Chariot Rides
-Ember Caine, 16, District 12-
Ember had dreaded nothing more than the announcement that she was going to have to interview one of her competitors. Did they not realize that they were all going to be killing each other in a matter of days!? Of course they did… They just loved it too much, they loved the drama, they loved watching kids be broken in front of thousands of eyes. Why else would these infernal Games be allowed to continue?
Ember had heard horror stories of stylists, and she wasn't sure if Bates was telling her these stories to scare her, or to try and make her feel better about a joke. So far, though, her stylist wasn't so bad. A little gaudy, but which Capitolite wasn't? She was very gentle with Ember's hair as she put it up and pinned it so that every hair was in its place. She kept the hot curling iron away from Ember's face as she curled the two dyed tendrils of hair that would be left down, making sure they wouldn't be blocking her eyes.
Chiwi was a kind person, but Ember had to shut that out. She couldn't possibly get attached to other tributes. It was always the death of someone. And Ember had too much at home for her to die here. Not that she would have chosen this life like her District partner and many others… But if she did manage to get out of here, she could finally give her siblings – and her boyfriend – the lives they deserved. And, most importantly, send food home to her District.
But Chiwi wasn't from District Twelve. She had no loyalty to Ember, and Ember had to stay strong in remaining the same. Caring for someone was a choice. It was a choice that Ember was forced to make before, when her trust was betrayed. But even then, she could barely justify it.
Here, she had to rely on the people she knew were for her. That would be her mentor, her escort, and herself. Flint and Blaise were waiting for her back home. She could finally get Blaise and little Quartz away from their grandparents. Blaise could finally be open about who he is, and find a man to love just like Ember loved Flint. Quartz could grow up in a loving home, with family that would accept her no matter what… Just like their parents always wanted for their three children. But they weren't here now.
Angelina was kind and going to fight for her, and Bates chose Ember to mentor over her volunteer District partner. Perhaps he was just worried about the criminal record, knew something that Ember didn't, but it was to Ember's advantage either way. She really had to stand out, being the minority of reaped tributes this year that didn't choose this path.
It was a lot of pressure. And the thought that she would crumble like a twig on fire… She couldn't stand it. She couldn't stand the thought of Flint, back home, without her. From the first day they met, they were a pair, a team, neither without the other…
Damn, this hurt her heart. She tried to shed the homesickness. If her stylist didn't like her, she could easily destroy her. And right now, being such an underdog, Ember needed everyone possible on her side.
"The Capitol is definitely going to notice you with a face like this," said the stylist, stepping back and admiring her make-up work, accentuating Ember's features for the crowd to see her outward beauty. Ember didn't like it, but she didn't really have a choice at this point. She had to get them to like her by any means necessary. If this was the case, it would have to do.
"Thank you," Ember said, sounding genuine. This was all sorts of fucked up, but the fact that her stylist would spend so much time to make sure she made a good first impression did mean something to her. Some weren't so lucky.
"Oh don't even mention it, dear! It's my job." She winked, and Ember sunk into her seat slightly. To think that some people made this deathmatch a job… "Now, let's get you suited up so you can be on your way."
Ember blinked at that, not exactly sure what she meant. "Uh… Alright?"
And that was when she saw the gigantic candelabra that she was supposed to put on. Ember gaped in shock at the huge extravagant outfit. Did Chiwi pull a fast one on her or something!?
"I-We agreed on two candles!" Ember yelped out, her voice betraying her shock as she squeaked again. "Two!" They agreed on the candles being an attachment to Ember's parents… Not an entire birthday cake! It was a genuine idea… Completely ruined!
"Yes, but after talking it over with my team… Two candles wouldn't be nearly enough for you to stand out. You don't want to just be that girl, do you?"
Ember was still gaping in shock at the huge bulky piece they expected her to wear. What the fuck!? But… They were right, she didn't want to just be that girl that faded into the background. At this point, she couldn't afford to be that girl.
But… How was she ever going to make this work!?
"Let's get you suited up, they'll be waiting for you!" said the stylist, and Ember approached the outfit. Everything about this was disgusting, but… At this point, Ember was willing to sacrifice some of herself, the parts that didn't matter, so that she could get back to the things that did matter. More than anything.
"Yes. Let's." She climbed into the outfit, which already reflected the light like a disco ball. God, she felt so ridiculous as the candles burst into the fake flames. It was pretty, but it wasn't at all what Ember was envisioning for herself.
"Chiwi is finished and waiting, so let's go!" The door was opened for Ember, and she had no choice but to shuffle sideways out of the room.
Chiwi was dressed exactly as they'd discussed, and when she saw Ember her face contorted in shock. "Oh my God! What did they do to you!?" she asked. "We said two candles! Two!"
