I wrapped my arms around me as I waited for my stylist. My prep team just finished plucking me and scrubbing me down to prepare for the opening ceremonies. All I knew about my stylist is that her name is Violet. I wish she would hurry up. I shivered. It was pretty cold in here and all I had was a thin robe on. My eyes drifted to
the door as they opened and a woman walked in. She had long, curly pink hair and was wearing a green dress that fell just above her knees. Her lips and eyelids were also painted a soft shade of green. "Hello, I'm Violet, your stylist." she said as she circled me looking me over. "You're a very pretty girl, Finch." she said when she was done. I dared to give her a small smile. "Thank you" I said meekly. No one ever told me I was pretty before. "Why don't we discuss your opening ceremonies outfit over lunch?" she called over her shoulder. I quickly hurried after her. She led me into a brightly lit room with a table in the middle. The room was surrounded by windows which I guessed made the room so bright. I sat down as she pressed a button and out lunch quickly appeared on the table. I glanced down and my mouth watered. "Dig in." Violet said smiling. I took a bite. This was the best food I've ever tasted. "Violet," I said, "what is this?" "Grilled chicken over seasoned green beans." she said putting a forkful of food into her mouth. I nodded once. The Capitol sure knows how to treat it's tributes I thought. After we finished our meal Violet leaned forward slightly," My partner Fredrick and I have come up with a glorious design for you to represent your district." I looked at her questioningly. "Fredrick and I designed a material to look like power." she said laughing at my worried expression. I relaxed. "It's a shimmery material that catches the light whenever you move, so it looks like electricity." she continued. "I think you'll really like it." she said. I smiled, "I think so too." A couple of minutes later I was dressed in a long silver dress. I had sequins over that caught the light and looked like it was real electricity. Violet put my hair up in a bun but, left curls to frame my face, and then put my head piece on. My head piece was kind of like a tiara and had fabric attached that fell down my back. I stepped into my shoes and turned to face Violet. She straightened my head piece and looked me over. She smiled. "Now, when your standing on that chariot, wave and smile to the crowd, you hear me?" I nodded once. Kristopher came to stand by me. He was wearing a suit with the same fabric as my dress. His headpiece was like a crown as well but, it didn't have any fabric hanging down the back like mine did. We went to go stand in our chariots. I glanced around us. Stylists were busy with last minute details fixing this, straightening that. "Where do you think our mentors are?" I said to Kristopher. "Who knows?" he said as we watched the District 1 horses glide out. They're dressed in beautiful tunics, covered with shimmery jewels. District 1 makes the luxury items so their costume choices are understandable. Finally it's our turn to go. Remembering what Violet told me, I smiled and waved. With all the lights of the Capitol my dress shimmered. The people roared with excitement. My lips hurt from smiling but I dared not stop until we reached the city square. Suddenly the roars of the crowd pick up, Kristopher and I share a look. I quickly glance up at the big screen and see the tributes of District 12 making their way into the city square. They're on fire. Literally. They look stunning. They're holding hands and the girl is blowing kisses to the crowd. I roll my eyes. She looked silly but, I wasn't stupid. That was one good way to get sponsors. Finally all the music stopped as a small man gave the official welcome to the tributes. We circle the city square once more and then disappear into the training center. "You did great" Violet says clasping my hands. My prep team babbles on about how wonderful we were as I zone out. I just happen to glace over to see the girl tribute from District 12 give the boy tribute a kiss on the cheek. Well that's an interesting tactic.