Chapter two done and dusted! This one is the goodbyes, as it is really the only opportunity to show his connections in the District. Next chapter will be the train ride and their chance to view the other Tributes, and likely the parade. I hope you enjoyed, and any comments is appreciated!
"Now you two, shake hands," Tatiana squealed, her tiny body positively vibrating as the energy of the place worked its way through her.
Keeping my face blank, I turned to Rarity, holding my hand out firmly between us. She looked at it before looking up at me through her eyelashes, a coquettish smile pulling at her rouged lips. Taking her time, she slipped her hand between mine. We shook hands, and I noticed how small and delicate hers looked in mine, the only similarities between them were the calluses that decorated our palms.
"Uhum," She fake coughed, barely audible over the howling crowd. "May the odds be ever in your favour, big guy." She said, a dangerous smirk on her face, stretching her lips and making them look like they were covered in blood, not lipstick.
I didn't reply, just nodded, and took my hand out of hers. Immediately I looked around for Cash, finding her spot empty. My heart thrummed in my chest, as if it wanted to escape and search for her itself. I knew she could take care of herself; she was lethality contained in a beautiful packaging, but I still worried. Especially with the vultures that started at her whenever she walked past.
"Now everyone, give one final round of applause for your courageous Tributes- Gloss Ametrine and Rarity Grace!"
The entire District went off, their voices booming in thunderous appreciation. I savoured it and held my chin high, acting like I had already won, like this whole thing was beneath me.
"Come, come now you two, we have a schedule to keep." Tatiana said, her tone clipped as she whispered in our ears.
Turning my back to the adoring crowd I gestured for Rarity to go forth, acting the gentleman in which I was taught. She raised a brow but didn't speak, just gave a slight curtsey, her green eyes dazzling as they filled with mirth, before gliding after Tatiana, her hips moving with practiced sway. Deliberately keeping my eyes firmly away from any places they should not be wandering, I followed her, my footsteps heavy as I strode across the center of the stage. Passing the previous Victors, I nodded to them, getting approving smirks in return. Bolstered, I sauntered the rest of the way, striding though the gilded doors like I owned the entire world, not just the Justice Building.
The Peacekeepers pulled the doors shut, cutting off the adoring fans. "Alight you too, off to your individual rooms to say your goodbyes. You have 15 minutes, then straight to the train." Tatiana said briskly, adding claps in for good measure.
I nodded, not bothering to waste my words. "Come on then." A Peacekeeper said, already striding down the decorated hall.
"See you soon, big guy." Rarity said, her signature smirk on her face.
"See you soon," I replied, giving her a ghost of a smile before turning and striding down the hall.
I barely had to wait before the doors burst open. Turning away from the painting I was admiring I faced the door, my smile wavering when I didn't see Cash there like I had hoped.
"Mother, Medallion." I said curtly, keeping my voice as impassive as my voice.
"Don't speak to your mother like that, boy. And what about your sisters? They are here too." Medallion snapped, grinding his teeth together.
I didn't bother to reply to that, not caring about his opinion or the display of faux dominance. I glanced at the two girls by their feet, the two 11-year-olds mirror images of each other. They gave me haughty looks, removing the natural beauty they may have had otherwise. They wore their caramel brown hair in matching twin braids, not a hair out of place. Their green eyes shot daggers at me; their lips pursed. For such young kids they had a lot of attitude- and not one I liked.
"Oh, darling I am so proud of you!" Mother gushed, her long blond hair swept up off her neck on an elegant chignon.
"Thanks, Mum." I whispered, allowing her to melt into my arms, wrapping them around her.
The floral perfume she specialised in making wrapped around me, teasing me with positive memories that had long since soured. Aroma may have given birth to me, but she had long ago lost the title of mother in my mind.
Giving exaggerated sobs she pulled away, placing each of her bejewelled hands on either side of my face. For a moment I saw genuine love in her eyes, the expression freezing me solid. "I am so proud of you, my son." She said softly, her floral scent weaving its way through my defenses. "I cannot wait to move into the Victors Village, our family deserves it, and your sister can visit too, I suppose."
