Train Rides
-Odessa Anthony, 18, District 9-
Would she even get to say goodbye to her father?
Odessa realized how Numitor felt now. Which… Was not a name that she wanted to be thinking, not after what he'd done to the place she considered her home. But… He too, was a Cpaitolite, thrown into this situation like her, with a father in the Capitol that she probably wouldn't be able to see again… Sure, she had her mother, and step-mother and siblings, but… There was still something missing. A goodbye that she wasn't sure she was ready to say… She knew that they were angry at Numitor, but Odessa wasn't like him. She wasn't some traitorous rat because she was born in District Nine! She was loyal to the place that she loved!
Her tears had dried as she tried to enjoy her time with her family, knowing that she would be without them for a while… Which she was used to, but usually when she went to the Capitol she always knew when she would come back to District Nine. The only thing that made it worth it was her family, everything else about that place… It wasn't for Odessa.
She'd spent many hours on a train to the Capitol… But never one like this. Never for this reason. And who could even imagine that it would come to this?
Cadmus sat across from her, flipping a small object in his hands. Odessa could see a glimmer in the sunlight that was coming through the train window. "What's that?" she asked quietly, trying to distract herself from her own troubles.
Cadmus's head shot up at her speaking, his eyes narrowed. "Token." He said it in such a way that Odessa could see that he didn't want to be pushed further. She had no idea what kind of life he lived. Obviously, they were so very different. Why would any of them want to ally with Odessa, who looked like she was from the Capitol? She didn't fit in with them, as much as Junius liked to pretend that she was one of them.
But Cadmus, in all of his darkness, was strong. She could tell. And right now, Odessa needed to have someone strong, someone that can get her closer to surviving… She didn't need Cadmus to open up to her, but she would at least try to plant a seed.
"I can't believe the Capitol would do this," she said quietly. She wished that she could cry on command, but she couldn't. "They would take us away from our homes…"
Though by being rebellious, didn't the Districts earn it a bit? No, she couldn't be thinking that, she had to get Cadmus to like her.
"I'd believe it. 127 years of this, what do you expect?" He glared over at her, obviously not buying her or trusting her.
Odessa thought for a moment about how to proceed. He obviously was taking out his anger on the Capitol on her by association, which is exactly what she's trying to avoid here. She has to be one of them for anyone to trust her. Maybe she wasn't District enough for them, or Capitol enough for the Capitol, but she did have both sides to her and she was going to use them both whenever it was advantageous of her.
"I don't know what I expected," she said quietly. "I've been passed around to both places so much that I was really looking forward to being home for a while. The place I was born, the place I love." She knew where was really the place she loved. But she had to get him to believe it was the other way.
"Must be a lot to love about it when you can come and go at will." He shook his head at her. "Odessa, I know you want to have a friend here, who doesn't? But it's not going to be me."
Odessa opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it. He was probably right. She was going to have to make friends elsewhere. And it wasn't like there weren't plenty of other strong tributes for her to benefit from there. Odessa didn't want to say something she regretted – a bad habit of hers – so she stayed quiet. Thankfully, the awkward silence between them was broken when the door slid open quickly with a big thud as it hit the barrier. Inside the doorway stood June Fisher, glass of wine in hand.
"Everyone step aside, its train rides baby, that's ya ho's time to shine!"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Prentice asked with a smile as she strutted in the room, and Odessa could see how distracted he was looking at her butt. It was a pretty nice one, Odessa couldn't blame him. Hey, so maybe she was ace, but she could know when a butt was good and when it was flat as a pancake!
"I just always feel like I get a little extra attention in train rides footage. Like there are always eyes on me during the train rides, for at least the past three years. Probably last year too, I don't know." she said with a shrug, before turning to Odessa and Cadmus. "So, we have a Capitolite and a homegrown. Welcome to hell."
"Gee, thanks," Odessa said, quickly taking the opportunity to start talking to June. It wasn't that Prentice wasn't a good mentor, but Odessa knew which one she wanted from this pair. "Do they at least have good hors d'oeuvre?"
