Chapter 2: To the Capitol
Rate and Review, series does not belong to me so my pre-chapter checklist is now complete, enjoy.
Thorne sighed as he stepped into the shower and decided to go with a simple warm shower to calm his ever growing nerves. He then pressed a button which expelled a sort of shampoo that smelt like citrus and he rubbed it in, actually getting the coal dust that was omnipresent out of his hair. Then he scrubbed his body in a lime shower gel, relishing in this properly clean feeling. When he was done he stepped out and he was dried in an instant.
He then picked out a black t-shirt and a pair of loose fitting pyjama bottoms and he put his pendant on and then he took in his reflection. Due to living in the Seam his hair was a little more darker but once he had washed it, it had a silver sheen to it, which made his gray eyes stand out. Someone knocked on his door and he pressed the button.
"Miss Trinket" he said, somewhat surprised.
"Please Thorne, call me Effie" she said with a warm smile.
"Can I help you, Effie?" he asked politely.
Despite the fact that she was from the Capitol, Thorne couldn't help but like Effie. Yes she loved the Games, but it was the way she was born, he couldn't change that. Plus she was one of the few who could quickly adapt to his quiet nature so he had more respect for her as well.
"I'd asked Katniss if she wanted to watch the other Reapings with me, but she declined. Would you like to watch them so you can see what you might be up against?" she asked and his lips quirked upward in a near-smile.
"I'd like that Effie" he said and she beamed.
"The screen room is this way"
He followed her through the train to the screen room and they sat on their own individual corners of a plush sofa and they made themselves comfortable. An Avox came in and offered Effie a cup of coffee and him a cup of hot chocolate which he took with a small smile and a quiet thanks. Effie then put the screen on, just as the replay of the Reapings was about to begin.
"District 1 and 2 are your essentials" she advised.
"Careers?" he guessed and she nodded.
The female for District 1 was a beautiful young woman named Glimmer with long blonde hair that flowed down her back neatly. No one had chosen to volunteer for her, something that she was proud of so she would be the one to bring glory to her District. Her emerald green eyes were filled with nothing short of determination, and in an instant he knew she'd be a tough competitor to beat and she would not hesitate to stab someone in the back to get what she wanted.
"She looks absolutely stunning"
"Yes but deadly" he said wisely.
Before the escort for District 1 could announce the male Tribute, someone had already walked up on the stage, offering himself as volunteer. His name was Marvel. He was slim for a Career and fit with light brown hair and green eyes, he was also rather tall. He spoke with arrogance and overconfidence and Thorne got the feeling that he might not be the smartest knife in the drawer, but just as deadly. Give an idiot with a deadly weapon and heads will roll.
"They're going to be fast" the hunter pointed out.
"And they could get sponsors with their looks" Effie said.
"A combination that works in their favour" they hear Katniss say from the doorway. "I couldn't sleep" she said and Effie patted the spot that was between her and Thorne. She sat down and brought her legs up to get comfortable.
District 2 was quite the sight. Due to the fact that District 2 was one of the Capitols lapdogs it had more benefits then any of the other districts. It's building were stable and beautifully built, the advantages of having masonry as your trade. It's landscape was beautiful also. Mountains encircle the village where the reaping takes place and a clear river can be seen as well. It's one of the most beautiful places that either of them had ever seen.
The female Tribute, Clove, walks onto the stage when her name is called. She was short, but her size didn't make her look any less dangerous. Her small size would definitely benefit her in the arena and who knows what weapon she specialized in. Her determination is frightening for both Katniss and Thorne, although neither of them voice it, although they visibly blanched when the twelve year old male was volunteered for.
They couldn't see his face, but if they could sum him up in one word, they would describe him as been a brute. He had dirty blonde hair and his body was like one of the gods that were in their history books, perfectly made for the Games. When he turned, Thorne felt feelings bubble up that he had never felt in District 12. The brute, named Cato, was handsome, again like a god and with icy blue eyes that were so captivating, they would test the fortitude of any straight man.
The fact that they were Careers could get the sponsors, but add in the looks as well and they'd have many more. Finnick Odair had benefited from that when it was his year for the Games. Even as a young boy he possessed the looks of an angel and now that he's matured, well we'll just say that people have more than the occasional fantasy. But these two possessed the killer instinct with determined eyes, well built with the attitude they were looking for.
