Sorry this chapter was late!
To describe the LGI in one word would be easy: crowded. There was no talking. People were pouring in so quickly, and Joy saw that the hallway outside was packed. If only this was a real celebration, Joy thought.
"Where's Castone?" Joy's mother whispered urgently.
Joy shrugged, scanning the crowd. That snake! He's probably in our room, scared to death.
"Were gonna have to see him on stage. It's almost two!" Joy's mother said, pointing to the caged clock on the wall.
Joy nodded, thinking about how her family had gathered around their holographic television to watch the live stream of tributes going through this.
"I'll see you later", Joy's mother said, gently planting a kiss on Joy's head. She hesitated as if she wanted to say something, then smiled and headed for the area roped off for viewers. Joy watched her red hair bob through the crowd.
Joy weaved her way through to the table with the sign: SIGN IN HERE. There was no line, so she waited until a serious-looking lady noticed her standing there.
"What's your name?" Her voice was sharp and piercing.
"Joy Crane." Joy replied with equal verve.
The lady raised her eyebrows, and checked off Joy's name. "Proceed." She ordered, pointing to a small area sectioned off into a square.
Joy could feel people's eyes trained on her as she took her place, alone. She guessed not many people were related to important Capitol figures. Even though she felt defeated, she straightened and held her shoulders back. A small pathway separated the boys and girls. The boys' square penned two guys, having a conversation. Joy hoped the boy tribute was attention-seeking, because she disliked being in the spotlight.
She turned to find two girls had joined her. They were definitely twins, and proud of it. They wore matching blue dresses, and had identical white hair. Their hands were clasped together, and they smiled shyly at Joy. Joy returned the favor.
"Attention!" A man said with authority, planted firmly on the stage. The whispering died down.
"Welcome to the reaping of The Capitol Hunger Games!" he blasted into his mouthpiece. He wore a pinstripe suit, and flame tattoos engulfed his hands. Clearly Capitol born; fire was all the rage the last couple years. Joy wondered if this man would enjoy watching the Games this year. He gestured his artful hands towards two people sitting dutifully to his left.
"These lovely folks are Sillo Brown and Churo Admance! Ms. Brown is the manager of this shelter, and Mr. Admance is this shelter's mentor. I am Leesk Ihsus, your escort. But enough about us! Let's get to the tributes!" Leesk bellowed. He reached his hand into the glass bowl, frowning at the three slips of paper. Joy closed her eyes and clenched her jaw. This will all be over soon. She held her breathe as Leesk unfolded a slip. Nothing else mattered at the moment; it was just Joy, Leesk, and that little slip of paper.
"Joy Crane."
Joy shook, and tears threatened to spill. Don't cry, don't cry. She walked up to the stage, stiff as a board. Leesk smiled and shook Joy's hand. The twins stared solemnly at her. Joy felt as if she was watching herself on television. The scenario was so surreal.
She inhaled sharply as Leesk walked to the boys' bowl. His fingers danced around until they found a slip.
"Topaz Thread."
Who's that? Why does he look so familiar?
Joy realized why when she saw him. Topaz Thread was the shower boy.
I should've used Roman names because almost everyone from the Capitol had one. But I already started the story, and I'm too lazy to change it. ;) Also, I won't be posting another chapter until Fri., Jan. 31 because I have to prepare a skit.