Chapter Three

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- THE CAPITOL : TRIBUTE BUILDING -

I've never really cared much for my appearance, but then again, I've never cared about much in general. Upon our arrival to the Capitol, Dex and I were carted from the train station and to the remake center, to which resided beneath the tribute building. From there, we were separated and forced to undergo a compulsory grooming. I winced in pain as Jadaria, one of the members of my prep team, plucked stray hairs from my eyebrows. I hissed between clenched teeth and this seemed to capture Jadaria's attention, she looked down to me with apologetic eyes.

"Sorry, love." She mused, "Just a little more, hang in there."

I forced a small smile in response, and endured the continuous torture my prep team bestowed upon me. Each tribute has their own prep team and stylist. I wasn't too sure on why we had to be groomed before entering the arena, it wasn't like our appearance mattered all that much when weighed against our own survival. Such is the glamorous life of a tribute, I supposed. I watched idly as Hailefie, another individual on my prep team, filed my nails at a painstakingly slow pace. I didn't think there was much nail for her to work with, since I had a disgusting habit where I bit my fingernails mercilessly. After a little while of constant pampering and little chit-chat, the head of my prep team – Janice, finally decided that I was done and acceptable to be seen by my stylist, who's name I had not been told.

I was then left alone in a bare and secluded room, I sat atop a table of sorts in nothing but a thin gown. The sheer material made me quite uncomfortable, and I was constantly crossing and uncrossing my arms across my chest. I felt naked and vulnerable, I didn't know what to do with myself and I wished Hannelore was here to guide me. However, my anxiety was cut short when my stylist burst into the room in a flurry of bright pink and purple.

"Hello there, my darling~ My name is Opal Stone, and I am to be your stylist throughout your stay at the Capitol!" I took a moment to briefly wonder if there was somehow a possibility that I could petition to change my stylist for someone a lot more bland. But, this was the Capitol, such a person doesn't exist. I was hesitant to speak at first, since I had said so little since my arrival. But, if Opal was to be my stylist for the next few days, I might as well be on good terms with him.

"O-Oh, uh. Eh, what're you going to dress me as for the parade?"

After the tributes arrived from their designated Districts, we were shown off to the Capitol and to all of Panem in a fancy parade of sorts. Each tribute was dressed accordingly to what their District theme is. For example, since I'm from District 3 – My costume will be themed alongside technology.

Unlike Stacy, Opal was straight to the point and wasted no time in getting to know my features. He pulled at a few locks of my hair, and assessed my face. After a while, he took a step back and assessed the entirety of my body. "... I have the perfect outfit for you, dear. Follow me, please."

I followed Opal idly, my fists clenching and unclenching in anticipation. I was moved from the remake center in an orderly fashion and was taken to another floor of the building. As I was ushered out of the elevator and down a hallway, Opal lead me to a brightly lit room. The walls were covered with floor length mirrors, and a brilliant red carpet reflected marvelously from the floor. Toward the left of the room, a silver clothing rack stood and an array of costumes filled the rack. I wasn't too sure which one was to be mine, but they all looked too extravagant for my taste.

"This is where I will prepare you for the tribute parade and tribute interview." Opal started, already dragging me toward the center of the room. "Since you're from District 3, your costume for the parade is a lot more modest than I would like it to be. But, rules are rules. I hope you like it, nonetheless!"

I watched Opal stroll toward the clothing rack, and I wasn't particularly thrilled with what he had pulled from it. Opal had selected a full length dress, to which was a dark black in colour from the chest down to the waist. From there, the material itself changed completely into a sheer grey material that was extremely soft to the touch. Lime green highlights travelled alongside the seams of the dress, giving a glow-like effect. The dress was a little difficult to slip on, and despite the low cut front of the dress, little to no skin was visible. My black hair was left out, and it flowed naturally down my shoulders. Opal then applied dark make-up to my eyes and black lipstick to my lips. Before I knew it, I was ready for the parade.

I forced a small smile, "The dress is... lovely, Opal." I figured lying to him would be better for his ego than telling him that I hated the damned dress, the Capitol style was not my thing.

"S'not my best work, that's for sure. But," He fiddled with a few creases along the side of my dress, "I'm glad you like it."

