Graduation
We woke up late the next day.
"Hurry, hurry, hurry!" I shouted, leaping off the bed, "Up, up, up, it's going to be a big, big, big day."
Seneca rolled over in a groggy fashion, mumbling complaints. He sat on the end of the bed and rubbed his eyes. Venia was out of bed, dancing around the house. Alfie stood in the powder room, fixing a bowtie. I had left my dress out the night before.
"Do you need any help, dear?" asked Seneca.
"No, no, no. Just get dressed," I snapped in response.
I hastily kicked him out of my bedroom, apologizing as he went. I needed the whole room for preparation. After a quick shower, I slipped into my beautiful silver dress. It was long, silky, and hung off my curves in a seductive fashion. Venia knocked and entered, offering help with my wig. I accepted and the room began to smell like hairspray.
After an hour of make-up, heel adjusting, and perfume sniffing, we exited my bedroom. Seneca and Alfie waited downstairs in the living room, both handsomely dressed in suits. The boys nodded approvingly at our ensembles.
"Come, I have taken the liberty of warming up the car," Seneca gestured toward the door.
"It is May! We do not need the car warmed up," I reminded him, slightly annoyed.
When I went outside, however, I saw what he had been doing with the car. It sported large pink tassels, which hung off the mirror. A banner that read 'Congratulations' stood up. My mouth opened in wonder and Seneca laughed gently. Our party got into the decked out ride and left for the ceremony.
I left them once we arrived, taking my designated place in line. The dean of upper school called out names proudly, most of which I did not know. I had only been a part of this community for the better part of two years.
My mind began to wander as I waited in line. Where were my parents? Did parents not live to see their children graduate? Part of me envied Alfie for having mother and father attend his graduation. Or did they? I could not remember.
"Effie Trinket."
My mind snapped back to the present and I ascended. The dean held out the diploma, offering a hand to shake. I gripped it earnestly and walked across the stage. My heart soared. The announcer continued with my plans to attend Games school, which received bouts of applause from the audience. Upon my descent, I met the eyes of my family and smiled.
"I am so proud of you," said Alfie as we met after the ceremony.
"Well done," smiled Seneca.
"I knew you could do it!" mustered up Venia.
"What now?" I asked the trio.
Everyone seemed to look to me for an answer.
Alfie relieved the tension, "You have just graduated from school. What are you going to do with your life?"
"I do not know," I felt pressured.
He held his hand out in front of me, simulating a microphone.
"We are going out for drinks!" I insisted.
Everyone laughed and agreed on the idea. We got into Venia's car and suggested different locations.
"There is a simple place in the City Circle," suggested Seneca.
"Yes. I like that," I agreed, leaning onto Seneca in the backseat.
"Alright. To the City Circle," said Venia.
We drove and passed excited chatters. Alfie was discussing the agriculture of District 2, when Venia came to a stop. I looked out the window. We were not in the City Circle. We were in front of the Training Center.
"What are we doing here?" I asked.
"I just wanted to show you around, seeing as it will be your new home," replied Seneca.
He opened the backdoor and got out. I followed him with a confused glance.
"We will meet up with you," he instructed to Venia.
She nodded and drove off with Alfie.
"I think she has quite a thing for him," Seneca nodded toward the car.
He led me up the marvelous steps outside the Training Center.
"I thought only the District tributes came here," I questioned, glancing the prestigious building.
"The whole university learns here as well. Each floor contains parts of a classroom. When the Hunger Games are not in session, Games school takes place. During the Hunger Games, the students go on internships," he explained.
"Internships?" I asked incredulous.
"Yes. Those who are studying Gamemaking sit in with the Gamemakers. Those looking to become stylists intern as the prep teams. Those looking to be escorts," he started.
"Do what?" I asked.
"Organize and schedule the tributes time in the Capitol. On some cases, the Games escorts take them to the Reaping," he said.
"They actually go to the Reaping?" I had never seen someone who was not an official there.
"It's all underground, of course," he reminded me.
We had reached the front of the Training Center. He gestured toward the inside, holding open the door. I started to go, and then stopped.
"Seneca. As lovely a gesture as this is, I would like it to be a surprise. I want to spend the rest of the day with you and our siblings. Please, let's go back and find them."
He looked upset for a moment, then nodded. We walked back down the steps in the direction of the City Circle. Along the way, I questioned him about his current doings. At a lovely establishment, I spotted Venia's car. The restaurant in question was top notch.
Hand in hand, we walked into the building. I spotted Alfie sitting across from Venia at a table. Seneca and I hustled over to them. There sat six chairs, two occupied. Venia offered two chairs to us. I sat across from the men, folding my napkin over my lap. Apparently, we were eating, too.
"So, who are these two other chairs for?" I asked.
"Here they are now," answered Venia pointing.
Mother and father walked into the restaurant.