"That's for you to decide," June told her. "But that's a good thought, this bitch is hungry!" She got up and went straight to the spread of food while Prentice reached over to give her a spank on the way. June whipped around, pointing her finger at him, and he put up his hands with an innocent smile.
"You're not even the one that was shot up with horny juice," she scolded him, but Odessa could see a wild look in her eyes. "Have some self-control man, you're worse than Riggs."
"It's not my fault that you have a nicer butt than Gian," he said with a shrug and a grin. "And Gian also doesn't wear high-waisted skirts."
Cadmus looked like he wanted to melt away from there he was so awkward. And while it was a little weird witnessing their mentors flirting like this, Odessa didn't really mind it. As long as either or both of them could help her.
"Yeah and thank God for that," June said. "Can't speak for Riggs, though. It was a whole debate, don't ask," she said when Odessa put up her finger, definitely about to ask.
"But did it at least look good on him?" Odessa asked, trying to get in with them. This was definitely one of her biggest strengths, and she was going to use those social skills to help her. Especially if Cadmus was just going to sit there and look like a deer in headlights about it.
"Surprisingly good, yes," June said. "I don't know if I've ever seen Gian drag him away faster." She snorted with a small laugh. Prentice just shook his head at that as they both piled up their plates.
Cadmus looked like he wanted to say something to change the subject, but he didn't. Probably still a little scarred about that mental image.
"Helen made you so cute and girly that day," Prentice commented with a laugh. "Pastels and everything. It was so weird."
"Yeah, and you and Gian completely ruined Pluto's face with your glaring inability to apply bronzer correctly," June shot back, rolling her eyes about that. "Poor kid."
"So you're saying all I have to do to get a Victor make-over is win the Games?" Odessa asked them. "That's motivation enough for me."
"A tipsy Victor makeover, yes," Prentice said with a laugh. "Boy am I glad I stopped it when the hair dye came out."
"That's nice and all, but shouldn't we be focused on strategy?" Cadmus finally asked, crossing his arms.
"Yeah, first thing – do not step off the platform until the gong rings," Prentice said, and both he and June deflated a little bit as she gave a little cringe.
"Yeah, don't do that please."
"Wasn't planning on it," Odessa said confidently, and Cadmus shook his head in agreement with her.
"Next question… What's the mentoring situation?" June asked. "You can be mentored separately or together. And while we will each have one of you, Prentice and I will also be working for both of you. So… We'll be confidential, but our goal is to get one of you out. Well, confidential unless this one gets too drunk. Then he'll say everything he's thinking."
Prentice blushed. "Ignore that. What's it gonna be?"
"I would like to be mentored separately," Cadmus said right away.
"Ouch," Odessa teased. "That's cold. But that's fine by me."
Cadmus just sighed at that.
"Seems like it'll make sense to go by gender this year, yeah?"
Prentice nodded, more than happy to take Cadmus. He was, in a way, easier for Prentice to sell, having been homegrown District Nine. But Odessa was still convinced that her Capitol ties could be worked to her advantage.
"Alright, well, let's go to the next car then. I hear the food's better there anyways." June gestured with her hand. "You go first."
Odessa snorted at that but did as she said, not needing to turn around to know that June was putting on a show for Prentice as she walked out of the room.
"Alright, so, let's get down to business," June said. "We're going to arrive sooner than usual, because Muramatsu is a copycat and capitalized off of Lux's idea from last year."
"What, with tributes designing outfits for each other?" She was suddenly very nervous about that. It was kind of a disaster last year…
"Yes," June said. "And last year, Burton and I designed a masterpiece for that Career bastard," she said with an evil grin, before her smile faltered as she remembered his fate. "But this year it'll be just different enough to plagiarize, so you're going to be paired together and actually talk before you design. Probably to prevent, you know, the whole book by Charlie thing."
"Do I get to know who I'm paired with?" she asked.
June nodded and pulled up a Holo. It showed footage of District Eleven, and the volunteer from the crowd. A fellow Capitolite, Odessa noticed right away. She also couldn't help but notice that Rose had a slightly pained expression on her face. She wondered if they would show whatever caused that on the recap later that day.
"Her name is Vasilisa Castle."
Odessa pursed her lips, and nodded, in thought about why she would possibly want to volunteer for this.