"We may have a problem" Thorne whispered quietly.
"They'd kill us in a few seconds" Katniss said.
"Now, now, don't despair. Careers don't win all the time. Haymitch beat them, remember?" she tried to comfort, but they could only offer small smiles for her effort. "You'll have a chance to observe them before you go into the arena so you could probably learn the best way to fight them" she said and they both looked at her gratefully.
The rest of the Reapings pass by in a blur, although Katniss does shed a tear when she sees the female Tribute from District 11. Rue was only twelve years old, much like Prim was and no one volunteered to take her place. Thresh, the male of District 11 was considerably larger, someone that you didn't tangle with in a regular dispute, let alone the Hunger Games.
"I'm heading to bed" Thorne said, bidding the two of them goodnight.
"Goodnight, dear" Effie said warmly.
"Wait up" Katniss decided to follow him.
They walked back to the carriage that was his room and the whole time Katniss had a small knowing smile on her face. He eventually got exasperated and he turned to her with an amused glint in his storm gray eyes.
"What do you know that I don't?" he asked.
"I saw that desire in your eyes when you saw Cato" she said with a grin.
"Well..." he couldn't say anything in response, before sighing. "I picked a fantastic time, didn't I?" he settled for and she gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "Not to mention I had to pick the most brutal looking" he added.
"His appearance doesn't mean anything. He could be sweet underneath" Katniss said.
"Hah, when have you known a Career to be sweet?"
"You've got a point"
With that, the two of them parted and he entered his room. He took off his necklace and put it on his bedside table before pulling back the thick duvet and climbing in, allowing the warmth of the blankets to envelop him.
The one time that he had chosen to have any feelings had to be during the Hunger Games. His feelings also had to lie with that of the brute from District 2, a boy who was more likely to kill him rather than kiss him before they entered the arena and then their was the question of his sexuality anyway. With those unfortunate thoughts in his mind, he closed his gray eyes and slipped into the most blissful sleep that he had ever had in his life.
(Following Morning)
Thorne had woken up feeling considerably refreshed and he quickly shed his night clothes and headed into the shower to wash himself once more. He then stepped out, choosing a black button-up shirt and jeans, not that it would matter as they would be stripped of their clothes once they were in the Remake Centre. Lastly he put his necklace on and headed out of the car into the dining car which, much to his dismay, had the presence of Haymitch. He sucked it up and went in.
"You're up early" Effie said.
"I slept plenty. Good morning, Effie" he said with his ghost of a smile and she beamed in return. He then sat opposite of a silent Haymitch who grimaced every now and then, meaning he was obviously nursing what must have been a very impressive hangover. Yet that wouldn't stop him. He was going to get advice one way or another.
"I figured I'd leave you until today. But now I want advice" he started and Haymitch chuckled.
"Give me a minute to wake up sunshine" he said, spreading jam on his toast.
"Just so you can go and get drunk once more?" he asked, sarcastically. Just then Katniss walked in and he smiled. He might be able to get some support in getting him to talk.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm just trying to get some advice for the arena" he answered.
"Which would only be useful if you were still alive" he said and he went to pour more alcohol into his cup. The hunter then surged forward and knocked out of his hand. For a moment Haymitch looked confused as to what had just happened. Then he raised a fist and aimed at Thorne's cheek. However he caught it in his hand quickly.
He went to raise the other but then Katniss brought down a knife between his middle and ring fingers and he stopped. Effie scolded them, however they ignored her and kept their glares leveled on the hungover man in front of them. He looked to his right fist which was encased tightly in Thorne's hand and then at the one that he didn't dare move in case Katniss decided to do once than damage the wood of the table.
"Well, I'll be damned. I have a pair of fighters" he said and he chuckled, settling down.
"I won't take crap from anyone" Thorne said. "Not even you"
"I'll make a deal with you two" Haymitch said, and they sat down as the adrenaline left their systems. "I won't drink to the point of passing out if you listen to everything I say. Take what I say into serious consideration and all will be fine" he said and the other two nodded.
"So what's your first piece of advice" Katniss asked.
"When we get there, you'll be taken to what's known as the Remake Centre. It's where you'll be prepped for the Tribute Parade. Whatever your prep teams and Stylists have in mind, you do not resist and you trust them wholly" Haymitch said and then Effie chipped in.
