A/N: I'm sorry this took so long to update, it's just that it took me a long time to write it as you can probably tell… so I'll make this short. This is the part where they meet their stylists/prep team and they have the parade (and meet the other Careers briefly)… did I fail to mention the aftermath of the parade? Well I included that too…
Disclaimer: I don't own the Hunger Games, but I did come up with the book 1,000 Ways to Kill Someone with a Knife (will be explained later) and I don't own Dr. Martens.
So on with the chapter! Enjoy it and don't forget to review! They make me happy(:
Chapter 3:
~Clove's POV~
"Clove, this is your prep team, Marina, Setanya, and Edius," Enobaria announces.
"Hello!" my prep team exclaims with their heavy Capitol accents.
My prep team looks like normal Capitol people. Marina has dyed her skin a sky blue color and is covered with black tattoos, which look good against her blue skin. Setanya is a heavier woman dyed a pale pink color with gold tattoos. Edius is more normal with pale orange skin, and navy blue tattoos.
I can't believe I'm in the Remake Center! I love Capitol people! In addition, I can't wait to see them after the Games! Or not depending on my relationship with Cato…
"Since you're from District 2, we shouldn't have to do that much work, but we need to inspect you." Marina says.
I take my dress off so that they could inspect the amount of hair on my body.
"We're going to need you to lay down." Setanya declares.
I lay down on the table while Marina greases me down for waxing.
"You're actually really good. We hardly have to work on your hair. Just your legs and eyebrows." Edius announces.
"I forgot to shave the day before the reaping and I was supposed to get my eyebrows done today." I state.
"Well that's perfect!" Marina exclaims.
While my prep team waxes my legs, threads my eyebrows, and removes layers of dead skin, I think of the Games. I know that I'm going to win for sure… I mean, my mom bought me the book 1,000 Ways to Kill Someone with a Knife for my twelfth birthday, and I memorized all 1,000 ways… but my victory would mean Cato's death and I wouldn't be able to go on without him.
"So Clove, are you confident that you are going to win?" Setanya asks while threading my eyebrows.
"Of course! For my twelfth birthday, my mom bought me a book titled 1,000 Ways to Kill Someone with a Knife and I memorized the entire book! Not to mention, I'm the best knife thrower in my training class." I say confidently.
"Wow… I'd bet on you if it was allowed." Edius announces.
I give Edius my signature cocky smile.
"You're all done! Your nails look great and you look flawless!" Marina announces.
"Let's call Lolo! She will be your stylist." Setanya says to me.
My prep team rushes off and I put a robe on.
Lolo walks through the door and she hardly looks like a Capitol person! She has short, curly brown hair and bright blue eyes. The only thing that makes her look like a Capitol person is the star tattoo on her wrist.
"Hello there Clove, I'm Lolo, your new stylist." Lolo introduces.
"Nice to meet you," I say politely.
I shake her hand.
"Do you mind taking off your robe for just a second?" she asks.
"Of course."
I take off my robe and let it hit the ground. Lolo circles around me, inspecting my body with her eyes.
"You can put your robe back on and have a seat."
I put my robe back on and have a seat on the couch. Lolo presses the button next to her couch and a gourmet meal appears. Rotisserie chicken sided with mash potatoes and a fresh roll of Capitol bread. A shredded caeser salad mixed with chopped vegetables and garlic croutons. And for dessert, my personal favorite, chocolate pudding. All of this, for lunch… I start to dig in.
"You must be loving this…" Lolo infers.
"Oh, I am! The Capitol is beautiful!" I rave.
"Anyway, we all know that for the parade, you have to wear something that signifies your district's main industry…" Lolo begins.
"Uh huh…"
"And since District 2 specializes in stone mining, we have decided to turn you into District 2!"
"So from stone, you can get a whole district?"
"No silly, just the buildings! You and Cato will look like the main road of District 2 mixed with that you see when you picture the Capitol in your head."
"So basically you're turning Cato and I into skyscrapers?"
"Exactly!"
Ok. I don't know how I feel about being turned into a bunch of buildings… yeah sure I love them, but being them? At least it's better than whatever District 12 has to wear…
~Cato's POV~
"Come on Cato, it's time to meet your stylist!" Brutus announces.
