As soon as the train slows to a stop, Tizzy and Karo instantly push us out the door. There's more of the puppets than I thought there'd be, each one snapping pictures or pointing and making comments. And I'm secretly afraid. Not that I let it show. I'm determined to earn as many sponsors as possible. I wave, smile and laugh. It seems to fool almost everyone.
When we're away from most the crowds, Nook's hand slips into mine and gives it a gentle squeeze. He laughs at the surprised look on my face and I scowl at him. He shakes his head at me playfully but then stops and looks up in awe. I look up to, trying to see what's so fascinating. Then I realize it's The Capitol itself. The towering but beautiful buildings, the pristine streets and of course the people.
Their fashions are weird but at the same time stunning. I see one woman who actually has a snout and wolf ears. A snout. I wonder how painful the surgery was for a while but then my mind gets distracted by all the expensive vehicles. I can't even name half of them.
Me and Nook get packed into one of these vehicles and before I know it, we're at the Remake Centre. A strange building that just screams out "Expensive!". It's not a normal looking building either. It shaped so that it curves over like half of golden ring. In fact, that seems to be what it's based off, judging from the shiny golden glow surrounding the outline of the centre. So the Capitol can make buildings glow... How utterly pointless...
Once we step inside, I'm whisked away to a room where I meet my prep team. Marlina, a tall lady who's skin has been dyed a banana shade of yellow and her hair gelled into this weird style of spikes that could actually hurt someone if it came to it. Hortmon, a scary man who always smiles. Always.I think it's surgery again. And lastly, Leonamier who is by far the most chattiest of the three. He seems to not hear what anyone else says at all.
And for the next two hours I am poked, pinched and prodded by my three most favorite people in the world. They make various comments about my hair, nails and figure that I want to slap them for.
"We need to dye her hair something more appealing!" Marlina cries.
Like the colour of a banana?
"Her nails are horrifying!" Hortmon fans himself dramatically.
Just like your smile.
"She's just too skinny! She has no curves or any real strength in her at all! She won't last five minutes if we don't do something to help her." Leonamier wines.
Well then shut up and get to work!
It actually takes them half an hour just complaining and observing me before they actually get to any real work. They debate over what 'season' I am, what my colour code is and how I am to be presented to suit the Capitol crowd. For most of this of course, I just daydream. I come up with this crazy fantasy of how the games are cancelled due to rebellion in the districts and so all the tributes get busted out the Capitol. Then I look around as if the Capitol might be able to tap into my thoughts. Nowhere's safe for a tribute in the Capitol.
Leonamier suddenly announces that I'm good enough (for now) and says that the head stylist is ready to see me. They all leave me standing awkwardly in the middle of the room, completely naked. Then a lady enters, her bright rainbow hair flowing behind her. She looks reasonably normal for the Capitol. But her bright violet eyes freak me out a little as they scan me and I see the corners of her mouth twitching upwards.
"They've done well. Here," The words aren't spoken, only sung in a silky voice. I wonder if she sings everything she says.
She offers me a thin robe which I gladly take. Then she inspects my face closely. Her hands pull at my cheeks, ears and hair. I can tell by the way her eyes shine that she thinks I may have potential to wear whatever wacky chariot outfit she's made for me.
After she's done inspecting my face and hair, we sit and the lady starts introducing herself.
"I am Fiyla, your head stylist. I expect we'll become fast friends."
"I bet so. I'm Avia." Then I feel stupid. She already knows who I am!
"Right, now Avia, you're from District 7 - Timber." I nod and try not to roll my eyes. "So what I was thinking is we have you be-"
"A tree." I cut in dully. Fiyla grins and starts bouncing up and down.
"Yes, yes! And not just any tree, an apple tree!"
An apple tree. A flippin' apple tree! Yes, because that's the most original idea ever. It's not been done a million times already.
"That sounds fantastic. I can't wait." I try to keep my voice level but it drops a little. Not that she notices.
"Lets go, lets go, lets go! Oooohhh, I'm just too excited! The sponsors will just die when they see you!"
Fiyla drags me out the room, still singing with excitement and I'm wishing I'm the one that's dead.