Mikaela Northman
There is something gained in a physical relationship that one cannot achieve alone. I am just now realizing that as I curl up into the warm body that lies next to me. I take careful time to memorize every curve of the muscle, the green of his eyes, the curl of his hair, the shape of his lips, and when I have nothing left to see I trace the veins that extend from wrist to elbow, each one pumping blood from the heart to provide life for the body. But just how long will that last?
"Shoal," I whisper suddenly breaking the silent conversation we had been engaging in.
"Hmmm," he sounds as though he is falling asleep, but I proceed anyways.
"What do you see this as? I mean you and I. In three days we will be sent off to the games, and then it's live or die. It's either you, me, or neither of us."
Shoal rubs his eyes and pulls himself up in bed. I sit up as well across from him, wrapping a blanket tightly around my shoulders.
"I don't want to think about it Mika, not right now at least." He cups my face in his hands. "What I want you to know though is we're in this together, even if neither of us makes it or only one of us makes it, I will not leave your side."
I nod my head, losing myself in every word, contemplating what each one means. We're in this together.
Shoal leans forward and presses his lips softly against mine, and the conversation is over. I have found solace in this relationship. It has taken me away from thoughts of my family at home, from the Capitol who wants us to put on a show, from the Hunger Games that threaten to kill us all. This relationship is not meaningless, but yet it is. It didn't matter though because I had a partner now. Shoal said we were in this together.
Jade Waterly
What I need is to get myself a bow and arrow. I don't wish to go through this makeover, or this chariot ride when death is banging on my door ready to burst in at any moment.
"Ahh you are gorgeous, though you didn't have much need to improve to begin with," my prep team giggles as they wax what little hair has grown since my name was pulled at the reapings, and they go to work on my hair that really doesn't need any fixing. These are the pleasantries of coming from a rich family. Though we possess nothing comparable to the Capitol, I still say I've had a decent amount compared to the other citizens.
"Well there you are my dear. Rafael will be with you shortly."
In my head I pictured Rafael to be tall, dark, and handsome: a stylist worthy for District 1, but as he walked in I realized I had only be right about the 'dark' part. He was short and stout; I would probably tower over him if I were standing up. His width and height together made him look a bit like a round ball that would roll away if I pushed him. I bit my tongue to suppress the laugh that was growing in the bottom of my throat at the thought of such a thing.
Rafael stayed silent, taking in the entire figure of my body.
"I can tell you are a District 1 citizen. You hold yourself beautifully and with dignity."
If only I could say the same thing for him being a Capitolian stylist.
"Yes," he whispered to himself and whisked towards the door. "Come!" he said as he snapped his fingers at me like I was a mutt.
I followed reluctantly to another room fill with red velvet furniture and adorned in jewels. There were rows and rows of clothing that made my usual outfits look dull and drab.
"I had this made ahead of time. A woman from the district known for jewels should shine just as bright as one." He then whipped out a long white gown that looked as though it was made of diamonds. It glittered as he turned it in the light. I almost lost my breath when I saw it. Perhaps Rafael was more than meets the eye.
"Want to try it on?"
I nodded much too eagerly and pulled the shimmering over my head. I caught glimpse of my reflection in the mirror and couldn't help but gasp with delight. I will certainly turn heads with this number come chariot night.
After making necessary alterations on the dress, Rafael dismissed me saying he needed to begin working on the dress right away to have it perfect for tomorrow night. On my way out I got a glance at another tribute that looked familiar to me.
He turned to look at me, a fierceness overcoming his soft brown eyes. It was a look meant to intimidate but I held my own as we passed one another. He must be going to his stylist as well.
"Noah!"
Ah, Noah, that was his name. The girl who called after him was the other District 2 member, Aeron I think her name was. She had long black wavy hair. Certainly she was a contender as far as beauty went. I imagined what possibilities their stylists would have for them.
