Hey, before you read the chapter, I'd love to give a massive thanks to ShunKazamis-Girls for all the help they've given with the blog! They had so much advice and suggestions with the outfits that really helped elevate everyone's fashion show! And they've put in so much effort with the blog itself too. Thank you so so much!
Please check it out and show some love too! The link is on my profile and at the start of the story, as well as on the SYOTVerses discord, in the saturnverse channel! I'll also post it here but there'll be a few gaps, so make sure to remove them.
the-saturn-games . weebly . com
Auberon Laurier
I stare at the mirror in that tiny little changing room, as the disgusted figure looks back. It eventually begins to smile too, as I prepare to bounce out of the room and onto that stage. If I have a positive attitude, I'll have a positive…showing? They can't hate or judge me if I have a cute dip in my walk and a peachy smile!
"You look…worried." Tiara helpfully points out to me as I join the other tributes in the larger waiting room. I try to hide my gulp as I look at their magnificent outfit.
"Well, two could say the same about you!" I smile, leaning on the leather red sofa, which is big enough to fit…one or two, probably. It's more for the aesthetic, as it's the only colour in this dingy and dark hole. It's like where a mole would sleep.
Tiara shrugs. "I think you need to work on your readings, haha."
I blush, feeling embarrassed that I…just lied to her for no apparent reason. I'm not a pathological liar! Do I feel a compulsion?
I shimmy away with a shake in my leg, to people I feel more comfortable with. Dae also looks…ethereal and angelic, but they look like they're out of their element too! They practice twirling their magnificent dress around, which I can't do…so I just do some stretches!
"Are you going to sprint down the runway?" Dae giggles, watching Auberon touch their toes. I snap back up, this time without a flushed expression.
"It'd get it over and done with." I shrug. "Maybe I could break a world record for the least time on that stage."
Dae shows an unfrank smile. "I'd like that too, but apparently this is really useful! Model agencies use this to scout out potential…models! So I'm going to try to get some!"
"I can't see myself getting any offers. The life of glitz and glamour isn't one for me!" I woefully weep, melodramatically falling over one of the seats. I immediately stands up after realising how stupid that was off me to do. So I try to flatten out the creases I've made.
But I hear a calling of my name, interrupting my frantic panicking, at the front of the room. A handful of nervous officials wave to me, grabbing my arm as I get closer and quickly leading me down a corridor. I guess we're on a tight schedule, as me, who's a nervous wreckage of a person, is shoved onto the stage without a second thought.
I'm immediately blinded by the lights, as I stand momentarily, blankly dazing. I then remember that my feet have to move and I can't act like a statue, so I begin to…bounce down the runway.
I can't see any of the audience, but I can hear a few sniggers and laughter. Oh god, I'm failing this terribly, aren't I? Why couldn't we have had a written test on fashion or something like that instead?
I'm wearing a baby blue suit, decorated with glitter, feathers and beads all over my shoulders and arms. Maybe it was too much? I look like an art monster vomited all over me. But my matching beret is cute and I even managed to embroider a picture of a starry night into my back! There are tons of cool features!
I guess I just have to own…this? So I try to strike a few funny poses, flexing my non-existent muscles, tripping almost but saving myself so there's no red moments, pretending there's an invisible wall in front of me…and I hear a few laughters! It seems to be working really well! The audience claps as I turn back around, which is more than I could have ever hoped for.
Baxter Parthenon
After seeing Auberon's shitty attempt to stomp down the runway, I feel a lot more confident. For one, my outfit actually looks like something you'd see a model wear, two, I have the charisma and looks to carry it and three…I'm following up a terrible performance, so I'll automatically look better anyway.
Rowan sighs besides me, looking away from the camera. "It's a shame how I'm drawing blanks when trying to find the positives of that performance."
"It's his loss, not ours." I shrug, not caring. It's a competition, so I have to prioritise myself and hope everybody else does really shit. Ain't no shame in that. "Don't stress it."
Rowan smooths his outfit down, trying to avoid eye contact. "I have much better things to do than stress over something like that."
Something about his attitude kind of pisses me off, but at least he's funny when he comes to his bluntness. As long as it's not directed to me…
Luckily, I'm saved by the officials, as I don't have fuck all else to do here. And it seems like everything is steering away from me for whatever reason…guess it's the sort of shit I have to deal with here.