Brutus leads me into a room where I will meet your stylist.
"Cato, this is Manus, and he will be your stylist." Brutus says.
"Hello Cato," Manus says.
"Hi," I reply.
"I'm going to leave you two alone," Brutus says before leaving the room.
"How shall we begin?" Manus asks.
"I don't know." I answer.
"Take your clothes off," Manus commands.
I do exactly as Manus says. I stand there in only my underwear while he inspects my body.
"A handsome one this year… nice abs." Manus compliments.
"Thanks," I reply with uncertainty.
"Have a seat."
I put my clothes on and sit on a chair.
"So Cato, how are you liking the Capitol?" he asks.
"It's nice."
"And do you think you're going to win the games?"
"Of course! I'm the best spear thrower in my training class."
"Wow… my money would be on you if it was allowed."
"Mine would be on Clove."
"And why is that?"
"Because she is going to win."
"But you said that-"
"Forget what I said! I'm going to sacrifice my life for Clove because I love her!"
"You what?"
"I LOVE CLOVE FLARE WITH EVERY BIT OF MY HEART!" I announce to Manus, and whoever else can her me shout.
"Well does she love you too?"
"Of course! We just got together."
"On the train?"
"Yes on the train."
"Well with that being said, what do you think you're wearing for the parade?"
"Clothes."
"Yes I know that, but for what industry?"
"Stone of course! I'm from District 2!"
"And what does stone turn into?"
"Buildings, I know."
"Which is why Lolo and I are going to turn you and Clove into buildings!"
"Are you serious?"
"Very."
So Clove and I are being turned into buildings… great.
"Here is your outfit."
He hands me a pair of pants. I also receive a belt with buildings on it.
"Where's my shirt?" I ask.
"Oh, you don't need one, you'll be shirtless."
"What about the building part? A belt isn't enough."
"You're getting a body tattoo of buildings."
"It's temporary right?"
"Of course."
Manus is freaking me out. First, he calls me handsome, then he wants me to be shirtless for the parade… I'm scared to see what I'm wearing for the interviews…
I put my pants and belt on and show Manus.
"Ok… on with the tattoo! Lay down."
I lay down and think about Clove and the Games while I'm getting my tattoo. I know for sure that I'm sacrificing my life in the arena for Clove to life… and if she doesn't want me to, I'll just have to do it without her realizing… I love her too much to watch her die.
"All done," Manus announces.
I stand up and look in the mirror. I notice a red skyline across my torso that looks epic. It stands our against my skin and I cant wait for clove to see it… she will love it for sure because it looks like the Capitol. Manus also hands me a pair of what were once called Dr. Martens, but to me, they're just boots. They have a building on the tab to go with the theme.
"Let's go meet with the others…" Manus says.
Manus and I exit the room and head to the lobby to meet the others.
~Clove's POV~
"Here are your clothes for the parade," Lolo says.
I'm given a white strapless dress with pictures of black buildings. There is also a black belt with District 2 written on it in red. I change into it and look at Lolo.
"Very nice. Here is your headband and shoes."
I'm given a headband with three buildings attached to it. I also have knee-high boots with pictures of Capitol buildings. I put them on and Lolo gives me a necklace with a stone on it. After I put it on, it is time to meet with the others.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
When Cato and I get to the chariots, only District one is there. Meaning Glimmer and Marvel. I hear their conversation from a foot away.
"I'll be right back," I hear Marvel say.
"Okay then," Glimmer answers.
Glimmer turns around and looks like a cell phone case. She is spray painted silver and has rhinestones all over her. It makes sense though, district one does make the luxury items…
While she walks towards us, she bumps into me.
"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING GLITTER!" I snap.
"IT'S GLIMMER!" she snaps back.
"Whatever."
"AT LEAST I KNOW YOUR NAME CLOVE FLARE!"
Cato turns around to face us.
"What is going on here?" he asks.
Glimmer calms down…
"Nothing," she replies.
I give Cato the "more than nothing" look.
"You know Cato, your stylist was brilliant by having you get that tattoo. It goes with the theme and your belt. But the bad part is, it hides your hot abs." she says.
"Uh… thanks?" he answers.
