Hello everyone! This is my second Hunger Games story, and my first Hunger Games multi-chapter story. It serves as a prequel I guess to a bigger story I have planned, as I wanted to give voice to the changes I am going to put into motion in that story. This one will cover Gloss's games and will also cover Cashmere's as they are connected. I hope you enjoy the story and Gloss's Games, and remember he is 16 here, not the 27-year-old we saw in the movies\read in the books, so he is slightly different. With that said, I hope you enjoy it, and any comments and constructive criticism is welcome!
P.S: I am not from the states so I will use s's instead of Z's and there will be u's in places that may seem odd. these aren't spelling mistakes, they are intentional.
I could feel her eyes boring into my back, seeming to cut me to the quick in a way only she could. Ignoring her, I kept my gaze stubbornly on the mirror, making sure the nice blue dress shirt I wore was properly in place. Satisfied, I ran my hands through my hair, messing up the blond strands so they artfully curled over my forehead. Smirking, I assessed myself, deeming my appearance satisfactory for such a big day.
"I can feel you staring." I said, keeping my voice strong and face impassive.
"Well, I figured since you are so enamoured by your reflection, I should see what all the fuss is about." She said, her retort as quick as one of her knives. "Frankly, I don't think the fuss lived up to its hype."
I smothered the smile that ghosted on my lips, before turning to face her. I raised a brow, seeing her standing against the wall, her body resting against the doorframe.
"You look nice, Cash." I said, a genuine smile finding my face.
Her armour cracked, gracing me with a soft smile. "Thanks Gloss. At least mum remembered me enough to make sure I had a dress."
I frowned at her words, the bitterness eating away at my faux indifference. Deciding to not touch that bomb now I took a moment to study her, making sure she was respectable. She really did look beautiful, the light green colour brought out the flecks of green in her blue eyes and the sleeves slightly fluttered around her shoulders. Thankfully the dress wasn't too short, flowing around her knees and her neckline didn't show too much. Mum may not care about these things, but I do. The men in this district are like magpies: they see something beautiful, and they want it.
"Have you reconsidered?" She asked, her eyes lasered on mine, forcing me to confront the desperation in her eyes.
Sighing, I crossed the room in two strides, and pulled her into a bear hug. I held her to me, savouring having the only person who mattered to me with me. As long as I held her, she was safe, and as long as I fulfilled my promise to the academy, I could give her the life she deserved. I felt my heart sink when she pulled away, placing each of her hands on my massive shoulders. "You haven't, have you."
I averted my eyes, not wanting to see the sadness that bleed out through her gaze. She knew as well as I did that I couldn't back out. Not when I had won the competition at the Training Academy and gave my word. Still, feeling her shoulders slump and hearing the waver in her voice shattered me inside, like the beautiful vase she had knocked over when she was 9, and I was 10.
Memories flashed through my mind, her tears like bullets straight to my heart. I remembered how mum only noticed the vase, berating her and calling her stupid before rushing off to her new twins. She didn't notice or care about the blood that welled up on Cashmere's feet, her mind and heart occupied by the girls, leaving no room for her original golden-haired daughter.
Watching the tears lining Cash's eyes made me recall how I carried her to the bathroom, despite the fact she could still walk, my protective instincts in overdrive. I carefully tended to her wounds, bandaging them, and giving her a big hug. The memory of how she looked up at me, like I was her hero and had given her a gift she would treasure solidified my protectiveness of her and kindled my desire to train as hard as possible so I could get into the games, and ultimately give her the life she deserved. With people who could see the gem that she was.
"A promise is a promise, sis, and Ametrine's always keep their promises." I said simply, not wanting to make her feel worse with my truth.
She gave me a sardonic look at the last part before sighing, the tears lining her eyes as she blinked them out of existence. Miraculously her makeup was un-smudged, but I shouldn't be surprised, that was Cash to a T. No matter what happened she could face anything and come out looking perfect, her inner glow radiating out and eviscerating any threat of harm. Looking up at me she froze me with the intensity of her gaze, all threats of the sacred little girl blown away by sheer will.
"Since you never break a promise, promise me you'll win. That you will show them what being an Ametrine means and come back here, come back to me."
All words evaporated in my mouth, and I just stood there, struck in the force that was Cashmere. The sliver of self-doubt and realism inside me told me not to promise, that it was stupid of me. 24 go in and 1 comes out. I knew I was good, after all I won the academy competition, but was I good enough to keep this promise?
"Promise me." She said, slightly shaking me as her voices steeled.