The runway is matte black and longer than I expected. Thank fuck I don't have to wear heels or anything, as it's like walking a marathon. I also can't see any faces, besides the occasional flash of a camera that lights them up. I squint, trying to ignore the bright lights whizzing in my eyes now.
With a confident smile, I begin to stroll. I'm wearing a patchwork suit, sewn with different shades of maroon, dark forest green and navy blue patches. The colours complement each other well. I'm also blinged out to the nines, with a necklace, bracelet, earrings and a watch, (which is my tribute token.), all in gold.
The reactions seem to be muted and quiet, but my confident smile doesn't falter. When I get halfway down, I rip the jacket off as quickly as I can to show a plain white shirt. It's boring, but it shows off my muscles. The crowd roars as I tense my arms in different positions. They're still clapping as I walk out…thank fuck, I didn't mess that one up.
Blu Saint-Germain
I think there's something off-putting about Baxter, but I can't place what. His blasé and careless attitude seems to be the complete opposite of the way I think. From the get go, I didn't really like him, but I would never show that. I don't want to make any enemies yet.
"How unoriginal. We've seen shit like that millions of times before." Karrie rolls her eyes, as she attaches all the last parts of her jewellery. I twiddle with my fingers in the corner of the empty room.
"The crowd eats it up every time, so why not go for it?" I ask, realising how easy it is to please them. I could have gone a lot simpler, but…that'd be very risky then.
Karrie seems flabbergasted. "Because…I…I'm a super fan. I can't like shit like this. They can."
I shrug. "I guess he's appealing to the casuals then."
She walks away in a huff, seemingly not happy that I didn't blindly agree with her. I anxiously await for my name to be called. There's nothing else to do, as there's no simulation in this room besides the outfits and matte black walls and floors.
On the stage itself, I can't help but feel nervous. But I've planned this out well, and it can only really go wrong at one point, unless I trip. But I'm not clumsy really. I would probably have to purposefully do it.
At least I can't see anybody's reaction. But I can hear their awkward silence.
My outfit is actually quite simple compared to everyone else's. It's just an ordinary suit, though the 'gag' is that it's been tie-dyed in different shades of blue, light and dark. I'm not wearing any jewellery, so there's not much to look at. Which is why at the side of the stage, there are two containers I can pick up.
I unroll them to grab two waving flags that are also tie-dyed. One is in different shades of greys blotches in no specific pattern, one is a swirling rainbow that gets more vibrant the further from the centre you go.
I rehearsed this a lot before I came here…this will go well.
I begin to swirl the flags around, letting them flow around me beautifully. A few seconds in, I throw one up and catch it expertly, before doing the same with the other. My shaky breaths are the only thing I can hear as I spin around, letting the fabrics envelop my body.
And when I end, I hear an applause…not as loud as the others, but it's still a nice feeling. I wasn't expecting much more.
Lycoris Ashford
An odd assortment of us stand in a cluster. I've never really spoken to these people before, so it's a good opportunity to introduce myself. It's all we can do in this room, idle conversation.
Gratiana gulps, looking down at her dress with undeniable worry in her eyes. "He did an entire performance and they still weren't impressed. They have exceedingly high expectations."
"He was dead in the face the entire time. And he lacks the charisma needed to really elevate his performance. But he is talented, definitely." I critique, speaking my mind. It's hard to become engaged when the performer themselves looks like they're not into it.
"You're just nitpicking at this point." Willow says, harsher than I've usually heard her speak.
"If you think so…but keep that in mind, if you don't want such a lacklustre reception." I show one of my signature smiles, before walking to the room exit.
It's my turn…and I don't feel nervous at all. Why should I when I know that my performance will be received well? I'm exactly in my element.
What the audience can see is a blinding gold suit with silver sequinned rose patterns, with a white t-shirt poking through and golden dress shoes. I'm covered in jewellery and accessories, such as studded earrings, multiple watches on each wrist as if they're bracelets and rings with multi coloured gemstones on each finger. My outfit is gorgeous as a whole, but gorgeous won't carry my walk alone.
So as I get to the end, I slip the jacket off, somewhat casually, revealing the shirt. I then tear away the trousers, showing a matching pair of white shorts too. But the exciting twist is that my body's covered in mottled rainbow body paint, which was completely covered beforehand.
