Chariot Parade: Capricorn Elysium's POV
It's time for the official start of the Hunger Games for us Capital citizens. Personally, I think the Chariot Parade is the dullest part of the Games because there isn't any action. However, my father is a well-known gambler around here. I guess it's pretty exciting for me to help him come up with who will win. At the Parade, we place our own father-son bets. They range from which tribute will have the most sponsors, to more fun ones, like who will kill who and how. We find our seats next to one of my father's good friends and his daughter, who at 13 is a year younger than me. "Hey, Cap, are you excited or what?" Callissta calls to me. "Yeah, I definitely am!" I say back to her. Callissta isn't the typical girl here, who will faint at the sight of blood and applies inches of makeup. She's really into the Games. I notice she's wearing a nice sea-foam green dress, with swirls of gold paint going up her arms, forming an elaborate design. Gosh, she looks really nice. Maybe she'll go to the theater with me, and we can watch the Games together on the big screen! I'm so busy thinking about this, that dad has to nudge me to show that the tributes have begun to come out.
Wow. The District 1 girl is really hot! She's waving at us with this perfectly white smile. I think she just waved right at me! Callissta sees the look on my face and laughs like crazy. I turn red, and focus on their outfits instead. She and her partner are dressed as peacocks. The eyes on their feathers look like giant jewels. I see dad smiling next to me, and I know that these are some favorites. The pair from 2 is next. They are dressed in ancient Roman togas, and on their heads are laurel wreaths. I know from history class that laurel means victory. I guess they're dressed like that because their district has won more than any other. The boy definitely has a chance at winning. He's huge! His partner is a lot smaller, but her stone cold glare tells me she one to look out for. I like district 2. All the crazies come from 2, and they're always fun to watch. District 3 looks ridiculous, as always. They're dressed as microchips, with lots of blinking lights. On any other tribute pair, this would have looked cool, but the girl looks small and pathetic, and her partner is just awkward. The two from 4 are dressed like the ocean itself. The girl wears a blue dress that shimmers and somehow moves like the waves. She surveys us with a look that says she's clearly above us. I see my father make a note. Her partner takes a far different approach. He's smiling and flipping his hair, and even blowing kisses! "He looks like an idiot." Callissta whispers. I nod. I think now might be as good a time as any, so I lean over to her. "Hey, Cali, you want to watch the Games together sometime?" I ask, my voice sounding confident. To my relief, she grins. "Sure, that sounds great." Dad pats me on the shoulder and gives me a thumb up. I settle down, much more calm, to watch the rest of the parade.
The two from are next. They're scientists, complete with lab coats. I have to say, that's pretty uncreative on their stylist's part. The pair from six is worse, though. I think they're supposed to be hovercrafts, with all the lights in their middle. Their stylists must be pretty idiotic. I mean, how could a freaking hovercraft look flattering on anyone? Even though both from 7 are dressed as trees again, I like their costumes. They both look like strong tributes too. I see that my father noticed this as well. Compared to these relatively okay looking two, the pair from 8 is pathetic. The boy is pretty small, and he's shaking. Yeah, shaking! The girl won't even look at the audience. She looks like she's somewhere else entirely. The two from 9 are dressed as sheaves of grain. That figures, I guess. The girl is the youngest female here, and Callissta gives a sad sigh next to me. She may like to watch the action of the Games, but she has a soft spot for small girls her age. I have to say, this one looks pretty good. Her golden grain-patterned dress is form fitting, and her hair is in an elaborate braid that looks like the grain itself. Her partner just stands with a cold look on his face, but she's waving, and a cute smile actually forms on her lips. I have to admit, I'm drawn to her, maybe out of pity. The girl from 10 is actually crying. Her partner's matching white and silver cowboy costume makes him look white as a ghost. I do like 11, though. They're both older, and they look strong and confident. If I thought the boy from 10 was pale, it's nothing compared to the girl from 12. She coughs the entire ride. Her small partner looks like he wants to help her, but is too busy being terrified. They're dressed in one piece jumpsuits meant to represent coal miners.
After President Snow gives his usual speech, I offer to walk Callissta home while our fathers head back to my house to begin placing bets. She accepts. It's not too awkward, seeing how we've known each other since we were infants. Besides, we have a lot to talk about. "I've got a good feeling about the girl from 1." I tell her, as we make our way down the crowded streets. "Of course you do!" She laughs. I blush again, and mumble something about peacocks. "Personally, I favor the pair from 2." Callissta points out. "I wouldn't know who would win. The boy seems stronger, but the girl seems more agile." I think aloud. Callissta nods thoughtfully. She has this cute way of wrinkling her brow. "The girl from four isn't to be ignored either" she says quietly. I study the colored stones we're walking on. A weird thought goes through my mind. I've never really thought about it before, but these tributes must have moms and dads too. I wonder how my parents would react if I were reaped. "Hey Cali," I whisper. She turns around just as we reach her doorstep. "What?" I look at her clear blue eyes, so full of excitement about these Games. "Never mind." "Oh, well, good night Capricorn." She says. "Yeah, you too," I mumble. I push my crazy thought to the back of my mind. I've got betting to do.