Hey my lovelies, had a bit of a busy few days so this update is a little later than originally anticipated and for that I really do apologise but hey… It's not everyday that you finish university and have to party HARD in celebration, but hey now that I've finished university I actually have some time in order to write and start churning chapters out like SUPER quick; this chapter is a little more reflection from tributes, maybe a mentor, and then we're heading to the Remake Centre so…. Yeah, Chariot Rides soon, but I also think I'm going to have some small things thrown in… Like a mixer ball for Victors which will be after the Tribute Parade which will be attended by Miss Rosalinde Snow herself… :D
Clorisa Orielle, District 11.
I keep running my fingers over the small leather band which is tied around my wrist, the musical note etched into it puts a smile on my face; before I was reaped to participate in the Hunger Games I was constantly bullied for something I couldn't control and the one luxury I ever had was music. See, whenever you haunt the streets of District 11 you hear the soft sound of the Mockingjay's song; they were the only one's that acknowledged me, spoke to me: If I ever had spare time from my job boxing the produce of our orchards I would sit in the meadow near my house and just sit and sing to the peculiar birds, a volley of my soulful voice and their imitation; I could happily spend all my time in that meadow. Content and for that one moment, feeling as though I belonged.
The irony of the whole situation is that I'm finding acceptance, but the cost of it is that I am being thrown into an arena to fight for my life with 23 others: Practically a death sentence but I am determined to enjoy the experience; having spent a majority of my life being abused and ignored. This is my one moment to step into the spotlight, for the attention to be on me and for people to listen to what I have to say; to be the 'shining star' my father has told me I am ever since I was a little girl.
'Clo, how're you doing?' Nicholas is a nice boy, sweet and he seems genuinely kind but I know that it could all just be a ruse to fool me; I know that is a tactic that some bullies like to use but I don't want to confront him about it, and I know from experience that confrontation will only ever get me hurt: My ribs are still bruised from my encounter with the Peacekeeper, and Nic is also larger than me and I'm sure that he is every bit as capable when it comes to beating me and seeing as we're tributes in the 62nd Hunger Games: Killing me if I aggravate him. But at the same time everybody on this train is being nothing but nice, trying to make me feel comfortable in a world where I've only ever felt victimised and lonely. Not answering his question would be very rude; and I can't afford to make enemies before the arena, and even then I have no clue as to how I'm supposed to win.
'Very well thank you, yourself?' My voice is as soft as always and I can't bring myself to look into his eyes but I catch the smile that graces his feline like features; it is nice to be able to make somebody smile seeing as most people prefer to leer or grimace when I pass them or try to talk to them, Nic isn't like everybody else: I've never seen him around the District and I'm thankful that he isn't aware of my status as a 'retard' seeing as we're probably going to be allies within the arena, from what he has said his parents are advisors to the Mayor so they have money hence why I haven't seen him around.
'I'm as good as I can be, would you like to accompany me to breakfast?' he offers me his arm, it's such a gentlemanly gesture that I feel as though I've steeped into another world, another life: A world where there is no Hunger Games, a life where men offer their arms and take women's coats like in the stories my grandmother used to tell. This gesture also seems alien; nobody has ever invited me to accompany them anywhere, or treated me with such hospitability. I link my arm through his and smile warmly, he beams back and I think that I may actually have made my first friend.
'After you then Nic' it is rather unsettling that I seem to be talking so much, I'm the quiet, timid girl who tries to avoid any form of social interaction but on the other hand I may only have a few days left to live and I cannot allow myself to be scared of what will happen because the horrible truth is that 23 other children in that arena want me dead; Plus, it's nice to just sit and talk to people rather than the Mockingjay's who've been my sole friends for so long. We walk into the dining compartment to the sound of Seeder's warm laughter and Chaff dancing around the room, my giggle and Nic's chuckle alert them to out presence; Chaff blushes and hastily takes a seat and scowls: He has been trying to be the bad cop but he is just a perpetually happy, optimistic person that the façade crumbled almost as soon as we met him; Seeder is kind and nurturing and in all honesty I'm so glad they are our mentors.
