Chapter 15

Is a narwhal a horse? (not chapter name..)

Chariot Rides

Calico looked around the room, surveying the other tributes. They had been given about ten minutes to meet one another before the chariots sprung to life. Or just watch them. Or judge their costumes. There were several other options but those were all that came to mind.

Calico wasn't sure what to do. He knew meeting the others was essential to forming an alliance, but he was scared! He was very shy and didn't like to approach others, but his costume didn't help his case either.

He had several silver cloths hanging to his pale frame, and wore a spandex suit. His hair was shaped into a seemingly perfect ball and he had what his stylist called 'Alien makeup' on his face. He had no shoes what-so-ever and his feet were dusted in a silver paint.

All in all, he felt ridiculous! The suit made him feel as if he was actually naked and the makeup felt like it was burning into his pores. He felt embarrassed.

"Hey, Cali!" a voice says, steps approaching from behind him.

Calico meekly turned around to come face to face with his district partner. She was clad in the exact same thing except her hair stuck up like a hill on her head. He wasn't quite sure if his district partner was the type to get offended by the outfit.

"H-hi.." he whispers, an overwhelming feeling of fear blocking his senses. His eyes couldn't exactly focus, and his mind was elsewhere.

"Yeah.. alright. I'm gonna scope out some competition. Wanna come with?" Meleanda asks, watching the red haired boy squirm under his gaze. She felt a burst of excitement course through her at his actions. It was always fun watching people squirm, the look in their eyes made her feel powerful.

"Um.. Sure." he says, directing his chocolate brown eyes to the floor.

Meleanda scoffed and grabbed the little boys wrist, tugging him along. Calico watched the floor beneath him move as he did. He had a nervous feeling tugging in the pit of his stomach and was trying his best not to puke. All of this was just horrid. The reaping, the loss of his token, just everything!

They walked casually up to the district 9 chariot, and Calico's eyes were still averted to the ground. He felt Meleanda pause, and struggled to do the same. This was the place he least wanted to be. All he wanted to do was stay in his chariot, but no! Meleanda had to literally drag him along.

Panic was petting the caramel colored horses, licking one every now and then. He thought they tasted a little strange and was dead set on figuring out what it was.

"Stop it!" Axia snaps, angrily pulling him away. "We have guests." she adds, a bit more softly.

"What? Where?" Panic asks, looking everywhere except in front of him. Axia bitterly held her tongue and smiled sweetly at the pair.

Panic tried to move away from Axia but Axia held her grip. Her elongated nails were digging into his pale flesh, threatening to draw blood.

Panic's eyes finally set on a little boy who seemed to be around 13. The boy had carrot colored hair and was looking at floor like it was the most amazing thing in the world.

"What are you supposed to be?" Meleanda asks, removing her hand from Calico's wrist. Calico grabbed his wrist with his other hand and started twisting it nervously. He was glad she had removed her grip, yet was scared because he felt all alone. Meleanda's hand was like his rope to reality, the only way he felt like he had someone here for him.

"Well, I dunno! Wheat perhaps?" Axia says sarcastically, rolling her eyes in the process. Well, it's what she wanted to do but that was no way to make friends.

"Wheat?" she shrugs, a fake smile appearing. The smile reeked on insincerity and the fake kindness was dripping down her face, nearly gone.

Meleanda just pursed her lips and looked Axia up and down.

Axia was in a long dress threaded with wheat. Strands of the stuff stuck up behind her black curly hair and it flowed when she walked. She had a headdress that emitted the scent of bread every time her head moved.

Panic was slightly the opposite. He was wearing a shirt made of wheat but had black spandex shorts. He as well had a cape and a headdress.

"Panic!" Panic shouts, causing most of the tributes to look at him in confusion.

"You look nothing like wheat." Meleanda decides snidely. "Come on Cali, let's go."

Calico briefly nods to both tributes and follows his partner.

"What's her problem?" Axia asks no one in particular, tugging on her headdress.

"Cali? Like cauliflower?" Panic adds, asking Axia, their voices drifting into the background as the D8 pair trudged on.

District 10's pair were dressed up as steaks. They had on huge, bulking costumes that was pink in color. The little boys face was painted to match the color, and Amy was holding onto a thing of sauce.

Calico gave a small laugh and earned a meaty glare from the other twelve year old.

Meleanda just pulled Calico along past them, not even bothering to make contact.

'What was that for?' he asks himself, daring himself to look at her. He was slightly confused by this girl's actions. If she so badly wanted to meet the others, why did she skip them?

Calico snapped out of his questioning thoughts just in time to hear bickering. There was a small girl with wavy black hair that seemed angry with the male. The male just kept on smirking and adding little comments that seemed to make the girl furious.

"I am not a fangirl!" the female growls at the male.

The boy donning purple hair stares at her. "Don't lie." he says simply, a smirk appearing on his face.