A pang of jealousy flows through me as I realize they have become allies. I know they will be a team to beat. I think of Glitter and his ignorance towards me. The last time we had spoken was when he stormed off on the train when I suggested an alliance. The boy was so awkward I wondered how he could ever have belonged to District 1. No matter, I thought as an idea popped into my head. Being a District 1 tribute there had to be away to work myself into the alliance of Noah and Aeron. I may not have been strong, but I had the whole "she trained at the center" thing going on, even though it nowhere near resembles the truth. If I am to survive I must get into their alliance. I have already accepted the fact that I will not be able to do this on my own.
President Riddley
The stage is set for the beginning of a new era for Panem: the Hunger Games. Although this is just a pre-game of what's to come I cannot help but feel giddy as I see the 24 tributes lining up to mount their chariots.
"Hello Capitol! Are you ready to meet this year's contenders?" The announcer booms, and the audience goes wild. This could not have turned out better. The citizens are excited and our betting poll has already been set up. In no time at all money will be pouring in and the districts will be tamed. There will be no rebellion happening anytime soon.
"In our first chariot we have the District 1 tributes: Jade Waterly and Glitter Harison. The crowd is in awe and I'm guessing it's Miss Waterly's dress that seems to be made of diamonds. The stylists did their job just as I asked: represent the districts, and make the tributes look great.
"And doesn't Jade just look wonderful everybody? And Glitter doesn't look too bad himself."
Glitter is dressed in similar material to Jade, but he does not pull it off well. A smile plays on my lips and I make my own personal bets that Glitter will not be lasting long.
"And up next we have the Distrct 2 tributes!"
While District 1 has gone for simple and beautiful the District 2 tributes counteract it with their outfits. Something doesn't sit right with me as I look over them. They both look dressed for battle as though they are revolutionists. Weapons dangle from a belt, and the boy pounds his fist into the air as though cursing the Capitol. I lean to Scarlett Donahall next to me.
"Keep those two on your radar, especially the boy."
No I am not here tonight to admire the tributes and their outfits, instead I am calculating each one's demeanor looking for signs of rebellion or signs of a fight. I cannot have these games backfire on me. Children and teenagers are worse than the adults in that they have a fighting spirit that's hard to quench. I must make sure I quell the flames of any tribute that dares to ruin this as soon as possible.
"District 3 tributes! Lucian Sparx and Athea DiMae, they look like they're causing quite a spark!"
DiMae and Sparx I know both of those families well. Three members were killed on my command after the DiMae's almost ruined the Capitol with their intelligence. I sent Peacekeepers there on to rig the factory with a bomb. An explosion was used to cover it up; the Sparx mother was in the factory. She was quite the rebel as well unlike her husband who was dedicated to the Capitol.
I did not like to hear the word 'spark' even though it was used to describe the tribute's outfits of black and copper. They were lined with LED lights making them both look as though they were part of a circuit. It sat badly with me, especially with the history that followed the both of them. I could tell by their body language that they were part of a team. I wasn't about to take chances so I gestured to Scarlett to put them high on the list for tributes to watch for.
"And now for District 4. We haveMikaela Northman, and Shoal Creek! These two look like they've come straight from the sea in their capes covered in fishing net, and the tridents they are holding. District 4 is known for the use of tridents, who knows if this could be helpful come game day."
Mikaela looks strong-willed, but nothing to worry about right now, while Shoal looked as though he couldn't care less, his expression worn flat.
"And now our District 5 tributes Dorien Oakfree, and Escule Hirosho. District 5 is known for being the power district and this is seen in their black outfits that seem to be lit up with electric. How spectacular is that? It seems that our stylists did a wonderful job making each district shine."
How amazing indeed. A smile forms on my lips. The crowd is going wild, and by this time a few weeks from now only one would be standing. Quite a few children whose families helped ignite this rebellion will be gone along with their legacy, while the economy will be bustling with the money from rich Capitolians who are wasting their investments on such meager, weak tributes who mean nothing to them but some short-term entertainment.
"Oh and looks like one of the tributes, Jasten Redwood, is causing a ruckus down there."