"You look great too Clove. I like the style of the dress with the boots," she compliments.
"Thanks. You look amazing too! Super luxurious! The silver makes your eyes really stand out." I tell her.
"Thanks! Oh look… Marvel's back!"
I look past Glimmer and see another silver rhinestone cell phone case in boy version, which is Marvel.
"Hey guys," Marvel says.
"Hey Marvel," Cato replies.
"Where's everyone else?" I ask.
"On their way probably… I think we're supposed to arrive by district number… we're district one, you're district 2, and district 3 is just arriving now." Glimmer states.
I turn around and notice District 3. Just like district one, they are spray painted silver, but district 3 has wires coming out of them… as per usual.
"District 3 has bad stylists. They always wear the same thing every year," Glimmer says.
"Well I'd rather be silver with wires than wear whatever pathetic outfit district 12 has to wear," I admit.
"You got that right… my guess is that they'll wear ugly mining suits with black powder on their faces," Marvel tells us.
"Isn't that what they always do?" Cato asks.
"Yeah… but remember one year? They were naked and covered with black dust," Glimmer reminds us.
"If they do that again, I will kill someone before the Games even start. That was the worst ever. It can't get more pathetic than that…" I say.
"You got that right…" Marvel agrees.
"Look guys! District 4 is here!" Glimmer announces.
She waves and signals for them to come to us.
Together they look like a beach. The girl is the water, and he is the sand. She's wearing an ocean blue halter dress that has ruffles on the bottom to represent waves. Throughout the dress are numerous folds and drawings of waves. If you look closely, there's a boat in the middle. She also has a headband with a boat attached to it and a starfish bracelet. Not to mention blue flip-flops to complete the ocean look.
Shell, the boy, is wearing a tan T-shirt and beige pants. Attached to the T-shirt and pants are seashells all over. I'm laughing inside because Shell is covered in shells…
When the girl and Shell arrive, Glimmer is obviously the first one to speak.
"Hi guys! I'm Glimmer, and this is Marvel, Cato, and Clove," Glimmer introduces.
Does she think I can't say my own name or something? What is up with Glimmer?
"Hey! I'm Shell, and this is Aqua. We're cousins." Shell announces.
"You are?" Marvel asks.
"Yeah…" Aqua confirms.
"So what's our strategy?" Cato asks.
"Come on Cato bear, we just met! Strategies can wait!" Glimmer says to him.
CATO BEAR? Oh it's on Glimmer…
"Anyway… you two have brilliant stylists! You two look totally beachy and it's adorable!" I compliment.
Ha Glimmer… beat you to it this time… but I guess that I should let you have your fun before I kill you in the Games….
"I agree… The blue eyeshadow brings out your eyes and look great with your skin tone Aqua, and Shell, you look great too!" Glimmer states.
Kiss up.
"Thanks!" Aqua replies.
"Omg District 12 is here… they're wearing black unitards with capes and headpieces… oh god I can't take it anymore!" I announce.
"They're going to die anyway… but unitards? And capes? Do they fly to the mines or something?" Glimmer states.
"Just when we thought they couldn't get any more pathetic… they do it again!" Marvel says.
I'm starting to like Marvel as a person/friend/ally…
"It's like they ask not to get sponsors by dressing them for the parade…" Cato states.
"Everyone's getting into their chariots now… we'll see you later!" Shell announces.
"Bye!" we all say in unison.
We all turn our separate ways. Cato and I are helped onto our chariot and we see Glimmer and Marvel starting to head out. You can hear the roar of the crowd.
"Should we act in love?" I ask.
"No… let's just act like we love the people, not each other. Just smile, wave, and blow kisses." Cato answers.
"I'll give you your kisses later…" I say.
I notice Cato smile. "DISTRICT 2!" I hear being shouted. I hold my head up high, smile, and wave. I have been waiting for this moment since I was four… and it's finally here!
~Cato's POV~
Marvel and Shell are nice. Along with Aqua, but Glimmer? I don't think I trust her… she hit on me when we first met and wants everything here way… I'll ask Clove for her opinion on her later.
But now, I'm on a chariot with the love of my life in City Circle in front of hundreds of Capitol people.
