Hey everyone, I hope you are enjoying the story so far. This chapter has some mention of some sadistic kills in a past Games from Gloss's POV, from the line "They won't though, I guarantee that Ajax and Ballista" to "Are you sure we should ally with them," Is skip-able if you wish. Other than that, I hope you enjoy that parade, the training starts next chapter!
The differences between the Remake Centre and the Tribute Train were as pronounced as the Arena of the 30th Hunger Games. The Train was all sleek and sparkly, like the snowy hills bathed in watery sun, hugging the skeletal trees that covered half the Arena. The Remake Centre was all sleek steel, covering the whole expanse like the sand dunes on the other half. Sure, there was slight overlap, like the river that was created where the snow bleed into sand; both were made with expert craftmanship and high-quality materials, but still. They were district, and after spending time trying to get used to the exquisite beauty on the train, this clinical-ness and sterility made my head spin.
"Are doing alright, boy?" Paragon asked, keeping his voice low as he stood next to me.
"Yea, just." I stopped, my mouth drying out as I struggled with words.
"It's different after the train, I know."
I shot him a thankful look, grateful that he seemed to understand. I berated myself for that thought, of course he understood. He's a Victor.
We slipped through the corridors, Paragon giving anyone who spoke to him a slight smile. Beside us Chardonnay ignored them all, only speaking to Rarity when needed. It was a labyrinth but finally we made out way to a steel door with the number 1 on it, and slipped in, Paragon holding the door for us.
"Ah there you all are! I was wondering if you got lost." Tatiana said, her tone holding a slight scolding.
Chardonnay just rolled her eyes, completely ignoring Tatiana. I watched as a flicker of annoyance crossed the woman's face before she chased it off with a bright smile.
"Your Prep team will be here in a moment to get you all ready for the parade, are you excited?' Tattiana asked, her Capitol accent pronounced.
Rarity took her cue from Chardonnay, deigning to only reply with a quirk of her brow. I glanced at Paragon for guidance, and he nodded, a slight smile on his face.
"Yes Tatiana, it is the best part of this entire process, in my opinion." I said formally, falling back on my training.
I heard Chardonnay mutter something like 'suck up; but ignored her, glancing at Paragon out of the corner of my eye. Seeing him smile I relaxed, knowing I was doing right.
"Yes, the parade is enjoyable, I still remember mine fondly." He said, his eyes showing despite his bright smile.
"Oh yes it will be marvelous, I- oh here they come!" Tatiana squealed, jumping in spot, and clapping her hands.
I turned to watch two people walk out, matching in their stylish bizarreness. The man had the sides of his head shaved into intricate patterns, with the tops spiked high, giving him an extra 5 inches of height and dyed bright gold and studded with sequins. His skin was died a sunset orange, and his clothes was metallic, forming a stylish tunic and pants set. I noticed he had an intricate tattoo that curved around his eyebrow and around his lower eyes, the black colour standing out through the orange.
The woman had her hair out and flowing to her ankles, seemingly removed of any curl with a sharp cut fringe across her forehead. The colour was remined me of a sunset, the purples, oranges, reds and yellows mixing together. Her skin was normal coloured, but her lips were pained with a metallic colour that matched her unnatural coloured eyes. I had to admit her outfit looked kind of nice, a dark purple long-sleeved pantsuit that was skin-tight.
"Hello Charis and Cosmas, lovely to see you bot," Tatiana said, giving them air kisses. "Meet our Tributes, Gloss Ametrine and Rarity Grace."
I kept my face blank as Charis drank me in, her gaze predatorial. "What a handsome Tribute I have to play with this year," she said, her Capitol accent think and removing any sexiness she had tried to inject it with.
"And what a beauty I have!" Cosmas cooed, and I could practically see Rarity beam with pride.
"Come now darling, Chrysanthos and Corianna will be waiting for us!" Cosmas said, clapping his hands in excitement.
I was almost amused that they all started with C, but I guessed that was part of the aesthetic. Rarity shot me a wink before sashaying after him, shaking her hips expertly as she let the man fawn over her.
She was playing the game like a puppet master.
"Come now, Glossy, Eirene and Aeneas will be waiting for us!" Charis cooed, tugging on my arm.
I opened my mouth to object to his nickname but caught Paragon shaking his head out of the corner of my eye. I despised anyone except Cash using that name, but if I wanted to best experience possible, I had to let it go. Schooling my features into my Tribute mask I let her pull me behind her, nodding when needed and overall playing my part to a T.
"Oh, doesn't he just look a picture!" Charis cooed, holding her hands to her cheek as she stared at me, not even bothering to hide her lust.
"Yes, Apollo will have an easy job with him now." Aeneas said, nodding in satisfaction.
It had taken longer than I expected for them to bring me up to their standard, and honestly, I was mildly miffed. I knew I wasn't as finely dressed as the Capitol people- they were above us after all-, but I thought I looked good enough they wouldn't need to spend hours plucking and preening me like I was a roast turkey. Still, the pain was negligible after my experiences in the Academy, and I had to admit, being pampered was nice. I wasn't allowed to see myself in the mirror until my stylist appeared, so I just sat there, basking in their praise.