'Good morning, you two' Seeder rushes forward to embrace us and however stupid it sounds I feel safe and as if nothing could hurt me, even the Hunger Games; I return her hug, holding on longer then usual as if trying to tell her how thankful I still am for her helping me yesterday with the Peacekeeper plus I want to hold onto the sense of comfort and stability the older woman radiates. She leads us to the table and hands us plates heaped with food, so much that it could feed my entire family for a week: fresh fruit, toasted bread with an assortment, mango juice and then bacon, eggs and anything else one could ever imagine. I drink some join and nibble on some toast, savouring the flavours and being careful not to repeat my mistake from last night: My stomach isn't used to too much food, but yesterday I gorged myself on the rich cuisine of the Capitol and ended up vomiting it everywhere.
'So, today we're talking strategy.' Chaff is glaring at me and Nic, and I can feel my district partner fidgeting in discomfort but I can tell that Chaff isn't genuinely nasty, his brown eyes are too warm to ever be cruel. I just stare at him, he stares back and I give him what I hope to be a tentative smile which he returns after a nudge from Seeder, however strange it sounds she treats him like a child. He clears his throat.
'Now we need to know your strengths, or would you like to be trained separately?' I look to Nic, this is the point when he has to decide if he wants to ally with me or just abandon me: I wouldn't judge him if he decided to try and find different allies because he seems strong and faces a good chance of winning, especially in comparison to me: emaciated to the point of malnutrition, weak.
'Well, I don't object to work with Clorisa but I can't speak for the both of us.' He looks at me, and I am shocked: I can't recall ever being asked my opinion, ever being the person to reject someone and in all honesty I feel uncomfortable; I have been talking a bit more but this change is a little more drastic. I just nod my head, I can feel myself sliding back into my shell; Seeder must of sensed my withdrawal as she reached over to place her hand on my shoulder and smile that warm smile of hers.
'It's good your allies Clorisa, you'll both survive longer. Maybe you'd like to start with your strengths.' I smile at Seeder, how am I meant to tell them that I have no skills whatsoever? I'm more of a survivor than a fighter, and I barely survive; I look into everyone's face: Seeder's encouraging smile, Chaff's curious expression and the contemplative curl of Nic's lips.
'I can't do anything, I'm sorry Nic.' I sound pathetic, why would Nic want me as an ally? He has been acting as though he is my friend, and if I were his true friend I would tell him I couldn't be his ally; I'd only hold him back and ensure his untimely demise but before I can open my mouth he just smiles.
'Well it seems we both have a lot to learn Clo, because I can't do anything either. We're in the same boat.' And there he goes again, he is so nice and I'm glad that I've been able to meet Nic; I've never had a friend, but I can tell he is the best friend I could have ever asked for. It's just a shame that he will have to die if I get to live and vice versa, it truly is a tragedy that our friendship will only be short lived but I can only be grateful that I've been allowed to taste the sweetness of friendship.
Asher Blackwood, District 7.
I am sitting alone at the breakfast table, eating all this luxury food and for once I am seeing the bright side regarding the Hunger Games; it truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and yes the whole gladiatorial concept is a bit of a downer but the gourmet food, the luxurious furnishings and I'm going to be seeing the Capitol: the city that never sleeps, the city of bright lights and well I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't excited to see the place with my own eyes even if I am revolted by their nonchalant attitude to the 23 imminent deaths; but I would also be lying if I said I wouldn't prefer to be back homes, working at the lumber yard and spending time with Ardis.
I eat my bacon and I'm really confused as to where the rest of the District 7 entourage is: I haven't seen Harmony since Sera threatened to beat her up, Sera herself has disappeared but when I walked past her door I heard things smashing and if I wasn't mistake: her crying, and as for Blight he just went to his room mumbling about 'angles' and 'spitfires' and I'm pretty sure the second was about my ever-so-charming district partner; see, I'm not fooled by her fiery attitude and I think she might be a softie underneath but I really doubt that I'll ever have a chance to see it seeing as she is so determined to keep everybody at arms length; which is a great shame as I can't doubt that she would be a formidable ally.