Our chariot loops around and Clove is having the time of her life, smiling, waving, and blowing kisses… I want one of those kisses before I die for her!
I hear other districts being called. "DISTRICT 9!" "DISTRICT 10!" "DISTRICT 11!" "DISTRICT 12!"
When District 12 comes out, I am ready to kill someone. They're ON FIRE! LITERALLY! Can I just kill them now or-?
Our chariot stops at the President's mansion and President Snow welcomes everyone to the parade with a speech. When he's done speaking, our chariot loops around again for the last time and pulls us into the Training Center.
When Clove and I arrive, we reunite with Manus, Lolo, Brutus, and Enobaria.
"You guys were great!" Lolo says.
All I notice is Clove glaring at District 12. I start to as well because they upstaged us! I can't wait to kill them! I'll let Clove kill one of them too so that we're even.
"I take it that you two aren't in the best mood right now." Enobaria states.
"Gee. What gave that away?" Clove says sarcastically.
"I think it would be a good idea to get to our floor before somebody gets hurt." Brutus announces.
"Let's go you two," Manus commands.
Clove and I are taken to the elevator with the rest of the gang.
~Clove's POV~
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! WE WERE OUTSHONE BY 12! 12! IS THIS EVEN LEGAL? EVERYONE KNOWS THAT TWELVE IS A PATHETIC DISTRICT!
When the elevator stops on the second floor, Cato and I go mad.
"HOW COULD THEY OUTSHINE US?" I scream.
"THIS IS ALL WRONG! DISTRICT 2 IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN 12!" Cato shouts.
"CAN WE KILL THEM NOW OR-?"
"THAT'S IT! I KILL THE BOY, AND CLOVE, YOU CAN KILL THE GIRL."
I take a dish and smash it against the wall. Cato starts to do the same and later there are broken glasses, plates, bowls, and anything you can imagine. I was stopped when I pick up the TV in hopes of smashing it.
"CATO! CLOVE!" Amy shouts.
I put the TV down.
"Everyone can hear you!" Enobaria exclaims.
"We're friends with District 1 and they're feeling the same way. District 3 dies in the bloodbath and you know it." I announce.
"To your rooms… NOW!" Brutus commands.
I go into a bedroom and Cato follows me there.
"I still can't believe that we were outshone by 12... They lit their tributes on fire…. I thought your hot abs would've helped us beat 12..." I begin.
"Babe, we will kill them. I'm pissed too, don't get me wrong. I will kill the boy, and you can kill the girl… sound fair?" Cato replies.
"I'll save the best knife for her."
Cato smirks and leans into me. He kisses me passionately on the lips and we continue. Next thing we know it, we're in a full on steamy makeout session. Right when we're about to take it further, we hear a knock on the door.
Cato rolls off me and I get off the bed. I straighten out my dress and we answer the door.
"When I said to your rooms, I meant separate rooms." Brutus says.
"I know but-" Cato starts.
Brutus cuts him off, "Anyway, it's dinnertime, but you two have to clean up your mess before you eat."
Brutus turns away and walks. After a few steps, he turns around again.
"And Cato," Brutus begins.
"Yeah?" Cato asks.
"You have lipstick prints all over you." Brutus admits.
Cato turns to me and gives a look that says "do I really?" I giggle and blush because I'm the reason that he's covered in lipstick. I nod in approval. He goes into the bathroom to look in the mirror and returns after a few seconds.
"Wow Clove… I'm covered in your lip prints." Cato realizes.
"That's what you started." I reply.
"Oh really now?"
"You kissed me first. I just took it further."
"And almost having sex if Brutus didn't walk in…"
"You don't know how long I've been waiting for all of this…"
"Making out with me or being in the Games?"
"Both."
I kiss him lightly on the cheek and realize that all of my lipstick went to Cato's body.
"I'm going to start cleaning up our mess. You should wash off my lipstick and tattoo and meet me when you're done," I explain.
"Whatever you say babe," he replies.
I turn around and leave the room.
~Cato's POV~
Damn Clove Flare is a good kisser. I always imagined us making out, but without getting caught. Why does Brutus ruin everything? Doesn't he realize that I almost had sex? What is this?
