CHAPTER 2
Blush stood on the stage and crossed her arms. She knew from that moment what kind of tribute she was going to be. She would be fierce and cunning and manipulative, and she would do anything to win. Karmen called up the male tribute to stand on the stage next to her, he was immediately replaced by a boy one year younger than her named Platinum. Platinum was tall and well built for a 16 year old. He had tanned skin, and a sideways grin that never seemed to leave his face. Blush had spoken to him in the past, but he was barely a friend. She nodded at him in acknowledgement (she knew he was a good fighter and would inevitably be a good ally in the arena).
The rest of the day passed quickly, Blush couldn't shake the excitement. When she said her goodbyes to her friends and family, they all congratulated her and wished her luck. Velvettus offered her tips and she soaked them in like a sponge, (of course she made out to her older brother like she didn't need his help). Finally, the time came when she and Platinum got to step into the long, silver train that would take them to the Capitol. The people of District 1 cheered as they were carried away in the sleek vehicle.
When the train pulled away, Blush sunk into the closest couch to her and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. She heard Platinum as he plonked onto the couch opposite her. A moment silence passed before Platinum spoke.
"So, what do you think of all this?" Platinum asked simply.
Blush took a moment before replying, "I feel like, everything in my life has just clicked into place."
"Are you not even worried at all?" He asked, a hint of astounding in his voice.
"No, what's there to be worried about?" Blush replied slyly, pulling one of his stupid sideways grins back at him.
With that she stood and left the room, leaving him on his own. In the next room, Karmen sat down at a table with a man and a woman that Blush hadn't met yet, she recognised them instantly though. They were both previous victors, the woman's name was Silk Plowright; a victor from the 60th Hunger games. The man's name was Marble; a victor from the 58th Games.
"Oh here she is!" Karmen exclaimed, "Blush, this is Silk and Marble, Silk will be your mentor!"
Blush smiled politely at all three of them, most especially at Silk. She'd watched her when she had competed in the 60th Hunger Games and rooted for her the whole way. She felt an instant connection to her, from what Blush had seen, her personality and survival techniques were much like her's. Blush could see in her icy blue eyes that Silk could feel a connection too.
"Pleasure to meet you," Silk said in a voice which was both sweet, but edgy at the same time.
"Yes, you too," Blush replied.
After a bit of small talk with Silk and Marble, Karmen suggested that Blush should get some sleep. It would be a few more hours yet before they reached the Capitol (though District 1 is one of the closest districts to the Capitol). Blush nodded and followed the directions Karmen gave her to get to her room. When Blush got there, she pulled off her shoes and fell onto the soft bed. Letting herself sink into the comfort of it. She wasn't sure how long she slept for, but when she woke up, she could hear the sound of cheers coming outside. The train had stopped. They had reached The Capitol.