Welcome to Chapter Three, valued readers! This one is a continuation from Chapter Two, as I figured it would be better to split the two up, so it wouldn't be just one extremely long chapter.
In this chapter, we recap the Tribute Parade, more Gloss and Jet interaction, and some small backstory reveals on Jet and Gloss yay!
As always, thank you for the follows and views! They really help me to fire out these chapters much faster!
President Snow continues his speech, eyes sharp like an eagle's sweeping down to analyze all 24 of us tributes. The hairs on the back of my neck prickle as his cold, calculating gaze meets mine, holding it a moment before pulling away. I swallow the dry lump in my throat as my heart thunders in my chest.
As he pronounces his last word, the crowd goes up in excitement again, screaming and hollering for their favorite tributes. The chariots start to pull away, taking us back to where we would be reunited with our mentors. I wave a final farewell to the crowd, receiving even more yells of encouragement and admiration.
Once our chariot pulls to a stop, Gloss and Cashmere greet us. As always, Gloss wears a charming smile, as Cashmere (for the first time I'd seen ever), also wears a pleased look. She gives a small clap of her hands, striding over to us, picking up my dress as I step down from the chariot.
"Great performance, you two. We've already gotten some promising offers from sponsors," Cashmere reports with a satisfied nod of her head.
I smile politely, giving a nod of my head. I glance around me, spotting a strange glare from the volunteer from District 11. Gloss suddenly comes into my view. My eyes instantly flicker up to meet his as he has a joking smirk on those perfect lips.
Fabulous. Even more distraction. Just what I need.
"Someone catch your eye?" he asks playfully, perking a golden brow in inquisition.
At first, I panic, completely forgetting the boy from 11 for a moment. Oh, crap, he's onto me, I think dreadfully. "Just scoping out the competition," I answer coolly, surprised that I had been able to speak at all, let alone say something smart and not totally flounder over myself.
His brow goes higher as he crosses his arms, glancing behind him. He nods slowly then returns to look at me. "The farmer who volunteered, huh? Not bad." He still has a joking banter in his voice, and I fight the urge to slap him and kiss him at the same time.
"It's not like that," I respond haughtily, a touch of defensiveness to my voice as I roll my eyes. Was he being serious? Did he really think I had an infatuation with that boy from 11?
"Oh, I finally got under your skin, eh? I'm just kidding," he gently gives my arm a pat, laughing heartily, then adds, "Let's go before they leave us behind them." He gestures to Cashmere, Sheen, and Teris, who are beginning to leave. I'm surprised to see Teris. I hadn't noticed him earlier, he hadn't really helped with the parade itself, and he was even harder to recognize without his bright blue attire. He had gone for a much more subtle look today; hair a warm, cinnamon color and clad in a cream suit that vaguely resembled Sheen's.
Gloss and I make our ways over to them. He joins Cashmere's side once again as I fall slightly behind everyone else, a bemused smile on my lips. Teris twitters and exclaims about how the Capitol already loves us, and how the people of the Capitol are going to have such a great Hunger Games this year, et cetera, et cetera. I can't help but shake my head a little. It's the same every year for him, why would this year be so special? Capitol people just have to make a big deal about everything.
We arrive at an elevator, Cashmere pressing the "1" on the control panel. The elevator shoots up with a small purr from its technologically advanced engine. We are at our floor in seconds, the elevator doors sliding easily before us. Teris is the first one to step out, gesturing around him.
"Welcome to some of the best the Capitol has to offer, tributes!" He exclaims with excitement, turning around to face us, gesturing for us to join him as a huge grin adorns his features. Cashmere leads the rest of us out of the elevator as we join the over excited escort. He goes on to ramble about the extravagances the Capitol offers, but I tune him out as I look around for myself.
The best the Capitol has to offer, while most people in the districts don't even have a place to live, let alone enjoy themselves, I muse bitterly as I note the excellent craftsmanship exuded and boasted from all of the elaborate lounges, chairs, and tables. From the top of the prim ceiling to the opulent rugs, no expense was wasted, that was sure. Chandeliers made from the finest of crystals hung over the main dining table, the light illuminating every single detail that was lain out on the table.