I go to the bathroom and examine my body. Everywhere is a lip print from Clove. I realize that there are like 20 of them all over. Along with one on my cheek and three on my neck. Damn she's good. I wash myself and my tattoo comes off. I grab a forest green shirt and head to the living room.
"What happened in there?" Brutus asks us.
Clove and I exchange glances.
"Um…." Clove starts.
"We were-" I begin.
"Clean up. We'll discuss this when you're done," Enobaria says.
I sigh with relief and walk to where Clove is standing.
"We did a lot of damage," I state.
"Not only that, but they know," Clove replies.
"I kind of realized that…"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"Now help me. Pick up the giant pieces of glasses, plates, bowls, and whatever you find. We'll get an Avox to vacuum the smaller pieces."
I start to pick up the giant pieces of broken items.
"I still can't believe that we were upstaged by 12... And that we broke all of this stuff," Clove says and signals to the shattered pieces of items surrounding us.
"Yeah… let's clean up so that we can eat and continue where we left off without any interruptions." I reply.
Clove glares at Brutus.
I hastily pick up giant pieces of plates, bowls, glasses, and throw them out. Clove does the same and in a matter of minutes, we're done.
We go to the table and sit. An Avox comes with food and places it in front of us.
"Can you please vacuum the little pieces of glass and stuff we broke?" Clove asks the Avox.
The Avox nods and starts to vacuum.
"Will one of you explain what happened in that room? And why you Cato were covered in lipstick?" Brutus inquires.
"We were making out," Clove answers straight up.
"Would that also explain the hickey on your neck Clove?" Enobaria questions.
"MY WHAT? CATO! WHAT DID YOU DO?" Clove snaps at me.
"Oh… I see it now." I reply.
Clove leaves to check it out in the bathroom.
"Why did you do that?" Amy asks me.
"Do what?" I say.
"Make out with Clove."
"Because I love her."
Clove returns with anger in her eyes…
"CATO! WHY DID YOU DO THAT BEFORE TRAINING TOMORROW? GLIMMER IS GOING TO SAY SOMETHING AND BLAB IT OUT TO EVERYONE!" Clove says with fury.
Crap. I forgot we're seeing Glimmer tomorrow.
"How am I supposed to hide it?" Clove asks us.
"I have concealer. It will help hide it for the time you're in training," Lolo announces.
"Can I have it now? Training is tomorrow morning."
"When you're finished eating."
Clove sits back in her seat and begins to eat. I begin to eat as well.
~Clove's POV~
I can't believe I got a hickey from Cato. I mean like I kind of wanted one, but I hope the concealer helps… I can't throw knives when my hair is down.
I hope Glimmer doesn't notice it… surely she'd be the first one to spot it knowing her personality. She would also be the first one to find out about Cato and I without me even telling her.
Then there's Aqua. Nice, smart, seems like a good competitor. I don't think she would be one to spot that I'm using concealer to cover a hickey… right?
I shrug and finish eating. I then go to my room and lay on the bed, contemplating different strategies. I love Cato, but I don't know if I will win because I love Cato so much that I can't live without him.
After a few minutes, Cato comes into the room. I sit upright.
"What do you want?" I ask him.
"Listen Clove, I'm sorry. I just can't help how much I'm in love with you."
"So you give me a hickey knowing we're seeing Glimmer tomorrow?"
"When I'm with you, I forget that other girls even exist. I'm so fixated on you, I never even remembered that Glimmer was below us until you said something."
"So what should we do? We need a strategy. And I saw the way Glimmer looked at you when we first met her… she called you CATO BEAR!"
"Well I only have eyes for you… and if you hate Glimmer, you can kill her."
"It's not that… I just don't want to lose you… especially to Glimmer."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"I'm still mad at you."
"I know," Cato says before smirking.
I take a pillow and throw it at his face.
"You have been dismissed from my room. I'm going to shower now." I announce to him.
I stand up and go the bathroom. That's when I hear Cato leave the room.
~Cato's POV~
I love Clove with everything that I have. It totally slipped my mind that we are seeing Glimmer tomorrow. With concealer, I doubt Glimmer will even notice it.
I only have eyes for Clove. When I'm with her, I forget about every other girl that exists.