"Well, until we arrive, let's talk about strategy," June said, putting the holo away. "Obviously, you have the shadow of the world's biggest dumbass to try and step out of." She sighed. She didn't know Numitor too well – he killed her tribute, but the kid deserved it. But… He definitely gave District-born Capitolites a bad rep, and Junius jumped straight on that and pushed out propaganda… And of course now June had to work with one.
"June, you may see my lineage as a weakness, but I think it's a strength," she said. "I can play the District card with that face, and then the Capitol crowd with my other side. I can find allies, I'm determined and I can get people to like me." Usually. Cadmus just wasn't going to like anyone.
June thought for a moment. "Hm… You have to be pretty convincing that the Capitol part is just a schtick to other tributes."
"I can," she said, feeling determined. "I can play both sides. That's my advantage."
"Think you can do it better than a fellow Capitolite that volunteered?" June asked, her brows creasing in worry.
"Oh, I know I can do it better than her. She volunteered, so obviously she's already alienated from the others that are here against their will. I have cards that she doesn't and I'm willing to play them. I can do this. I know I'm going to get out of there alive."
"Woah there, Speed Racer," June teased her, her eyes going slightly dark. "It's definitely not as easy as I made it look." She sighed quietly and shook her head. "Just try not to get attached."
"Oh, that won't be an issue," she said. "I know who I'm loyal to and it's certainly not going to be… Vasilisa Castle, is that her name?"
"You got it," June said with a smile. "That's the way to think if you want to get out of here. As long as you can pretend to be attached while keeping a distance."
Odessa smiled. "Oh yes. Leave it to me."
"Brilliant." June was going to say something else, but the train came to a stop before she could and they were escorted by Peacekeepers to the chariots Colosseum. She sat with Odessa at the table marked with her name, which was right next to the table with Kelly, who was sitting with the boy from District Five, and Cadmus, who sat next to him. It was uncommon to see the Victor out and about, but she had a determined look on her face as Kaoru had his head down on the table.
"Alright, I think Vasilisa should be arriving soon. So just play it cool and remember what you have to do."
"I'll do anything to get out of here alive." She waited until she saw Miracle approaching them with the girl from the Holo, who was looking around the room that would soon be inhabited by horses and chariots and tributes in costumes.
"Hey girl!" Vasilisa said with a grin and a wave. "Odessa right?"
"Nice to meet you finally," Odessa said, matching her energy as she shook her hand. "Take a seat."
"Boy am I glad that I'm not the only Capitolite here," she commented with a small sigh. "You know, good to have someone here that knows."
Odessa thought for a moment. Obviously, Vasilisa didn't want to hear her little District Nine story. She would just have to be careful. She was not about to let her plans be ruined by Vasilisa running her mouth. But when she saw someone she actually wanted to ally with, she could always tell them that it was an act she was putting on for Vasilisa. And the rest of the Capitolites.
"Oh, yes, me too," she said. "Makes me stick out less. I like your hair." She gestured to the pink curls that were adding some serious height to the girl.
"Thanks!" Vasilisa said. "Do you think pink looks better on me, or Rose?" She pointed to the escort that was standing with the escort from District Ten, who was talking animatedly to her.
"Why does it have to be a competition?" Odessa asked, raising an eyebrow.
Vasilisa gaped at her. "Uh, because only one of us can marry Oliver, duh! He's a one-woman man!"
Odessa didn't have the heart to tell her that he was obviously in love with Rose, and wouldn't be budging from that. From the brief time she got to meet Rose… It was unlikely that either of those two would do the other dirty.
"I see," she said finally. But at least she had an in. "Yeah, my father was the executive producer of Sweet Dreams are Made of This," she said. "So I got to be backstage and take pictures and help out with production."
Vasilisa's eyes became like saucers. "Seriously!?" she asked, not even noticing when Miracle and June left the two of them to talk alone. "Girl you were there!? TELL ME EVERYTHING!" she squeaked. "Were they as nice as they seem on TV? I mean I know they are, but…."
"Yeah, they were great," Odessa said with a smile. "Funny, kind, helpful… Class act, really."
