon Phox. I'm not sure whether I can take his arrogance this morning, and with our dispute yesterday I don't think he will be to happy with the 'little girl' he thinks I am. When I finally reach the dining cart, I'm greeted by Mags and the servants who occupy the perimeter of the cart silently. I look around at them and attempt to smile at a young woman with light brown hair, but she soon breaks eye contact with me. I'm slightly offended by this act, but I'm soon distracted by the sound of the door opening. My head whips round before I even consider who it may be. I'm not surprised when I see Phox strutting in with his usual arrogance. "Good morning everyone" he says casually. I'm surprised to see him smile at me so kindly, wary of his sudden kindness, I return it. He sits opposite me which makes me feel uncomfortable, this is most likely because his gaze doesn't move away from me. I pile my plate with food, I may as well put on a bit of weight before I go into the Games, I'm going to need it.

The tension between us all is dreadful and each time Flora speaks no one replies leaving the silence to over take us. "Oh look, we will be arriving at the Capitol soon" she announces cheerfully. That's when everything goes pitch black leaving me paranoid, simply because Phox is in the room too. It seems far too long before we emerge back into the day light. I know we must be in the Capitol now, the place where everyone finds the Games amusing. If only they knew what it felt like to go into the Games or to loose a family member. They wouldn't find it so amusing then.

That's when I see it, the tall overshadowing buildings and the buzzing of crowds as they wait for Tributes arrive. I'm more surprised by their ridiculously foolish outfits. Bright shades of outrageous orange and girlish shades of pink overpower me. I am left speechless, some of the people have gone as far as tinting their own skin different colours. Some green, some blue. How could they ruin their bodies like this? I notice one woman with long pink eyelashes who has a light shade of pink for skin and red roses tattooed to her skin. She looked terrible, but after witnessing other people she must seem very fashionable. The train comes to a halt and I'm in doubt to whether I actually want to get out, what if they try to tint my skin too? I'm quite happy with my tanned skin, personally.

We are soon ushered out of the train by two Peacekeepers who have unreadable expressions. If they wasn't dedicated to their jobs would they have multi-coloured skin too? "Come along dear" Flora calls to me happily, she must be so pleased to be home. I'm greeted by a roaring crowd, I hear my name being called, do they really know my name? Have they remembered it from the Reaping yesterday? I smile and wave, simply because I know it will help me in the Games.

I'm soon left with my prep team where I am plucked, poked and pestered. What seems like hours later, they finally announce they are finished and observe their achievements. I'm soon self conscious because they begin whispering to each other before one of them finally speaks up "Its time to call in Leoniss!" one of the prep team calls joyfully. I'm once again left speechless, I look at the prep team in detail for the first time and I can't tell which gender they are. I feel guilty, but then again to them, they must look extravagant so they wouldn't mind. It's only 'true fashion' in the Capitol I guess. The door opens and a women hops in joyfully "Hello, I am Sophia. I will be your stylist" she says happily.
"Hello, I'm Annie" I reply politely. My shyness isn't helping, the silence soon turns awkward and I'm searching for things to say. Sophia, however, is too busy examining me to care about the silence. "You're a petite little thing aren't you" she chuckles to herself. Is that a compliment? Or is she criticising me? I'm too self conscious and soon choke up "Is that good or bad?" my voice is shaky from my nerves. Sophia must have noticed this because she turns around to look whether I am joking or not "Oh no dear, it's good. We can give you some cute little outfits that wouldn't suit others" she says happily. Suit others, what is that supposed to mean? I take my first real glance at her, she has short red hair and what seems like red eyes too. Apart from this, she looks fairly normal compared to the prep team and the Capitol citizens. "You can put your robe back on now, sweetie" she says in her Capitol accent. I think back to that night with Finnick when I burst into fits about the ridiculous Capitol accent. I don't find it very funny now I am waiting on deaths doorstep and the only people I can rely on is the Capitol citizens sending me sponsors.

"You're going to look magnificent tonight, sweetheart" she calls over to me from the opposite side of the room. My prep team squeal happily and rush over too her. She shows them something on a pad which must be my dress design that she has chosen. They all nod their heads in unison. Whatever she has chosen the prep team obviously agrees with, but with the style of the Capitol I'm quite nervous.

After the meeting I am shown to our floor where we will stay during our remainder of staying in the Capitol. Level 4 for District 4 that's simple, right? I thought the train was luxurious until I saw our level, it had been decorated to resemble District 4, the walls are sea green with fishes painted around, sea weed patched around the walls. But what the most outstanding feature is, is that the ceiling is painted just like the sea, it makes me feel as though I am home. I sigh and walk up the corridor searching for more breathtaking features of the Capitol's decorations. People in white uniforms are placed around the level to cater for our every needs, but they never speak. I feel so sorry for them, they look so miserable, so lifeless.

"So, how do you like our level, Annie? The bedrooms are better, why don't you come and check them out with me" the voice is far too familiar. "I think I'll pass on that lovely offer, Phox" I reply to him. I turn round to face him, to find him leaning up against the wall with an evil grin etched on his face. "Annie, you know you want me, why not just admit it?" he whispers seductively. This sends shivers down my spine, but not in a good way. I'm worried out beyond belief. Where is Mags when I need her? "I'm sorry Phox, I think you have failed to realise that I am dating Finnick" I reply sweetly. I need to keep him as calm as possible. He raises his eye brow "But Annie, where is he?" he chuckles to himself in amusement while I try to come up with a witty comeback. "He's at home because he was fortunate enough not to get Reaped. He's where I want him to be" I say quietly. Phox turns around at the sound of footsteps "We will finish this another time Annie" he says before walking into the nearby room. I sigh and continue down the corridor.

When I finally get into my new room I am mesmerised by the beauty of everything, I walk around opening drawers and clicking buttons on the shower. To my great dislike, I'm soon being called out my room for dinner by Flora who seems very happy about the return to her home. I sit at the table opposite Mags who stares at me intently. "How are you liking the Capitol dear?" she asks after a while
"It's just very luxurious" I reply before loading my plate with food. As well as the decorations, the food is overwhelming and I soon feel sick after eating so much. Flora keeps on announcing more courses and I, being the greedy person I am loads my plate with food. After several courses and the dinner banter I'm being ushered into my room for prepping ready for the opening ceremony.

My prep team get to work applying make up and painting my nails, discussing this years Games and how much printed flared trousers were in fashion. The talk was pointless but they seemed to find it amusing. As soon as Sophia arrived they hushed to the side for Sophia to assess their work. She nods in approval at my nails, hair and make up "Get the dress please, Riverus" she says to one of the prep team who immediately walks out. As soon as Riverus returns all the prep team reassemble and stand quietly in the corner of the room while Sophia finishes the outfit "As you know, the Tributes have to dress in something that resembles their District, so, I designed this for you" she says cheerfully. I allow her to put the dress over me and step into a pair of heels. All the prep team gasp and I'm anxious to see what I look like. I move towards the mirror to see someone beautiful and radiant. My hair has been tied back into a bun with wrinkles of hair curling around my face, my make up is simple yet bold and my dress, my dress is just stunning. The pale shade of turquoise makes my eyes stand out and the netted pattern at the top and rim of my dress definitely resembles my District. Sophia and the prep team stand next to me, admiring their work. "I look beautiful" I say quietly.

At this moment, I feel confident and beautiful. If only Finnick could see me now.