Sorry. I never seem to keep my promises in uploading! X(

"Hello! I'm Samrie, as your prep team may have told you."

Samrie had short, wavy blue tresses, which matched her eyes.

"You seem to be analyzing me."

Joy started. "I was – "

"That's okay, Joy. And um… you're going to have to take off that robe. Just so I can see what fits your form, of course."

Joy nodded. At least I didn't get a male stylist.

After Samrie observed Joy, she led her to a small, low table, with ceiling-to-floor windows providing natural light. Samrie tapped a button and platters of lobster tail rose slowly, still steaming.

"As you know, you're going on your chariot ride soon. The authorities, with a lot of debate, decided to assign each shelter a color."

Wow, this shelter thingy has become my identity.

Joy wondered if this was how the district people felt.

"Lucky for you, we got silver!"

"Why would that make me lucky?"

"Your eye color! I mean, gray isn't that different from silver, right?"

Joy started imagining herself in tin foil.

"Look at you! Gorgeous!"

Joy looked at her refection, squinting because of all the light bouncing off her dress. It had a metallic luster, and was paired with a foot-length glittering cape. Her prep team was swooning over her, but Joy wasn't sure if the district audience would enjoy a traveling light show.

Topaz had a similar metallic suit on; he also looked doubtful that people would like their color.

"At least you guys will stand out!" The president's granddaughter stepped into view, wearing a short purple dress.

"Don't worry, the royals in ancient times wore purple too!" Topaz said with a smirk.

"What shelter are you?" Joy asked, trying to be polite.

"5".

Joy nodded and awkwardness hung in the air like fog.

Someone called, "Lorem! It's your turn!"

She left with a swish of her dress, and Topaz cat-called.

"I thought you didn't like her?" Joy said curiously.

"Yeah, but she's still hot."

Joy labeled him as a player in her head.

"Hey!" Samrie said, popping out of nowhere. "This is Armiger, Topaz's stylist."

"Sup." Armiger croaked.

"Okay, there are two simple things to do: smile and wave. That's all; smile and wave." Samrie said.

Strangely, Joy thought of penguins. They stepped onto the chariot.

This is so surreal. I've watched this moment every single year of my life, and now I'm living it.

"SMILE!" Samrie shouted over the crowd's cheering as the doors opened.

Joy's eyes were suffering. Her dress kept sending waves of light, making it look like there was something in her eye. Plus, she hated the feel of heavy makeup moving with her face.

Joy realized she'd stopped smiling and her hand looked like a windshield wiper. She switched hands and thought of something funny, maybe then her smile would look real… The chariot circled and slowed to a stop.

"Attention, please", came an amplified voice.

The cheering died down.

"Welcome, tributes. This is a final, symbolic Hunger Games for children who are related to those who held power in the Capitol. This is a penance for what you have done to the districts."

She paused.

"That is all." And with that, she smiled and walked away.

I hope you got the penguin reference from Madagascar! Until next time, fellow THG fan! ;D