Vasilisa shivered a little bit, imagining herself being there instead. "Of course they are," she said quietly. She bit her lip. "Tell me everything about Oliver. Was he really nice? Are his teeth really that white in person? What does he smell like? I'm his biggest fan, I have to know!" She wanted to know, but it was obvious that if Odessa could answer those questions, Vasilisa was going to get jealous.
"Oh yes, he was really nice. He was funny, he was joking about trying to get a bad picture of Theodore. And yes, his teeth are white but he doesn't show them as much in real life as he does for TV. But… Can't answer the smell question."
Vasilisa put her hands on her heart. "He's mine, so don't get any ideas!" She glared at her.
Odessa put her hands up. "I'm more into drummers anyways." Not a total lie.
The smile immediately came back across Vasilisa's face. "Great!" she chirped. "That works then girl! We can be band wife buddies!"
Odessa snorted. Not only were they in a fight to the death, but Odessa was better than to thirst for celebrities. "Of course," she said, to entertain her. "Now, let's figure out an outfit."
Vasilisa nodded at that. "It has to be pink. I have to show Oliver what he's been missing for so long!"
Odessa shook her head, but started flagging through the magazines they had sitting there. Everyone wanted to see her interact with a fellow Capitolite, surely. Their friendship, or whatever Odessa could pretend to be friendship, would get her a lot of press. But Vasilisa, despite volunteering, was obviously not going to be an asset in the long run.
Odessa took a deep breath.
She just had to get through this, then she could find someone that would actually help her to survive in the Arena.
~.~.
-Amiah Amaryllis, 18, District 5-
"It's you." It was the first thing he said to her when they got on the train.
It's you! She signed right back at him.
"Amiah," he said, before sighing and turning away from her. "I'm sorry we had to meet again like this."
I'm sorry too.
Kaoru didn't have to know to sign to know what she said. He sighed and put his face in his hands. "I want to die… But I need to live. I need to win money. For my sister." He closed his eyes. "But you don't deserve to die…"
Amiah was going to sign something, but pulled her hand back as a frown spread across her face. She was sad. She didn't want to die. And… He was right, he didn't deserve to die either. But… Amiah wasn't ready to die, at the same time. She was going to do anything she could to live. Living was… Was beautiful! And she wasn't ready to leave this beautiful life that she loved. She… she was one of the few people that actually seemed to appreciate how beautiful life was. And when people failed to see the beauty in the world, they did things… Things to darken it! Amiah didn't want another person to darken the world with their… Their skewed perceptions about the nature of humanity.
No, she was not going to die, not in there, not anywhere. She was too young. She was too free. She had too much to love about life to lose it now! Especially after being visited by Leah… she had to get back and live the rest of her life to the fullest. She couldn't let someone else walk out of here a zombie, that gave up on living a full life because of what they'd experienced. Amiah was strong. She'd experienced plenty of hardship before, and she knew that she could handle it.
But if she were to live… That meant that Kaoru, and many others, would have to die. And while she wasn't about to give up her chance at living… She didn't know how to feel about that. About taking life from someone else…
Kaoru was quiet, holding his face in his hands and not looking at her. Having so much sadness in front of her… Sadness that… Well, she didn't really know how to help. What do you say to a walking dead man?
Well, if there's any time for you to finally start living… it's now.
Kaoru shook his head at her. "I don't know sign," he said.
"I do."
The voice in the doorway made Kaoru hide away again as Tim Delacroix walked through the door, his co-mentor Kelly close behind him.
"If there's any time for you to finally start living, it's now," he repeated. "And I think that she's right." He had seen too many tributes die… Some without laughing one last time.
Kaoru was quiet, the tears tracing his cheeks that he was completely silent in letting out. So quiet that Amiah didn't even know he was crying. Her eyes filled with tears at seeing him like this, and knowing that there was nothing she could do. Well… She could help his sister, when she got out of here. And help so many others. And she knew that was what she would do. She was going to make the world a better place.
If something happens to you, I will try my best to take care of your sister.
Tim repeated her signs, pointing over to her when Kaoru looked up and his lower lip started to quiver. "I…" he said quietly, but he wasn't about to tell her to not do that. He hung his head and gave her one sign that he did know.