It feels wrong to try to enjoy myself, while I know what's happening in some districts that aren't that well off as mine. I, personally, have never starved or been unsure if I was going to have a place to sleep for the night, but in poorer districts like 11 and 12, they must suffer terribly. Our group migrates to the dining room, seating ourselves around the long, heavily decorated glass table.
We sit in the similar seating arrangements we had on the train; Teris at the head, Sheen and I next to each other, and Gloss and Cashmere opposite of us. As if they appear out of thin air, Avoxes are soon bustling around us, laying down dishes covered with a silver dome. They bring cups, filling mine and Sheen's with water again, then bringing out something else for the mentors and Teris.
As everyone settles in and starts eating the television turns on from in the main room. We adjust our seats, listening to the National Anthem and watching the crest of Panem flashing on the screen. I feel my stomach flop as Caesar Flickerman appears on the television, suave charm about him as he starts the recap of the opening ceremony.
The screen transitions over to the tributes in the starting place. I feel my cheeks turning hot as I see myself climbing into the chariot, Cashmere fussing about my partner and me. I glance over to see her, but instead catch Gloss's eye.
Of course.
He gives me that intoxicating smile before returning his attention to the screen. I do the same as a small blush creeps onto my features, fighting the urge to look back at him. This golden angel of a man seems to have strange effects on me, I know that much for sure.
As the time progresses on the screen, we see Sheen and I emerge from the starting place, looking ethereal and alight, embodying the very gems that represent our district and decorate our costumes. I feel a small sense of pride as I watch myself not even flinch or falter at the cacophonous crowd around me. I look as elegant and beautiful as a diamond.
The feed continues to show the rest of the tributes. None made a huge impression on me, or the crowd apparently, until District 10- livestock. Their impression wasn't positive, necessarily, however, at least on me. Their stylists had strung actual meat from an animal on them, the blood still in the meat, streaming down the tributes' bodies and onto their chariot. I watch with morbid fascination as the blood trails back from the chariot and onto the road behind it, a line of red following the chariot.
Blood. What a seemingly invisible, insignificant thing, but actually keeps us alive. In a few days, all there would be would be blood. Everywhere, but that's what the Capitol wanted; a good show, and you could only get that if there was blood and gore, everyone knew that. My stomach rolls a little as I think about it, deciding to push the topic to the back of my mind.
After the chariots had assembled, the cameras caught President's Snow speech. His voice commanding and serious as he delivers it, looking into the face of everyone he sees. I watch as his eyes stop on me on the screen, and I feel the hairs on the back of my neck prickle, feeling like he's looking right at me in the room right now.
Once Snow's speech is over, the cameras do one more close-up of our faces before going dark, the National Anthem playing, signaling the end of the program. The screen flicks off and I rise from my chair. It's agreed upon all of us that it's time to sleep. We bid mumbled farewells to one another before retiring to our quarters.
My private quarters are much like the one on the train, except larger, obviously. The same expensive furnishings decorate the room, a bed in the middle of the room and a bathroom branching off to the side. The glass door opens before me then closes. I get undressed from the elaborate dress from the Tribute Parade.
Holding the dress away from me, I admire it more, watching the way the lights in my room reflect off of the masterfully added gems. I smile to myself, knowing that Gomo was going to make me another dress for the interviews. I can't wait to see his work for that, as well.
Deciding on a quick shower before bed, I pad over to the bathroom, picking random settings as I take a quick shower, just determined to sleep at this point. The dryers blow and brush my hair perfectly as I stand before the mirror, getting some of the makeup off of my face that I couldn't get off in the shower.
Picking up the pair of identical pajamas from last night, I slip them over my body, relishing the feel of expensive silk on my skin. My mother had a silk dress a long time ago, she'd told me. It was her favorite dress. I feel guilty once more as I finger the material, sighing as I shake my head, walking back into my room. I burrow into the warm bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
10…9… A clock is counting down as I glance around me. I'm standing on a metal plate, emotionless people surrounding me. I don't recognize them as I look up to the sky, seeing the blue sky. It reminds me of home at District 1 and I smile, reminiscing.