"Just you wait! I'm gonna- Oh hi!" she says suddenly, turning around. She had seen Ian stop talking a sensed that someone was watching her. She looked at them intently, folding her hands together.

"What are you supposed to be?" Meleanda asks yet again, her voice monotone. Her eyes kept on wondering toward the boy, almost... hungerily.

"Well, I'm supposed to be fruit. Ian's grapes."

Meleanda took the moment to look Ian up and down. He had a shiny purple suit with a simple grape patterned tie.

She cocked her head slightly and smiled.

"Mmm.. Yes. You do look like a grape.. I like grapes." she says, giving a wink. "What's your name?"

"Didn't my annoying partner say my name?" he says, raising an eyebrow. "And is calling me a grape a type of comment back where you live?"

Olive's fist clenched as she looked back and forth between the two. She had a sudden anger filling her up. Why, what gave him the right to call her annoying? And what was with the girl, didn't she see he was with her?

"Yes." she purrs. "But I just wanted to hear you say it. Name's Meleanda.. you can call me Mel if you please."

"No thanks. Goodbye." Ian says , waving her off. "Also, I take it more like an insult."

"Aww.. Don't be that way." she says.

"I said goodbye. Which means I don't want you here." he says coldly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Meleanda pretended to pout and just walked off, Calico trailed behind her.

Olive had to smile triumphantly. She looked to Ian and poked his shoulder. "Nice one."

Ian feverently wiped his shoulder and gave Olive a haughty glare. "Don't talk to me." he says.

Olive rolled her eyes, turning away.

Meanwhile Ruby was scowling at the outfit she was put in.

A long, cosmic blue dress hugged her body, extcuitating her curves in all the right places. Her cleavage was clearly visible and her body was painted a light blue and had tiny little yellow stars stuck all over it. The stars glowed when light reflected off of them. Her red hair was dyed a shiny, metallic silver and it was in loose curls that framed her heart shaped face. Her face had an out of this world feel to it and she had long, black polished finger nails that could scratch you at any given time.

Chrome on the other hand shone bright like the sun, which was exactly what he was supposed to be. He had a white tunic draped over his body and pale yellow skin(painted of course). His hair was a bright orange and it stuck out like rays. Orange stripes were placed randomly on his skin and he had several jewels on it. Rubies, diamonds, topaz... When he walked the jewels let off a warming glow. His smile was bright, painted with whitening stuff.

"Why am I dressed in this?" Ruby asks no one in particular. "I can barely touch my hair without my nails feeling like they are gonna fall off."

"Because the stylists liked us like this." a voice calls.

A boy with a slim figure walked up to them. "I'm Vlad, your fellow alliance member."

"Yeah, I know." Chrome says, smiling.

Vladimir doesn't even try to add anymore, seeing it as pointless. If the boy didn't appreciate his kindness, then that was his problem.

Another girl walks up, her dark blue eyes shining. "Woah! Did they put lights in your teeth or what?" she asks, looking directly at Chrome.

"Huh?" Chrome asks, his hand touching his mouth. "I don't think so.." his voice was lost among the others as they seemed preoccupied by something else.

"Who are you?" Ruby spits, her eyes already radiating hatred.

"What do you mean who am I? I'm Katana, your fellow career!" Katana asks, feeling angry at the girl before her.

Ruby upturns her nose and scoffs, immediately regretting it. She had promised herself she would at least try not to act snobbish, but it came out anyways.

"Um.. sorry about her." Chrome says sheepishly. "She normally isn't like this.."

'Well then! You clearly don't know me!' Ruby's mind projects. 'Wait... I'm not like this. The games are already getting to me.. right?'

Katana shrugs, looking back at her chariot. In the moment she really didn't care, all she knew is that she felt annoyance toward the girl. Hatred even, which was ridiculous because she had just met the girl. Though the way she always seemed to scowl and the confidence that seemed to reflect off her irked her.

"All tributes to your chariots. All tributes to your chariots." a voice over an invisible intercom spouts suddenly. It caused a few tributes to jump from surprise, but most just listened.

Vladimir looked at Ruby, observing her. He then gave a smirk as if he found out some valuable piece of information and returned to his chariot with Katana.

All of the tributes then returned to their chariots, some more anxious than others.

"Here comes district one! As fabulous as always!" Caesuss says, looking to Claudia Templesmith.

Claudia smiled and looked upon the crowd. "Yes and right after them comes District two! Do you see how their capes flow? They look just like the stars!"

"Yes I do Claudia! Everyone seems to be starry eyed in the crowds!" Caesuss couldn't help but chuckle and Claudia joined just along with him. Just like the stereotypes.