"I… I don't know." Ember felt a little bad that her outfit was now so extravagant while Chiwi still had that conservative handmaiden outfit on. She was definitely going to outshine her now, and Ember honestly didn't mean for it to happen. She really did want to have the tribute to her parents on the ride, to show them a more vulnerable part of herself, just as Chiwi did by wearing this outfit that veiled her face. Knowing her story of being raised in a rural community of families that felt so suffocating… Feeling like she had to wear a scarlet letter, hide away… Ember felt terrible that she wasn't doing the same.
But at the same time, only one person could win, and while Ember wouldn't have chosen for it to happen this way… It would be a great thing for her to outshine a volunteer that was likely going to be a Career. Nothing against her particularly – Ember did empathize with her story – but only one came out, and that was what she had to remind herself of.
"It sure is something, isn't it?" she asked nervously, doing a half turn to try and gauge just how big her costume was. "I… I do wish that they would have gone with your idea, though." That was all the nicety Chiwi was going to get. She appreciated that much, but they were still in a fight to the death.
"Thanks. It's alright, though," Chiwi said. "I'm not jealous of that."
Ember gave a polite laugh. "I hope that your truth is still heard, even with me looking like I should have been on stage for Beauty and the Beast live."
Chiwi laughed a little bit at that, but her smile was pained at the thought of speaking her truth. Ember knew how she felt. But her secret was safe with Ember. She knew all too well how it was to have your truth revealed by someone else. How… Painful, humiliating, dehumanizing… And while Ember was fully intending on getting out of here alive, that was a line she refused to cross. She would win not by dirty tricks, but by her own personal grit and determination. She was absolutely not to compromise on that.
Unless she absolutely had to.
Just the thought sent a shot of anxiety up through her stomach, which put her heart in her throat for a moment as her hands started to shake.
"Let's go get this over with," Chiwi said, gesturing down the hallway to the doors that led to the press jungle. "You ready?"
She didn't feel ready, but she couldn't let that show to her direct competition.
Ember took a deep breath.
I'm Ember Caine.
I am in the Capitol.
I'm from District Twelve. That is where my family is, and they will stay there until I get back there.
I'm going to go out there and make them like me. Make them need me to be the Victor as much as my family does.
She took a breath.
I can do this.
She went through the steps like clockwork, needing to make sure she was grounded before she went out there and talked to the press. This would be the true first impression and she had to make a good one. Which meant gracefully getting through all the doors, and not knocking anyone over with her costume.
Chiwi was watching her silently when Ember looked over. Ember sighed quietly. She was glad to be paired with someone rational, but she had no interest in talking to Chiwi further, or any tributes. At this point, they're only obstacles to her getting home.
"I'm ready," Ember said. "Are you?"
"I…" Chiwi's face fell for a moment before she got her composure again. "Yes." She straightened her back and walked out the door, keeping her head up. "Let's go." Ember followed, not about to run to catch up. She had to act completely confident.
She didn't let the yelling and flashes of the camera bother her. She had to not look at the volunteers from Three and Seven in front of them, as the crowd was still fawning over them. She had to earn their attention.
"Ember! Wachiwi! Here! Here!" Everyone was calling out for them at once, and Ember steeled her nerves. Any other time, a crowd like this paying so much attention to her would make her break, bring her back to that day when Mara threw her under the bus… But not today. It was crunch time, things were much too dire.
"Good evening," Ember said, trying to keep her eyes open even with the bright flashes, not letting herself blink.
"Explain Wachiwi's outfit! What inspired you?"
"Chiwi feels that this is a picture of her past," Ember said. "A trapped girl, caught up in a community she couldn't get out of except for the Games."
"Wachiwi! Over here! Tell us about Ember's outfit."
Chiwi was obviously nervous, but she kept her voice level. "Ember is from District Twelve, the District of coal and fire. And… A testament to those that came before Ember, that she's loved, and lost." The crowd oohed and aahed, as more cameras flashed.
"Let's see both together!" someone called out, and Chiwi awkwardly shuffled closer to Ember and they both awkwardly smiled for a few pictures before the doors opened and Dante and Rosemary came out, so Ember gracefully started out of the way, to talk to some interviewers more down the way. Chiwi followed her quickly, but it was hard to pretend they didn't hear the cheers and Dante's loud voice telling the crowd about how talented Mary was. That would explain the outfits.
Ember sighed. She wasn't cute and small like them, but she wasn't strong like Chiwi and the Careers. She was trapped in the middle, and she was going to have to find a way to be the one they love despite this. She still had no idea how she was going to do that as she found her chariot and Chiwi entered first to help her in.
Ember just knew she had to keep her calm. She was here, and she was going to prove to them that she was worth their bets.
She had defied worse odds.
~.~.
-Ryder Kota, 18, District 2-
Ryder was still in shock that they were able to put together such an elaborate outfit so quickly. They really tried to talk Kodiak down, but… He was such a big personality that this outfit he made for Ryder was actually a toned-down version of what he was originally thinking…
Ryder felt very stiff in the stained-glass armor. "It's strong, but colorful. Like you."