"Paragon will have it easy getting him sponsors, my, he is so handsome!" Eirene cooed, fluttering her long green lashes.
"Oh, he is, I hope he wins," Charis cooed, acting as if I wasn't here.
Still, as part of my persona I stayed silent, giving them respectful nods and one-word answers when needed. I almost broke character and let out a sigh of relief when the door opened with a subtle hiss and looked over for a glimpse at my stylist.
I always thought that the way the stylist dressed reflected on their skill. They were like a walking advertisement, their looks beaming out and talking for them. If that was the case, I was slightly apprehensive, and sat on my hands to avoid twiddling them.
The man was like a walking sun, living up to his name. His hair was parted and in tight curls, the yellow and gold mixing through it. His skin was painted a dark gold, with features so perfect they had to be fake. His lips were painted and covered in small jewels, and his outfit was as outlandish as the rest of him, a mixture of gold and yellow so he looked like a sunflower was grafted into him.
"Oh yes, no one exaggerated your beauty did they," He cooed, his thick accent soaking every word.
"You must be Apollo," I said, keeping my tone conversational.
"I see my reputation proceeds me, as to be expected," He preened, and I didn't bother to mention I only knew because I was told. "You are going to love your costume for the parade, I took the classical beauty and divinity for your District and made it my own, you'll be unforgettable!"
His enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself puffing out at his words. Of course, I would be unforgettable, I was the strongest contender in the Academy and had the beauty needed to hide my lethality. But still, knowing that this man was going to give me the look needed to bring my District honour, made pride shoot through my system like an addictive drug.
We chatted absentmindedly as he buzzed around me, helping me into the clothes. I wasn't surprised he kept my chest bare, just covered it with oil that made my skin shine with the gold fragments in the liquid. I stood their dutifully, fighting off as smirk as he placed twin gold sashes over my chest, accentuating my pecs. This is what my life would be like if I win- no, what it will be like when I win. The thought was an aphrodisiac, feeding my ego till it swelled up like an impaled corpse. Memories of the people I killed in training flooded my mind, and instead of feeling sick I reveled in it, thanking them for their sacrifice and their part in helping me do my duty.
"Now, look at yourself in the mirror!" Apollo cheered, tears lining his eyes, making the gold glitter he lined them with sparkle.
I did as I was told and felt my breath escape me. He had made me surpass mere beauty, I looked divine. My hair was artfully arranged golden dust sprinkled through. My whole body glittered when I moved, my makeup accentuating my beauty instead of covering it. My eyes look clearer, the colour standing out amongst the gold. Two golden bands criss-crossed over my chest, with large angelic wings hovering either side of me. They were made of pure white and gold feathers, with small diamonds threaded through, refracting the light. My lower half was wrapped in a skirted toga, the colour pure white. I had no shoes on, just thick golden cuffs that matched my wrists. My head had a golden wreath inlaid with rubies, the only real colour on me other than white and gold.
"Well, what do you think?" He asked, something akin to anxiety colouring his tone.
"I look... perfect." I said, soaking my voice with appreciation.
"Oh perfection! Of course, you look Magnificent, I am the best designer!" He said, all traces of nerves evaporating.
"I appreciate all your work," I said, nodding to him in the mirror.
He just beamed, smugness oozing out of every pore. He deserved to be smug, he made me look like an angelic god. And just like the gods of old, the ones whispered about in the cover of darkness, I was going to dominate the parade, and later, the arena.
Rarity was already standing by the chariot when I arrived, bathing in the chaotic cheers around us. Her hair had been lightened into true blonde, the strands expertly curled and weaved with strands of gold. She wore a similar headdress to me, only hers was a solid band, inlaid with emeralds. Her top only covered her breasts, made of white material, and weaved over it like vines, covering everything important and blending into her skin. She wore a long white skirt made of opaque materials, the layering hiding anything but leaving the outline of her shapely legs on display. Keeping it up was a woven belt made of gold rings, matching the ornate bicep cuffs. I admired the wings, so like mine but with an emphasis on silver; the silver glitter matching that on her skin.
A part of me gloated, knowing that classical silver was for the second best, the runner up, which if all went according to plan, she would be.
"You both look wonderful!" Tatiana squealed, unabashedly checking out my muscles.
"Yes, you both look great. Now you need to focus." Chardonnay said, decked out in a short leather wine coloured dress with a necklace of razor blades around her neck.
"You aren't to speak to any of the other Tributes yet, but make sure you catch Two's eye and nod, smirk and look at the others unimpressed." Chardonnay said, and I hung on her every word.
"I thought we were going to have an alliance so we should speak to them?" Rarity asked, her eyebrows furrowing.
"You will but make them come to you. If you go to them then it makes you look weak." She replied, and Paragon nodded.
"Exactly, and while on the chariot I don't want you to wave and act like fools, stand there and make sure they know you can see them. Give them nods and small smiles but act like you are above them, like you are already Victors." Paragon added, and I nodded, making sure he knew I understood.
"What if Two comes to talk to us?" Rarity asked, her red lips pursing.