BANG! What? I hear a stream of extreme cuss words which I would never say in front of my mother and the only person I would suspect of knowing such foul language would be Sera, and I actually laugh; a hearty laugh, even though my circumstance is one more associated with trembling in fear: It's just it seems so out of place, such vile language from someone who appears so delicate. I stop laughing when Sera bursts into the room with a face like thunder; I'm actually scared to look directly into her eyes because with the glare marring her feminine features because I might actually turn to stone.
'What are you laughing at?' She raises her eyebrow and folds her arm and despite her petite physique, this girl just oozes danger and I don't want to be on the receiving end of her bad temper; I mean, she bashed up Blight's wrist pretty bad. She begins to tap her foot, her jaw clenching and her wide, blue eyes narrow: she's obviously expecting an answer and I do not want to get on her wrong side.
'Well, your potty mouth actually. You should try and cut back on the foul language, it won't help with sponsors.' She looks shocked, there is no other way to describe it; her jaw may have actually hit the floor and then BAM, she transforms before my very eyes. Her eyes widen, making her appear innocent and sweet when I know she is anything but, she smiles and it lights up her whole face; she defines feminine beauty and she flutters over to me before pecking me on the cheek. Did I hit my head?
'Oh Asher, you're just too funny.' She flutters her eyelashes and strokes my arm, I am seriously considering that I'm experiencing a very flamboyant hallucination because I know that Seraphine Connolly is anything but this sweet, innocent girl I see before my eyes: But it is too believable, I knew she was hiding this soft side somewhere and I'm glad she has showed it to me. I give her a small smile, maybe she'll reconsider my offer of an alliance now but I've spoken too soon, she snaked her arm around my neck and next thing I know my head is pinned to the table and my arm twisted behind my back and Sera is hissing in my ear, her voice laced with venom.
'Now Asher, I've already said I'll be able to smile when times be. I did promise the Capitol a good show after all, didn't I? I mean I'll play the part that they want: I'll smile and blow kisses in the Chariot Rides, get an alright training score and during my interview I'll epitomise charm, flutter my eyelashes and laugh daintily and then when I get into the arena I'll eliminate all my competition.' Oh my, she really is fierce and I have no doubts that if I encountered her in the arena she could take me down without batting an eyelid; I mean I'm quite modest but I know I could do some damage with an axe but head-to-head with Sera I'm pretty sure she could kill me with a toothpick. And as for making her my ally, well that idea has truly disappeared down the drain. The pressure disappears from my arm and when I lift my head I see Sera has taken a seat opposite of me and yes, however much it may compromise my masculinity I am not afraid to admit that she scares me a little bit.
'Now Asher, I'm sorry for being mean. Plus, I'm going to say this once so listen: I don't want to be some crazed bitch but I want to win and for that to happen I can't go around smiling and being friendly; the shit thing in this whole situation is that you're a nice person and you don't deserve any of it and it pisses me off okay? Right, if we weren't about to be thrown into some fucked up death match I could actually tolerate you and your obscene optimism and that is why I can't be spending too much time around you. I've lost too many people already and I point blank refuse to let the Capitol take someone else I love away from me, and you with your happy-go-lucky thing, it may seem suck uppy but it's damn loveable.' Okay, I'm falling back onto the head injury theory; that seemed well kind of vulnerable for Sera and I can understand her and I sympathise: I don't want to see anybody die in that arena and it would be a hundred times worse if I liked those people.
'I understand Sera, I really do. It is an awful situation and even I am struggling to see the bright side in all of this; I'm sorry if I've made it more awkward for you. I'll really try to be less 'damn loveable'' I just grin, we aren't necessarily 'best friends', but I think we have a mutual understanding between the two of us; but she grimaces and shakes her head before reaching out and jabbing me in the arm, not as aggressively: I think that it is the best type of affection I'll ever get from her and I risk giving her a light tap in return which brings a genuine smile to her face and shockingly it makes her appear different: Like the innocent beauty I know her to be, a girl who hasn't hardened to the world. She stands up and moves toward the door, before turning.