Her words were like a bucket of cold water, washing away the memories and forging my defenses. "Cashmere will be living there with me. You are welcome to visit." I said curtly, keeping my expression stern.
"Boy you cannot speak to your mother like that, don't make me-" Medallion threatened, storming over.
"Don't make you do what?" I asked, derision coating my tone. "I am going into the Hunger Games and coming out a Victor. You couldn't harm me before hand, and you certainly cannot harm me after." I spat, pinning the man with my patented glare.
"Why you little-"
"Nepheline, Sapphirine, come say goodbye to your brother." Mum interjected, briskly ushering the twins over.
They gave me a look that showed me exactly how much that idea enthused them, but followed instructions, coming over.
"Goodbye, Gloss." Sapphirine said, her voice sickly sweet.
"Good luck in your games, hopefully you don't get some horrible death and disappoint the district, like last year's Tribute." Nepheline added, expertly making herself seem like a scared little girl.
Not wanting to let 11-year-olds get one over me, I crouched down, pulling me into my arms. "Don't worry you tow, I promise I'll come back a Victor and you can visit me at the Village on occasion, okay?" I said, pulling back and giving them a smirk.
The two girls pouted but nodded, still playing the part. "I'm so glad, would be awful to lose our only other sibling." They said, smirking when I ground my teeth.
"Don't worry, Cashmere and I aren't going anywhere." I said, keeping my cool. "Now run along, I promise to bring our District pride."
They gave me another withering glare before moving away, going to stand with their dad. He would have been attractive ten years ago, before his skin lost its tightness, his mousy hair thinned, and his stomach gained a roundness that was uncommon in our District since we prided ourselves on looking good.
"Goodbye, son. Bring it come." Mum said, her expression filled with more emotional than I cared to try and decipher.
"I will mum. I love you." I said, my voice softening as I realised that despite how little time she had for us, how much she ignores my sister, I meant it.
She ushered the twins out, who didn't even bother to call back. I kept my face impassive as only Medallion remained in the room with me, the air thickening into a curdled soup. "I have never liked you Gloss, and I will not shed any tears when you die. I only hope your sister watches it." He said, his gaze predatory. "But don't you worry, I'll take real good care of that beauty."
It was like he set a match to my blood, immediately setting it to boil. In a few controlled steps, I had him backed into the corner, the Peacekeepers that stood nonchalantly outside peaking in, no doubt ready to act if needed. I gave him a curt look, and they relaxed, returning to staring into the luxurious hall instead.
"I promised Cashmere that I'll come back to her, and I have every intention on keeping that." I spat, relishing in my height. "But if I don't? You will not lay a finger on her. She is skilled with her knife but sometimes it slips. Would be a shame if it slipped and landed straight into your heart, wouldn't it?" I said, keeping my tone conversational.
"She wouldn't."
"Oh, she would. And I have people ready to look after her so if I was you, I wouldn't even look in her direction. Do you understand me?" I spat; my eyes molten.
"Crystal." He spat, shoving me out the way and storming out the door.
Straightening up I moved away, returning to the painting I was studying. I kept my eyes on it as I calmed down, the boiling calming. It was beautiful, the frame real gold. The entire room was covered in it- the colour of victory- with purple accents mixed in the opulent rug and threaded through the plush cushions.
"I take it you two didn't have a heart to hear then?" I smirked, turning around to see Sterling and Marble standing there with matching grins.
"He was offering to take care of Cash. I was just informing him that his services are not required." I said conversationally, my undertone steel.
Their eyes darkened and they walked over, pulling me into one armed hugs. "We can't stay too long dude 'cos your stepdad took up a lot of the time, but we just wanted to come see ya and tell you we are proud. and to show them what District 1 is made of." Marble said, a cocky grin on his handsome face.
"Will do, hey do you guys think you could take care of Cash for me while I'm gone and if…the odds aren't in my favour?" I asked, my body rebelling against the very concept of losing.