Ryder Kota certainly didn't feel like a person that had a lot of color. Which was why they were so terrified at this whole prospect. Kodiak was bold, and Ryder was not at all the same. But the first words out of the Ten boy's mouth were a threat if Ryder "did anything to damage this pretty face or furthermore not encompassing this larger than life personality." They really did not want to get on his bad side so early on into the game.
And yet, there was something about him. Something about the way his demeanor changed when he realized that everyone knew about his sexuality after he singled out the Victor's son. It was a momentary break – a momentary departure from the uber-confident exterior. Instead, Ryder saw something they knew too well… Panic. Why would the Victors, who he boasts as his true family, encourage him to do something that he obviously wasn't ready for, let him go on without realizing the severity of his actions? Just the thought reminded Ryder of why they were here.
To be a martyr… Their step-mother was right, the people from Two were not going to realize the pain of the Games unless they lost one of their own. But… Ryder wasn't sure they were ready to die.
"I have directions from Kodiak himself," said Ryder's stylist, snapping them out of their thoughts. "That say…" she cleared her throat. "Shit tons of body glitter."
Ryder remembered him mentioning something about it before.
"Are you sure that's not going to get… Everywhere? Or be itchy?"
"Nah, I live and breathe body glitter. It'll be perfect. I promise."
Ryder trusted Kodiak. At this point, they didn't really have a choice as the stylists giggled and started holding different kinds of sparkles up to their face. It was so surreal that they were even here… And that they would have to participate in the glamor just to end it all…
The prep team put on the sparkles, painting the rainbow on Ryder's face that would match Kodiak's face. Ryder was nervous about being with someone that was so outgoing, and wanted to butter up the crowd. Hell, he could probably butter up Shani real well. But… then again, what hot dude couldn't?
Ryder's heart hurt when they thought about their step-brother possibly losing two siblings in his life. Would he be okay without Ryder? In the goodbye room, they weren't convinced. Maybe if Ryder died and a hot guy won the Games…
No, Kodiak was going to be dating a Victor's son if he came out alive. All of this was wishful thinking. Trying to justify leaving Shani behind…
But… For all this… They were planning to not take part in the excitement, take a stand… Show they were not just a typical Career, try to stop this violence, take a stand on something…
But they couldn't let Kodiak down by not being the partner that he needed them to be…
"Alright, now, you and Kodiak will walk out together," said the stylist. "Press will be there, asking for a few words about your outfit inspiration for each other."
Ryder nodded, and was practically shooed out the door. They had someone relying on them performing… But… If they didn't take a stand now…
Next time.
They were a little worried about Kodiak's outfit. Their breastplate was supposed to match him, but on Ryder's outfit the swan wasn't even white. The water that was supposed to be on their chest plate was not even a little bit blue. They just hoped that Kodiak would be a good-looking version of whatever swan his team designed, and not the ugly duckling he compared himself to during their chat.
The door opened for Kodiak, who stepped out and gasped a little at Ryder's appearance. "Wow!" he commented with a small laugh. "Look at that body glitter!"
Ryder gaped at Kodiak's appearance. He did not look like a swan at all, not like they decided on. The feathers he was wearing were fiery in color, and instead of having the full rainbow on his face, he only had the warm colors.
"I…" They put out a finger, pointing at his ensemble. "What?"
"Apparently the stylists didn't like the whole swan thing," Kodiak commented sheepishly. "So…" He pulled in his arms close to himself. "They took a different path."
Ryder agreed that it was definitely a better idea than the swan. But… Was it more Kodiak? They didn't know, the way that he was still holding himself was a little worrying to them. It was a do or die moment. Ryder smiled and put a hand on Kodiak's shoulder.
"Hey man, it looks great. Now I get why they changed my chest plate." They noticed the slight touch of green that was abruptly cut off on his cheek, and the frown spread across their face that it was never finished… Probably not the stylist's decision, to start something and not finish it…
Kodiak stood up a little straighter at that and took a deep breath. "Well, let's get this press thing done so we can prepare for the big ride."
Ryder smiled back at how he suddenly set off with confidence, out to where cameras were clicking.
In front of them was Ryder's District partner and her partner. The boy from Eleven was cussing her out to the press. To Nadia's credit, she was keeping her cool about it, keeping her tone very level. But Ryder could see the fiery look in her eye about being dressed in pink sailor girl outfit. Ryder didn't know which one pulled the matching pink outfit off better. Ryder tried not to laugh as they looked at Kodiak, who looked back over and snorted, causing them to break with laughter as the cameras were suddenly on them, and Kodiak.
They need to like me so that they'll miss me.
"Kodiak! What inspired you to design this outfit for Ryder?"