'Asher, you're a great guy but if you want to go far you need to remember… Don't trust one single person in that arena, because it really is your life on the line.' I nod my head, however optimistic I am I know that everyone will be trying to kill me and I won't be trusting a single soul in the arena; except maybe Sera, because I know she isn't as hard faced as she would have you believe.
Ruby Ashford, District 1.
'I heard that it glitters like a rainbow, and it really is the epitome of couture and culture and the fashions are just mind-blowingly awesome and everything would be so fabulous and I'm just so excited…' I try to tune out his annoying yelp of a voice but sometimes it gets too hard and gives me a God awful headache; so I decide to imagine the various ways I'll kill the nuisance, it's always changing but there is one certainty: I'll be sure to cut out his tongue, shutting the insufferable boy up, once and for all. But now is not the time to indulge in violence and for now I have to tolerate Mister Spinoza, but his time is coming and I can already feel the warmth slick of his blood coating my hands; maybe I'll gouge his eyes out with my bare hands, that'd be very bloody but also very fun.
'What do you think Rubs?' Oh, so he is still trying to make that vile nickname catch on? I swear that boy is trying to provoke me into murdering him before the games, whether or not he is doing it knowingly is not my concern; but I can rise above it because I am Ruby Ashford, the best of the best and I will not let some harmless fool get the better of me. He is not a perceivable threat whatsoever seeing as his own Mentor, Sheen whatever her name is, has given up on him already and we're not even in the arena yet; it really does seem as though victory is being handed to me on a plate. Admittedly there a few to keep my eye on: The girls from 2 and 7 and the boys from 4 and 8 but I've got my little puppy Nicoli to take care of those, I won't even break a sweat. So, even though I hate the idea I'm going to have to play nice with my pathetic district partner: For now, anyway.
'Well Nikki, it will be fabulous and we will definitely be the stars of the show… Imagine how great I'll look in the Chariot Ride dress? And you'll look great too of course; I mean we're representing District 1 after all.' He smiles at me and just stares out of the window, waiting to see the 'promised land' or whatever he calls the Capitol: He seems too desperate and everybody knows that desperation is weakness, and dearest Nikki is one hell of a weak link. I catch Platinum's eye and roll my eyes, after giving him my most alluring smile of course; I mean Platinum has definitely improved in the bedroom and I have the Capitol and all their little whores for that, he nods towards the door: Does he want me again already? His sex drive is through the roof nowadays, but I don't mind because not only is it pretty entertaining but every touch is helping me sink my claws further into him both physically and mentally.
'Well Nikki, seems like Platinum wants a quick strategy meeting so I'm going to have to go but we'll definitely be getting together later and having a little chit chat.' I give him the customary hug and air kiss and trail out after Platinum, not before hearing Sheen's muttered 'whore' that woman is practically green with envy and I seriously pity her, especially when I compare her to me. Platinum pins me against the wall as soon as the door closes behind me and well then we get down to business. Once I'm ensconced in post-coital bliss Platinum decides to actually try and mentor me.
'So, which one are you seducing?' That is an important, which lucky tribute will be my little consort within the arena: I eliminated 2 after seeing the girlfriend crying on the reaping replay and well Nikki, I don't think he plays on my team so that leaves Kai from 4. I could have gotten worse in all honesty seeing that he is rather attractive and could have held my attention and become one of my little lackeys back home but he's going to have to die.
'4, although you know I'll only be thinking of you whenever he touches me.' I know that statement is probably not true but it is essential to pamper Platinum's ego, he is the one who'll be negotiating my sponsorships and such so I need to stay in his good graces, until I win at least; he starts to prattle off about bloodbath strategy and everything but I just tune him out: I know what I'll do in the arena, viciously kill anyone who crosses my path, poison the other careers and torture anyone who is stupid or brave enough to try and cross me.