Thank you.
Kelly stood back towards the corner, away from the group. Edulcorante stood in the doorway, knowing when to make himself known and when not to, while also strategically barring Kelly from leaving the room.
Amiah came over to Kaoru and gave him a hug. Kaoru sniffled a little bit and she could feel that he was still holding back. But she also knew better than to waste anymore energy here. Not when there was so much to be done for her to get back home.
Let's get to business.
Tim nodded. "Yes, I think we should get down to business," he said. "Would you like to be mentored together or separately?"
Amiah looked at him, then looked at Kelly, and at Kaoru. She put up her hands, about to form the sign for together, but stopped. No. She couldn't. She had to get out of here alive, and as much as she wanted to trust Kaoru and others… She couldn't. Not if she wanted to live. Kaoru had lived for too long in fear, and pain, he would never be able to escape it, as much as she wanted for him to. And there was nothing she could do short of giving up herself to help him.
And she had to draw the line somewhere.
"Separate." Kaoru did it for her. Amiah knew it was the best way.
"I'll stay here with Kelly," said Edulcorante.
"I know more sign, so I'll take Amiah." The girl nodded, thankful to have Tim as her mentor as he always seemed so personable, and nice. "Is that alright?"
"Yes," said Kelly, forcing it out a little bit as it was rare to hear her speak.
"That's good," Kaoru said, obviously still upset and worked up about this.
Amiah was upset too, but she never let her sadness slow her down. If anything, the sad was just more motivation to get happy. It was all part of living. And life… was just too beautiful to give up without a real fight.
I fully intend on winning the Hunger Games. She had to be sure he knew.
Tim smiled a little bit. "Our District does have a mute Victor, it would be silly to doubt you. And I know that the Capitol won't either, not after last year. Piccolo Wallace knows a good amount of sign language, and will make sure that your voice is heard."
That's the thing. I don't need words. She really didn't.
Tim smiled sadly at her. "I'm sure you don't. And here, in a situation like this… Your actions are what matters most." Amiah nodded, encouraged by that. She could do anything she put her mind to, and she knew this.
I can learn quickly. And I'm willing to fight.
"Both things that you need to win, so I'm glad. Learn as much as possible. Not just from the training stations, but… From the people around you."
I can do that. I will.
"Speaking of the others… You're going to be meeting one of your competitors earlier than expected." He pulled up the Holo. "And designing their chariot outfit. And they'll design yours as well."
Who?
Tim pulled up the footage. It showed the sunny District Four, the volunteer that came up the steps and was hyping up the crowd a little bit with a wide grin on her face.
"Ridley Ostreuck. District Four."
They're pairing me with a Career? Why?
"I don't know…" Tim said. "They made the pairs strategically, so… I wonder. But I don't know."
Amiah wasn't sure either, but she couldn't let it shake her confidence. She would make a good impression, and use what she had to get out of here alive. She had plenty to offer, and while she was definitely not going to be part of the Careers… here, it was better to have more friends than enemies in the Hunger Games. And getting a friend in the Career alliance would be a very valuable friend to have.
I will make them like me.
"That's what you have to do. Whether it's Capitol or Careers… You have to make them like you so much, they couldn't stand seeing you dead. Even if it means they will die first."
Amiah took a deep breath. It was a big thing to ask of her, and she knew it. But at the same time, all 23 others would be aiming for the same thing, and Amiah was fully intending on beating them all to the punch. She trusted her mentor and knew that he was full of good advice. Not only from winning his own Games, but from trying and failing to see others. The failures appeared to be a sad thing on the outside. But they made Tim a stronger person, and a better mentor, and that was beautiful. She really felt like he was the type of person that would understand that.
But… I don't want to manipulate anyone.
That… That would be wrong, and she didn't want to cause anyone pain. She was always a helper.
"It's not manipulation, but… Just, be your real self. Be the honest you, then you don't have to lie. But… Just keep the others at an arm's distance."
Of course. She knew that she had to keep them all away from her if she was going to win. But also, she couldn't lie, not about anything. She never hid who she was before, and she didn't intend to now.
