By now, I've slept very little. The sun rises high over the Capital Building by the time Nexson rouses me from the stupor I'm in, and tosses me into a room, wearing a rancid pair of pajamas. I can only guess that the smell comes from my nervous sweating. The people before me are among the strangest I have ever seen, and they seem to notice my looks. The man has scaled, pink skin, with tattoos around his eyes and mouth, and hair the color of the sky when it snows. The two woman are obviously sister, as they match down to the buttons on their coats. Both wear bright yellow pant suits, and red undershirts, and have bright green wigs. They have more tattoos than the man, and they match, on opposite sides. "He'll do nicely." Says the man, and I notice that his tongue has been split right down the middle. "District two has always offered the most attractive people.' The women say in unison, and I can't help but shiver. Nexson pushes me forward, then turns and leaves, and suddenly I realize how they're eyeing me, as if I'm tonight's meal. They pull me toward a mirror, and pull away the old pajamas, leaving me in my underwear. Then, without a word, they leave, and I'm half naked, and alone.
This is the first time I catch a glimpse of myself since I left District 2. My blonde hair is long, nearly to my shoulders, and it curls a bit at each end. My dark green eyes, always my favorite thing about myself, are clouded today, most likely from the lack of sleep. I run a hand down my abdomen, and pinch, feeling for fat. But I know there will be none. We barely have enough to keep body and soul together, let alone enough to get fat with. Its then that I realize I'm nowhere near as muscular as most of the other tributes, except maybe Genevieve. This may not be so helpful when I need it, but I hope it will make me quick on my feet.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the people come back, holding a bag, which I can only guess holds my outfit for tonight, as well as chests of makeup, stylist tools, and jewelry. Finally, they introduce themselves. "I'm Ludo." The man says, and extends a hand. "I'll be your clothing designer for the games. These two lookers are Ebony and Frost." And the girls smile and shake my hand. "We'll be doing your makeup." Says the one, Ebony. "And your hair. It needs help." Giggles frost, who tosses a drape across my shoulders, and leads me to a chair. For the next three hours, I am poked and prodded. My shoulder length hair is cut to just above my ears, and highlighted with pale browns. For some reason, Ludo instructs the ladies to dye my eyebrows black, so they do. My nails are cleaned, and shined to look as hard as rock. By the time they finish with me, around four o' clock, I cannot recognize the boy in the mirror. Ludo smiles, and whispers in my ear. "We could give you a tattoo, or two, if you'd like." I shake my head no, and tremble a little. I wouldn't let that man near me with anything sharp, fearful that I may end up with two tongues. He smiles, and then hangs up my outfit, which he still has not removed from the hanging cover. Finally, all three of them exit, and rush to the bag, before a throbbing in my ear stops me. Turning to the mirror, I realize that they have pierced my ear, and now a silver ball rests on my left lobe.
Turning back, I rip away the clothing cover, and inspect what I'll be wearing. It's very….district two. The suit is stone gray, top, jacket and pants. The sleeves of the jacket and the legs of the pants are both elongated, and as I put them on, they drag on the floor. But then I realize what it is I'm actually wearing. It's a peacekeepers uniform, only, it isn't. I immediately know what Ludo is doing, and I can't help but smile at how clever he is. It's to tell the citizens of the capital that I am from the place where they are the most empowered. I am from the most loyal district in Panem, and they will know that.
There is a knock on the door, and Nexson sticks his head in. "We have to go. Now." I turn quickly, nearly tripping over my pant legs. This is going to be a long night.
I'm in the carriage by the time Genevieve enters the bay, and she looks none too pleased. In an attempt to make us more recognizable as Tribute partners, her curly red hair has been dyed shades of gold, and her eyes have been dyed the deep green that mimics mine. "How did they….did it hurt." She winces, and rubs her head. I'll take that as a yes. Suddenly, there is a tap on the carriage side, and we look down to see a girl, no more than twelve, standing on the other side. "You district 2?" She asks. Her voice is far more mature than I would've ever imagined, and she has a deadly look in her eyes. "Names' Jani. District one. This is Hugo." She nods to the large boy who has joined her. "We're just here to ask about an alliance." I forgot about this, and should've instantly expected it. The "Career" districts always team up, and why should this year be any different. There is something to be said for the image they create. The bright, young girl, and the muscular, monstrous boy. Brains and Brawn. She seems to know what I'm thinking, and I smile, but dare not speak without Geni's approval. But she knew this was coming. "That t should be fine. As long as we train together. I want to get to know you before I put my life in your hands."
Hugo smiles an idiot smile, and Jani takes his hand. "Yay." She says, unenthusiastically. And then she smiles a wicked, crooked smile. Then, without another word, she turns and walks to her carriage.
Suddenly, the anthem plays, and we all start moving. The carriage in front of us garners a fair amount of applause, but, when the citizens see our outfits, even the peacekeepers cheer. We have made an impression, and, as we pull into the circle, I can only hope that it will last.