Chariot Rides: State of Grace
State of Grace by Taylor Swift
This is a state of grace
This is the worthwhile fight
Love is a ruthless game
Unless you play it good and right…
Yeah, I found time to type this up so enjoy! I apologize for any mistakes…
Disclaimer: I don't own the epic Hunger Games
Rose Thomas (16) District 1 Female POV
Being the first up is always intimidating, well not for Rose Thomas. No, I've waited my whole life for this, for them to welcome me as their next Victor. The only people stopping me from achieving it are these idiot tributes that have nothing on me. I'll be victorious and the first step is to get rid of Koda…
"Rose! Hurry up!"
"I'm going!"
Both Koda and I are dressed in royal robes printed in animal skins. We are royalty, from District 1. My tiara is encrusted in beautiful red rubies and garnets, while Koda's crown is encrusted with dazzling jades and diamonds. We will steal the show, because we are District 1. Even our horses have platinum body armour and are covered in tiny specks of diamonds that gleam brightly.
"Move your big butt over, Rose! You're taking up all the space in this chariot!"
"You scoot over!"
"No, you!"
"You!"
We begin to shove and pinch each other, trying to get some space, can't blame us though. These robes are really big and heavy. I shove him and he shoves back, this continues on for awhile, until I've had enough.
"STOP! You obviously don't know how to treat a woman, do you?"
"You a woman," he cackles, "More like a beast!"
"The chariots are ready to begin, guys! Good luck," exclaims a giggly girl with blonde hair and colorful highlights. She wears a nametag saying, 'Hello my name is Izzy. Gamemaker extradionare!'
"IZZY," screams a group of young adults from the balcony above our chariots.
"I JUST WANTED TO SEE MY HOME DISTRICT! Well I better go, bye Rose and Koda!"
"She's a bit… weird isn't she?"
"Yeah."
"Rose, we finally agreed on something!"
"Shut up, Koda. We're leaving."
The red curtains open and the red carpet ready to show the Capitol what we're made of.
Madeline Waver (15) District 2 Female POV
We watch as District 1 rides off waving to the crowd. If you look closely you can tell that they often shove each other and give dirty looks, training will be interesting indeed… Both Mako and I sport matching military uniforms. The different shades of green and brown really make us look confident. These brown boots, aren't really my style though…
"Did you know that before the Capitol that instead of Peacekeepers they had the military? Even women could join and fight… I read it in some books I hav-"
"I bet in my past life I was a woman in the military…"
"Aren't you too innocent for that, Madeline?"
"Shut up! You don't know me!"
"Well, unfortunately I do. Your charade might've worked around the idiots you hung around, but it certainly didn't work at the Academy or me, matter in fact."
"What are you talking about!"
"Everyone saw the look in your eye, Madeline. Everyone knew that the trainers wouldn't have picked you, for fun. You have something up your sleeve and I will find out. Even on my dying breath."
"Whatever, Mako. You'll look, but you won't find it."
The rest of the ride was exhilarating! The Capitolites loved us, and one even threw me a light pink rose! Tomorrow is the first day of Training and I'm ready to meet my alliance. I'm ready to win.
Vi Hale (16) District 3 Female POV
Wow! The Capitol really knows how to bring people in. Over 10,000 people have come just to get a glimpse of us… all but one are dead tributes walking, waiting for Death to greet us with open arms. But, I will not let him take me, I will fight to get back home. But that means Vetch has to die…
"Vi, don't you think we look goodz in our outfites," yells Vetch a little too loudly. Both him and I wear neon yellow jumpsuits, very tight fitting I might add. Many microchips cover us, all shapes and sizes, even colors that blend into an outfit surely not to be missed. Even microchips are embedded into our hair and dimly glow under the harsh Capitol lights.
"Are you ready Vetch?"
"I thinkz…"
"Don't worry , Vetch. I'm sure they'll like you. Just wave and smile."
"Okay, thankz Vi. I don't know what I'd do withouts you."
