The luxary train chugged towards the Capitol, and for many Hetalians, toward their deaths. Most of the competitors kept to themsleves, watchng old Hunger Games tapes, reading the books Effie had given them, and trying to devise their strategies for the Games.
"Oh, that's enough for one day!" England said, covering his eyes as he watched a clip from the eight Games, where conestants were brutally beating each other to death with their bare hands. He quickly slid off his bed, and shut the flat screen TV off. In addition to watching tapes of old Games, England also reviewed his book over and over. This Hunger Games was certainly differant from the usaul. For one thing, the whole age rule was thrown out the window, as many nations had been around for centuries, but some, like Sealand...England buried his head in his hands. Sealnd was his baby brother, and he had to protect him in the arena. It took all of England's strength not to think about what some people like Germany would do if they caught a hold of little Sealand.
England also imagined that the Twelve districts of Panem, sort of like their regions, or provinces, were enormously relieved right now, they didn't have to send their children to their deaths. For one year, the district's childrens lives had been spared. A rush of hatered pulsed through England. Panem. That was who had kidnapped the nations at the World Conferance. But as much as England wanted to jump out the train now and kill himself as a sign of defiance to Panem, he knew it would be no use. Besides, his life was better used saving little Sealand. If it came down to England and his younger brother, Sealand could have the title. England didn't care about some stupid victor's title, and at least it might put some happiness in Sealand's life.
Sighing, England reached toward the small, silver telephone that lay on his bedside table, and ordered yet another serving of beef stew. Tributes could order practically whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Also, England knew it was a good idea to pack on some pounds before the Games. As he had seen in some of the past Games, it could make a big difference in your odds of survival. England could only imagine how many pounds fat food loving America had gained by now. He was probably the size of a small whale at least. While gobbling down his rich stew, England gazed out his crystal window. In the distance, he could see a vast, blue expanse of water, and several small boats out on it, casting nets into the sea. This must be District Four, which produced seafood for the Capitol.
Outside, the sky started to darken, the sun sinking beneath the horizon. "Maybe I should get to bed, we'll probably be in the Capitol by tommorow...big day," England yawned. After showering in his large, comfortable shower, England crawled into his soft bed. For all he knew, this could be his last peaceful night...
"Alright, everyone!" Effie Trinket's voice squealed through the loudspeakers that were connected to each compartment. "In five mintues or so, we will be arrving at your destination in the Capitol, please prepare yourselves at this time." England shot out of bed. He must've been deep asleep when the train passed through the remaining three districts. Eyes drifting toward his window, England saw a huge expanse of massive buildings in the distance. The Capitol city of Panem was grander than any city back home, even Japan's super densely populated Tokyo.
Slowly, the train pulled into a stop in a Capitol station. The whole thing was made out of pure marble, and inlaid with exensive gemstones, emerald, rubies, and even diamonds. While many of Panem's districts suffered in poverty, the Captiol spared no expense to make their city the most lavish thing in the world. Slowly, all twenty four tributes stepped off the train, gazing around at the station. "Come on, come on!" Effie motioned, walking briskly toward three sleek, balck cars with tainted windows, limos. "That's itm eight to a car," Effie trilled, as the contestans filed inside the automobiles. England spotted his brother, Sealand filing into the first car, and followed him.
The insides of the limos put Germany's car buisness to shame. The sofas were soft, and covered in smooth, black leather that contests could control the level of softness. A thick, red carpet lined the floor, much like that on the train. Tainted windows allowed the tributes to look outside, bet no one on the outside could see them. A black curtain seperated the backseats from the driver. On Effie's insturctions, the cars all wheeled out of the train station parking, and began to drive toward their destination, a fancy building that served as both a hotel and training area for Hunger Games contestants. Engalnd barely noticed that the car was drving, it moved smoothly and effortlessly through the city.
Aside form the grand skyscrapers, beatifully paved streets, and various shops, perhaps the most interesting thing of all was the people of the Capitol. Some had skin purposely tainted different colors, like blue, green, pink or purple. Some of the citizens had animal parts, like cat whiskers, reptile scales, or snake eyes. All in all, the Capitol truly was the most strange, breathtaking, and lavish place England had ever seen. Sealand was also glancing out the windows, gasping every so often when he saw a strangly altered person. Aside from Sealand, England noticed he saw also sitting with Hungary, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, and Wy, a tiny girl even younger than Sealand with bushy eyebrows.
After about half an hour, the car pulled to a stop in front of a massive skyscraper set aside from the rest of the Capitol. One by one, the tributes walked out of the car and into the hotel/training center. The lobby was magnifecent. Like the capitol train station, it was made out of pure marble embedded with precious gems. In the center of the lobby, in the middle of a lounge are filled with push red sofas and armchairs, a fountain that seemed to be made out of pure diamonds gurgled softly.
Each tribute was handed a white card key, for their rooms. "Okay," Effie began, stepping inm front of the throng of tributes, "You have each been assigned a room, which is where you will sleep for your time here. Breakfast is severed every morning at nine, lunch at noon, and dinner at six P.M. At tem o'clock each day, you are to report to the training room-" she paused, pointing to a set of large double doors, "-where you will have the oppurtunity to test out some of your skills for the Games. At eight tonight, each of you will be assigned a stylist, who will dress you in an outfit for the parade showcasing our tributes!"
Yeah, why not. Just show us off like we're impressive cattle going to the sluaghterhouse! England thought bitterly, biting the inisde of his cheek. Scowling darkly, England walked into one of the many elevators, which, like everything else in the Capitol, was fir for a king, and rode up to the third floor, where his room was. A large, bright yellow poster was plastered on the elevator wall. Two more weeks until the Hunger Games, two more weeks to live.