I redirect my focus to the long aisle at the bottom of the stadium where a small red-haired boy was throwing a tantrum. His partner was lying on the ground fearful, and Peacekeepers were already jumping into the situation and pulling the boy away from the other tributes. I can see his wild look, and assume that this is the mentally unstable boy I was warned about. I wonder how I've gotten the pleasure to be able to watch an insane tribute start attacking before the Games even begin. The Peacekeepers are forced to tranquilize him, and he collapses into a sedated state and is dragged away. The girl who was sharing his chariot is picked up and carried away, blood dripping for her face.
I look over at the tribute sheet. His name is Jasten Redwood. He will certainly cause some problems. I scribble a note to make a call to our doctors for I have special plans for Jasten.
"District 7 is known for providing lumber, and their tributes Alice Leigh, and David Hammer look to be dressed to resemble a tree with their green shirts and brown leggings."
Alice's hair is pulled back in red flowers, how sweet. The boy must only be twelve as he looks barely older than nine or ten. He waves weakly to the crowd, but something about him doesn't sit right, and I make a note to watch for this David. Alice on the other hand strikes me as a weak girl, sure her sweetness may appeal, but if she never makes it past the first day it'll never matter.
"And next is District 8's Audrey Carpenter and Orion Kelsey."
Yes a boy like Orion has been a tribute I've been looking out for. An instigator ready to kill and will turn all tributes to defense mode. I need angry tributes to keep this show moving. There would be nothing worse than a bunch of sweet-natured tributes that are reluctant to kill.
"Kyra Valente and Boxer Lightwood from the wheat district!"
Kyra and Boxer's hands are interlocked and they hold them above their head showing their alliance off to the world. I know of the Valentes, not extremely well, but I do know how determined of a family they are, and of course I know of the lost brother. Their family has bothered the Capitol to the point where I'm ready to send a firing squad to cause an accidental death, but now I'm glad that Kyra is here to experience this first hand. I chuckle and tell Donahall to keep her eye out for Kyra, and by association, Boxer Lightwood as well.
"The District 10 tributes, Scout Calloway and River Balqua."
The two stand rigid and the scowl on the girl's face makes me angry. What an ungrateful wretch. She's being fed and shown off to the Capitol and she can't even wave.
"And for District 11 we have Faunas Dunois and Marilynn Rockford. District 11 provides all the agriculture for the entire nation. This is resembled well in their outfits. Look at Faunas wearing what looks like a tunic of leaves strewn with fruits. Quite spectacular!"
Oh a Dunois. Yes, I was planning on seeing one of them here. I cannot begin to explain the hatred I share for that entire family. District 11 had been the last to fall and I blame the Dunois family for that. With such a huge population, 11 has always been hard to control, and easy to rile up. We send only the cruelest Peacekeepers there because it is the only way to keep the order.
"And finally District 12! Ashley Henns is our youngest tribute, and her partner is Daryl Rivers."
Twelve-year olds. I wondered if we should've raised the age limit, not because I have a heart for them, please don't mistake me, but there is always the Capitol citizens to think about. How would they feel about young children killing each other? These games must keep them entertained, not repulsed, but Scarlett insisted that 12 was the prime age to begin reaping.
As the last chariot pulls out, I stand up and take a look at the crowd. They are going crazy and everything is going quite well. This will certainly be talked about for a long time, which gives me hope that these games will be continuing.
"And that's a wrap folks, let's give another round of applause for our twenty-four tributes!"
And that's our cue to depart, and we disappear down a flight of stairs.
"So Scarlett," I ask when we are out of sight, "whatever happened to Thomas MacNamara?"
Her face suddenly went red, but she kept her poise.
"Mr. MacNamara was not up for the job."
"Or did you not want him to be a part of the job?"
Scarlett turns to look at me; a smile curls on her red lips.
"Mr. MacNamara is working in a better place now."
Mikaela Northman
There is a banquet for us after we finally get out of those Chariots and ridiculous clothes. The Capitol sure seemed to have enjoyed themselves. I guess that's all that matters, if the Capitol citizens are enthralled who cares how many people have to die?
As I try to pull the rest of my costume off my hair becomes tangled in the stupid netting wrapped around me, and I pull at it angrily in an attempt to release it.
"Hey looks like you forgot something." Shoal, who is already dressed and out of his costume, pulls out the piece of netting that had become entangled within my curly hair.