The crowd claps loudly, though it's more subdued. It seems that my stripping down gag has already occurred, but I assumed the paint would make up for it…
I stomp back, trying to cover my apparent disappointment with a hot smile as the applause seems to die down a bit too quickly. They weren't as captivated as I'd like them to be…and it didn't go as swimmingly as I desired. And I feel a bubbling anger rise up as I turn the corner, out of the stage lights.
Osiris Casimir
I find myself wheeling around in circles, my body filled with an intrepid anticipation. I wish my plans to set my body on fire were passed, but they said it was a tad too risky, so I've had to scale it down a tad…but it'll still captivate the audience! It's like I feed off it like a bloodsucking worm.
I hadn't even been paying attention to the rest of the performances so far, but everybody's laughing at the moment. I look at the screen to see an empty stage, huh?
"Hey, leave him alone! He tried his best! You shouldn't mock him for it." Tiara shouts to the crowd. Lycoris and her have been all lovey-dovey, oogly googly so far, despite only knowing each other for a day. It's obviously fake and not even entertaining, but the drama is funny!
Baxter rolls his eyes, still not wearing his old suit yet. His veins protrude oddly…steroids! "You didn't defend me when everybody was laughing, bitch!"
Tiara rolls her eyes. "Yeah, because nobody wants to see your disgusting body. Lycoris showed it for a purpose."
"What purpose?" Dae wonders, with adoring eyes at her. "I just thought the paints looked rather pretty."
"He wants to be this year's resident eye candy. It's a shame that somebody fills that quota already." Karrie laughs as she fiddles with her hair.
I smile. "Wait…I thought I was this year's eye candy."
Before I can hear the rest of the squabbling, I'm called away. I pick up all of my supplies, which I hide in a pouch attached to my chair.
The crowd seems to be buzzing still as I approach the stage. My outfit is rather plain compared to the others. I'm wearing a multicoloured leather jacket with yellow, green, red, white and black abstract geometric segments, blue jeans and black trainers. It's something I'd wear to a party, even if I'm not invited to that many.
When I hear a camera click, my chair starts to automatically move. It makes a stop a third of the way, where I yank off my jacket to show a purple and green Hawaiian shirt, plain but funky. I pull three small and light metal balls out of my pouch and begin to juggle them, knowing full well if they land in the wrong place, I'll be in quite a lot of pain. The crowd finally claps quite loudly as I catch the balls and place them back.
I approach the end of the stage, where a makeshift ramp has been attached to the end. It's stable and fitted well, so it should all be fine (and it explains the delay). I pull off a wheelie there, which gets quite a bit of applause.
At the ramp, I take a deep breath, finally being able to see a few faces. They stare with eager intent…and I know I'm going to be able to impress them. Trying not to think too much about it, I ride down…
And when I reach the other end, I swing around and do a full circle in the air, before landing perfectly. The audience goes wild, louder than anything I've heard before. I bow and wave my arms out, lapping up the positivity as euphoria and joy overwhelm my body.
I wink, show a cheeky smile and wave, before quickly riding to the other end. If only I could stay out there for a little longer…
Rowan Augustine
I may have to take a different approach after seeing how successfully Osiris's walk went. Anything I do will seem underwhelming compared to his…so I've already been set a large disadvantage. How wonderful for me.
It's impossible to think when this tiny room has exploded into applause too, cheering loudly. It's rather obvious that Osiris is well liked, which is great for him. But at the moment, it's to my detriment. Does nobody else realise that it's the same for them too, and they'll look less impressive as well?
"Wow! That was like something out of a movie!" Dae cheers, seemingly the most excited out of everyone here.
Miri seems to smile too. "He's blown the rest of us out of the water. Fair play to him."
Tiara seems to be in a bad mood still. "His outfit was nothing to die for though. He missed the entire point of this."
"It's almost as if that was what he was trying to do. He wanted us to focus on what he was doing and not what he was wearing." I roll my eyes at her pettiness. At least I have enough respect to keep my qualms to myself.
I think I've decided what I want to do by the time I step onto the stage. It's not ideal and I don't feel comfortable doing it, but…I have to do this. I can't be forgotten yet.
My outfit is quite smart and dandy. I'm wearing a vintage brown blazer embroidered with fun facts about myself, my favourite quotes, and letters, as well as vintage brown pants. For accessories, I'm wearing a beige beret on top of his head and a pocket watch clipped onto his blazer. I look well kept and presentable, which is more than enough for me.