Kodiak kept his arms pulled in – obviously waiting to spread his wings until the chariot took off. "Well, Ryder is a lot of things and a lot of colors. The armor is decorated with some testaments to their character that they wear with pride." The reporters immediately started chattering about the nonbinary pride colors and the bi pride colors on Ryder's bottom half. "Also, look at that face. The glitter was necessary."
Ryder balled a fist, trying to step up and be the partner he needed to get that support.
"Ryder! What inspired you to design Kodiak's outfit?"
Ryder tried not to blush at blatantly taking credit for an idea that wasn't theirs. "Well, Kodiak comes from a District that has been pushed down in the past. He has trained and volunteered and is going to run with the Careers. He…" Ryder glanced over, not sure if this was information they should share, but needing to share it. "He is an orphan, that was knocked down so much back home that… Sometimes he felt like an ugly duckling. But he rose from the ashes. He's not an ugly duckling, or even a swan…" They glanced over at Kodiak, who was now away from the press and looking over at them, frozen.
"He's a phoenix."
When they looked at Kodiak in the eyes, he straightened himself up right away and put up his chin just a little bit. Ryder walked over to him and put an arm around his shoulder. "Let's go find our chariot," they said. That snapped Kodiak into motion, who walked with him until they found their chariot and climbed inside. They were among the last tributes, due to the complexity of their outfits.
"Hey…" Kodiak said, as Ryder held down a hand to help him into the chariot. "Thanks for that, back there." He took Ryder's hand and let them steady him as he climbed into the chariot, balancing well enough in the high heels that Ryder was sure that wasn't the first time he'd worn them.
"Sure thing," Ryder said. "You made me look good, so I was just trying to return the favor. I'm sure that Luke will like this look on you."
Kodiak stared into their face for a moment before quickly turning away from them, the tops of his ears going red. "Do you think so?"
"Well, I have a step-brother who's a thirsty twink so I know what the gays want." Ryder laughed a little bit and Kodiak returned the smile.
"Oh, before I forget, look what I nabbed!"
Ryder was slightly nervous as Kodiak produced his hand out from under the feathers, holding up a tube. "It matches my shoes!"
"Will your stylists be upset?" Ryder asked, eyeing the lipstick for a moment.
"Nah." He unscrewed the cap and he was right, it did match the dark red color on his shoes. "Do mine? Please?"
Ryder took the tube, feeling a little nervous. They hadn't really done lipstick before, but they traced the bold color over Kodiak's lips for him, wiping off any imperfections quickly. He was right, the outfit really needed it, and even Ryder was staring a little bit as his dark crimson lips spread out in a smile. Kodiak was going to create some simps tonight.
"Well?"
"You're right, you needed to match the shoes."
"Yes! Oh man, they're going to realize I'm right for sure, at how well we pull this off."
"I'm sorry… We!?" Ryder squeaked, quickly shaking their head. "No way. I think they glossed mine anyways. With pink. So that's bold enough."
"Come on, Ryder! They'll be pissed at me if you don't."
"You just had me put that on your mouth!"
"Yeah and I can't take it off now!" Kodiak cried. "So pucker up buttercup!"
"Aren't we matching enough!?" Ryder squeaked out, really not sure they could pull off this look.
"Please Ryder!" Kodiak said, before his eyes grew sad. "I always wanted to wear this color, but I don't think I can pull off this look alone!"
Ryder stared at Kodiak, and then the lipstick. Damn that look on his face. They finally nodded.
"Fine, but hurry, I think the chariots are going to leave soon!"
"HA! YES!" Kodiak cried, grabbing their chin and tracing the color onto their lips with no imperfections. They immediately felt self-conscious but didn't have any time at all before Kodiak finished the job and the chariot lurched into motion, almost causing him to put it on Ryder's face but stopping himself right in the nick of time.
"Is it okay?!" Ryder hissed as their chariot left the two double doors, regretting already that they let Kodiak talk them into this.
"Yes. Now… Smile. It's showtime!"
…
-Freddy Smith, Leader of One Man Circus-
Freddy couldn't believe he was up here on the top balcony, sitting with the Head Gamemaker and the Head Commander… His… Father. He had never felt happier in his life, except for when he was performing with his friends. Or when Out of Spite signed his CD.
Lizzie and Mari both looked nervous, flanked on either side of his. He was confident that they would be kept safe, though, and tried to pass that confidence to his girls. Bonnie was watching the drummers that lined the streets, no doubt criticizing their technique or whatever went on in Bonnie's mind. He heard the announcer in his ear, the countdown, and before he knew it, he and the two girls were up out of their spots to perform the national anthem before the chariots came out.
God, he didn't even know the words to the anthem before last week. And now he and his friends were here, singing it for the nation. From up there, it was easy to see Out of Spite in the audience. He could see how they all stood tall, hands on hearts, as the anthem started and Freddy and his bandmates began with the words. Hearing the crowd sing with them… Was just an experience that would never be paralleled.