I smiled awkwardly and allowed Opal to escort me to the bottom floor of the tribute building. There, I was reunited with Dex; and funnily enough, I found myself feeling relieved that he was by my side again. I needed a familiar face in a place so foreign. Dex wore a black suit of sorts, those lime green highlights visible on his suit and matching to those that were on my dress.

"Well, well. Look at you," Dex started, eyeing me smugly.

I poked my tongue out at him, "Don't start, I know, I look hideous."

"So do I, we can be hideous together."

Dex and I were then joined by Hannelore and our other mentor, Claus, and they smiled at us in greeting. Claus was a little older than Hannelore, and was a lot more friendly than she was. Claus threw an arm over Dex's shoulders, and he laughed and teased Dex for how 'pretty' he looked. The scene almost seemed normal, as if we were back in District 3, until Stacy bounded toward us with such enthusiasm that made her appear fake, crushing any normalcy obtained in seconds.

She cooed over Dex and I, and clasped her hands together. "Don't you two look cute! Like a couple playing match-up for a party, or something."

I immediately became bitter and I rolled my eyes in annoyance to her words. "Technically Stacy, since the Capitol deems the Hunger Games as a 'party' of sorts, Dex and I are playing 'match-up', but not as a cute couple. I would think we're more along the lines of match-up rivals who are hell bent on survival and would happily tear each others throats out to gain that. But, what would I know."

Stacy seemed upset by my words, "Amelia, you shouldn't say things like that." She started, her shoulders slumped.

I scoffed and looked over to Dex, who had an eyebrow raised at me, "... What?"

"You're a happy bundle of sunshine, aren't you?" He mused.

"Oh, go fuck yourself, Dex."

"Alrighty then," Claus cut in, hoping to ease the tension. "Let's get you two on the chariot."

I followed Hannelore and Claus to the aforementioned chariot. Being from District 3, Dex and I were third in line and as we walked to our designated area, I stole a few glances to my fellow tributes. Most of the tributes were standard teenagers, there wasn't anything about them that really stood out to me. The tributes were all extremely timid, they clearly didn't fit in with their Capitol surroundings.

I felt a pang of anxiety rush through me as I realized that I might have to kill one or some of these people within the next few days.

"Amelia! Focus on me, not the other tributes." Claus mused, breaking my reverie abruptly and forcing me to turn back to the immediate matter at hand.

I nodded my head meekly in reply, and continued to the chariot. However, I could feel someone's eyes burning into my back, and I turned around quickly to catch a glimpse of the person who was sizing me up. The boy from District 8 – Who's name I didn't know, was staring directly at me. He was tall and lean, with long dark brown hair which ended at the base of his neck. I narrowed my eyes in annoyance, and returned his stare, however he didn't look away. I bit at the inside of my cheek, and childishly flipped him off. He just smirked and shook his head, returning to whatever he was doing before our little stare competition.

"So, how should we act toward the crowd?" Dex started to Hannelore, he held out his hand toward me, so to help me onto the chariot. I slapped his hand away and climbed ungracefully onto the chariot indignantly on my own, I took my position beside Dex and awaited Hannelore's response.

"Try to be welcoming to the crowd," Hannelore started, "The more social and likeable you are, you'll have a higher chance of obtaining sponsors."

"However, don't try to be too welcoming," Claus added, "No one likes a faker, and it's plainly obvious when you're being just that."

I groaned. Great, how the hell was I going to pull this off? Social anxiety's a bitch, and there was no way I was going to be all sweet with the crowd. I couldn't do it, even if my life depended on it. - And in this case, it does, and that's ironic as fuck. I smiled wryly to no one in particular, and before I could mentally prepare myself, the anthem of the Capitol began to play. Claus, Hannelore and Stacy immediately retreated away from the chariot, Claus giving a thumbs up as encouragement as the chariot for District 1 moved forward and out into the crowd. I watched as the tributes from said District waved invitingly to the crowd, I envied them and their confidence. Not ten seconds later, District 2's chariot began to move ahead.

Dex gently nudged me with his elbow, "Breathe, it's going to be fine."

Before I could think of a witty response, our chariot is roughly jerked forward and I squeal in surprise and grip onto Dex's arm, so not to to fall backwards and out of the chariot. The crowd was a lot bigger than I had anticipated, there were well over one hundred thousand people within the vicinity. My eyes found it difficult to adjust to the bright colours which glittered throughout the crowd; and I forced a small smile as some of the audience called out for my attention. However, Dex seemed as if he was enjoying the limelight. He was waving happily to the crowd, grinning madly as they called out for him.