I tremble as I reach the end, lifting my arm up. The embroidery is barely readable as it's so small and thin. It's in an angle where most can't see it too, but I know that Nano will spend his evening looking over it. He'd inspect every frame of me and notice this…it was meant to be a nice little touch that only he would see, but everybody has to hear it. A drastic measure that I have to take…
With a loud and shaky voice, I begin to read out loud our love letters.
"Rowan…there are days when I lie in bed consumed by my thoughts of you, the way your eyes light up when you smile, the way your lips curve…"
"Nano…I know I haven't been able to see you in a while, but every spare moment I have I think of you…"
I keep going on until the time limit runs out and I have to scurry away with a flushed and hot face. But as I go I hear weeps, shouts of gratitude and respectful claps that fit the romantic mood. I didn't want to divulge such personal information, but I know my performance was memorable now. It went off so well.
Gratiana Lamb
I wipe the tears in my eyes, just so I'm not even more of a mess when I step out. It's only been a couple of days, but Rowan's words just reminded me of how much I miss Soph already. I'm getting so sappy over this…it's not even like I'll never see her again.
"It's time for the girls to go on." Miri mumbles, seemingly oblivious to my emotional state. I'd rather that, I think.
"The boys really set the bar high." Willow fiddles with her hands, a lot more nervous than I am, it seems. I thought it'd be the opposite, considering she's used to the stage and all the attention.
Miri smiles. "We'll just have to smash them out of the park then! That shouldn't be too hard."
I nod, reverting to how I was before almost. I'm still a bit shaky (and maybe from the nerves), but at least I can see fine now. "I don't know if I'll be able to follow up after those two amazing outfits, but…I'll try my best to…destroy it?" I smile, knowing that my outfit can't even compare to the others. But fashion isn't my forte and I've never claimed it is. I have my own interests and I'm not going to stray from them just because they're not popular.
"Yeah! You can easily do this! Good luck!" Miri gives me a hug, albeit it's a bit awkward in our extravagant outfits.
I hop along to the stage after being briefed on what to do. All you have to do is smile and look cute! And Herminia gave me tons of advice beforehand such as all I have to do is stand as tall as I can and let my hips sway naturally and not to move my arms too much and find a good rhythm and keep eye contact and…
Wow, there are a lot of factors to consider at once…
I didn't come to be a model, so it doesn't matter if I slip up. I'll just walk to the best of my abilities!
I'm wearing a mint green column dress, as well as green boots with chunky heels. Furthermore, I have some touches of black eyeliner and pink blush as make-up. As for jewellery, I have a pair of cute diamond stud earrings. Not too overwhelming while simultaneously not being too plain it's boring…a perfect mixture.
At the end, I shimmy a little, signalling for someone backstage to press the button. The LED lights on my dress illuminate to form helix patterns, in all different colours. They flash and blink, making different combinations which are all so breathtaking! I know it's on the nose, but it's campy! And it displays my hobbies and interests without me having to say a single thing.
The crowd claps loudly, not expecting my plain dress to have a secret twist. I blush, overwhelmed by all the praise as I strut back, shimmying once more before I exit the catwalk.
Karrie Cataline
As much as I hate to admit it…I think Grati's walk was kind of cute. It still isn't great or revolutionary and probably only lies on the upper ends of the average scale, but it was kind of charming. Maybe it's just because my expectations are incredibly low after what I've witnessed. Thank fuck nobody else is stripping down to near nakedness.
"You're next." Osiris whispers to me.
"Really?" No shit, detective over here.
Osiris nods. "You didn't know? Maybe you should have checked the schedule before you came out here."
"You're purposefully obtuse." I show a slight smile, so I don't come off as a total bitch. I don't really think his attempts at humour are funny or needed right now? Maybe he thinks I'm worried about it for whatever reason. I feel perfectly fine.
It's also my time to go on stage anyway, so it's not like I'd be able to carry this wonderful conversation on anyway.
With a confident smile and a cheeky wave, I step onto the stage. After this, I have to show little emotion…because I need to come off as this suave bad bitch, as corny as it sounds to myself. This is not only my opportunity to impress the audience, but also a chance to show off a little to my fellow competitors!
So with a focused glance on the end of the runway and a well-thought-out strut, I start to move. I'm wearing a red leather suit dress covered in gold dust and bright red 8-inch high heels. It's a struggle to walk in, but I put that beside me, not even worrying about how my ankles and soles are hurting so much. I also have flared winged eyeliner, gold acrylic nails, and segmented red, gold, and black patterns on my lips. It looks intricate and makes me more…intimidating, I'd say. It paints me as that girl to look out for.