He was glad when the doors opened, and the choir took over at the key change, revealing the chariots that came out with the tributes. He hung on the railing, Lizzie right next to him as the first one came out and he could hear Viola talking over the loudspeaker.
"Beginning the parade, please welcome District One's Wendalia Alvarez and District Eight's Paisley Adams!" The crowd immediately began applauding, and Freddy could hear Theodore hooting as Wendy worked that chariot, waving at them all and blowing kisses to the adoring crowd. In her modest yet sexy superhero outfit, cave waving behind her, it was obvious she was in her stride. Next to her, Paisley was not acting at all, instead standing strong, in character for her Amazonian warrior look. "Wendy's outfit was designed due to her charisma, and her defying the odds in her own life to get to this point. Paisley's outfit was designed due to her strength and dominance in a man's world."
Their chariot passed, and the attention was taken.
"Next, we have District One's Basil Oberoi, who was coincidentally also paired with District Eight, this time with Rory Kwan, the volunteer." Basil engaged with the crowd and with Rory, giving them a smile. Rory was encouraged by Basil interacting with them, standing tall and trying to pump up the crowd while staying in character. "Basil's lion armor was designed by Rory to show that Basil is a creature both fierce and loyal, gentle… Maybe even fatherly. And Rory's gritty Cinderella look was designed based on their home of District Eight and their rags to royalty story that will only be finished when they win the Games and get their daughter back." The crowd loved the look on the two of them, applauding as the next chariot came into sight.
"Well, look at this, we have a Gamemaker wannabe! It's Ruthie Mercras from District Six and Vyka Pérez from District Three!" It was true, as Ruthie was dressed in the uniform, bold colors on her face and streaking her hair to make her appear as a Capitolite in the position as she held up a hologram of a very generic-looking mutt. She was gaping, gasping, and pointing at everything with a giggle, turning to Vyka. Beside her, the girl in question was keeping a strong yet friendly face, a totally different person from the girl that was breaking down at the reaping earlier. "Ruthie's Gamemaker-inspired outfit comes from her love of inventing and desire to go to university. And Vyka's pink cab driver outfit is created due to her favorite place, the pink cab that is driven by her mother."
"Next up, we have District Four's Ridley Oestreuck, and District Five's Amiah Amaryllis! Wow, those two are matching head to toe!" The two of them were playing the crowd. Ridley was giving them finger guns and waving, while Amiah was bouncing on her toes, occasionally waving and occasionally stopping with a smile to move her arms as if she were dancing, absorbed in the energy of this moment. "Their outfits were both based off of the sun, as it is not only important for power in District Five, but it is important to sea life and agriculture in District Four. Ridley also commented that they were going to do sun and moon, but neither could agree to be the moon." Viola and Piccolo laughed at that and Freddy grinned at the two, dressed in a sparkly gold gown with an elaborate golden headpiece.
"Oh, here comes Ridley's District partner, Keelan Teach! And with him is Adrian Amberheim from District Twelve!" Viola visibly winced at the outfits. They weren't bad, but boy were they boring. Keelan was trying to make the most of his generic knight outfit by smiling and waving at the crowd, holding the helmet under his arm. Adrian was also dressed generically, making less of a show and trying to look powerful. The coals on him certainly did that, but neither of them would be standing out. Keelan had seaweed in the armor, and Adrian had the amber color of his last name painted on his skin, but that was about all that was interesting about either outfit. "Both Keelan's armor and Adrian's coals were inspired by their home Districts." She tried to at least say something.
"Oh! Who is that coming next?!" asked Piccolo, squinting as they couldn't see either tribute's face.
"Well, based on the inspiration, I would guess that it's Kaoru Morikawa from District Five, because with him we can all recognize Cadmus Brekken from District Nine!" Viola said. But she did not know which was which.
"Ah. I would suppose that the plague doctor is Kaoru, as the inspiration behind the outfit was the ugly side of disease that is often unnoticed." Piccolo commented. "Which means that the grim reaper is Cadmus, whose outfit was demonstrating the courage necessary to stare death in the face."
"And it would make sense for him to be a reaper, since he was from District Nine," Viola added.
"Oh!" cried Freddy from the crowd as they applauded for the boys. Kaoru stood tall, keeping his chin up and continuing to hide his face. Halfway through the ride, Cadmus took off his mask so the crowd could see him, still playing a stoic angle but acknowledging the applause.
"Wow, that's clever!" Lizzie said, but Mari's expression was sad.
"Next up… Oh, look how cute! It's Rosemary Mariano from District Seven and Dante Day from District Six!" Viola immediately squealed. Mary grinned as she was playing chords on her pink heart-shaped guitar. She was dressed to come straight off the stage of a big performance. Dante was wearing a T-shirt with her face on it and a bouquet of roses, waving them at her desperately as she took out a marker and signed his shirt. The crowd was loving their acting. She was wearing a microphone that was real, and attached to the speaker, so the crowd could hear her singing over their screams and cheers.
