Tazzel Roseheart, District 3
I walk with my stylist towards my district partner who has already arrived to our chariot. He stands with his arms crossed, an irritated look on his face. He hasn't said much to me since we've been together, but I don't take it personally. I've heard his reputation.
My stylist, Petunia, taps me on the shoulder and I turn to face her.
"Remember to smile, don't look frightened. You're young, you don't want to be overlooked. Neither do you." She looks at Flux for that last statement. Based on her facial expression, I can tell he's ignored her.
"Good luck out there." She hugs me tight and I hug back. Despite everything, Petunia has tried to make this process as painless as possible. She's also ensured that our costumes aren't the worst. I wear a white dress with ombre blue from top to bottom. She ensured my "T" necklace is visible, as I refuse to take it off.
Flux wears something similar, a tight white jumpsuit with the same blue effect. However, I can tell he's extremely uncomfortable in the outfit. He's sweating already and the event hasn't even started.
As if on cue, the horn blasts and our chariots line up.
"You'll do great!" Petunia smiles as I walk to the horses. I stroke the horse before getting on. Flux's face has turned paler than usual.
"Just take deep breaths and smile, you're going to do great." I say. He rolls his eyes, yet I can tell by his chest rising and compressing that he's taken my advice.
Once the music starts, it only takes a few seconds for our horses to start moving. The lights blind me for a few seconds and I feel the vibrations from the music. Thousands of people stand on both sides of me, cheering like crazy. It's overwhelming, yet I smile and wave just as my stylist suggested.
About halfway through I get a glance of my district partner. He looks worse now that all eyes are on him. I see him swaying a little. I take his arm.
"Please don't fall." I say. He pulls his arm away from me and says something that I don't quite hear before collapsing. I freeze, unsure what to do. Our horse stops and I realize the rides have come to an end. President Pitheart stands above us, I believe he is giving a speech. I try to get the attention of any Capitol workers to no avail. Flux isn't helped until the chariots are taken away, out of sight from the public.
They roll him away and I see snickering from the Career group. I shake my head, wishing I was anywhere but here.
Jeff Hopkins, District 10
"This outfit is stupid." Seriah says. I laugh. She wears a long, sparkly dress that drags behind her, mimicking a tail. I wear a black jacket with the same effect. Frankly, she wouldn't care if it was anything but a dress. I think she even fought with her stylist about it. But here we are, all dressed up in our outfits.
"Hey, it could be worse. You could be them." I point towards the two from Twelve, who wear dirty coal miners outfits. The girl doesn't seem too fazed by it, but the boy looks pissed. He also looks like he's going to pass out at any minute, but that can be said for a lot of the tributes here.
She shrugs and brushes her hair back. The horn indicates its time to get on the chariots. Seriah goes up first and I follow, getting a good look at the others. The Career pack formed instantly, both from One, Two, and Four are all members. The two from Five seem to know each other, so I assume they have their alliance. I get the same vibe from Eleven, the siblings. It's harsh, forcing siblings to compete against each other.
I hear the music begin and it takes a while for our horses to stop galloping. I can tell the Capitol citizens have little interest in our existence. Most are focused on the four at the front, betting on which Career will be their victor. Seriah and I stand next to each other, heads held high. We were instructed not to smile, to appear as if the entire thing doesn't phase us. That was the one thing Seriah had no issues with.
Before long we end up in front of our president's podium. He smiles at us, giving us a friendly wave. A few tributes wave back. We are not one of them.
"Welcome, tributes, to the 101st Annual Hunger Games." The audience applauses and his smile grows wider.
"We thank you for your courage and wish you the best of luck. As always, may the odds be ever in your favor." As the audience applauses a second time, we are taken out of the spotlight. Seriah jumps off of the chariot the second we are out of sight and storms off to the elevator. I sigh.
It's going to be a long week.
I would've uploaded this last night, but my internet was out. RIP
Let me know what you think of this chapter!