Chapter 2
I hurried to the window as I watched the capitol roll by. We were going so fast, that after a while I had to sit down because my head was spinning.
"You okay?" Ben asked with a smile.
"Yeah, just dizzy."
"It's insane! There's metal and colors other than brown and green! It's so cool!"
"We have other colors in District 7, you know."
"Yeah, I know. It's just none of them are as bright as these ones."
I returned to the window. We were approaching the station when Johanna said,
"Smile and wave everybody. Smile and wave…"
I decided to take her advice and smiled at the crowd gathered at the station. One kid
made a face at me, and I made a face right back. The crowd laughed so hard at that it was surprising. I grinned and continued to wave, Ben beside me. When we got off the train, we were escorted to the room where our prep team would get us ready for the opening ceremonies.
They bathed me in oils that smelled like pinesap. My makeup was done in thick strokes by my eyes. With golden eyeshadow and dark lipstick. They painted a bark pattern down my shoulders and hands. Finally, I was sent to my stylist, whom I was told was named Grenno.
The room was a hospital blue color, with a single mirror in the corner. I couldn't help but feel that it was a prison room. I started hyperventilating, grabbing my ears and shutting out the world so that I could concentrate.
You're safe. You're in a room where you will meet your stylist. Red. Spruce. Breathe. Ready. Set. Go.
I unclosed my ears and opened my eyes once again in the prison room. The door clicked open and the person I could only assume was Grenno walked in.
"Hello Cedar. I'm Grenno. We're going to make you look beautiful today."
I simply nodded. He was calm, collected. His dark hair was dyed with a streak of red that matched his black and red suit. He was as if a demon of the deep had crawled out of it's hole. But strangely beautiful at the same time.
He tossed me a beautiful bark-like dress and told me to put it on. I scrambled to the adjoining bathroom and slipped into the dress. At sixteen my breasts had hardly come in, though they were slowly growing. The dress seemed to cup them and bring them up, giving the appearance of bigger ones. I ran a hand down the silky fabric and watched as it seemed to bend to my will.
"Wow…" I breathed.
Ben seemed to think so too. Because when I rejoined him he was speechless.
"Cedar… You look…"
I felt the heat rise to my cheeks.
"Thank you."
I suddenly felt a pair of eyes on my back. I looked behind me to see the boy from two staring at me. Or more like glaring in my general direction. I quickly turned away, not wanting to be scrutinized by his gaze any longer. There was an announcement on the intercom.
Tributes. Please make your way to your chariots. We will be starting in one minute.
I hurried into the chariot, Ben by my side. We gripped the sides as we were rolled toward the large doors leading to the stadium behind.
"Ready?" Ben asked,
"Ready."
We started rolling out the doors. The unmistakable voice of Cesar Flickerman and Claudius Templesmith over the loud speakers.
"Ah! And here they are! The tributes for this year's Hunger Games!"
"I don't know about you Cesar, but I've always been partial to District 1 myself."
"And don't they look fabulous tonight. Wow! Look at District 4! Beauties, both of them."
"Perhaps they will get another win in their pocket, especially since Finnick Odair is mentoring them this year!"
"He was beautiful too! District 4 just keeps cranking out the hot ones."
"Well just look at District 7! Trees! I get it!"
"Gorgeous I tell you! Simply gorgeous!"
"Oooh and here we have District 11. Wowza! Arto Ganges is a monster!"
"And last but not least, District 12. Disappointing as usual, but no matter! I'm sure they'll make up for it in the games."
President Snow stood up to make his speech. Special-Blah blah blah -Welcome- Blah blah blah- May the odds be ever in your favor.
Bullshit.
The odds are never in our favor.