The truth is, I hate Glimmer. She thinks that looks can get her everything. Well wake up Glimmer. This is the Hunger Games, and unfortunately for you, looks can't kill. She also thinks that flirting with every guy she sees will help her gain sponsors and help her game. Poor Marvel… he has to deal with her for a whole week until the Games start…
I leave Clove's room and walk across the hall to my room. When I open the door, I see Glimmer standing there.
"GLIMMER! WHAT IN THE COUNTRY OF PANEM ARE YOU DOING HERE?" I shout at her.
"I got lost Cato bear," she says in her airhead/flirty voice.
"Shut up and go back to your floor." I snap at her.
"Ooh. Somebody's got temper. Why are you wearing a shirt? You and I both know that you look better without one."
"Thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to always wear a shirt when I see you."
"Hmph."
I hear footsteps coming from the other side of the floor.
"Get lost Glimmer! Go back to Marvel or someone else! Just get out and leave me alone… somebody's coming!"
"Fine… bye Cato bear!"
She blows me a kiss and leaves the room. I start dancing around because she's gone. Then I notice a note on my nightstand.
Dear Cato bear,
Seriously Glimmer?
I just wanted to let you know that I think you're hot, even though you probably know that already. I really want to take this further, but nobody would allow it. But we can always keep our relationship a secret! Let me know!
Xoxo,
Glimmer
Seriously? Doesn't she get a clue that I hate her? First, she calls me Cato bear at the parade and hits on me. Then she magically appears in my room. When did she get there? Did she hear Clove and I? She better not have… and finally, there's the note.
I take the note and shred it with my hands. I can't wait for Clove to kill her…
I chuck my pillow at the door with force out of anger. I then lay down and feel something pointy poke my head. I sit up, turn around, and notice that it's one of Glimmer's jewels… Seriously Glimmer? I turn the jewel over and see I 3 U engraved on the back… I can't wait for her death… have I said that lately?
I get off the bed and throw the gem out. I then look at the time and realize that I should shower because I probably won't get time to before training tomorrow.
~Clove's POV~
When I finish showering, I change into a pair of silk pajamas that I found in a drawer. I then leave the room and sneak into Cato's. I slowly open the door, kick a pillow away, and walk in. it takes me a minute to realize that he's in the shower… there goes me saying goodnight to him….
I take a piece of paper and a pen and write him a note~
Dear Cato,
I'm sorry I freaked out earlier. Lolo gave me the concealer and it will help hide the hickey. The only reason I got mad is because Glimmer is madly in love with you and I really don't want to lose you… I love you too much. Will you forgive me?
Hugs and kisses,
Clove
I then flip the paper over and write:
PS. I'm going to sleep so goodnight!
I kiss the paper and put it down.
I get up and leave the room… maybe now is a good time to get that concealer.
I head to Lolo's room and knock on the door. She opens it with a smile.
"Hi Clove, come in," she says sweetly.
I enter the room.
"Can I have the concealer?" I ask.
"Sure sweetie, here it is."
She hands me the concealer.
"Thanks."
I turn around to leave.
"Clove wait!" she exclaims.
I turn back to face her.
"You looked great today," she says.
I blush. "Thanks… I couldn't have done it without your brilliant designs."
She smiles and I leave the room.
I then enter my room, shut the lights off, and go to sleep… I need as much sleep as I can get before training tomorrow.
~Cato's POV~
I get out of the shower, put my pajamas on and notice another note… Did Glimmer come back? I then recognize the handwriting… it's from Clove.
Dear Cato,
I'm sorry I freaked out earlier. Lolo gave me the concealer and it will help hide the hickey. The only reason I got mad is because Glimmer is madly in love with you and I really don't want to lose you… I love you too much. Will you forgive me?
Hugs and kisses,
Clove
I then flip the paper over and it reads:
PS. I'm going to sleep so goodnight!
I smile because Clove isn't mad at me. I put the note back and lay down on my bed until I fall asleep. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow at training.
~END OF CHAPTER 3~
A/N: Wow… 15 pages on Microsoft word… This chapter is probably one of the longest things I have ever written… I really want to know what you think of not only the story, but also the way that the characters are developing. Also, tell me what you think of Glimmer in this story… What do you guys think of it so far? Review with your thoughts and what you think should/will happen next…