Once I reach the end, I find the concealed zip on my back and yank it down, stepping out of the leather dress. The crowd starts to clap as they notice my unexpected reveal, quite loudly, pondering over my black and gold short-sleeved shirt and pencil skirt. This isn't impressive in the slightest, but it shows off every single one of my jewellery and accessories, which seems to make my skin glimmer in the stage light. (Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit.) I'm wearing shiny gold dragon claw earrings, a similar chain necklace, and shiny rings with golden roses on them. The crowd explodes into applause as I walk out, a grin growing on my face too.
Miri Sunburst
Oh shit! Everybody's really gone above and beyond this year so far…I look down at my dress. Sure, it's beautiful and I appear magnificent in it, but I don't think that's enough any more. Anybody can find a pretty dress and put it on.
As terrible as it sounds, I was sort of rooting for the downfall of Karrie's walk. Her dress was kind of boring and she could have stumbled on her skyscrapers for shoes…
But her presentation was so strong! She looked like the baddest bitch alive, somehow. How did such a moody and rude shut in nerd go from that to a Panem renowned supermodel?
And that's not even counting, like, Osiris's adventure of a runway wheel, or Rowan's poetry lesson or Blu's talented flag twirling! I'll just have to smile real wide and hope they don't expect anything else.
"Ok, make sure you find a good rhythm when you walk and try not to make too much noise unless you want them to hear something and don't slouch…" Gratiana drones on and on, which would be helpful at any other time. I just smile and nod.
"I think you're overwhelming her." Willow bluntly says, but she uses the right tone to make it seem like more of a suggestion.
I nod, not wanting to hurt her feelings. "Yeah, thanks for the advice…but it's hard to remember it when I'm kind of nervous."
Grati frowns for a second. "Oh, sorry! Of course, you have that like…butterflies in your stomach feeling!"
Willow frowns too as she plays with her nails. "Yeah, but Miri doesn't have to feel that way. She's absolutely stunning."
"Thanks." I smile, not really finding it to be helpful either but the attempted ego boost is kind of nice, actually.
I'm shown to the stage, where I'm just expected to walk out into the piranha tank. Well, it can only get better, surely. The worst I could get is probably a moderate clap.
I saunter down the runway in my hot pink pleated tulle strapless dress. There's a skirt that is short at the front and a long train at the back that consumes a solid quarter of the stage. That was the big twist, but I don't know if it's enough. I also have bubblegum pink high heels and gold bangle bracelets, but they're minor if nothing else.
But the crowd…really enjoys it as I walk further and it doesn't seem to end. There's a chorus of laughter which I didn't anticipate but I won't complain about! And people begin to clap as it goes on and on. In fact, there's a loud sigh when it stops, but it quickly goes back to clapping as I walk with a jolly face.
I think I made a good enough impression…enough to stand out? I don't know. But it's enough to gain some followers, hopefully.
Nefeli Brightberry
I haven't been paying attention to the show so far, and I don't really plan on tuning in now. I'm more content, completely wrapped up in my blanket on the sofa. Like, I would have been able to fall asleep by now, if it weren't for the blaring music and constantly flashing lights. Fuck this.
"You comfy in your cocoon?" Auberon asks, sitting on the edge of the large sofa. He still looks relieved, this long after. Didn't he go at the start? I remember watching him leave, though it could have been a vomit break.
To prove a point, I pull it up further to where it's almost covering my eyes. "Yeah. It's the greatest decision I've ever made in my life, bringing this."
Auberon seems amused by this fact as he strokes the end of it, that isn't touching any of my body. It is a flood of cashmere, so I don't blame him. Just don't get near my actual body.
"I wish I brought one. Why must I lack the foresight for this?" Auberon wails in an exaggerated way, so I turn over to ignore him. But then I feel slightly bad as I can see how dejected he is in the corner of my eye. Why do I have to have a moral compass sometimes?
"It's better you didn't. The feathers and the rest of your shit would have got lost in it." I shrug, knowing it's a shitty response but…it's not like I care. He smiles a bit more now.
I yank the blanket away when I hear my name, a smile of excitement and satisfaction creeping onto my face as I realise what's about to happen. I drag the blanket along like it's a prom gown.