The train pulled up to the building where chariots would be leaving from – set up with tables as the mentors and escorts mingled and made sure that the conversations were going smoothly.
Amiah stayed close to Tim, not afraid to show the crowd that she was a little nervous as she walked through the seas of paparazzi that wanted to steal a picture of her and Kaoru. Kelly and Kaoru leaned against Edulcorante for support as they went in the building, and the attention was quickly stolen away from the two of them by the volunteer from District Eight that was coming in right behind them.
"This way," Edulcorante said, walking them into the room. Tim checked the diagram he'd been sent by Aika while Edulcorante took Kelly and Kaoru to the tables on the far right side and tried to encourage him to start drawing up ideas.
"AMIAH AMARYLLIS OF DISTRICT FIVE!" came a booming voice. She looked up with a start at the grinning tribute that was pointing at her. "Right over here!"
Amiah laughed a little bit. Well, that was easy. She straightened her shoulders, immediately relaxing at her partner's kind appearance.
"Hey Tim," greeted Michael, putting up a hand.
"Spinnaker, what's up?"
"Nothing much. Nice to meet you Amiah."
Hi, she signed.
"Big fan of you too, Tim Delacroix," Ridley said, reaching out to shake his hand. "Ridley Oesteruck."
"Nice to meet you Ridley."
"You sign, right?" he asked Amiah. "Sorry, I don't know much about that."
That's okay. I don't need words. She smiled and threw an arm around his shoulders, and Ridley just grinned at that.
"Alright! So, I was sketching up some ideas, but I would like to get to know you first."
"I can stay if you need a translator."
Amiah was tempted. She did think it would be easier if Tim stayed. But at the same time, she never needed a translator before and she wasn't about to start now. Amiah Amaryllis was nothing if not a creative person and she was going to make this work.
Thanks, but I'll be okay. I'll call you if I need you.
Tim nodded. "I think they're serving drinks over there." He shot Ridley a look as his hand shot up, and Amiah tittered. "For mentors and escorts only." Ridley blew a raspberry as he put his hand down with a pout.
"I'm so there," said Michael. "Let's go."
Tim let Michael go first, who rolled in front of him towards the back table where Tartarus and Pit clanked two full glasses of wine and Ant went straight over after dropping off Paisley with the girl from District One.
"So, Amiah, why do you think they paired us together?" Ridley asked, taking a seat.
Amiah thought. Why do you think? She asked in return.
He could tell what she was asking by the questioning expression on his face. "I don't know either. I'm a Career, and you're not. But I'm more than just a Career – don't lump me in with those brutes. I'm in this for something more. A better life for myself, y'know? And I can help my family, so they don't have to be lowly oyster farmers anymore."
Amiah smiled a little bit as she started drawing on one of the mannequins Ridley's stylist sketched out for her. She showed the drawing – a literal oyster costume – to him with a grin.
You like it? If you don't I'll cry forever.
"If you put me in that I will make you a literal lightbulb!" he said, turning to his paper of mannequins drawn by Amiah's stylist and started crudely drawing a lightbulb around the figure.
Amiah giggled some more, a small squeaking noise coming out of her for a few laughs. Do it, you won't.
"There's no way in hell I'm going to walk on that chariot as an oyster," Ridley said, but he was still grinning about it. "My family would lose their shit."
You think I want to be a walking lightbulb? No.
"Alright, so let's just… Put that away," he said, reaching over to crumple up her oyster drawing, and she laughed as he tossed it in front of him at Alvis who was sitting alone in front of him. Alvis turned around, raising an eyebrow.
"This yours?"
"Oh, hell no," Ridley said. "You keep it."
I'll autograph it for you if you want, Amiah teased him, picking up her pen as he turned back around, not seeing her sign it. She sighed with disappointment, not afraid to hide it.
"Here, I'll just autograph yours," Ridley said, taking the lightbulb and practicing his signature.
You've definitely practiced that before.
"Not the first time I've done this," he commented, picking up on what she was trying to say. "Let's see yours. I bet it's not as good."