"If fine, Vetch. Would you like to be in an alliance with me?"
"Welz I'm guessing this is a good thing so… Yesh!"
I laugh, "Of course, and you can pick the other person in our alliance if you want."
"Okay!"
We set off after District 2. The crowd softldims down after the two Career districts but I know atleast someone will sponsor us. Vetch smiles and waves madly as the crazy Capitol women throw their handkerchiefs at him. Since we're in an alliance it's okay…
After we stop and in the middle of President Echo's speech, I see Vetch turn to the District 7 chariot. He spots the girl tribute and she smiles and waves, making Vetch blush a soft pink. He waves back and winks making her laugh. Awww, Vetch.
"Can she be in our allianze, Vi?"
"Sure, Vetch. You like her?"
"Yesh…she's really pretty…"
Leon Finlend (15) District 4 Male POV
Arrggh! River and I are dressed as sexy pirates. She wears a blue pirate uniform, which only covers her chest and torso, showing off her smoking hot body… if I do say so myself. Mine too has few fabrics covering my torso. She carries a telescope in one hand and I (after much insistence) have a real parrot on my shoulder. Showing off my swimmer's body will definitely get me some sponsors, River too.
"Hey River, you look beautiful in that outfit," I say with a sexy wink from my left eye since the right is covered with an eyepatch.
"Thank you, you don't look bad yourself," she whispers, blushing madly.
"Isn't this awesome! Dude, we get to see all the Capitolites and the President!"
"Yeah, I guess…"
"Hey, let's have fun, okay?"
"It's not that. It's something else…"
"Well if you want to share than you know where to find me tonight, right?"
"Yes, but I don't want to tell you tonight, I just want to hear you sing…"
"Okay, that's fine. Let's just have fun and get some sponsors!"
"Okay!"
I gently take her hand in mine and bring her hand to my lips, giving her a quick peck. She smiles, but it quickly turns into a frown and she turns away. I see her eyes glisten as her face turns totally concentrated on the horses cover in seaweed.
"I'm sorry River…"
"No, it's fine. Let's just do this."
"Okay."
We ride off and the crowd roars as we enter and make our way down the aisle. River's face turns from concentrated to gleaming as the Capitolites call our names. Her smile shines brighter than any star out even on this wonderful night. Her hair tied up in a ponytail with streaks of seaweed stringing out, making her natural beauty glow even under all this Capitol junk. Yes, I think, she is the most radiant girl I've ever meet. I wanted to win for myself, but River… Who would ever think fate would throw us together the night before our reaping and fate being cruel would make me care for her… I don't know what to think, but the one thing I'm sure about is that River Seymour has stolen my heart, and It will lead to my demise…
Yarden Lyrus (13) District 5 Female POV
This is really nerve racking. I'm afraid that the defening noise will lead me to go under another attack… That's why both and I Phoenix have to keep it on the down low, unless the Capitol wants to see me freak… sigh. I'm dressed in a blue-grey jumpsuit, my hair stands up from the bottles of hair spray needed for this in a lightning bolt form. Phoenix is dressed in a green jumpsuit and is red hair slicked up just like mine. Our prep team really wanted to go all out and to each side of us is a small basket of lightning bolts. All different colors and each will shoot up and create a magnificent display of fireworks.
"Are you ready, Yarden?"
"Sure," I say smiling as Phoenix helps me up into the chariot.
We ride off and soon the crowd dies down just a bit from District 4, thank goodness. Our lightning bolts than spit out from our chariot and light up the building with a brilliant light, brighter than any sun. The crowd roars and I find myself on my knees, covering me ears.
"Yarden! What's wrong?!"
"The noise, make it stop!"
He softly comforts me, as big heavy tears stream down my face. Luckily this works and the crowd dies down, most have ridiculous confused faces. Amazing what one person can do to thousands, right?
