The Parade: Lila Bunktrot – District 1 Stylist
This is it! I've waited what's felt like an eternity for this moment, and now the parade is finally here! This is my big chance to show all of Panem what a real stylist can do. Besides it's time for the spotlight shift from that no-talent monstrosity, Tigris. That tacky woman will be a thing of the past because in just a few short moments, all of my hard work will have paid off. There won't be a single tribute from any Games who will compare to the masterpiece I've created out of the pair from District 1.
As the Capitol anthem begins, the crowd goes wild before a single chariot even comes into sight. The anticipation is killing me. And just as my eagerness builds to a point I can no longer bear, the first chariot arrives. The audience erupts into combination of screams and cheers. Within seconds it reaches the point where the Capitol anthem is no longer audible.
As expected, my tributes are stunning. A white suit and gown made up of the finest fabrics District 1 has to offer. Each are embroidered with diamonds and sapphire accents which reflect the Capitol lights brilliantly. Draped over their shoulders, swaying in the wind are long extravagant capes which sparkle as though they're made entirely of emeralds. To top it all off my tributes are crowned with gold that's encrusted with blue and green gemstones.
Every Capitol citizen is in awe of what I've created. The more District 1 shimmers, the louder everyone roars. A few more chariots go by, and I can already hear the commentating of Caesar Flickerman and Claudius Templesmith. They make sure to acknowledge each District, but as they do they continuously return the focus to District 1.
Only a few Districts remain and my designs have successfully stolen the entire show. I have shocked. I have inspired. No one else can even come close to what I've created. This is my moment. This is my parade. I feel like I'm positively glowing. The only thing that's shining brighter than me now is the District 1 chariot. My pride swells and soars to new heights as the applause booms even louder. Only it's not for me. Why isn't it for me? And more importantly, who is it for?
If it wasn't for the thundering praise, I would have completely missed it. District 9. Their chariot is smaller than all the others. And it's only being pulled by one horse. Inside the chariot, the female tribute waves to her admirers. But where's her District partner? And why does this call for a standing ovation.
When I find the boy, both of my questions are answered. He's out front riding the horse. Galloping onward, the little grain covered urchin waves, sending the crowd into an eruption of excitement. This can't be happening! Their costumes are positively dreadful, and yet I've lost everyone's attention. All because District 9 decided to put a twelve year old on a horse.
And just like that every Capitol citizen forgot how they were dazzled and delighted by my costumes. My moment is gone. It's been stolen from me. All I have left is the hope of watching those District 9 brats perish in the arena.