Amiah narrowed her eyes at him. I accept the challenge. She was also well-practiced. But she never thoughts she'd actually be signing something for someone else. Amiah took the pen and produced her signature on the paper. Ridley's eyebrows shot up with a grin.
"Not bad!" he commented. "I like it."
Thanks, she said, and they both laughed together.
"So, okay, onto some actual ideas," he said.
Oysters aside, yes.
"So they're gonna want us to match, right? So… Here's my thought." Ridley started drawing quickly, and Amiah hung over his shoulder to watch him draw, putting her head on his shoulder but not enough to keep it from moving freely. She grinned as he pulled back his arm and revealed the blue puppy dog outfit. "Two words. Matching onesies."
Amiah beamed at that. She loved that idea. She quickly turned to her own and started drawing, taking a pink pencil to color in the fur for the pink otter onesie she was drawing for him. Then, while he was watching her with wide eyes, she grinned and autographed it.
Ridley laughed at that. "Yours is good, but let me show you how the master does it!" With a flourish, he signed the one he drew, and Amiah could admit when a signature was good. She applauded for him a little bit.
"AMBROSE!" Ridley cried out, just as the last tributes from District Twelve and Seven were arriving. "We're ready to turn in our idea!"
The escort in question was talking to Maxim, but turned around at hearing their name called and gave their colleague an apology before coming over.
"What did you come up with?" Ambrose asked, already having paged his stylist to come check out the idea.
Ridley held out the paper proudly. "Matching onesies!"
Amiah held out hers too with a proud smile.
Ambrose opened their mouth to say something, then quickly closed it again. This was not their problem to deal with.
Ridley's came over right away, smiling as she approached. But Ambrose figured it wouldn't last long.
"What did you come up with?" she asked. "I'll pass it by Marie and see what she thinks," she said, referencing Amiah's stylist.
"Matching onesies. Don't you love it!?"
Ridley's stylist stared at it, her eyes narrowing. "For chariot rides?! Are you crazy!?" She huffed and threw up her hands. "Don't call me back here until you've come up with an actual idea. The chariots are high fashion, Ridley, not a game!" She stormed off before Amiah could protest, the disappointment coming through on her face.
Ridley sighed, but put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry! We're going to come up with a different, better idea."
Amiah went straight back to smiling at that. He was right and she knew it.
I think I know why we were paired together.
"Huh? Why we were put together?" he asked, not sure if that was what she meant.
Amiah nodded. We both look for the light. She linked an elbow with him for a moment, before she quickly started to draw on the page. She showed him the drawing when she was done – a headpiece shaped like the sun and a long robe.
Where's Alvis, I need target practice. She grinned and held up the onesie paper. But Alvis wasn't in front of them anymore. He and Robin were sitting off on the floor towards the wall, next to each other, and talking in quiet voices while Robin sketched on their lap.
"Nah, let's see what you got first." When he saw her drawing, he grinned. "The sun. Yes, that's perfect. Maybe then you can be the moon!"
Amiah immediately crossed her arms. She wasn't the moon!
"Well I'm not the moon either!"
Amiah thought a moment about that, looking at the smiling face that would compromise with her if she wanted him to. Maybe they didn't have to have a moon, because Amiah could tell that neither of them was they type to search for the darkness, like the other tributes.
They were both the kind that stood in the sun.
~.~.
A/N: Back for more, with a stockpile of one chapter in store! So we'll have some consistent updates in the next few weeks!
So, here's the train ride chapters with two long POVs. Had a lot to get into that one, phew! I hope you enjoyed it.
Tribute Pairs
Wendy Alvarez/Paisley Adams
Basil Oberoi/Rory Kwan
Nadia Beatrice/Antonio Russo
Ryder Kota/Kodiak Chay
Vyka Perez/Ruthie Mercras
Keelan Teach/Adrian Amberheim
Ridley Oetreuck/Amiah Amaryllis
Kaoru Morikawa/Cadmus Brekken
Mari Mariano/Dante Day
Alvis Shirogane/Robin Nyquist
Odessa Anthony/Vasilisa Castle
CQ: Any ideas for what outfits these tributes will come up with? Any pair that you're excited in particular to see outfits from?
See you next chapter in a week or two!