"It's a chance for people to see what you look like. It's the first step into gaining sponsors so the better the impression you make, the more people are going to take notice of you" she explained and the gave a nod.
"It's not just about appearance though. You're personality will come into play"
"How? It's not like we speak to any of them" Katniss said.
"No, but simple smiles and waves can go a long way. However you two have proven to be more the silent and strong type"
"You're smile is actually what makes you unique. A slight quirk of the lips displays your positive emotions perfectly" Effie said, gesturing to the hunter. "It gives off that silent person, but shows that you're perfectly capable of emotions"
"In that case, make use of it" Haymitch said and Thorne nodded.
"Anything else?" Katniss asked.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, sweetheart" he said and then he remembered what had just transpired. "When you defended yourself, sweetie here" he gestured to Katniss "also jumped to your defence. Show a united front out there" he advised. "And one more thing" he was speaking to Thorne now. "Knock away or spill my drink again and you'll regret it" he said threateningly.
"Understood" he replied coldly.
"Hey" Katniss was about to rant.
"Katniss. Leave him be" Thorne said. Despite his seething hate for the man in front of him, he still had to rely on him to get him through these Games and Haymitch was going to make good on his word. The girl next to him relaxed when he placed his hand on her shoulder. He stood and walked to sit on one of the seats, Effie following him and then whispering in his ear.
"I'll be sure to have him for that" she said warmly.
"Leave him be, Effie. He's hungover like the drunk he is. It's no good getting worked up over it"
She gave him a warm smile before sitting opposite to him in a contented silence. He was just about to drift off when their escort tapped him and then pointed out the window and he stood up to look. The city was absolutely beautiful. It's structures gleamed in the sunlight and the mountains that surrounded it gave it a natural look and enhanced it's beauty. Soon his view was overtaken by a tunnel, which meant that they were now approaching the station. He was nearly blinded by the white station and then the multitude of colours worn by the Capitols populace. Nevertheless, he put on his small smile and waved to them, just as Katniss did and the crowd was going wild for them.
"There's hope yet" Haymitch quipped, receiving a disapproving look from their escort.
(Remake Centre)
Thorne grimaced as another sheet of paper with that wax was forcefully yanked, tearing out every hair it had covered. He hadn't let the pain bother him, however he had whimpered, yes actually whimpered, when they had waxed a certain intimate area. They had also waxed the trail leading from his naval to that area as well and needless to say it felt like it was on fire.
"Last strip" one of his prep team said excitedly. He didn't care for their names, but he was civil enough to at least make it look like he was interested in what they had to say. The pulled the last strip off of him, removing the last remnants of his leg hair. If it wasn't for the burning sensation, he'd likely feel the cold breeze on everything.
He was bathed in an assortment of oils, one of which was to remove the redness from his body where he had been waxed and it also soothed the pain. He allowed himself to relax as they thoroughly cleaned his finger nails and toe nails as a new, more thorough clean feeling began to come over him.
He'd blushed when they said they didn't need to do much. His tan skin, as was characteristic of the Seam, needed only to be cleaned and the silver sheen in his hair made the woman working on it almost faint. So she was busy washing out any other dirt that wasn't washed out of his first two showers and when they had dried it, his sheen was more noticeable.
"Portia will love you"
"She's stuck with us?" he asked.
"Oh dear, she chose District 12"
"That's a first" he replied, sounding amused.
"Well Portia and her partner, wanted to make an impression and bring District 12 into the light. So they made the request, not that Cinna, her partner had to. Either way he would've been working with you" the member that handled hair explained.
"How can you make an impression with coal miner outfits?"
"We're not privy to your outfit this year. Otherwise I'd tell you"
They got back to rambling about the silliest of things before he was dried and given a simple pair of black boxers to put on as well as his token, which he had requested because it reminded him the most of home. They'd left to fetch Portia, who walked in a few minutes later and she was beaming in an instant.
"They're going to love you" she said. "I'm Portia" she introduced.
"Thorne" he said simply.
"Ahh, the silent type" she said and then she began to take in his appearance. "Naturally tanned skin, no modification needed there" she said thoughtfully, circling him. "Beautiful hair. Black with a nice silver sheen that's natural. Bit of hair gel and it'll be perfect" she added before looking at the silver pendant on his chest. "You're token?" she asked.