"This is awesome," Dex mused, laughing as he continued to entertain the crowd. "Look at how they're reacting to us. We're practically royalty."

I scoffed, "Royalty? Hardly."

The parade itself, doesn't last very long. We're dressed up and taken throughout the crowd like this, so to be noticed by any possible sponsors. Within five minutes, our chariot is carted to the forefront of the audience and moved so to fall in line beside District 2. Dex turns his attention away from the crowd, and looks to me with a sparkle in his eyes.

"C'mon, you're seriously not enjoying this?"

I merely roll my eyes in response and focus my attention to the towering pedestal which rose above the crowd and our chariots. Our newly elected president of the Capitol stepped forward and into the view of everyone within the area. The anthem came to a stop, and the crowd slowly ushers into silence.

"Welcome," President Snow's voice echoed with platonic warmth. "Tributes, we welcome you. We salute you, we salute your sacrifice and your courage. But most importantly, we wish you a happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favour."

The crowd erupts with applause and they scream for the tributes one last time, before our chariots move forward again and out of sight. I topple awkwardly out of the chariot and am greeted by Claus, who seems to be content with our performance; albeit if mine was extremely lacking.

"How did we go?" I started, already falling into step beside Claus.

"Swell, you did alright. The attention was, naturally, on District's 1 and 2. However, due to Dex's enthusiasm to greet the crowd, you've gained some attention."

"It's better than nothing," Stacy squealed, "This is the most attention District 3 has gotten in a long time. I simply cannot wait until the interviews."

I raked my fingers down my face in exasperation as Claus and Hannelore beckoned for us to follow them to the elevator that would take us to our temporary home for the next week. Oh god, the interviews? I almost forgot about those. Before we were sent to the arena, every tribute had a short interview with Caesar Flickerman. It was through these interviews, where the citizens of the Capitol had more of an insight into the personality and life of the tributes. We were dressed just as fancy as we were for the parade, it was something I was definitely not looking forward to.

I threw my head back and groaned, "Do we have to do the interviews? I'd much prefer someone set me on fire."

As I continued to complain and state my distaste, Stacy started explaining that: yes, I did have to have an interview. There was no getting out of it! - and in the midst of my wailing, I managed to walk bang smack into an unsuspecting tribute.

I stumbled backwards in surprise and quickly moved to see if the tribute I had crashed into was alright.

"Sorry 'bout that," I started, "I didn't mean to-"

"-It's fine." I was cut off abruptly and was bemused to find that I had bumped into the male tribute from District 8.

"No, it's not. I wasn't watching where I was going."

He shrugged his shoulders, "Neither was I, so there's no need to apologize."

I scrunched my nose up at his response and suddenly recalled our earlier encounter before the parade. "Hey, you're the one I flipped off earlier, right?"

"Indeed."

I scratched the back of my head in embarrassment, "I apologize for that, I was on edge due to the parade. The last thing I needed was someone watching me having a mental breakdown."

He shook his head, "Seriously, it's fine."

I puffed out my cheeks in annoyance and nodded my head, "A'right then." Before I could turn on my heels and storm away, the tribute held out his hand in slight greeting.

"My name is Ilias, by the way."

I was skeptical as to why Ilias was introducing himself to me; we were both from two completely different Districts, we didn't really have any need to communicate with each other. Unless, he wanted to form an alliance with me; alliances weren't uncommon in the arena, it happened more than you'd like to admit. However, I don't recall ever hearing of an alliance between District's 3 and 8. There was a first time for everything, though.

I smiled lazily and shook Ilias's hand, "I'm Amelia."

Before anything else could be said, Stacy's voice called out to me. "Amelia! We have a tight schedule to keep."

I looked toward Stacy and nodded my head, before taking a few steps away from Ilias, "Uh, it was nice meeting you. I guess."

Ilias nodded his head, "Yep." And with that, he turned on his heels and ventured back toward his mentors.

I hurried over to the elevator and waddled inside and was moved to stand beside Dex. Claus pressed the third button on the elevator and we were quickly lifted to our designated floor.