Isaac Noel (12) District 6 Male POV
It's so big and loud! The thousands of people who came to see us are really excited to see us! But maybe they shouldn't celebrate the 24 children facing certain death and killing each other, should they? My hope for humanity was lost a long time ago, when my brother died here. I just hope that one day, someone brave enough will save the Districts and rise to make Panem a better and safer place to live.
"Hey Isaac! Like our outfits?"
"Yeah, sure…"
Petra and I are dressed in very vintage looking racecar drivers outfits, we even have helmets that really bring the outfit together. Her red hair was curled and let down in waves that spiral out of her helmet. My hair was neatly combed and styled back, though my helmet covers it.
"Good luck, Petra. I hope we can get some sponsors…"
"Me too, Isaac."
She gives me a reassuring smile and turns to the crowd. The crowd had died down a bit after District 5, and now even less after our arrival. Oh well. Hopefully my interview will make up for it…
Auger Locke (17) District 7 Female POV
This is ridiculous! An outrage! I'm wearing a skimpy green plaid bra and jean shorts that barely cover my butt, for Pete's sake! Not to mention the brown army boots that make my feet itch. I would've preferred Hudson's outfit, which is the same as mine except he has no shirt and he has full length pants on. We both though sport a nifty fake axe and our chariot horses are covered in autumn leaves.
"Hello! I just came to wish you and Hudson good luc-"
"IZZY," yell the Gamemakers up in their balcony.
"I thought no one noticed me! I'm wearing my spy outfit and everything! Bye!"
The young Gamemaker heads off to the stairs leading to the balcony and I sigh.
"I hate the Capitol…"
"I know Hudson; they're just a bunch of idiots."
"Ha, yeah. Well good luck getting sponsors."
"You, too."
Everything's a blur as we show off our industry, the crowd shouting our names and throwing random items in our way. By the time I know it we've arrived at the President's pedestal and we anxiously wait for her to finish. I turn to see the District 3 boy stare at me in my very revealing outfit and smile at him. He doesn't seem vicious and I did plan on teaming up with them anyway so why not? I wave back and smile and he blushes a faint pink. He turns to his female counterpart and they begin to talk, him pointing me out. Hopefully they'll let me in; I don't want to be alone…
Gabe Tex (13) District 8 Male POV
Hehehe. Yes, this night won't be forgotten by anyone, because I just set the ultimate prank that will definitely lose sponsors for the careers. Sounds dangerous? Ha. Well sometimes in life you need to prank your way into some happiness, at least for me anyway. Either this will be the best prank ever or it will end badly, as in the careers will hunt me down dead. Worth a shot.
"Are you okay, Gabe?"
"Yeah, Harmony. I'm just thinking..."
"We're about to go so…"
A chariot charges a bit faster than everyone's just to catch up to District 7's. Our different colored satin cloths fan out over the entire arena, enveloping us in warm subtle light that makes us look ethereal. I have no idea how the prep team made this work but they somehow did, and I'm glad for it. Harmony actually smiles for once and grins wide as the Capitolites call out her name, and then as I wave they join in saying my name. We reach the end of the runway and wait as the President begins her speech. Suddenly my plan takes full swing as the Career chariot horses begin to charge at each other causing the Careers to fling out of their chariots and scatter around the other chariots. District 1 ends up at the far end of District 6's chariot and begin to bicker at each other.
"What the hell, Koda!"
"Why do you instantly look at me when things go wrong?!"
"Because, you're an idiot!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Shut up," every single of us tributes shouts. They gather themselves and give us all dirty looks.
District 2 ended up behind District 11 and they nicely help the other up and head back to their chariot. District 4 was quite interesting they ended up just a couple feet from our chariot and the male tribute landed on his district partner.
"Ummm, Leon? You can get off me now…"
"Oh! I'm sorry…"
He gets off of her and helps her up, they both blush as they head back to their mess of a chariot. Soon all six of the Careers are now putting the blame on each other.
"You, I bet she did it, 2," shouts the red haired from 1.
"Me!? I bet it was District 4! They just wanted an excuse to get it on!"