Both of the district two tributes were painted a vivid dark blue. They had see through capes that had little sparkles the shined like stars when caught in the light. Their hands hand gloves that went past their fingers and were a deep, rich blue as well. Katana's hair had little blue highlights in it as well as sparkled and stars. Her hair seemed to flow as the rode and she waved, smiling to the crowd. She had a dress that had a train in the back that seemed to float in the wind. Vlad had on just pants that went past his ankles, touching the bottom of the chariot. His hair was silvery and also had sparkles. The crowd cheered and threw flowers.

District three came out next, donning fiery wires. Elesa Nanotu was hopping around, waving at the cheering crowd. Her wires lit up every five seconds, shining different colors each time. Teknotic was wearing the same thing but he didn't look as chipper. His face was somber and he seemed... distant. Though the Capitolittes didn't care, all they wanted to see were more costumes.

Then came District four. The crowd was still cheering the same as they did for district three. Kalypso and Jace were both dressed up to look like fish. They had scales coating there skin, rainbow in color, and when light bounced off the scales, a rainbow appeared before them. Kalypso's hair was in a loose fish tail braid and Jace's hair was even more highlighted.

District five looked like power plants. They both had a silver cylinder around their body and a little hat that smoke exited every ten seconds or so. The cheers died down slightly but people still cheered none the less.

District six's chariot strode in with silver maned horses. Crimson waved to the crowd, blowing kisses to everyone. Her cape was several different metals, all melted together. Beside her was a boy she had never seen. It wasn't Zerox, the boy who was carried up the stairs. She had never even seen this boy before. She knew nearly everyone in the district and his face didn't ring a bell. She had the slight feeling of fear creeping on the edges of her mind, but tried her best to ignore it. She continued waving, trying not to adjust her armor styled dress, or stare at her partner to long.

District seven came out dressed as trees. 2000 years and going they still hadn't strayed from tradition... Or so it seemed. The trees suddenly started to morph into different colors. Grey's tree turned him into Neptune. His face and arms turned a light blue as his body also took on darker blues. Elm seemed to be Mars, with her now rorange hair and glowing yellow eyes. The crowd roared their approval as their bark armored horses carried them along.

Then District eight came out. Meleanda was hopping a bit every now and then, acting bubbly. She was giving false smiles like most of the tributes. Calico stood beside her, freezing. All he was thinking about was all the people judging him. Not like they were any better with their stitched on expressions and amazingly stupid fashion. The crowd waned more to the quiet side, unsure of how to respond.

Axia had to hold Panic in place as the horses brought them out. Panic was tense and alert, trying to spring from her grasp. Axia gave a wave every now and then but mostly was focused on Panic. Panic was also trying to get off the chariot. He was afraid because the horses had suddenly started to move and now all of these people were throwing flowers at him. Axia was annoyed at Panic's well.. annoying tendencies.

Then the succulent steaks came out. Gage was shrinking away from the light and Amy was embracing it. The cheers had died down but Amy knew these idiots were her key to survival. Amy smiled and did polite waves and blew long, drawn out kisses. A few men and women seemed utterly delighted by the District ten girl's enthusiasm, and wished for her to send more. Other's were repulsed that meat was waving at them. Let alone that horses dresses as cows were carrying them.

Ian was standing stiffly by Olive who was shyly waving. Ian gave nods to some and blew reluctant kisses to others. Some of his new fangirls squealed and grabbed the air for his kisses. They seemed to believe it was some real, tangible thing. Ian found them quite ridiculous with their bowled hair and over done make-up, but kept up his reluctant act.

"You look horrible, wave a bit more." Olive mumbled to Ian, still waving. One crowd member threw a bouquet at her which she gratefully caught. She smiled even more broadly.

Ian huffed and made an effort to wave a bit more often.

Then came district twelve. They were red from head to toe. Red rubies gleamed off their bodies, and red gloves were on their hands. Their gloves were on fire and when they waved a streak of smoky flame trailed. The fire made the rubies seem brighter. Also their hair was designed to look like fire. It was black when they first came out and then slowly changed yellow, orange, and red! Their hair was slicked back in pointy little nubs. Then the rubies all burned up and became a shiny, metallic, red armor.

All of the horses circled around a few times until they stopped.

President Cornelia Snow walked up. "Welcome tributes! To the 2000th games! We admire your bravery, strength, and courage. We.." The president stopped suddenly, spotting the district twelve cart. Her throat tightened at the sight of it. The fire.. Why were they on fire? It reminded her vaguely of something she couldn't bring to the light. The flickering of the gloves reflected in the screens. Corneila cleared her throat and gave an apologetic smile.

"We hope to you a Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds... be ever in your favor!" she manages, disappearing into the hall behind her. She felt a strange sense of worry and anxiety. Her palms were sweating slightly as she continued walking.

The sound of cheering Capitolittes continued even as the tributes left. It was ridiculous how much these people cheered.