"Yeah. From my parents" he replied softly.
"May I?" she asked and he nodded. His no longer calloused hands reached for the clasp at the back of his neck, which he undid and he gave the necklace over to Portia who examined it closely. "It's beautiful" she said, handing it back.
"It's been in the family ever since my father was little" he said fondly.
"And he passed it down to you" she said and he gave a simple nod. "Well, when I'm done with you you'll have some sponsors to help you survive and you can return to him and your mother" she said and he smiled gently at the thought of his parents. "That there is a winning smile" she said.
"I don't use it that often" he admitted somewhat sheepishly. "So what's the plan?" he asked.
"Well usually you'd be dressed in the clothes that are seen in your District. But myself and Cinna have a different plan in mind. Just one question for you. Are you afraid of fire?" she asked.
"Even if I was, I have to trust you" he said wryly.
"Good, because I'm going to set you on fire"
That was the least reassuring statement he had ever heard. And he's heard some lousy ones at that.
(Tribute Parade)
Dressed in a tight black leather leotard with his hair spiked at the front, Thorne listened intently to what Cinna and Portia were telling both him and Katniss. The explained that the flame that would be ignited on their capes was synthetic and the most that they would feel would be a tingle on their backs and shoulders. Cinna also told them to hold hands and show that they were united as it would catch the crowds attention, not that the flames would do any less.
"Right, up on the chariot" Cinna instructed.
"You'll do fine" Portia said encouragingly when she stepped up behind them to light them up.
They felt that tingle on their back and shoulders as Cinna and Portia stepped off and the gates at the front opened. District 1 was the first out and the rest soon followed them after and Thorne's heartrate sped up slightly.
The roar of the crowd hit them as soon as their chariot approached the gates. Soon the evening air hit them as they finally headed outside. Katniss' hand immediately grabbed a hold of his and he tightened his around hers, making her relax ever so slightly.
"You're okay" he whispered to her.
"Thank you" she replied.
The crowd was going crazy at the sight of their flaming outfits. Katniss and Thorne looked at one another with a small smile and they both lifted their joined hands and there was another volume increase, if that was even possible. Both him and Katniss caught roses that were been chucked into their path and they allowed smiles to slip onto their faces.
Soon the chariots arrived at the City Circle and they got into a formation whilst President Snow steps up onto the podium. He raises a hand to quiet down the audience and as he did that, the flames on their capes ceased to exist with a flourish, earning one last round of cheers. The President then cleared his throat and began to speak.
"Welcome!" he began. "Welcome! Tributes, we welcome you! We admire your courage, and your sacrifice" the old man said and both Thorne and Katniss resisted the urge to roll their eyes. Yeah they admired their sacrifice alright. "And we wish you Happy Hunger Games!" the crowd roared once more at the start of the saying. "And may the odds be ever in your favour" he finished.
Thorne drowned out the same speech that was given by the President and from the looks of things, so did Katniss, only her eyes were more wider than his, which were dropping slightly. Soon the man had finished, and the chariots proceeded to the auditorium in the Training Centre, where they would be staying for the duration of their time in the Capitol. Minus the massive arena of course. As soon as they stepped down off of their chariots, they were approached by their team.
"That was amazing!" Cinna praised the both of them.
"It certainly got their attention" Portia said.
"We're all everybody's going to be talking about" Effie said and then Haymitch stepped up.
"So brave" he said simply.
"Brave of you to be next to an open flame" Thorne retorted, earning chuckles off of everyone but Effie who suppressed hers.
"Fake flame?" he asked.
Haymitch made the suggestion that they carry on their conversation upstairs when he realized they were been watched. Thorne turned around to see who it was and his breath hitched to see that it was Cato who was looking at them, but instead of what would be a glare, he actually smiled at him and their was a glint of interest in his icy blue eyes.
With a barely suppressed blush, he returned it with a slight quirk of his lips, before turning to follow the others up to the penthouse. Katniss noticed that his smile had not left his face and when asked, he merely tapped his nose. He wasn't going to tell her anything just yet. Right now, he was content to get out of this leotard, dress in his usual black t-shirt with pyjama bottoms and just relax for a little bit.
Up next:
Roof Encounter
Training Begins
Analyzing their opponents