Once I get near the stage, I drop it. I can't believe my outfit was actually passed…it robs me of the superiority I feel just a little, but it's not enough to detract from it.
With an eager smile on my face, I leap onto the stage.
It takes seconds for them to realise what's going on…a wave of gasps suddenly appears.
And not even ten seconds after standing still, I hear the crowd start to gasp. Angry shouts start as they scream at me to get off the stage, loud boos creating a discordant cacophony.
An entire room hating me for my outfit…and I'm not sure if it feels as good as I wanted it too. They hate that all I'm wearing is an ugly and ill-fitting grey wooden jumper, with grey sweatpants a shade too light and white trainers. My one arm and stump are on full display.
I soak in the hatred for a few seconds more before showing a wide toothy smile and turning around. I got what I wanted…to prove that I'm not going to give into their demands and fashion trends that have alienated me and caused so much strife in my life, for so long. I hate this fast fashion culture and expectations to conform…and I'm not going to do it here either, just because the cameras are on. I'm not changing at all for them…and they'll just have to accept that.
Tiara Christal
What the hell? The nerve that bitch has to step out on that stage in an outfit I wouldn't even wear at home! How could she be so disrespectful and selfish? We were going to have a night of such amazing outfits, with the best showing ever and she has to ruin that? What a fucking selfish skank.
The audience still hasn't silenced a few minutes after. Our room is just as noisy as everyone talks through hushed whispers.
"They really don't like it, do they?" Gratiana is the first to speak up, as she bites on her fingernails. Gross.
"They wouldn't. They were promised high couture and they're being served…homeless district citizen vibes." I roll my eyes, feeling like I'm being generous still. The passive aggressiveness drips in my voice.
Osiris laughs though, finding it amusing. "I wish I could be as ballsy as that though!"
"And cement yourself as the most hated tribute here? That moment of satisfaction wouldn't be worth it in the long run." Lycoris stares at the screen still as he shakes slightly. Of course he speaks the truth! I didn't expect any less.
Dae looks confused as they billow around. "I don't get why Nefeli would do that then. Does she want to be hated?"
Blu shrugs. "Maybe? She wasn't clear with what her intent was. A placard would have helped…"
"Perhaps it wasn't to spread a message, then? Maybe she just…" Gratiana doesn't have an answer, however.
"It doesn't matter why she did it." I speak up again, still feeling really annoyed after what I witnessed. "What does matter is that we're going to have a great night still and we're not going to let…her ruin it."
Miri nods, clapping along to my speech. "Yeah, don't let it bring your spirits down! We can still have a fun time!"
The rest of the room agrees? There are a few claps along, but most people just murmur or agree quietly. The mood has been dampened a bit, but mine hasn't! I'm still going to fucking knock their socks off!
I glide to the stage a short while later than scheduled now everyone is seated again and silent. It's probably better for me, as now my outfit looks even better. I'm wearing a bluish-purple and gold one-shouldered brocade ball gown, which takes up a large part of the stage. I know I look so regal and rich! I'm sure the audience is dying for me, right? They don't think it's too extravagant or over-detailed, do they? Or do they think it's tacky and dated? Why can't I see their faces right now?
My perfect walk is thrown off kilter, as I feel myself sweat a little bit. My legs tremble a bit when I make it halfway through, as the stage lights really feel intensified. Why do I have to have so much pressure on me, to make up for her terrible performance?
I'll just do the reveal early, actually. That might throw them off my anxious feelings. I take off the detachable ball gown skirt, revealing a mermaid gown of the same colour, with a bateau neckline and cute black belt. It's a lot sleeker and fits me better and so much easier to walk in! Feeling more comfortable does help calm me a little, actually.
After the audience finishes clapping, I quickly scamper off to the end. The cheers get louder and louder the further I go back, until everyone's applauding. Maybe they did like it, actually? Was I just being too harsh on myself? It was like…received well! That was great!
Willow Skies
I personally don't really care about most people's outfits. It's up to me to make myself stand out and do well. We're being judged individually, it's not like it's a group project…pretending otherwise just feels foolish to me. I don't get why some people like Tiara have been getting so heated.
"People have been trying to leave." Miri whispers to me as she ties her hair up.
Baxter frowns. "What's the fucking point of that? They've paid for their tickets, might as well stay."
"People are fickle." Grati shrugs.
