When I wake at 7 the next morning, it's to a not so nice awakening from my mentor. And by that I mean she poured a jug of water over my head. And the result was me waking up alright and also thrashing around and screaming. I don't think she's quite forgiven me for the unfortunate hit to the nose she received in thanks. I suppose that's what get when you go around pouring ice cold water over innocent, sleeping people. She's really to blame. Anyway, my mentor is originally from District 5 but came the mayoress of District 2 when she was married to the first male tribute from 2 in her time at the palace. Her name is Veronica and she has currently told me to get ready, or rather be made ready, so I can get to my training on time. My prep team wash me, my body and hair with something that smells like honey. So we're playing the honey card again. Great (note the sarcasm). It's not that I mind, the smell's actually quite nice, but the Prince won't even be there, so why'd I have to smell nice? it is so infuriating! I'm dressed in a tight corset and layers of petticoats. So I'm already out of my comfort zone. I can hardly breath and my voice seems a little higher than usual. My actual dress is a red velvet colour, with matching dance slippers. My hair is straightened and then pulled into a tight fishtail. I'm dabbed with a little concealer under my eyes and to cover up my few flaws. My eyes are ringed with eye liner and my lashes touched in mascara. My eyeshadow is a light brown that makes my eyes seem darker and more mysterious. My lips are coated in a dark red colour and I look stunningly dangerous. I like it. I'm given a small buttered roll for breakfast, so as not to ruin my lips, tacky red nail vanish or tighten my corset. I'm about 9th there, seeing as it's just girls for this training. Glimmer and Cashmere are both dressed in pink dresses that finish about 10cm below their hips and start about a cm away from their breasts. They're both laughing manically, flipping their hair and batting their eyelids. The girl, Finch I think it was, is dressed in blue, which actually works well with her flaming red hair. She, like me, is looking around, silently assessing her competition. Rue is standing by herself, twirling her curls around her finger, whilst humming to herself. The girls from 9 were both there along with one from 7 and another from 3. I walk over to Rue and she looks up at me smiling.
"I thought Thresh and Gale would've scared you away." rue muses and I chuckle, shaking my head.
"Oh no. I'm not going to be pushed away by some boys." I joke and she giggles, her voice soft and melodious. Slowly everyone else files in. The other girl from 3, the first from 4, then the girls from 6 , The girls from 10, Seeder, Annie dressed in a cornflower blue dress, the girl from 5, Enobaria and the girl who reminded me of her, Johanna, I think it was and everyone else, except from 12. They arrive last, Madge dressed in lilac and Katniss green. She walks over to me and Rue.
"Gale says sorry." Katniss apologises and I nod.
"it's an easy assumption to jump to." I agree and just like that the walls of formality between us all, seem to disappear. Our teacher, Atala appears shortly after.
"Hello ladies, we will now begin seeing as you are all here. I'll get straight to the point. In 4 days, 23 of you will be on your way to your new home with your husbands, but 1 of you will stay here and become a Princess, eventually marrying the Prince, becoming the Queen of Panem and carrying and birthing heirs. My job is to teach you all to act like royalty, seeing as all of you will return monthly to the palace for social televised events. Now, the King and Prince will be taking shifts, watching and analysing your progress. We'll be beginning with posture, so if you'll all grab a book and follow me." I hesitantly pick up a book, shooting Madge a confused look. She shrugs half heartedly, taking her own book. A fanfare sounds as the Prince walks in, smirking smugly and sits in a balcony overlooking us all. I gulp, biting my lip. Having been brought up without a father has forced me to become rougher than most and I really don't want the Prince watching me fail. I sigh, joining Madge, Katniss and Rue in the line. we start with one, balancing in on our heads and having to walk a meter without it falling. Glimmer kept slipping, obviously deliberately, sticking her ass in the air and whining like hell, her damned cousin doing the same. Enobaria and her long lost twin, Johanna, along with Katniss, all failed. The books slid off their heads as they stumbled around in their heels. They were even less feminine. Madge, Rue and Foxface, the girl from 5, it seemed like a suitable nickname, all were amazing. I could just about manage 5 meters by lunch, with 3 books. Rue and Foxface made it to 5 books at 8 meters, Katniss, Johanna and Enobaria 1 book at 2 meters, Glimmer and Cashmere 1 book at 4 meters, Annie managed 6 books at 6 meters and Madge managed 10 books at 13 meters. Her 'excuse' was that she'd had posture and etiquette training in 12, being the Mayor's daughter. Damn, she's good.
We're taught how'd to eat at 11. It turns out being quite complicated, with numerous cutlery. Poor Rue and Katniss were terrible while Madge was good again, having experience from being the Mayor's daughter. I can't help thinking she'd make a great princess, but I hope she isn't picked. I have a feeling that the Prince isn't the most gentlemanly. I struggle slightly with lunch, managing to do it well with only a few corrections. After Lunch the Prince switches with the King, who has apparently been watching the boys all morning. In the afternoon we practice ballroom dancing. I'm paired with Rue, who is quite good, probably making me look better than I really am. We depart at 4, bursting into giggles after we leave.
"Oh gosh, I am so bad at EVERYTHING!" Katniss moans.
"I swear I have 2 left feet!" Madge giggles.
"I couldn't even eat lunch!" Rue sings, not seeming to upset.
"Well, I couldn't do much either." I groan and we all laugh. I bid goodbye as I go to my floor, leaving them giggling in the elevator as the doors shut. I shower, changing into some jeans and a tee, before pulling my hair into a ponytail and leaving for dinner. We eat roast beef, with carrots, broccoli, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and gravy, with a dessert of meringues, cream and strawberries. I retire to my room shortly after, allowing myself to block out my hatred and dread and fall asleep.