"You know I can't-"
"Bullshit." She snapped, making me flinch from her uncharacteristic curse. "You are the most charming, intelligent guy I know. You are lethal, her aim true. Just keep a level head and don't underestimate anyone and you can do this, you can win." She said, her voice breaking as her vivid blue eyes begged me to give this too her, to give her my heroes word.
"Cash I-" I paused, teetering on the edge. "I promise. But you have to promise me something too."
She cocked her head, some of the steel melting.
"Promise me that if the unthinkable happens, if I have to break my promise- that you will forgive me." I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her eyes softened, and she pulled me to her burying herself in my taller frame. "No matter what happens, you will always be my brother, my best friend. My Gloss."
The tension seeped out of my muscles, and I held her close, my heart feeling lighter knowing that my image wouldn't be tarnished in her mind. I loved my sister more than anything, the idea of her hating me hurt more than anything they could throw at me in that Arena.
Pulling back, she gave me a bright smile, moving her hand up. I smiled, threading our fingers between us, sealing our promises.
"Now big brother." She said, the familiar impish smile returning to her beautiful face. "Let's give them a show."
I could hardly contain myself by the time we got to the beautiful town square. A massive stage dominated the space, with golden ropes hanging from the poles like elaborate necklaces. The entire air felt alive, everyone excitement filtering through, intoxicating others on the atmosphere. After getting my finger pricked, I made my way to the group of 16-year-olds, my large frame mountainous compared to the others around me. Scanning the group, I caught sight of the blonde curls of my friend Sterling, and made a beeline to him, knowing Marble would be close by.
People parted for me like I was a god, and I guess in their minds I was. Everyone knew the Reaping was a formality, the real Victor was the Volunteer. I kept my face impassive, allowing my confidence to proceed me. A few tried to catch my eyes, but I ignored them, not caring enough to deign them with my attention.
"Ah there he is, the man of the hour."
I grinned hearing Sterling call out, his muscular arms thrown out as if the give me a hug.
"Hey Ster," I greeted, pulling him into a one-armed hug and patting his back.
"You excited Ametrine, you are about to get glory that most of us could only dream of!" He said, his green eyes sparking with phantom triumph.
"Of course, I'm excited, just going to miss Cash, that's all." I said, shrugging, ensuring I kept the comment offhand.
A sly grin crossed his handsome face, and he waggled his eyebrows at me suggestively. "Oh, don't worry big man, I can make sure she is well taken care of."
My expression turned stony as molten energy swirled through my body. "Anything you touch her with I'll cut off once I get out, got it?" I growled, pinning him with my fiercest glare.
He gulped, the suggestive glint running away, leaving only a slightly nervous smile in its wake. "Just kidding Ametrine, just meant I'll make sure she has company and isn't left alone, that's all."
Before I could reply, Marble appeared, his chuckles slicing through the tension. "He try to sleep with Cash again?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
I just growled, not wanting to talk about anyone sleeping with my sister.
Marble just chuckled, running a hand through his short brown hair. Neither of them was as tall as me, though Marble was closer, coming up to about my chin.
"Can you blame me? She is stunning. You'd have to be an idiot or her brother to not be attracted to her." Sterling said, looking to Marble for backup.
He smirked, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm not getting involved, especially knowing how good Ametrine is with knives."
I smirked, giving him a curt nod. The crowd around is thickened drawing us closer. I opened my mouth to speak when a hush blanketed the crowd, and I took the cue to look at the stage.
"Welcome everyone, to this joyous occasion." Our escort, Tatiana Vita called out, her eyes shut as she opened her arms to us, as if trying to share her joy. "Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds, be ever in your favour!"
The entire District repeated this back to her, the cheer echoing around the square. I felt warmth bloom in my chest, forcing me to hold my head up a little higher and pull my shoulder back. To lesser Districts, this would mean not getting Reaped, but to us, the better Districts, the meaning is completely different, one of ascension. I was dimly aware of the line of golden gods behind her, other Visitors f the past. I didn't pay too much attention to them, having committed their feats to memory.
"Now, before we can get to the fun part, we have a very special film to watch, all the way from your benevolent protectors, the Capitol."
Our gaze turned to the screen, and I felt the feeling grow in my chest. My eyes remained glued to the screen, a sense of honour falling over out district at the momentousness that was these Games. Gradually, the words faded out, leaving a poignant silence in the air.
"Ah, I love that film." Tatiana sighed, tossing her bright yellow curls over her shoulder. "And now, the time has come."
She paused, allowing the enormity of her sentence to linger. "To choose one courageous woman for the prestigious honour of representing your beloved District, in the 63rd annual Hunger Games!"
She was met with raucous applause, the sounds deafening out individuals until we became a collective. "Now, now, settle down. I know you are all excited but please, have some decorum." The group laughed, her tone teasing.