"So, Amelia." Dex drawled smugly, "Already making friends, are we?"

"I was just being nice."

"You, nice? That'd be the day."

"It's a good thing," Claus defended me just as the doors of the elevator opened, "He could be a possible ally."

Dex's lip curled in distaste, "Who'd want an alliance with District 8? They're useless."

I rolled my eyes and pushed my way in front of Dex, so to step out of the elevator and onto the third floor of the tribute building. The foyer was immaculate, however it was nothing compared to the dining area to which was just as appealing to the eyes. The walls of the suite were painted a dark crimson whilst the ceiling was a stark white in colour, adding a simple contrast to the room. The dining room was elevated slightly above the rest of the room, and was accessible via a large stairwell that was made out of the same wood as that of the table. The table itself was quite large, seemingly able to sit well over twenty people.

"This is... too much." I mused, "Is this really necessary for such an occasion?"

"Don't be silly, dear." Stacy sings, "You've been selected and given the prestigious title of tribute. You deserve this luxury."

"There's nothing like this back home," Dex murmured, seemingly just as captivated by the suite than I was.

"Where are our rooms?" I turned to Stacy, an eyebrow raised.

"Down that hallway," She was quick to respond, gesturing to a hallway on my right. "I'm going to allow everyone half an hour to prepare themselves for dinner, we have a lot that we need to discuss before the end of the night."

Half an hour? That was more time than I needed, but I wasn't about to complain. I quickly walked down the hallway and approached the first door that came to view on my left. I opened the door and was surprised at how big the room was, there was more space than I needed, not that it mattered in the end. A bed resided on the far right of the room, to which was strategically placed beside a large window that enabled me to look out and down at the Capitol. To the left of the bed, was a built in wardrobe and as I opened it, I noted that it was filled with clothing specifically for me. I rummaged through the articles of clothing, hoping to find the most bland and basic forms of clothes. Eventually, I settled on a silk singlet which was beige in colour, paired off with a some black, loose fitting pants.

I slipped out of Opal's dress and discarded it on the floor, before making my way to the bathroom. I fumbled over the many options the shower had for well over ten minutes, until I somehow managed to find a setting that was suitable to my taste.

As I was getting dressed, Hannelore knocked at my door and called out, stating that dinner was ready and that they were waiting for me. I pulled my hair up into a messy bun and made my way to the dining room.

"Is it ideal to have an alliance?" Dex asked as I walked into the room.

I moved to occupy the seat opposite Dex, and I was quick to tune in to the conversation.

"Alliances have their perks; there's strength in numbers, however if you don't play it right, the alliance could do you more damage than good." Claus explained, "Take the Careers, for example. They might be the more powerful people in the arena, but their alliance always ends in catastrophe."

I grabbed a plate from the middle of the table and went to serve myself something to eat. I wasn't too sure what was being served, but it looked good. It was better than what I could cook, anyway.

Dex tore a small segment of bread and dipped it into his soup, "Has there ever been an alliance between the Careers and the lower Districts?"

"Why? Are you interested in joining their group?" Hannelore questioned.

"Well, the idea has crossed my mind. I'd be relatively safe, that's for sure."

"Until they decide that you're no use to them and they stab you in the back." I grunted with a mouthful of food.

"Not if I can convince them that I'm worth their time," Dex mused, "If I prove my worth, then I'll be treated with an equal amount of respect."

I scoffed, "Respect? There's no such thing as 'respect' in the arena. It's every one for themselves. When push comes to shove, they would happily slit your throat, regardless of what you've shown or done for them."

"Regardless," Claus started forcefully, "You have less than a week to figure out what you're going to do. Tomorrow, your training begins; take this time to size up your fellow tributes. Find out who you can and cannot trust."

"Which brings me to our next topic," Stacy states, "You're training will begin at eight o'clock on the dot tomorrow morning. You need to be dressed and ready to head down to the training center by quarter to eight. I will not tolerate any slackers." She pointed her finger at me accusingly.

Waving my hand in a dismissive manner, I took a sip of water to help wash down the contents of dinner. "What do we wear?"

Stacy went on to explain that we already have designated clothing to wear for training purposes, and that our stylists will be there to help us look our best. I sighed as Stacy then went on to explain how Dex and I should act throughout our training sessions. I moved and went to have another sip of my water. This was going to be a long night.