"Thanks, but you should know I was planning on keeping that there."
He chuckles. "Shall we head to dinner my dear?"
He holds his arm out and I take the inside of his elbow. "You are such a gentleman."
He winks at me and we make our way to the banquet room. Two seats are marked District 4, and Shoal pulls my chair out for me. I feel my face growing hot and strange feelings overwhelm me as he smiles and gestures to the seat.
No, no, no Mika you cannot do this. This means nothing. I convince myself as I take my seat.
"So, looks like we're sitting next to the District 7 tributes," he says staring over at the two empty chairs. A few people have filed in, and, including the District 2 tributes, Aeron and Noah who sit next to me quietly chatting.
"Whose the girl from District 7?" Shoal asks.
"Um.. I don't know. I think her name is Alma… or Alicia, or something like that. It starts with the letter A."
"Her name is Alice," an eerie voice says behind me, and I turn to see David. The only reason I can remember his name is because he's one of the two twelve-year-olds.
"Oh," is all I can muster and he takes his seat at one of the District 7 spots.
I glance over at him, and he glowers at me, his eyebrows lowered. Goose bumps immediately form over my arms, and I break the eye contact.
Shoal looks at me confused and under my breath I whisper how much the David kid creeps me out. He shrugs as an answer and then his eyes dart to the door where a pale-skinned girl with long black hair stands. Two red flowers sit in her hair, and Shoal is locked in dead stare.
"Wow…" he says and I shove my elbow into his side.
"Ouch, what was that for?"
She doesn't notice Shoal as she dreamily stares off into space, taking her seat between him and David. Shoal is gone after that, he keeps glancing over at Alice, and I feel something horrible rise in my chest, as though my innards are twisting around themselves.
Jade Waterly
Everybody is engaging in pleasant conversation at the banquet and here I am stuck on the edge seat next to socially-awkward Glitter, who stares at his food and does not make a peep. Across from me I have a view of Aeron and Noah, and the District 4 tributes sit next to them. The boy is being quite friendly with the girl next to him, and I wonder how he managed to get the attention of a tribute from a different district. I must get in alliance with Aeron and Noah I tell myself, and right now would be the perfect time.
I tune into their conversation, "… my parents are surgeons, so they never worked at the Masonry or anything." Aeron says as she picks at her stew, only stealing a bite every now and then. I admire her resistance to temptation because I want to devour the entire table.
"My dad works with weapons in the factories, he works long hours there, but the wages are good I guess. I have a sister at home, here name is Spearelle, well you probably saw her on the television and between her and I not working, well it puts a strain on our family."
"Was your family rebels?" I ask suddenly. Aeron, Noah, and even Glitter turn to stare at me in surprise. When nobody answers I go into panic mode and start talking wildly.
"Well my parents weren't really for it. Nobody in my neighborhood really was. We lived close to the Capitol so it wasn't really an option, because you can't do anything without them finding out."
"My parents weren't in favour," Glitter suddenly whispers. "At least that's what I thought. Then they executed my mother and came pounding on the door accusing us of being a part of it. She never told us."
There is a silence and Aeron clears her throat. "I never agreed with it. My parents stayed out of it. I'm not sure which side I'm for."
I nod my head in agreement then I looked at Noah. "So does your mother have to work as well? Or does she stay home with you guys?"
Noah is blunt with his words. "My mother is dead. So I know how you feel Glitter."
Great, so awkward Glitter gets on their good side. Why was I so stupid to ask that?
"I'm sorry," I say.
Noah shrugs. "I'm used to lost. I lost my girlfriend in the rebellion as well. She was," he paused trying to contain emotions, "my everything. Her family fled though when the fighting broke out in District 2. I never saw her again, but I'm guessing she died. That's pretty much been the pattern."
Aeron tapped the top of his hand sympathetically, and I stared down at my plate.
"So, you guys want to train tomorrow?" Glitter asks and Aeron turned to Noah looking for approval.
"Sure," he says. "It won't hurt anything. Besides four heads are better than one. We all have strengths to bring to the table we might as well share them."
Did he just say four? Yes, mission accomplished! Thank you Glitter.