"Of course, dude, she's your sister. One of us." Sterling said, uncharacteristically serious.
"Thanks boys," I said, pulling them into another quick hug.
"See you after the tour" Sterling said, sending me a big grin.
"No pressure then," I joked, though felt my heart warm at their confidence.
"Dude, you are Gloss Ametrine, these games were made for you. Just give us a good show or we will heckle you for the rest of your life." Marble added, and I grinned, nodding my agreement.
After a quick goodbye they slipped out, and I let my shoulders sagged. There was only one person I wanted to say goodbye to, but she wasn't here yet. I ran my hand through my stylishly messy hair and gave am impatient glance at the door, as if it would materialise her.
"Knock, knock, can we come in?" My father, Resin asked, a nervous smile on his classically handsome face.
"Of course, dad." I said, and he took the que, his new partner, and their son trailing in.
I didn't even glance at Veneer, not wanting to see my older half-brother and the cause of my parents' separation. Instead, I kept my eyes on my dad, internally congratulating him on keeping his physique, unlike certain other disgraceful men in my life. Squaring his shoulders, he walked over, pulling me into a stilted hug. We were about the same height, so it was a little awkward. Still, I tried to ignore it, the little voice I was trying to ignore reminding me this may be the last time I see him.
Clearing his throat he pulled back, messing with his tie. "Give 'em a show, my boy. Show them what an Ametrine can do." He said gruffly, staring me in the eyes.
"Of course, father. No victory without show." I recited, earning myself a ghost of a smile.
"I'll look after your sister; Cash will be in safe hands." He said, avoiding looking at me.
I clenched my hands at my side, annoyed that it took my going to a death match for him to step up. Still, it was better than nothing, and he could be trusted around her, unlike Medallion. "Thanks, dad." I said simply, both of us not really ones for long chats.
He gave a curt nod, before quickly pulling me into his arms, his movements quicker than I could anticipate. "I love you, my boy." He whispered in my ear; his voice thick with unshed tears.
I tensed, before relaxing, allowing him to hold me like he did when I was a kid. "I love you too dad." I said, squeezing him before letting him go.
He pulled away and nodded, before striding out the room, his head held high in the manner he taught me. I glanced at Aurelia, the awkwardness thickening. She pushed her lips and seemed to dither, before siding over and pulling me into a hug. "You may not be my son by blood, but I am very proud of you. You'll do the district proud." She whispered, pulling away before I could even comprehend her words.
I opened my mouth to reply but she was already hurrying out the room, her tawny dress and blonde hair swaying around as she walked. I blinked, trying to process. I could count on one hand how many times we had talked, and she was saying she was proud of me? I guess the spirit of the games had gotten to her.
Deciding to ignore that whole situations I looked at the remaining occupant, finding him looking right at me. You could tell we were brothers, the same shock of blonde hair and tall and muscular frame. He had more height on my 5'11 frame, being 3 years older than me at 19. He was also more muscular, and his eyes were a brownish green unlike my bright blue. Still, you could tell from the slop of our nose and the cut of our jaw we were related, the diluted blood not minimising that fact.
"So-"
"Let me go! That is my brother in there and I've been waiting for the past 8 minutes to go and see him!" I heard the unmistakable sound of Cashmere's voice, the softness of her tone sounding harsher in her anger.
"Miss there is already someone in there-"
"Who? Who is in there?" She spat; her impatience broadcasted in her voice.
"Veneer Ametrine."
She paused, and I could practically hear her teeth grinding. "Well, he is my half-brother as there really should be no issue. Now, let me in to see my brother or so help me-"
Veneer reacted quicker than me, moving to the door jam. "It's okay she can come in." He said, his tone soft but firm in that classical Ametrine way.
I heard mumbling before Veneer moved, allowing my scowling sister to walk in. She was the picture of poise despite the tightness in her lips, and the tension in her eyes. She glared at the Peacekeepers and I almost groaned. She forgets herself, forgets that they are the ones with authority and could cut the visit short with a wave of their hands. Still, her beauty worked in her favour, and they just shut the door, their gaze drinking in her form before the door shut.