"Now that is much better." She said, winking exaggeratedly to the throng.
Chuckles echoed out from the crowd as she wandered over to the bowl. Like an actor on a stage, she drew it out, pulling faces as she let the paper slide between her fingers. We all knew it didn't matter who she chose, we already had our female Tribute decided. But still, the Games were a show, and who was I to criticise the entertainment factor.
Finally deciding on ne, she pulled it out, sending the crowd a beaming smile. Sauntering back to the microphone, her bright golden jumpsuit clung to her finger, precious stones lining the deep V at the front. "Now," she said, unwrapping the paper like it was present. "This years female Tribute, is the one and only, Angel Glowdon!"
All eyes turned to her, the girl who lived up to her name. She was 18 and stood out amongst most of the other girls. Her long blonde hair was pulled into a tight ponytail on the top of her head, the stylish cream dress hugging her curves. She gave the group a graceful smile, before beginning the show of walking forward, no doubt enjoying the momentary spotlight she was receiving.
"I volunteer as Tribute1" A sweet, clear voice rang out, and Angel immediately halted, a faux annoyed look on her face.
Out of the sea of 18-year-olds a beautiful girl walked out, her long light brown hair as straight as the hilt of a dagger. She sauntered forward, a playful grin on her face, making the deep purple dress she wore flare out around her.
"Ah a Volunteer! How unexpected." Tatiana teased, drawing another round of chuckles from the audience. "Come dear, come introduce yourself."
The girl took her time, swaying her hips with lethal grace. She was a performer, an actor, and she knew how to work the cameras that were no doubt reverently watching her.
"Now darling, who might you be?" Tatiana asked, a flicker of jealous in her eyes as she took in the naturally beautiful girl.
"Rarity Grace, miss Tatiana." She said, her tone caressing the words as she spoke.
"Lovely to meet you, Rarity. Now tell me, was Angel a relation of yours or did you want to spotlight for yourself?" Tatiana stage whispered, giving the crowd an experimental wink.
"Well Tatiana, a lady never tells," she replied, winking as well. "Though, I'm sure a woman as intelligent as you can work it out."
If anyone else had said it, it would clearly be a dig. However, Rarity was a wordsmith, making sure the tone was perfect and it came out as complimentary as she intended. A knit formed in my stomach seeing her display, and my eyes reflexively searched out Cashmere, her gaze like a beacon.
I pushed my emotions into my eyes, making sure they didn't spill not my face. She lifted her chin in defiance, her gaze screaming her faith in me. "You got this." She mouthed, the words like a rope lifting me out of my uncharacteristic nerves.
I nodded, mouthing back my thanks. She lifted her hand and blew me a kiss, punctuating it with a soft smile before returning her attention to the show. I bit back a grin when I watched her huff, rolling her eyes at the display. No doubt she knows she would do better, I thought, letting the amusement drown out the dredges of worry.
"Now, for out male tribute." I flickered my eyes to stage, internally cursing myself for getting distracted.
She did the same show, swirling her hand in the bowl, taking her sweet time. I swallowed my annoyance, and focused on tapping my fingers on my thigh, giving the emotion an outlet. Finally, after what felt like eons she withdrew a slip, and sashayed back to the microphone.
In a clear voice she called out, "Grigio Euclase!"
I didn't even bother to look to see who it was, though the name was familiar. Instead, I pushed my way through the crowed and breached the front line, holding my head up high. "I volunteer!"
The Peacekeepers cam over to me and pretended to walk me up. I held my head high an kept my face impassive, letting my swagger talk for me. Cheers erupted around me, making a sliver of a smirk cross my features. I quickly walked up the stairs and walked over to the microphone, relishing the look Tatiana gave me, the expression dripping with unkept desire.
"My, and who might you be?" She asked, fluttering her lashes.
"Gloss Ametrine, ma'am," I said, giving her a polite smirk.
She was momentarily speechless, her expression blanking. Pulling herself together, she looked at the crowd, miming fainting. "My, what an attractive pair we have this year. Please, put your hands together for your honourable Volunteer Tributes, Rarity Grace and Gloss Ametrine!"
The crowd went wild, bathing is in applause. I played to the crowed, holding my hands up in a victory stance. Still, my eyes immediately found my sisters, her love and pride for me palpable. I gave her the tiniest of nods which she returned, cementing out promises.
I may not know what will be instore for me the next few weeks exactly, but I do know one thing. My parents may not have kept their promises to each other, but I always kept mine to my sister, and as I looked at her, I knew without a doubt that I wasn't going to start now.