"Yes girl!" Lizzie cheered from the balcony, just one of many adoring fans for the two young tributes.
As they realized the spotlight was on them, Mary winked at Dante and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Genuine surprise spread across his features as he put a hand on his forehead and pretended to fall backwards in a faint, which caused the crowd to cheer and laugh.
"How sweet was that! It'll be hard to show up that scene," Viola said. "But I see a pair of twins that are certainly going to try! It's Odessa Anthony of District Nine, and Vasilisa Castle from District Eleven!" They were wearing matching dresses, the only difference being the color. The left side of the dress was a plan color fabric with netting over it – Vasilisa's in pink and Odessa's in blue. Their hair was also different, with Vasilisa's curls running wild and Odessa's straight white locks left down. On the other half of the dress was a dragon in sliver or gold, which started at the hip and curled over the chest, covering their chests but revealing some skin on their hips and abdomen. Both girls were working it up, waving to the crowd and posing together. "The inspiration for these matching outfits was a sense of strength, and comradery, being from the same home here in the Capitol."
Freddy tried not to stare at how exposed they were. But dammit, he'd flirted with Vasilisa the whole way to District Ten before he was dropped off, and boy did that dragon really work for her! He made sure to throw in an extra whistle just for her. He reached over and thumped Bonnie.
"Dibs on the pink one!" he said with a grin.
"They're tributes, nitwit," Bonnie told him, shaking his head and making sure his mouth remained closed for the rest of the ride. He added quickly, "And I have a girlfriend!"
Freddy just laughed as he cheered along with the crowd for the girls, which quieted slightly for the next chariot.
"Ah, here comes another pair of fine ladies. It's Wachiwi Emory from District Ten, and Ember Caine from District Twelve!" Chiwi was not drawing any eyes, with a red dress that showed none of her body and a white bonnet that veiled her face from the crowd. Ember was the one drawing all eyes, as her costume was practically booting Chiwi out of her own chariot. The candelabra was huge and bulky, and though her face was made-up to accentuate her features, she could do nothing about the candles that were sticking up all around her, all of them bursting with synthetic flame. Her hair was cute – up in space buns with two orange-to-red strands that fell in her face, but that combined with her smile was not enough to get the crowd behind them. Especially not when Chiwi stood so still. "Ember's candelabra look was inspired by those that she's lost before, combined with her home of District Twelve. Chiwi's outfit was inspired by the imprisonment she feels to have in her past."
"These tributes did well this year," Piccolo commented. "There haven't even been any jokes!"
But they stood corrected. Freddy immediately started cheering for the next chariot that came rolling past. It was the best one of the night.
"What was that, Picc?" Viola asked as the chariot came into sight. "Here's Nadia Beatrice of District Two, and Antonio Russo of District Eleven. And… They're so…" She snorted a little bit. "They're so cute, in those matching pink sailor girl outfits. Look, there's even a little sweater tied around their waists, and the headband bow! Oh my God!" Neither tribute was happy with each other, not even looking at each other as Antonio just stood motionlessly and Nadia tried to make the look work for her, but to no avail.
"Well… I'm glad that's over," Piccolo commented with a nervous laugh.
"And here comes Alvis Shirogane of District Three, and Robin Nyquist of District Seven!" Viola said. "And… Oh my!" It was hard to miss this chariot, as Robin was kneeling, a look that was obviously intentional as they built a platform for him to be kneeling on top of. He was chained down to the platform, tattered angel wings spread out around him and hugging close to him, a broken, crooked halo falling in front of his face which was made up to look dark and dirty. His wings were red-streaked and torn, matching the red streaks on his body, which nobody could tell if they were real or fake. The rune tattoo on his shoulder was on full display amongst the scratches and dirt. A fallen angel.
Next to him, Alvis's face was partially covered by a mask. He was wearing a full masquerade outfit, with a red metallic vest decorated with black filigree, a black cape, and tall black boots. He kept the mask up to his face, keeping his eyes and face hidden from the sight of the crowd, his eyes betraying a bit of nerves in his hiding. "Well, this is quite the ensemble! Alvis's outfit is inspired by his chameleon-like personality, changing masks any time he likes, according to Robin. And Robin's outfit is inspired by a deep brokenness, caused by a faction of rebels… From which he wants to break free, by winning the Games."
Piccolo's eyebrows came up in surprise at that. "Well, the Capitol will be a safe space for our little 15-year-old volunteer."
"It sure will be!" Viola agreed.
"Oh, here comes the last chariot!"
