Heaven Weiss, 29

Hunger Games Announcer

Heaven tucked a strand of minty green hair back into its updo and pinned it in place. Her purple eyes flicked over her notes as she did so, focusing solely on preparing for the chariot parade.

Heaven had been hired as the Games Announcer two years ago, and it had been the best two years of her life. And according to Caesar, she was getting rave reviews. Just the thought of it made her smile.

There was a knock on the door of the announcer's balcony, and Heaven straightened up.

"Come on out," she called cheerfully, and Nefertiti appeared. She was dressed in a solid black suit with a deep 'v' and her hair was braided with lapis lazuli. Heaven cleared her throat, realizing she'd been staring for too long.

"Nefertiti!" She greeted the gamemaker warmly, standing up and holding out her hand. Nefertiti took it, smirking as she pressed a kiss to the back of it. Heaven's cheeks flamed.

"You look very pretty tonight, kitten," Nefertiti said in a dark voice, releasing her hand. She flushed even more.

"Th-thank you," she stammered, moving back towards her desk as Nefertiti approached. The taller woman pressed Heaven up against the table and sank her fingers into her hair, navy nails scratching her scalp. Her carefully done-up curls fell as Nefertiti jerked her forward and crashed their lips together.

Twenty minutes later, Heaven was frantically fixing her lipstick, her cheeks red and hot. She was going to be on camera in a few moments, and she was a mess. Nefertiti never failed to do that to her.

"Are you alright Miss Weiss?" a soft voice asked, making her jump. A studio intern stood behind her, brow furrowed.

"Oh yes," Heaven said, waving a hand breezily. "These studio lights can be quite warm. Do I look alright?"

"Oh!" the girl chirped. "Yes, you look lovely. Are you ready?"

"I am indeed," Heaven told her. She squared her shoulders, took a quick sip of water, and put on her game face.

The camera in front of her whirred to life and Heaven put on a dazzling smile.

"Welcome, one and all, to the introductory parade for the 52nd annual Hunger Games! We have an exciting cast of tributes this year, from an ex-gang member to the cousin of a past victor! Now, let's see these gorgeous costumes!"

"First up is District 1, and oh my goodness, don't they look stunning? Nude and covered with shining gems, they certainly look fancy! And it was a nice touch on the stylist's part, decorating Bliss in blue and Paxton in pink. Who says colors need to be gendered? And the pink matches Paxton's hair so well! I bet magenta will be making a comeback soon. And the snow-white horses were a nice touch."

"Paxton comes from a theater family, but his fierceness is no act! Look at those muscles! And Bliss, the lovely girl, her mother owns 'Locket', a cosmetic company. I don't know about the rest of you, but I absolutely adore their eyeshadow!"

"Ooh, here comes District 2! Look how powerful! Painted like marble and dressed in purple togas, they couldn't look more intimidating. Quintus especially. That boy is massive! But Domitia is rocking the purple, and with that spear in her hand and that glint in her eye, there's no way we can count her out! After all, purple is the color of victory!"

"Domitia is from a family of socialites, but this girl ain't dainty! Placed top of her class, she was hand-picked for these Games by Desdemona herself! She's sure to pack a punch. And Quintus? Well, he's a mystery to me too. But that's part of the appeal, isn't it? A big, brooding hunk of a boy."

"And here's District 3! They're an interesting bunch. Keegan was recently arrested, but his charges have been dropped for as long as he's a tribute. Rumor has it he's in for murder. I'll bet he's got a lot to show us in the arena. And Gamma, the sweetheart, is the cousin of Wiress Plummer, our very own victor! Can she invent another victorious plan?"

"And oh my goodness, their costumes? Aren't they incredible? Those black jumpsuits are form-fitting and so cool! I love the binary code flashing across it. And those helmets? Absolutely badass."

"Ah, District 4, our beachy babes. And what a babe Lillian is! That teal bikini suits her complexion perfectly, and those scales she's decorated in look so real? Are we sure she's not a mermaid? And such a personable girl too, waving and blowing kisses."

