Chapter 6 – The Tribute Parade

"You never told me you'd be coming back! I thought you'd moved on from styling tributes in the Games?" I ask Cinna. Years later and he hasn't changed from my mother's first described meeting with him; his gold eyeliner is simplistic yet charming.
"I had to come back, there's no way I'm letting you get styled by anyone else but me. I'm sure the world of fashion can wait." he says, chuckling. "Right then, time to-"
"Raise hell?" I interrupt.
He laughs. "Precisely." Cinna stands up and makes his way towards a door at the back, opening it, and then beckons me to follow him. He leads me to a more luxurious room compared to the one I was just in. Pearly white carpet, embroidered blue walls, leather sofas, a mirror with what looks like diamonds around the edges. I gaze in wonder at how expensive this room alone must have been.
"It looks a lot better than that plain old grey room we were in before, that's for sure." says Cinna.
"Yet pointless." I say in a sing song voice.
"There's no such thing as pointless interior in the Capitol." Cinna points over to a big mirror with a mini platform just in front. I'm guessing he wants me to stand there. I wait on the platform while Cinna disappears into a closet to get my costume. I hope it's not anything like the tributes from last year. They were dressed as canaries that are brought down into the mines, used to indicate dangerous gases. I can only imagine the embarrassment of having to stand and wave to the crowd as a big, fluffy yellow bird.
Cinna walks back in, holding my costume on a hanger with a cover zipped over it. Strangely, I'm quite intrigued to see what I'll be wearing, seeing as I'm not particularly interested in fashion.
"You ready to see your outfit?" he asks.
"Oh, spare me the drama will you Cinna."
"Don't pretend you're not even a little bit excited." He says pointing a finger at me. He unzips the covering and reveals the dress. I raise my eyebrows and I'm honestly quite stunned. "Cinna, I-"
"If you don't like it, I can always make some last minute alterations but-"
"No!" I shout, cutting him off. Recovering from my outburst, I quickly calm my tone: "I love it, it's perfect. Please, don't change it."
Cinna looks relieved and a satisfied smile sits on his face. "You were easier to please that I thought you would be."
"Why does everyone seem to think I'm some sort of scrooge? Honestly!"

About an hour later, I'm stood in front of the mirror in one of the most extraordinary dresses that I've ever had the pleasure of seeing, let alone wearing. It's a jet black, sleeveless play suit which ends at my thighs; the torso is made of fine silk with a skirt that connects to my waist. trailing behind me, and leaving my legs exposed. The skirt itself is encrusted with deep red jewels which seem to glint in every movement. The straps of my black heels are wrapped up to my lower thighs and thankfully, I've gained some height. Some glitter is added to my hair and my curls have been stylishly pinned back into a loose bun. A few curls are left to rest beside my face which is then complimented by a swirling crown, giving the effect of flames dancing on my head. Cinna applies a glittery gold eyeshadow, adding a black shadow on top to give me a smoky eye look. It is then topped off by a small amount of mascara to bring out my eyes and some blusher to give my cheeks a flourish. Cinna steps back to admire his work.
"Wow, Cinna I don't know what to say I-"
"Then don't say anything at all. In fact, twirl for me." Cinna replies.
I smile at him before stepping carefully off of the platform and give him a little twirl.
"There's no need to make you recognisable since everyone already knows the Girl on fire's daughter; all the attention will be on you I expect. You look gorgeous! And might I add, you and your mother both have fantastic, healthy hair! Now for the finishing touch." He says, taking a bracelet out of his pocket. "Now, the dress has some special effects." He slides bracelet made out of black pearls onto my wrist. "This is what triggers the effect" he says as he points to the only red pearl.
"What are the effects?" I ask.
"I think you already have some idea, just with a few changes."
Great. I'm guessing I'll be replicating my mother's flamed costumes.
"It's a bit over used don't you think?"
"Yes, but that's why I've changed it up." He says.
I give him a look showing I'm not keen.
"You'll just need to trust me Willow, it's not like your mother's dress, I promise. To say it'll draw attention would be an understatement."
"I swear if I'm a burnt piece of toast-" I mutter as we start to make our way to the door. Me wearing flames would be like déjà vu, and nobody wants to see something old, everyone wants the newest trends which I'll need, especially if I'm hoping to win over some sponsors.