"Dudes, let's not get crazy here. Let's just enjoy this awesome experience of getting acquainted with each other."
"I agree with the hippie. Plus, the guy who obviously caused this was the guy from District 8 who is laughing at us. The other districts are smart enough not to laugh at the Careers…" says the male from 1.
Crap.
"Hey 8! You better watch your back at the Arena," screams the girl from 2. They all give Harmony and I dirty looks as their prep teams come to clean up the mess.
"Way to go, Gabe. Your prank just killed us. How did you do that anyway?"
"Well, I put carrot scented bombs on them which activated right when we all stopped together, since the horses' eyes are covered partially they couldn't see completely where they were going and Bam! They cause chaos. Smart isn't it?"
"Thread isn't going to be happy when he hears this…"
"Cheer up, Harmony! You have to keep enjoying life even if you're reaped for the Games, you know."
"I guess…"
"Don't worry. I'll protect us. I promise."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Vanity White (15) District 9 Female POV
I haven't gotten the chance to thank Teff for caring for me the other night. I didn't mean to set Berk off, I just… I don't know. He just totally flipped and he broke Teff's vanity mirror. I just remember waking up the next morning in my bed. Weird. I don't remember walking to bed…
"Hey Teff, what happened after Berk left the room?"
"Oh, well, you cried for awhile and I was there, then you fell asleep. I carried you back to your room and tucked you in. That's all. Nothing else happened."
"Okay… thank you."
"It was nothing really…"
We stand there awkwardly for a couple minutes, the air thick with silence. Finally we are rushed out to meet our potential sponsors. Everyone cheers to see our prep team's creation. I wear a beautiful wheat dress which at the top is a golden cream color and trusses down to real grains of wheat that wisp out over the chariot's edge. Teff wears a gold toga, also made of real grains of wheat that make us golden among the rest.
"Do you think we got sponsors, Vanity?"
"Yes, I bet we did…"
"Would you like to be in an alliance with me?"
"Sure,"I whisper. His face goes red and he turns away smiling.
Maybe teaming up won't be that bad…
Aden Hanran (18) District 10 Male POV
To hell with the Capitol. To hell with Tanner. To hell with everyone. This is absurd! Them showcasing us to the Capitol citizens to make us look appealing. Psshh. I could show my true personality without all this crap. I'm dressed in a black cowboy outfit along with Dotti. Her long brown hair is pinned up into a ponytail and is slightly curled. My fiery red hair trimmed a bit to uncover my dull hazel eyes.
"Hey, Aden? Thanks for helping me…"
"It's fine, Dotti. Tanner's an ass…"
She laughs, "Yeah… you don't think he was serious about what he said right? About Lena?"
"No… she wouldn't have cheated on me… we love each other. She's my everything…"
"I see..."
I'm not sure whether I could trust anyone, the Arena changes everyone, Career or not. Every Victor leaves knowing that they actually didn't win, but instead killed to live. But for what? The Capitol to control you for the rest of your life? To live under what they say? When I win, hell will break loose and I, Aden Hanran, will inflict the most pain on President Echo herself…
Iris Dunbryll (16) District 11 Female POV
"Hey, Merit. Do you like our outfit?"
"Yeah, sure…"
The outfit is quite awkward, we are Siamese twins held together by dark blue vines that entwine around the chariot. There isn't much space to freely move around and these vines are itchy.
"Please let this be over soon!"
He chuckles, "Yeah.."
"I heard you and Beck fighting last night on the train, is everything okay?"
"What? Psshh. Of course. Me and Beck are fine."
"Oh, it's just that you guys really scared me. I-"
"It's fine. We were just discussing about his wife."
"Oh, that's right, Marcia. When I was little she would always go volunteer at school events and play with the kids."
"Yeah, she wishes she had kids of her own. They're afraid they'll be reaped… like me."
"Well they couldn't have known that they're adopted child would be reaped."
"No, that's why I have to get back to her, but the right way. Beck always taught me that doing the right thing is important and I don't want to be a pawn in their Games."