Narrowing her eyes at Veneer she sprinted across the room, throwing herself into my waiting arms. I picked her off the ground and bundled her up, wrapping my arms protectively around her as I buried my face in her hair.
"You better keep your promise," She whispered her voice cracking.
"You better keep yours." I replied, blinking the tears away.
"I promise." She vowed, her body shaking.
"Me too." I whispered into her hair, holding her firmly but gently, not wanting to break her any more than I had.
Sighing, she pulled away slowly, meeting my gaze. "I have something for you." She said, pulling out a bright blue piece of tissue paper.
I gave her a curious look and took it, unwrapping it slowly. Inside was a leather chord with a small gold coin hanging off, the letters G&G engraved on it.
"Cash," I said recently, pulling out the chord. "This is perfect."
A faint dusting of pink covered her cheeks and she pulled out a matching necklace, her chord made of gold. "It's designed to wrap around your wrists or through a zipper. It can go around your neck, but I don't recommend it, not after what happened in the 58th Games." She said, and I nodded, remembering how a Tribute had gotten hold of another's necklace and pulled them back onto their blade.
"It can also just be kept in your boot, whichever is more comfortable. But I wanted to give you something, so I'd be in their with you- cash for Cash." She said, and I grinned, the symbolism perfect.
I pulled her into my arms and hugged her, crushing her against my chest. "I love it, and I love you baby sister. Stay safe okay." I said, getting chocked up.
"You are the best brother I could have ever wished for, thank you for everything you have, are doing and will do for me when you get back." She whispered, hugging me fiercely.
We stayed there for a moment before she pulled away, moving to stand beside me and gave Veneer a stern look. He raised a brow, and a sliver of a smile crossed his face before he walked over.
"I know I haven't really been a brother to you, but I wanted to start now. I know you will come out of that arena Gloss, and maybe when you do, we can do some training together." He said, a sprinkle of hope in his tone.
"You're only after his Victor money." Cash snapped, glaring daggers.
He only shook his head, showing the calm disposition we'd both inherited. Cash always was more of a spitfire. "I don't want your money; I just want to be you brother. A brother to both of you." He said, his gaze dipping to Cash.
"I'll make sure no one bothers her while you are gone," he said, his tone brokering no argument.
"I can look after myself." Cash hissed; her eyes narrowed.
"I know, but I am here if you need anything." He said, giving her a small indulgent smile. "We can talk about it later, I just wanted to let Gloss know."
He looked at me, and I was confronted with his full sincerity. "Thank you, and we can see about the brother think when I'm back- provided you keep you word."
We both deliberately ignored Cashmere who cursed us both, sharing an amused grin. "Of course, I will." He said, and I relaxed.
I may not know him very well and he may not have been there for us when we needed it, but he was stepping up now. Anyone who genuinely wanted to look after my precious sister was someone is good in my books. And the best part was, unlike my friends there was a guarantee he wouldn't seduce her.
I was about to say something when the door opened, and a Peacekeeper stuck his head in. "15 minutes is up. They need to go."
I nodded and on instinct pulled them both into a hug, wit Cash crushed between us. "I'll be back, I promise." I whispered, and I could feel them nod.
When Veneer pulled away, I kept Cash in my arms, giving her another squeeze before she was finally forced to back away. Her eyes screamed for me to not go, and she was so consumed with her worry she allowed Veneer to lead her out. I blinked back the tears; glad he was already keeping his promise.
Finally, alone, I let a few tears escape my tight control. I wasn't upset to be going into the Games, no I was excited. I was upset about leaving Cash, the person I'd do anything for. Still, the sooner I got into the games and slayed the competition, the sooner I could get back. Satisfied, I looked back at the painting and smirked, my usual confidence returning.
"Don't worry sis, I'll be back, and I'll even give you a show in the process."
With that in mind I exited the room, leaving all doubt there, keeping my mind firmly fixed on the prize.
Victory.