I reach the chariot and Reuben is already there. He has a similar costume to me, only his is a tight, sleeveless body suit, complimented with a cape, encrusted with deep red jewels, attached to his shoulders. He's wearing the same sort of crown, just a tad manlier, however, only I seem to be wearing the trigger for the effects. The glitter in his dark hair twinkles as he futily tries to tame his stray curls. Noticing my presence, he speaks. "So, would I be correct in saying that the colour of your costume represents the darkness of your soul?"
"If this is how you make friends, I'm certainly surprised that the whole of 12 wasn't clinging to your leg, begging for your friendship." I reply sarcastically.
"The fame was too much; I had to distance myself if I was ever to lead a normal life." He says, throwing his hand over his face in a dramatic manor.
"How truly heart-breaking." I say as I start to walk away, towards the horses attached to our chariot.
Ruben follows behind me. "It truly is a shame...but be thankful of how lucky you are to spend time with someone as breath-taking as myself."
I scoff. "The only thing that's breath-taking is that suit of yours. I'm surprised you can breathe it looks so tight."
He places his hands on his hips defensively. "It's very comfortable actually, not to mention stylish."
"Well I hate to break it to you but, you look like an evil ballerina."
"Perhaps I enjoy looking like an evil ballerina." he says as he begins to twirl.
"Oh dear god..." I moan. I place my hand under the horse's head and with the other hand, gently stroke its face. "Not only are you annoying, but you're an embarrassment too."
He puts his arm over my shoulder and squeezes my cheek. "Oh don't be such a grouch; it's only a bit of banter." He says mockingly.
"Oh get off me will you." I say as I shove him away. "Why don't you go antagonise the other tributes? You could literally annoy them to death which is quite a lethal weapon to possess."
"I'd like to think my most lethal weapon is my rapier wit." He says as he leans his arm up against the horse gently petting it. His bare arms look visibly muscular and I wonder if he's trying to subtly show off.
"Gee golly Reuben, you're so witty and handsome, I think I may just drop dead on the spot!" I reply sarcastically.
Just then, Cinna and Reuben's main stylist, Dior, walk over to us. "It's time." Says Cinna, "Are you ready?"
We nod, and so Cinna beckons for us to climb onto the chariot and I'm the first to get on except, I can't quite get my foot up. Blunderingly, I ask Cinna: "Is there a step ladder or something that I can use? I can't quite reach..."
"No need." Says Reuben. And without warning, he grabs onto my waist and I let out a small yelp in surprise. I don't even have time to protest as he hoists me up onto the chariot.
"I suggest you grow some longer legs. Might be useful in the arena." He says, climbing up next to me.
I give him a shove for that comment.
It seems that I don't know my own strengths as my push sends Reuben falling off of the chariot. I try to grab for him as he falls but I miss, leaving Reuben sprawled out on the floor. My eyes grow wide with amusement and its Reuben's startled expression that makes me laugh. Cinna and Dior laugh too. "I'm so sorry; I didn't actually mean to push you so hard!" I say, trying to conceal my laughter.
"Somehow, I find that very hard to believe." He says, laughing as his stylist helps him up. "On the bright side, I managed to make you laugh." He says, looking very proud of himself.
"You make it sound as if it's an impossible task." I say defensively, "I laugh all the time."
He climbs back up to my side and gives me an exasperated look. "You're literally the president of the no-fun club."
"Don't make me push you again." I threaten, but Reuben merely laughs.
My skirt and Reuben's cape hang off the edge of the chariot and we're told to stand up straight, with our chins up.
"I want you to be fierce; no waving, smiling, be almost…pretentious; act as if this whole event is beneath you, because you're going to blow everyone away, almost literally."
"Almost literally, wait- what do you mean?" I say with concern.
Cinna steps back chuckling.
"C-Cinna?!"
"You're all set to go." Says Dior, "We'll be waiting here for you at the end."
"And don't forget to trigger the effects!" Adds Cinna.
"Effects?" asks Rueben, his face lighting up.