"Right, I don't either…"
"Well, tomorrow at training we can ask 7 and 10 to be in our alliance, right?
"Yeah. We could use their skills."
"Well I don't think they'll be impressed with us in this outfit…"
Aura Lee Pearson (18) District 12 Female POV
Damn Ben. Always late. Doesn't he realize that we have to make an impression! We won't get sponsors if he keeps acting like himself… damn. Last night he was so wasted, I didn't realize that though until he was passed out and Effie and Haymitch came in to see a half a joint sticking out of his jean pocket. Doesn't matter though, you can imagine the scolding he got from Effie.
"Hey! Sorry I'm late, Aura."
"Yeah, Ben. You do realize this is our chance to get sponsors and I won't let you ruin that!"
"There's no chance for us anyway. District 12 hasn't won since Katniss and Peeta, even then they won't let District 12 win until Haymitch is on his death bed…"
"Well I will win. The odds will be in my favor even if I have to kill a couple people to win. I have to… for Colton."
The chariot begins to move and Ben starts to jump up and down. We wear black jumpsuits and smoke slowly wafts behind us.
"Hey, Aura! Let's hold hands like Katniss and Peeta! The crowd will love it!"
"No! That'll get us killed in the Bloodbath for sure!"
He forcibly grabs my hand and memories began to come back of him hurting me… it's too much. I can't… I won't-
"LET GO!"
I shove him hard and he flies back, meters away from me. I sigh in relief. Thank goodness. Now it's my turn to shine. The prep team wanted to do something a bit different and really make us shine, well me anyway. As Ben chases to get back on the chariot, I'm enveloped in a black fog and my transformation begins. Red, yellow, and orange flames spit out from all sides of the chariot and my outfit burns, to be replaced with a diamond encrusted dress with a matching tiara. My dress radiates light, a beautiful clear light that outshines everyone.
When coal is put under a lot of pressure, it turns into diamonds. Even the poorest district in Panem can shine bright among the others…
Joylena Echo (5) POV
Wow! I don't know why Mommy didn't take me to this earlier! All the outfits were amazing and I wish I could meet the people in them…
"Hey, Joy. Liked the outfits?"
"Yes! They were all so beautiful! Can I meet the tributes?"
"Well, no. These tributes are under a lot of rules and they can't be bothered by Capitol citizens, even the President's kids…"
"Oh, okay."
"We'll see them on TV. It'll be fine, unless…"
"What!"
"Well, we could sneak in during training…"
"Yeah! Please, Calloway!"
"Sure."
Since Mommy isn't supposed to know that we're here, Calloway suggested we go undercover. He put me in a neon pink wig that goes well with my pink colored contacts. Calloway decided to go blonde and wears green colored contacts. I have to admit, we look weird.
"Hey there, sexy," says a girl with green skin.
"Ehhh…"
Calloway runs away and hides behind the door of the entrance of the Chariot Parade Room and I quickly follow behind. He furrows his eyebrows as he hides me behind his large frame as he surveys the area for the lizard lady.
"God, even in disguise they still notice me."
"I don't think it's a bad thing that girls notice you, Calloway. You're handsome just like the picture of Daddy that Mommy showed me. She told me that if a girl tribute wins this year that she's going to have you marry her…"
"I don't want to get married or have kids, Joylena. I just don't want my kids to live in a world with no hope."
"What do you mean?"
"Well when you get married, you have kids and-"
"Not that Calloway. I mean 'the no hope thing'."
"Oh, right. The world's a lot crueler than what it appears."
"I don't understand…"
"You'll see. Mom lets the Hunger Games happen. It isn't a nice thing, it's evil."
"The kids in the Games aren't evil, right?"
"No. They're victims… in a cruel game hosted by Mother herself…"
A/N: Yay! Review your favorite Chariot outfits! Up next is Training Day 1! I'll try to include everyone's POV for all three days… Thanks for everyone reading and reviewing!
Love Always, Domi