'Oh Platinum, I need to go. We'll be the Capitol soon and I need to go and meet my many admirers.' I kiss his cheek, pull on the red silk number I chose earlier and re entered the compartment, Sheen and Nicoli seem to be having a conversation but stop as soon as I come in; respect for my presence most likely, and Nicoli runs up to me like the puppy he is and gives me a hug.
'Darling, we're almost there. I'm so excited why aren't you as excited am I am?' He pouts; literally pouts and I have to restrain myself from pouncing on him and tearing those feminine lips from his face but I just plaster a smile on his face and act as enthusiastic as possible, before rushing to the window as the Capitol comes into sight: Everyone speaks of its beauty and how it shines like the most ravishing diamond and there words are completely true; The sky scrapers glitter all the colours of the rainbow and the pathways seem to be laden with diamonds and any other precious stone I could name and the people: eccentric but they all have a shine to them, although their beauty doesn't compare to my own they do scrub up nicely with their dyed skin and their cosmetic enhancements.
'Beautiful' for once Nicoli seems lost for words and I really don't blame him, and for the first time I find myself agreeing with my puppy: although this place seems so much more than beautiful, it is breath taking and its beauty almost rivals my own; I raise my hand and wave demurely to the crowd while smirking: I'm already playing the game, I am the seductive yet enigmatic girl. Nicoli just seems to be waving like some deranged monkey, not an angle I've ever seen before; but it makes me look better I suppose, I mean he should be more dignified and close his mouth because it seriously looks as though he is catching flies. They are going wild, and it's all me for me and I would be a bare faced liar if I said I wasn't enjoying every moment of it. Now that we've reached the Capitol the show begins and I have to ensure that I'm the own crowned Victor; they say that 24 hearts go in beating and only one comes out, well it'll be mine whatever it takes: As I once said deceit is one of my best friends and just like my sexuality that will one of my most powerful weapons and those other 23 invalids won't know what hit them.
Just as we're departing the train I bump into a devastatingly beautiful woman and I automatically want to scratch her eyes out because it is very rare that I encounter someone who is deemed as beautiful as I am and in many peoples eyes even more devastatingly gorgeous; why? This is Rosalinde Snow, and potentially a very affluent sponsor so I rearrange my features into a glowing smile. But before I can speak my gormless district partner opens his mouth and destroys any chance of the President's daughter ever sponsoring me.
'You're R-Rosa Snow, oh my goodness…You're a style icon and just completely fabulous. I've seen you perform the Nutcracker so many times…And little Blossom truly is an angel, she's just divine.' Before I can rip out his throat I notice Rosalinde smiling and she actually places her hand on his shoulder, well maybe Nicoli isn't so useless after all; if he can get someone as prominent as Miss Snow to sponsor us than maybe he will be a very useful ally to have.
'Thank you, and I'd love to able to talk to you some more but I have to speak to Sheen and it's rather important.' She actually hugs Nicoli, and then brushes past us to enter the train; Nicoli is in a state of shock and I have to drag him towards the Remake Centre; the flashing lights are blinding me and whereas usually I'd love to pose and answer all their questions I have another puzzle posed to me by Mister Spinoza: He has this likeable quality about him just like the puppy I describe him as, and if he impresses everyone like he seems to have impressed Rosalinde, well he'll be flooded by sponsors and well it would be stupid of me to turn on him too quickly.
'So, Nikki: How excited are you? I'm so excited about it all… And Rosalinde Snow really seemed to like you Nikki, it'll be fabulous if you actually get to speak to her. I heard that sometimes she sponsors people, you could be one of the lucky few.'
OKAY! I admit the chapter is a bit like CRAPPY! But I got writer's block which is actually uber rare but I think its okay and next we're on to the Remake Centre; but remember to REVIEW! And I'll update tomorrow again hopefully… Anyone you want to see let me know! And let me know what you're thinking of these tributes…
Loves Yah, Lawrence xxx