8…7… The clock continues its countdown as the people around me still stand emotionless, not moving an inch at all. Something's wrong.
6…5… The familiar bloom of panic blossoms in my chest, spreading and coursing through my body like a deadly toxin. My breathing quickens and my heart beat increases rapidly, trying to leap out of my chest. Something was definitely wrong.
4…3… I give another crazed look around me as I see that the people are bending down on one knee in perfect synchronization. They're looking at what's directly in front of them, looking as if they're ready to shoot out of the gate and make a run for it. I wildly turn my head, spotting a giant, golden cornucopia. I swallow, trying to hold back the bile that threatens to come out of my mouth.
2…1… A canon fires and then we're all running at once, except I can't keep up. I'm moving too slow. What's going on? I can't move! My legs start to get slower and slower, and I feel like I'm getting closer and closer to the ground, like I'm falling in slow motion.
It seems like forever, but when I reach the cornucopia, I see that the emotionless people have weapons drawn and they're aiming them at my family, my prep team, my mentors, my escort, and my district partner. I try to scream, tell them not to, or tell them to run, but no words come out of my mouth as I try desperately to say something, anything.
Then they attack. My family and friends don't even fight back. They just stand there, their pained eyes meeting mine. I try to tell them that I tried to save them, but I wasn't good enough. I couldn't get there in time. I wasn't fast enough.
I couldn't save them.
There's nothing I can do.
I lurch awake with a start, heart hammering in my chest as my breath comes out in harsh, short, forced breaths. I glance over at the digital clock, seeing that it's two in the morning. I rub my eyes, getting out of the bed and leaving my room. I walk into the dining room, asking an Avox for water as I recognize blonde hair that's becoming all too familiar to me.
Gloss.
I pad over to him, sitting across from him. He perks up, surprised to see me. "A little early to be up, hm?" He asks. He smiles that smile, but I can see that something is troubling him. His eyes show all the pain that he's feeling and the tiredness of his face gives away a restless night.
I nod, replying, "I should be asking you the same thing."
He snorts, shaking his head. "Sharp as a whip when you open your mouth. You should do it more often. You're quite funny."
I return his smile, accepting the glass of water from the Avox as she hands it to me. I take a gulp from it, closing my eyes at the relief it offered. The table was quiet a while longer before Gloss stands, jerking his head to the left.
"Come on, I want to show you something," he says, gesturing for me to follow.
Puzzled but trusting, I follow him, dark brows furrowed as he leads us to the elevator. He pushes a button and then we're off, speeding towards the very top of the Tribute Center. When we arrive, the doors ding open as Gloss steps out, offering a hand to me. I take it, following him to a domelike roof.
A garden sits to my left, while straight ahead is the Capitol, in all its beautiful and technologically advanced glory. It's peaceful up here, like a small safe haven.
Gloss takes a seat on the ground, patting the spot next to him. I take him up on his offer, sitting down, crossing my legs as I watch out at the Capitol. He glances at me, a small, nostalgic smile on his face as he lets out a sigh. Not a sad one wholly, but rather bittersweet.
"Most mentors know about this place, but not a lot come up here. I figured it would be good for you to come up here. Relieves a lot of stress," he says after a moment of silence.
"It's beautiful. Thank you for showing me," I say softly, touched and surprised at his sincerity.
"I believe in you, you know. You really shocked me yesterday. It's not too often that we get tributes who don't want to spill blood," he looks over at me, a look of pride adorning his handsome features.
"Did you?" I blurt out, not thinking about the fact that it probably wasn't a good question to ask a Victor of the Hunger Games. Most, if not all, had at least some kind of psychological damage from the Games. They can ruin a person.
Gloss is silent a moment before letting out a long sigh, this one full of remorse and guilt. "To be completely honest with you, yes. I did. I wanted the glory. I wanted to bring my district pride, yada yada yada," he gestures, shaking his head. "I would slap myself if I could back then. I was an immature child. I didn't know any better." He looks over at me, "But you seem to know."