Suddenly the opening music begins and the massive doors slide open. I wasn't at all nervous...until now. I feel a lump in my throat as I see District 1's chariot roll out, led by their snowy white horses. I watch as the other chariots roll out and my nerves only seem to be building up. Before I know it, it's our turn and the sound of the delighted crowd is almost deafening as we reach the doors, ready to start our parade down to the city circle. Overwhelmed by enormity of the event, my hand finds Reuben's arm and I cling onto him for dear life. I look at him in alarm and in return, he gives me a warm smile, taking my hand in his.
"You'd better be taking me out to dinner after this you little flirt." He jokes.
"Just shut up and hold my hand before I fall you idiot." I strain, doing my best to conceal my fear. As expected, the attention is drawn onto us like a magnet, and I am crippled by fear. I look up at the big broadcasting screens: Rueben is doing exactly as Cinna and Dior asked and looks absolutely breath-taking. Me on the other hand, I look like a deer caught in headlights.
"Focus on something other than the crowd, it helps me." Mutters Reuben.
I suck in a breath and my eyes search for something to focus on, something that'll make me feel angry and fierce…President Snow. I fix my gaze on him and already I feel the anger arising.
How dare he subject us all to this fate, how dare he work the Districts to the bone without an inch of reward let alone the basic necessity of food, how dare he condemn all who live under him to a certain fatalistic death while he sits comfortably on his undeserving arse, being waited on hand and foot. President Snow wants a show? I'll give him a show. I will win these games and I will do everything in my power afterwards to ensure his death, and that his death will be so agonizingly painful, he'll beg me to end it quickly.
"What do you say Reuben, shall we give these people something more to cheer for?"

"You know me, I do love a bit of attention."
"Of course you do." I say. Without further ado, I activate the effects and at first, nothing happens. I look at Reuben very perplexed. Then suddenly I see sparks flying wildly off of our crowns, crackling as it does so. I see that television screen has switched its focus to us along with the crowd as our unexpected effects begin. Gradually, the sparks work its way down and our torsos begin to light up, giving the effect of glowing embers and burning coal. It doesn't stop there, smoke starts to run down my skirt and Reuben's cape, leaving a trail of dark, smoky clouds behind us. The crowd start to cheer for us, waving and begging for our attention, however we remain complacent. Bloody hell Cinna, I think. I look again at the television screen and I must admit, we look very striking.
Suddenly, a large explosion is heard behind us and everyone turns to look in shock. Many gasp and the crowd falls silent at the marvel of what our costumes have left behind.
Mine explosions. Genius!
Another goes off which starts up the crowd again; clapping wildly, chanting our names, throwing us flowers, confetti, and even some underwear! I see Reuben wink in the direction of some girls and they go absolutely wild. I'm pretty sure I see one of the girl's faint.
Boom! Another explosion! We're the centre of attention. We bring our interlocked hands up into the air in triumph, proudly and confidently showing off our costumes. I can only imagine how jealous the other tributes must be of us, hogging all of the attention and air time.

Finally, we reach the city circle and the music concludes. President Snow steps forwards to give the traditional welcoming speech. I catch mine and Reuben's faces on the screen and we've evidently been given excessive air time. Cinna has once again, worked his magic and made us stand out. He came back with a bang...literally.

I smirk as we parade around the city circle one last time before heading back to the training centre, and the doors close behind us. I squeeze Reuben's hand and flash him a smile as if to congratulate him on his personal performance, and he squeezes back. Not a moment sooner we are bombarded by our prep team singing our praises. I look around to see the other tributes staring at us with cold, hard envy. Not only have we gained some sponsors tonight, but I believe we may have also gained a few enemies.

Author's note:

Hey, hey, hey! I've totally not been writing this instead of doing my homework…pfft. I'vr had exams all week and my last one is tomorrow! (until christmas ugh)
I added in quite a lot of dialogue for once which I'm not usually good at so I hope that turned out well lol...
Personally, I thought the costume effects were pretty badass, I wonder who thought of them…*cough cough*
I don't know about you but I'm really starting ship Willow and Reuben, is that a thing? Can a writer fangirl and ship her own characters, especially so early on?
Anyways, thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it aaand I can't wait to release the next chapter! Although, after chapter 7 the updates me be a little slower because of college but yeah (I'm very impatient lol)

I always appreciate comments, advice, or future chapter ideas so please don't hesitate to drop me a message, etc!

Thanks again!

-Liv