"Yes! Here we have Ryder Kota from District Two, and Kodiak Chay of District Ten! And… Wow! Look how that stained glass chest piece catches the light. It's like…"
"Fire," said Piccolo quietly, as Kodiak stepped forward, giving a last nervous glance at Ryder before putting a heeled foot up on the bar and spreading his arms. The wings that were attached to them unfolded, tailfeathers and the cape he was wearing flying in the breeze behind him like fire as black ashes flew from his arms into the wind behind him and Ryder. He kept one wing behind Ryder, not to hide them from the applauding crowd as the light caught the fiery pieces of stained glass and reflected them onto Kodiak.
Ryder was wrapped up in the excitement of the ride, turning and looking at the crowd and throwing in a few waves as the body glitter all over their skin picked up the light just right. Kodiak moved his arm that wasn't behind Ryder to show off the colors on his wings, his trademark smile spreading across his face – a toothy smirk cocked up on the left.
The matching streaks of color on their faces and the fiery armor were not the only matching part of the ensemble, though.
"Look at that those matching red lips!" Viola said. "That's unity!"
"I see them Viola!" Mari said quickly, and then slapped a hand over her mouth. But she didn't keep it there for long as she moved it to cheer loudly as the chariot got closer to them.
"That's bold," Lizzie said with a giggle.
"Shush you're interrupting the experience," Mari hissed at her, and Lizzie stayed quiet as their chariot approached the circle and stopped, and the three teens fell behind Junius and Aika the Head Gamemaker.
Junius didn't talk long, much to Freddy's relief. He hated the big long speeches made by Blossius. His dad's speech was much better.
"Long live Panem!" he called out, and the crowd, including the OMC kids, repeated the call, Bonnie's voice the loudest of them all.
The chariots did another lap before turning around, as the four teens were back in the front of the balcony watching them go with wide, excited eyes. Freddy watched the two Capitol babes, trying to get them to look up at him as the chariots circled round.
Alvis caught Lizzie's eye in the crowd up on the balcony, bowing slightly towards her and pulling his mask down for only a moment while looking at her.
Mari's cheers got more and more excited each time the last chariot came around, and continued until the double doors closed behind it as Viola's voice came back on the headset that only a select few could hear.
"Good work everyone on another successful year!"
~.~.
-Ryder Kota, 18, District 2-
As the doors closed behind them, Ryder came tumbling back to earth. What were they doing? They wanted to help Kodi, but… They didn't have to enjoy it like that! They weren't here to be one of those Careers that reveled in every moment of this… This death match, that took their step-sister.
But they wanted Shani's last memories of them to be something like this, where they were okay… And their mother… Ryder sighed quietly, kicking themself for letting themselves get wrapped up in the excitement. This wasn't what they were here to do, not at all.
But, if they could set up Kodiak to get home, would it be a bad thing? He was already chattering about the chariots, and Ryder wanted to laugh with him and talk about how cool it was – because it was cool as hell. But… That wasn't what they were here for, they couldn't be another person that got so wrapped up in it that they killed their own District partner… They had to be the good kind of role model, not like…Not like Pluto…
Guilt washed over Ryder again at the thought of loving the person that killed their step-sister before they could even get to know her. Shani's sister…
"Ryder?"
"Sorry," Ryder said, closing their eyes. "Yeah, it was pretty cool."
"I think they're going to start throwing money our way as soon as tomorrow. No, tonight! Right now!"
Ryder smiled a little bit, but it didn't meet their eyes. They did hope Kodiak could profit off of the money that was foolishly being thrown at Ryder, who… Wasn't even going to step foot in the Arena. If they could do what they were meant to do, follow in Markov's footsteps just like Cheri said. That would make up for the pain that was felt at the loss of their own, change the world, and Ryder wanted to change the world so badly…
"Yeah…" they said hesitantly.
Kodiak hopped off the chariot, holding his hand up to help Ryder off of it. Ryder took it, suddenly aware of the color on their lips again and blushing at what Mom and Shani were saying about it. And worried about what Cheri would think…
"Thanks," they told Kodiak. And they meant it. They really did have a good time, and having him there was what Ryder needed to keep from breaking right now. They had to be strong for him. In front of him. Both.
"Sure thing!" Kodiak said cheerfully. "So… Do you want to go without me? You know, separate yourself from that District Ten garbage…"
Ryder looked over at the expectant look on his face, anticipating the answer that Ryder was not about to give.
"No way," Ryder said. "Let's go. You trained, you volunteered, you're one of us, and I'll make sure the others agree." He smiled a little bit and held his hand out to Kodiak. "I promise."
Kodiak opened his mouth to protest, and then closed it again, obviously wondering if he heard wrong.
"Our lips match, I'm pretty sure the association is already there." Ryder slapped him on the back. "Let's go see what the deal is this year."
Kodiak nodded and took their hand, and they approached the District One tributes.
"Welcome!" Wendy said, grinning and sticking her hand out to them. "And may I just say, nice looks, both of you."
"Thanks," Kodiak said, happily letting go of Ryder's hand to shake hers. "Kodiak Chay."