"And we can't forget Oscar, or Ozzy, as he prefers to be called. Look at those chest muscles! Such a handsome specimen. The scales on his arms are so detailed, and the trident was a great touch. Our sources say Ozzy came from nothing and built his own life up, but we'll have to find out more when we interview him!"

"Here comes District 5, and… could it be? A chance of rain? Anneliese looks stunning in that gray gown, and that storm cloud hat? Fabulous. Oh! Goodness! I think I just saw a flash of lightning! And Scotch, the cutie, looks fancy in all white, and is that a propeller hat I see? Yes, it is. Wonderful! Hats off to Lorcan and Rhonda, District 5's stylists."

"District 6 is sure to surprise us, given how different these tributes are! Spitfire Charisse is dressed in stripes… Oh! She's a train conductor. How adorable. But she better smile. That frown won't get her any sponsors. And Atlas too! He looks so sharp, dressed as a pilot, but he's got such a flat expression. Come on guys, smile!"

"Will District 7 be lumberjacks? Place your bets now… And no, they aren't! Samara looks stunning in that gown of autumn leaves, and that branch crown! Who knew sticks could look so pretty. They compliment her auburn hair so well. And Faryn! His suit is a little old fashioned, but it works! It's patterned like bark too. How clever! And he's tipping his hat to the crowd. How adorable. Oh dear, I think a pinecone may have fallen off though."

"Indigo Li of District 8 caused quite a stir at the reaping, and she seems to have kept the attitude. Those are lude hand gestures, ma'am! She does look stunning though, in a pale gold gown with a hoop skirt and a ruffled collar. Zander, however, knows how to work a crowd! Look at those poses! And he looks dashing in that buttoned coat and knee-length trousers. For the folks who don't know, Zander was a volunteer! And he's a model! I can't wait to find out what his story is."

"District 9 now… oh, and they look wonderful! Skirts made of dried grass, bare feet, and bold body paint in orange and blue. Lina was a volunteer, and she's showing us that she's capable! Look at those arms! But Nikolai seems much friendlier, waving to the crowd and boasting a big smile."

"District 10 is up, and oh my, they're looking a little warm. Leather chaps and huge wool sweaters; an interesting choice! I guess they do export wool though. Poor Ayala looks like she might drown in hers, but Brodin looks confident. Anyone who can look dignified in that outfit has my respect."

"We have quite a few outer-district volunteers this year, and may I just say, Summer from District 11 looks the most promising. She's dressed like a harvest goddess, but she's got a scythe. This girl's got beauty and brawn. Watch out! Poor, sweet Mel looks a little confused, but he's certainly rocking that toga! Maroon is his color!"

"And last but not least, here's District 12! Kaz was a volunteer, and one of two members of a gang allowed to live. She's watched her family die; can she use that as fuel for these Games? She certainly seems pumped, waving and blowing kisses. And then we have Ayden, another mysterious and broody tribute. A personal favorite of mine! Their costumes seem a little mysterious too, I must say. Just a coal-black jumpsuit. Oh. Oh! Kaz is unzipping hers. So is Ayden. And oh my goodness, that is stunning. Hundreds of little gems, patterned to look like flames. Like District 1, but they've definitely stolen the spotlight from them. Props to Gaius and Clementine!"

As the cameras in the studio shut off and the feed switched to President Snow as he gave a speech, Heaven gulped down the rest of her water. But it still wasn't enough to erase the taste of Nefertiti's lips.

Hey everyone! I know, I know, another update. I've just been having a lot of fun writing recently, so I figured I'd post while I'm inspired. Training chapters are up next though, so those will probably take me a bit longer to write. Also, I have a poll on my profile right now! It's just a fun, silly one, but please go vote if you're up for it.

Questions:

1. Thoughts on Nefertiti?

2. Thoughts on Heaven?

3. Which costume was your favorite? (also, a big thanks to Gomex and Willuna for helping me come up with ideas)

Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!

- Fiona