The Parade

I see Addis, only she doesn't look like Addis. I mean she doesn't look like her usual self. She is glowing, compared to her normal depressed, evil, blank look. Her skin looks really pretty, though I'm sure it's the make-up but still she looks gorgeous. Her hair is flowing down her back and tied at the bottom. I would never have recognized he if her costume wasn't almost identical to mine.

"You look good," I tell her.

"You're looking pretty good yourself," she replies.

Now that we are closer, I realize just how revealing her outfit is. There are parts of her dress where the fabric is totally gone and you can see her bare skin.

"Maybe we will get sponsored, I think we have a shot," she says.

I've seen many people die in the arena relying on sponsors and since I think I won't get any anyway I don't even consider the possibility.

"I think we do too," I say.

If our stylist thought that showing skin would get us sponsors, they were upstaged by the District Eleven stylists, who have their tributes practically naked. The girl has flowers covering her chest and vines of some sort covering her bottom half. The male, who is without a doubt the tallest tribute, is only covered by a few well-placed leaves.

Later that night I go to Addis' room. I get straight to the point.

"So tell me about yourself, who is Addis, and why should we form an alliance?"

"My name is Addis Madina, I'm fifteen years old. I have two little brothers and a sister waiting for me back home. My mother takes care of us but she is very sick. If anything happens to her my siblings will become orphans. I know I have no chance of winning but If we team up I think that one of us might have a chance."

I wait for her to start crying but she doesn't. I give her a hug because I don't know what else to do. It feels forced and she doesn't seem all that comfortable with being touched. I hop off the bed awkwardly.

"Training starts tomorrow so we better figure out what we're good at if we're going to team up!"

As I step out into the fifth floor hallway, I'm surprised to see the beautiful girl waiting for me.

"So you decided to form an alliance?" ask Rose. "Well don't trust anyone in the arena, there can only be one winner and I'm rooting for you!" she continues.

She reaches in and presses her lips to mine. She may be only three or four years older than me but she definitely seems experienced.

"If you win, I just might make you my boyfriend!"

She then heads to her own room.

So many emotions race through me. I think of my friends, my father, Addis' family, and Rose. I'm sure Rose is only teasing me, motivating me to win. Does she really like me? That night I dream I'm living in the Victors Village with Rose. She asks me to play another song for her. I tell her she has to give me a kiss first. As she leans in, I'm awoken by a loud banging.

"Wake up Psycho!"

Astrix comes to get me for breakfast.