When she was at least a quarter into the hall she was met with the appearnce of the head gamemaker. "Advisor." she says curtly, resisting the urge to bow. She knew she was the president and that her subjects should bow to her, but the man gave off such an intimidating glare that she was shell shocked.. Only a bit.

"Cornelia.. the tributes will start training tomorrow.. would you like to join?" he says suddenly, his eye brows raising. His face was contently emotionless, his hands behind his back.

"No thank you." she responds, surprising not only the head gamemaker, but herself.

The head gamemaker cleared his throat. "Well.. I have a lovely surprise for you! Its from all of us gamemakers and we thought it would make this day memorable." Head Gamemaker Willus says, ignoring her previous words. "It is the millennial games after all."

"Well, that's very thoughtful." she says, regarding his hands with suspicion.

Willus, the head gamemaker, removes his hands from behind him and comes up with a bouquet of primrose's. His face contorted into something of an amused look. "They are so fragile... am I right?" he asks, plucking a petal off. His eyes lingered on the flowers before looking at Cornelia.

Corneila felt the sudden urge to rip the flowers out of his hands. To either save them or destroy them, she wasn't sure. Cornelia did nothing though. She was the president, and president's were supposed to be in control. Right?

She just stared at him, trying not to allow her conflicting emotions to show.

After a moment, he opened his mouth. His eyes were still glinting with amusement. "Whoops, sorry. These are yours." he says, placing them in her hands. A strange smile crossed his features.

She gave a slight nod. "Thank you."

Cornelia began to walk away before Willus spoke again.

"Are you alright?" he asks, staring at her back.

She paused. Corneila wondered whether to tell the truth or not.

She could feel his ice coated eyes on her back, it sent slight shivers up her spine. She didn't want to tell him, because then she would have to describe everything She didn't want to lie either because then she would have to keep up the charade. Or would she? Maybe he'd just accept it and stop asking her. Maybe then he'd stop telling her to take the pills she refused to take. Or maybe then he would forget it all, everything she had told him.

There was a reasoning to this, but it wasn't all that important in the moment.

She turned around, donning a fake smile. A mask was placed on her face as she began to speak slowly, as if any slip up may result in some horrid punishment.

""I'm fine." She paused. " I'll see you around, okay? I might go to the training sessions. Anyways, off with you! You have a lot to do."

Willus stuck his hands in his pockets and offered a smile. "Yes.. I'll be seeing you. Also, don't forget.. I'm here if you ever need to talk."

The way he held himself was way to laid back. She felt as if her position was being threatened, but it probably was. There were several people aiming to take her place. Such as a man named Donfus and another man named Screecher. There was even a female who was ready to pounce at any moment. Even her advisor was probably plotting.

She tried to shake herself of her paranoid thoughts, but they kept on returning.

"Are you trying to demean me? You realize I could kill you in an instant." she says, suddenly angry. She was the president! She didn't need some lowlife gamemaker telling her these things. She knew it was true, he was the one who was assigned to look after her. She ignored the stares she got from others in the hall and looked at Willus, shooing him off. She really needed to think things through.

Willus just nodded and spun on his heels, walking down the seemingly never ending hall.

"What are you looking at?!" she snaps, looking at the people occupying the space she was in. They all looked frightened and quickly returned to their work.

Corneila felt bad for snapping like that, but her mind had decided it was a day to act out. She waited until Willus was gone and continued down the hall. Her empty steps echoed throughout the hall as her heels clacked onwards.

How dare he?

How dare her advisor do such a thing? Though she wasn't exactly clear on what he was trying to do she got the feeling it was bad.

The flowers in her hands seemed to quadruple in weight, and she felt like setting them down. Though she didn't and she kept on walking down the hall. She looked at the primroses in slight disgust and worry. Would they be okay? Her mind seemed to ask her. She just glared at them, coming in front of a garbage bin. She looked at it, questioning it and decided finally. She threw the flowers in the trash and kicked the can.

She felt accomplished yet sad as well. She shook her head and muttered herself a good nonsense.

Quickly, she strode down the hall, hiding the small primrose she had kept from the bouquet in her dress.

She felt insane for doing such a thing, but she has been feeling insane lately. Faxir was really trying his best to help her through it all but it hardly made a dent.

She looked down at the primrose peeking out of her dress and let out a strangled sigh. Slowly, she stroked one of the petals.

"I'll keep you safe." she murmurs suddenly, opening the double doors at the end of the hall. "I promise, I'll keep you safe."

Yay! Another update! Well, there you guys go! I hope you enjoyed reading thm as much as we enjoyed writing them! Oh yeah, I will be posting a poll on which costume you liked the best. I guess I'll just put the indivdual tributes on there. Please review yall'z! Or not. It would be nice though, we would enjoy your feedback to get better as writers. On our profile we will have what we are currenly working on in case anybody want's to know. We hope to be updating more regularly now. :)

Have a nice day! :D

-Pika and Olive