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Hope you like the update. I think I found this one a bit slow for me to write, but training starts now, and I hope this will be more exciting for me to write, with new 'friends' to write up about.
Chapter Five: 'Cashmere, we love you'.
I stand next to my chariot. As we are district one, we are the first people the capitol are going to see. Which is shame, because we are the more glamourous of course. So the best come first and everyone else comes after. Probably would have been better if they saved the best until last.
When Marbles finally come out of his prep room, you could tell the two stylists didn't converse what so ever about image, for we looked completely different. Me in my mermaid dress, as I like to call it, and Marbles in crystals making him sparkle.
I noticed district two. The obviously attractive guy who looking at me. He smirked as I noticed him and gave a nod of his head. I gave a seductive smile and a wink, to show to show him I am more then willing to be cooperative, which could help me land in the career alliance.
The guy noticed and gave her counter-part a dirty look. She looked a lot nicer then from the reaping footage. It is clear that the prep-team and stylist had really worked on her, but to me, she still looked worn and dirty.
District four didn't make an appearance until the very last moments, so I was unable really size them up for the first time, but I couldn't help but notice the district three girl. She was so small, but today she held her head up tall, as if too say I will not be overlooked.
She saw me looking at her, but she didn't show any fear or intimidation from me. Maybe it's because I was all dressed up, and being seen as tragically beautiful by the capitol.
On cue, we are told to get into our chariots ready for the pulling away for the tribute parade around town. In my heart I am scared, I start getting heart palpitations, but try to keep my act together. I haven't conversed with Marbles about a particular way we should act, and to be honest I have no real intention of doing so. I will do my thing and he can do his.
Our carriage is the first to take off, and I nearly fall as it pulls away, making Marbles next to me give an arrogant laugh. But as soon as the crowd saw me the smirk was quickly striken off as it become clear everyone was interested in me and not him. People were screaming my name and throwing me flowers.
Half of me felt pride that I could attract so much attention from such a big audience, but the other half knew that cheering for me taking part in a death competition is no real fame to begin with. I blew kisses to all the men and waved to all the women and children. The parade went on for about 15 minutes before we come to an end outside of the presidents mansion.
When all of the chariots arrived, President Snow come out and greeted us.
"Greetings, Capitol citizens. Today we welcome our newest guests. The courageous tributes of the 63rd Annual Hunger Games".
An applause filled the area and the president waved them down.
"Our tributes", he addressed us. "Your sacrifice marks the anniversary of the dark days, where the districts tried to over power to capitol. Your sacrifice reminds everyone of the many many precious lives that fell. Your sacrifice is what keeps panem in peace and harmony. I award you all now. Good luck".
I looked up at him as he finished. This guy is a complete moron. I didn't mean to, but I could tell my facial features were angry. He was looking straight at me. His eyes burning with mine. But I couldn't blink, as if though his cold eyes were controlling me, telling me not too.
He smiled for a moment, before he turned away to look at each tribute individually, though not as long as mine.
The parade ended and were all gathered in the Tribute training centre ground level.
Lace, Lumos and Granite come to collect us, to take us back to our quarters.
"Cashmere", squealed Lace excitedly pulling me into a uncomfortable and unwelcome hug. "You look fabulous dear", she beamed.
Marble rolled his eyes. "Yes lets all bow down to princess cashmere shall we", he replied bitter.
Granite gave a mock laugh. "I guess the parade didn't go quite as expected for you then Marble?".
Marble gave out a hysteric cry and waved his hands in the air stupidly. "How could it have. All I could here was her damn name".
I didn't have time to respond as he sulked off towards the lifts.
Lumo's gave a smug smile and Granite rolled his eyes. "You know, I used to be a good looking chap back in the day of my games. My partner had the exact same problem", he laughed and walked away after his tribute.
"So, i'm gathering you were happy with the response I got then?", I asked.
Lumo took my hand and started walking my slowly to the lifts, knowing I won't be able to walk to well on my own. "Oh yes. That was sort of perfect. Will make sponsors easier for me this year. There will be no added convincing on my part".
"Added convincing?", I asked curiously.
"Oh you know. I won't have too... you know what never you mind about that cashmere".
I frowned. Worry about what?
Back on level 1, the repeats of the tribute parade were already on. Although I got most of the attention, I did seem that the district 2 guy had some admiration as well, mostly from the women, so it seemed like I did have some competition after all.
"He was looking at me earlier, giving me eye contact and nodding at me and everything", I stated to the room.
Granite looked at me. "Means he is definitely interested in an alliance. Make sure the first thing you both do tomorrow is talk to them".
Marbles nodded but I couldn't help but rub in the sore on Marbles, I really looked knocking down his arrogant self a peg or two. "He didn't seem to even notice Marbles though. Maybe he only wants me", I pouted.
It was Lumo's that looked up this time. "You two have to stop it right now!", she stated sternly making us both look at her shocked.
"I mean it", she continued. "Tomorrow you have to conduct yourselfs more carefully around each other. To be in an alliance together, and you will be, because you are both worthy of it, you have to be able to tolerate each other. In the arena you will be fighting for your lives. If you are down each other throats, you will only become hostile in the environment you are in, and it could cost one of your lives, or both".
I pouted angrily and crossed my arms, but Marble worked it so it made me look like a complete bitch, but handing his hand out. "I will try if you do", she said bluntly waiting for me to shake it. I opened my mouth to reject, but knew it wouldn't make me look good in front of the mentors, so I reluctantly shook it. "Okay", I said quietly.
"Good", snapped Lumo's. "Now Cashmere. How good are you at flirting?".
I raised an eyebrow. "Why?".
"District two boy. I want you to flirt".
Marble growled with laughter making me blush. "Oh. I guess I can try".
"Yes, and Marble I want you to try and flirt with the girl".
He stopped laughing instantly, which resulted in myself laughing so hard it brought tears to my eyes.
"You expect me to do... what?".
"Flirt with district two girl", she repeated.
"Excuse me, but have you seen here. She looks like shit on a stick?".
"Not until the games. Just flirt so she is less, threatening towards you. Be all man".