I nod, clearing my throat softly. "I'd heard about what the Games can do to a person. I didn't want to throw away my humanity for a crown."
He speaks gravely and softly, more to himself than to me, "It's not just the crown you get."
I furrow my brows at this, but he just shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. "So, what did you do back home, besides be quiet?" He winks and all of the charisma and charm immediately replace the raw form of Gloss that I had just seen.
I shake my head at his observation of my quietness, blushing a little as I grin, hair falling in front of my eyes as I bring my knees up to my chest. "I didn't really do anything," I say quietly, shrugging. I'd rather us not have a conversation about me.
"Oh, come on, I don't buy that for a second," Gloss prods, shaking his head as he cranes his neck to look at me.
I shrug, sighing softly. "I liked to write back home," I confess, just waiting for him to start laughing at me.
He didn't laugh, surprisingly. He looked interested, actually. "About what?" He digs further.
I clear my throat, sounding as casual and nonchalant as possible. It really hadn't sunken in that I was sitting here talking to him until he moved a little closer to me. "Life, in a general sense," I say, turning my head to look at him.
His gaze meets mine as a perfect brow quirks, a crooked smile on his lips. "And what have you learned about life?"
"People are weird," I blurt out, meaning it. After documenting people's actions, including my own, for a long time, I'd learned just that; people are weird.
Gloss chuckles, pearly white teeth flashing me. "You're really something."
"Is that a bad thing?" I ask, arching a dark brow to mirror his own expression.
He looks me straight in the eyes, letting me know he was being sincere. "Of course not. Quite the contrary," he says softly, his tone of voice surprising me.
I nod, biting my lip as I joke, "Are all Careers as suave as you?"
He lets out a genuine laugh, the sound pulling my heart strings as he shakes his head profusely. "Oh, no, no, no. I'm one of a kind."
You sure are, I say to myself, giggling softly at his reaction.
"What about family?" He asks curiously.
"Well, I'm the only child, my mother stays at home with me most of the time, and my father's the mayor," I reply, trying not to think about them too much. Thinking means remembering, and remembering means hurting.
"Oh, that's right. You look like him," Gloss observes, looking at me in the same way he did when we first met; studious and thoughtful.
I try not to squirm under his intense gaze as I clear my throat, "How about you? What's your family like?"
He shrugs, looking straight ahead of him. "Cashmere's my only sibling; the only form of family I've still got, actually. Our parents died not too long ago," he says shortly. I can tell it's a painful topic for him, so I don't push it as I nod understandingly.
He's silent for a long while, looking straight ahead. I take a deep breath, preparing to do something I wouldn't have done in a million years, but I know he's hurting. Carefully, I lay my hand on his and lean my body against his, my head resting on his shoulder. He tenses a little at first, unsure, but then slowly relaxes. We stay like that for a long time, but it only feels like a short moment.
With a small sigh, he says, "It's way past your bedtime. I should be getting you to sleep. I'm a terrible mentor." He stands up, offering a hand to me once more. I take it thankfully and wordlessly. He helps pull me up as he leads us back to the elevator. I don't want to leave this small paradise, but I know that I needed to try to get at least some sleep. Training starts tomorrow, and I don't want to be half dead.
We are silent for the rest of the trip back until he bids me goodnight as we part to go to our chambers. I slide back in my bed, pulling the covers over my head as a smile remains plastered on my lips.
I realize, as I lay there in the Capitol bed, that Gloss showed me a different side of him tonight. Sure, I'd only known him for a couple days now, but every time we'd had a chance to talk, he'd been very polite and professional with signature charm and charisma. He'd relaxed around me tonight, showing a raw, true form of himself; showing some emotion for once. I won't forget that.
Whew, another chapter down. I haven't written with this much passion for a story in a long time. I have a lot of plans for it, and I think you guys will enjoy them! Well, at least I do. As always, please favorite, follow, and review! Feedback is always a huge help.