It doesn't worry me as much as it should. "That should still be fine… I'm sure my outfit will make waves on social media if not."
I don't want to be pessimistic, but I also want to stay realistic. The line between optimism and foolishness seems to be getting thinner and thinner the more I step out of my comfort zone. I won't be able to see it soon.
"Yeah, they're all going to love it! No matter how many people are still here." Miri then offers me a quick hug before I have to go on (though it's awkward because of elaborate outfits.)
I know there's a lot of pressure collecting me as I step onto the runway. I still haven't picked what angle to go for, but I decide to just go what comes naturally. Though I can pull off anything if I try, it just has to be whether it fits.
I walk slower than everyone else, to make sure everybody gets to soak in my outfit. I stand tall and proud, with a slight smile that makes me look serene, almost. The audience is silenced, though I can only assume it's because they're marvelling at me, breath taken. Hoping that's the case isn't enough, that has to be the truth.
My outfit is a hanbok consisting of a dark purple jeogori with coat strings tied into a knot and a deep royal purple and lavender ombre bell-shaped chima (치마, or "chima", means "skirt" in Korean). I'm also wearing a pastel lavender wig on my head that's styled into a braided ponytail and tied with a purple ribbon.
I…expected more people to wear wigs, but a lot of people chose otherwise. I think I'd rather that, as it makes me stand out more. And I know my outfit would work either way. It's absolutely beautiful and I'm overjoyed I'm able to wear it.
The audience seems to really like my outfit as my time on the stage gets shorter. I depart with the same expression, though I raise my arms up and spread them out, taking in the love. I bow as I leave, happy it went off so well. They loved it…
Dae Frazier
Besides the one outfit that I shall not be naming out of respect, every outfit has been so cool! After that one girl who probably doesn't want to be involved in this, every outfit has been so amazing and pretty! I wish I could have Tiara's ball gown and Willow's dress and Rowan's suit…would it be too much if I asked every single person to borrow their outfit!
"This godforsaken night is almost over." Rowan smiles with an odd glee, though he stops when he sees me. "Ah, sorry."
Eh, I don't care. This probably isn't everybody's cup of tea or coffee or soup! But I loved this night so far! I've never seen such incredible outfits in person. I'm so thankful I've been given the opportunity to do so…I wish it didn't have to end so quickly though.
"Yeah! We've got the party next, too!" I smile. I've never been to a party before, as lame as it sounds. What will we do there? Scrabble? No, that's too pathetic. Even I know that.
"That'll be interesting." Rowan notes, bluntly. I wait for him to elaborate, yet he doesn't.
Lycoris swoops in. "Indeed. It'll be great to be able to properly meet everyone there."
I nod. I've only really made friends with Auberon so I'd like to get closer to everybody else. And thankfully due to tonight, I now know who to steer away from and who I want to become friends with! I think it'd be foolish to assume I'll become close with everyone, so I'll have to choose wisely.
I feel a tap on my shoulder. Tiara…who looks oddly happy at the sight of me. "Thanks for having a good outfit. We really need to make up for it after Nefeli's shit-show."
"No problem?" I say, wondering how I'm meant to respond to that. She gives me a hug and scampers away.
And before I know it, I'm called up. The last one to go…I don't want to end the night on a bad note, but I can't see how it'll go as terribly as Nefeli's did. I think I'd have to drop dead on the stage to make it any worse.
I don't feel nervous at all as I slowly climb onto the stage. I take a deep breath and look at my dress, before stepping on to the blinding lights. I'm wearing a navy blue velvet kaftan dress with a studded bodice, tulle slitted bell sleeves, and ornately-patterned embellishment made of gold, white, navy blue, and red sequins at the shoulders, bodice edges, front skirt panel, and skirt trim. Every inch has something different to look at, so I can't see how they'll get bored with this!
Occasionally, I swish the dress around or spin in circles to reveal that underneath are hidden blue jeans. I like to experiment with gender (obviously, hee hee…) and this is the bare minimum I could have done! I wish I could have gone further but I didn't design this unlike most other people.
The audience seems to adore it, however! Every time I swish, they clap louder and louder, but I make sure not to overdo it. Then the twist will become redundant and they won't find it as amusing!
I squeal as I step off, over the moon they liked it! An irrational side of me was expecting them to dislike it, but I was able to shove it aside to ensure I have the best performance possible. Now all I have left is to look forward to the party!