"If they do be cool and polite, not overly eager." Paragon said, looking at me directly before glancing at Rarity.
"They won't though, I guarantee that Ajax and Ballista, their mentors are having this exact conversation." Chardonnay said, giving a nod when she caught Ajax's eyes.
I recognized him, the Victor of the 55th Games. He dominated his Hunted House Arena, the pack splitting up, one half taking control of the massive, attached greenhouse, the only major source of food while the other went to kill. He was on the killing party, and I remember one kill where he made his team hold down the boy from 12 while he sadistically tortured the girl from 10 that he allied with, making him watch as he skinned her like one of the livestock on the farm she was raised. His allies were sick to their stomach, but held the boy as Ajax dismembered him till he was only a torso.
He was one of the sickest players in the game, even making two district friends fight to death under the illusion of allowing the survivor in the pack. He let the survivor go and hunted him down, wearing the body of a zombie mutt to frighten him enough his heart stopped.
My stomach roiled at the thoughts, and I remembered having to rub Cashmeres back as she vomited after having to watch the games at the Academy. It was one thing to kill, to bring honour, it was another to torture and be sadistic, at least in my mind it was. Though clearly, Two didn't share my views.
"Are you sure we should ally with them, especially since The Hunter is their mentor." I muttered to Paragon, expertly keeping my voice low enough not even Rarity who was standing close by could hear.
"We can discuss it later, just focus on putting on a show." Paragon advised, clapping my shoulder, making me stagger slightly.
Despite the slight smile he shot me at my stumble, it didn't hide the tension in his eyes, nor the way his body tensed, like he was ready to go in guns blazing.
"Come on, Char, lets go start the schmoozing." Paragon said, a confident smile on his face.
Chardonnay pulled a face but didn't reply, just gave what almost passed as an expression of good luck to Rarity before striding off, expertly drawing eyes as she sashayed away,
"Good luck you two," Paragon wished, before following his sassy co-Mentor.
"So-"
Whatever Rarity was going to say was drowned out by a horn, and a man the size of a 14-year-old came buzzing around, gesturing frantically for them to get in their chariot.
Rarity and I exchanged an amused glance, before I heaved myself into the chariot, my muscles bulging. I turned back to the entrance and offered Rarity my hand, giving her a small bow to push the gentleman image further. She smiled, though the light only brought out the calculation in her eye, before accepting my hand.
"Thank you, big boy," she teased, checking me with her hip, though I didn't move.
I gave her the barest hint of a smile, standing tall as Apollo appeared practically out of nowhere, fussing with my wings and ensuring they wouldn't get caught with Rarity's. "Don't want a repeat of two years ago," He muttered, thinking of the year Viscera Cleaving won, and how during the parade the Tributes of 7 got their branches caught in their head dresses.
"There, perfect," A woman I assumed was Rarity's stylist cooed, her silvery blue hair falling in a collection of braids around her head.
"Thanks Artemis," She replied, and I bit the inside of my cheek to stop my amusement.
"Now, listen to what your mentors said and go show them how beautiful you both are!" our stylists cooed, wiping inviable tears.
I exchanged an amused glance with Rarity before we faced the front, putting on our scripted masks just as the beautiful white horses pulled out.
It was pandemonium, people shrieked upon seeing us, hands desperately reach out, and flowers and gifts rained down from above. I kept my expression blank, giving the barest hint of a nod and smile to the adoring fans. I held myself tall, making sure my body was positioned in the most flattering way and absorbed the love, letting it flood my system and empower me. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Rarity blowing kisses and smirking at the audience, making sure not to give anyone too much attention. Catching my gaze, she winked at me, making the audience cheer as if they had been struck by sudden mania.
I raised a brow at her and reached for her hand stooping down and placing a chaste kiss on it. It wasn't what we discussed, but we were angling for the gentleman image, which I knew this would project. I glanced up at her and she pulled away, and she mimed fanning herself, winking at the audience as she fell expertly back into character, I let her hand fall away and fell back into mine, catching a glimpse of Paragon's smirk as we came to a stop.
The atmosphere was electric, swirling around us like an invisible current and slipping inside me, adding kindling to my already blazing drive. The frenzy seemed to stop instantaneously, almost as if someone unplugged them as the President stood, arms open like he was greeting an old friend. On reflex I stood up straighter, keeping my head held high- not too high though lest I seem disrespectful.
"Welcome, welcome to all!" He greeted; his tone honeyed. "Welcome to our residence, our esteemed Victors, to our Mentors, and most of all, an esteemed, warm welcome to our Tributes."
The crowd went wild, and I kept my expression blank, save for the slight smirk that gave me an air of capability. "We thank you for your courage, your bravery, and ultimately your sacrifice." He said solemnly, the weight of his words pressing down on me.
"We all, I included, wish you a Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds," he paused for a poignant silence. "Be ever, in your favour."
The crowd started up again, screaming and shouting. I kept my head high, my expression tattooed on, as our chariot moved, taking us back down the runway to our waiting Mentors, and away from the most powerful man in all Panem, the man I have the honour of serving.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter; any feedback or comments would be much appreciated. I'll update again later this week.
TBP