Ryder smiled a little bit, but couldn't help that small sting of jealousy that Kodiak didn't seem to depend on them anymore like he did a moment ago.
"Basil," said the one boy with a wave and a smile. "You trained?"
"Every day for three years." Kodiak gave them a smile. "Oh, yeah, this is Ryder."
"Hi," said Ryder, as Nadia approached, chatting with Chiwi from District Ten.
"Welcome to the party!" Wendy said. "Wendy, and this is Basil, Kodiak, and Ryder."
"Nadia Beatrice," said the girl in question, trying to ignore how annoyed she was at the pink outfit she was wearing, her voice staying level. Despite losing her friend, she was nothing but level since being reaped. "Antonio made up his mind already, and instead of trying to battle it, I just told him I would put him in the same outfit he did for me. And this was his choice. It's sad, really."
That got some nods from her allies.
"I'm Wachiwi," said the Ten girl, lifting the veil hiding her face to look at them all. "And I'm just as capable and trained as you."
"No need to make a case to me," Wendy said. "I don't make my decisions until I see you in action."
"I'm cool with it if everyone else is," Basil said, and Nadia nodded. Ryder nodded as well.
"Kodiak at least is in it just as much as any of us, and he'll prove his place."
Kodiak smiled again as the Four tributes approached, cheerfully chattering about the chariot ride and how exciting it was.
"Hey everyone! Nice to see ya. Ridley, and Keelan."
"Nice to meet you," Keelan said with a smile. "No need to reintroduce yourselves."
"Yeah, and no need to grovel," Ridley commented with a laugh. "Keelan and I are cool with you two Tenners joining our alliance. You did volunteer and you have trained."
Kodiak puffed out his feathered chest as Chiwi gave a nod. "I was selected, just like you!" Kodiak boasted. "Hand-picked by District Ten's finest."
Ryder didn't stop the small frown from spreading across their face. This wasn't anything that they should be proud of, and they knew it. Clearly, their allies didn't. And they worried for the day they realized the truth…
"Well, I can tell stuff from your costumes, but… How's the politics gonna work? Anyone wanna swing their dick around or are we all going to agree that we're capable competitors?"
"No dick to swing here," Nadia commented with a small smile. Nobody else commented.
"Good. We don't need another year where the Career pack loses because we've gone on a pointless ego hunt for each other," Basil commented. "No offense Nadia. …And Wendy…"
Wendy put her hand up to stop him, closing her eyes and releasing a breath through her nose. "You're right." Nadia nodded in agreement.
"So… I'm all for democracy and all, but with so many people, maybe we want to have a facilitator of sorts?" Keelan suggested. "If anyone wants to step up."
For the first time in a long while, nobody came forward for a few seconds. They looked at each other, and Ryder could see the determination in his eyes, unable to stop Kodiak from speaking up.
"I'll do it!" Kodiak put up one of his wings, that grin spreading across his face. "Let me show you all what I can do!"
The group was quiet for a moment, all of them slightly unsure about electing someone from District Ten as their leader. Ryder knew the leader almost always went out first, but… What were they going to do?
"I'm cool with that," Ridley said simply. She surveyed Kodiak's muscles. "Use a sword? Little flexibility in those legs? Bounce a quarter off that booty?"
"Yes! To all!" Kodiak said, encouraged by them and their praise. "So? Deal?"
"Sure," said Nadia and Basil at the same time. Wendy was quiet for a moment, sizing him up.
"I agree." She said finally, narrowing her eyes for a moment before standing up straight again.
"Alright, first decision as a group!" Kodiak said. "Good work everyone!" The excitement on his face was breaking Ryder's heart. This was bad. "Anyone have any other points or ideas, or should we all go to bed and rest up before training tomorrow?"
The group was quiet for a moment, before shrugging at each other.
"Alright, cool. Then for now, let's disband and we'll reconvene in the morning to talk training strategy. Good night!"
The group broke up, most of them going to the elevator as the Four tributes chattered and Nadia wrung her hands. Wendy was whispering to Basil as they hung behind, and Ryder just sighed and followed Chiwi to the elevator as Kodiak had a flutter in his step – which was hard to do in heels.
Ryder wished that Cheri was here, or Shani, to tell them what to do about this poor kid, this lost soul, how to be whatever he needed to realize that this wasn't who he was…
But…
How could Ryder do that when they didn't even know who they were?
~.~.
A/N: I'm actually typing this on March 10th because surprise, I'm creating a real life stockpile!
Goal is to get to the party before the summer because that's really the only acceptable time to write a party. Then I'll have plenty of time for deleted scenes and all that nine yards, because a lot is going on this year lol. Good or bad though, that's the question…
Hope everyone is well and I'm happy to say that I'm 110 percent hype for this story again!
CQ: What outfits were the standouts? Any alliance predictions?
Next chapter, Ridley and Adrian for training!