*A/N: Thank you to everyone for the amazingly kind reviews This is my first REAL fanfiction, and I wasn't sure about it. But you guys seriously make me want to keep doing this for a long time. I really mean it. Thank you so much *
Roars of cheering errupted from all over the city, nearly deafening every tribute. As if by magic, the District One horses began to take the tributes down the pastel colored streets. District Two followed suits. I stared ahead at Marvel and Glimmer. Smiling and waving, you would think they had just won an award. Trying to appear as tough as I felt, I simply lifted my hand to people, while keeping the stone cold expression on my face. Clove quickly mirrored me.
It was hard to tell who the Capitol was really cheering for. I did hear my name screamed a few times. I felt like a celebrity. I could be President Snow himself. I flashed back to reaping day, when all of District Two was cheering for me. I felt on top of the world. It seemed everywhere we passed, people grew silent, their faces in awe. As proud as I was, I had a gut feeling that that wasn't for us.
We reached the halfway point of the parade. A giant circle where all the tributes stop for pictures before making our way back. As we wrapped around I noticed the deathly silence again. Looking up at the audience, I noticed they were looking at one of the other districts. Ten or Eleven maybe. As I turned to observe the obvious spectacle, I noticed…fire? Were there tributes on fire? When the chariot came to a stop, I flipped my body around to see what was happening.
There was Peeta and Katniss bringing up the rear of the parade. On fire, and apparently at ease with the whole situation. I felt my mouth drop open before Clove grabbed my elbow and pushed me back around. I tried my best to return to the cold stone expression, but it felt forced unlike last time, so I stopped. I stood there looking around. These people weren't cheering for me or Clove. Not even Marvel and Glimmer. They were cheering for Peeta and Katniss. The District Twelve tributes. I was irked to no end, and the icy expression came back naturally.
As we made our way back to our apartments, I slowly felt myself getting more and more angry, and I wasn't sure why. Maybe it was the fact that District Two was supposed to be the popular choice for sponsors. With our attention that is being given to District Twelve, we won't get sponsors. Without sponsors, there's no way we'll survive the games. But I think the thing that made me most angry, was the fact that I wanted to be allies with them, and no one will let me. They clearly know what they're doing, and they seem strong. They'd be useful, but Brutus would never allow it. Nor would Kesla. Clove wouldn't even allow it.
As we pull back into the apartment complex, I realize that nothing about these games seem to make sense. But before I have time to ponder, I'm yanked off the chariot by Astin, with a smile so big you'd think he just witnessed the birth of his first child.
"You two were brilliant! Fierce, just like we said! Right Jolan?" At this Jolan nodded, trying to remain at ease. But you could tell by her flushed cheeks and the hint of a smile that she was just as excited as Astin, if not more.
They took us back to the top floor to remove our costumes. We were sent immediately to the third floor, our apartment. The room mimics the colors and glamour of the streets. It's just as gorgeous as every other Capitol owned item I've seen.
I was about to retire for the night when there was a knock on my door. "There's someone here to see you," Clove said before side stepping to let in two other tributes.
"I'm good with a spear!" Marvel said, almost too excitedly considering the subject matter. "I've been working with one since I was nine."
"What about you?" Clove said, pointing at Glimmer. "Nothing in particular, I work with tons of stuff." Glimmer responded, crossing her arms.
"I'm good with knives, and Cato… well, what are you good at Cato?" Clove questioned, and suddenly all eyes were on me. "Swords," I grunted, my thougths still preoccupied with the chariots. "I'm good with swords."
As Clove began discussing strategies, I thought of something: Clove isn't a leader. She wouldn't be able to lead the careers to victory. She wouldn't be able to lead me to victory. If I'm going to get back home to Cora, I need to be in charge.
"Stop talking," I snapped, quickly shutting everyone up. With all eyes trained on me, it was clear I was, and will always be in control. "If you all want to win, you need to listen to me from now on. Are we clear?" Glimmer and Clove nodded. Marvel stood up. "We can't all win. One of us has to win. If th-" Before he could finish his sentence, I pushed him into a wall, covering his throat. "I don't want to hear any of your shit. Okay?" Before he had time to respond, I dropped him to the ground. "If we're going to be allies, you listen to me, and only me. Understand?" As Marvel was about to make a defense, I cut him off. "Or I'll make sure you die in the bloodbath in the beginning. Marvel and Glimmer were terrified. Even Clove was terrified. Before anyone could say anything, I walked over to my door and opened it. "Get out." Everyone obliged.
I liked this power. I liked being in control. It was the only way to get home to Cora.
A reminder flashed in my head: Training starts tomorrow. Well now I can see how good my team really is.
Thinking of my family and life back home, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.