Glistina Santana, 15


Although technically I'm not allowed to, my mother persuades my father to let me sit with the victors during the parade every year. The presidential balcony sucks anyway, and with the victors I at least have people closer to my age that I can talk to.

When I arrive, I am instantly brought into a hug by my friend Rose, one of the recent victors from District 1.

"It is so great to see you, oh my god it's been ages!" I squeal.

"You're so right. Well I think this parade will be interesting." Rose says, flipping her blonde hair. "My district is going to kill it, as always."

I laugh, and divert my attention to Lavender, who appears to be talking to Bison, one of the victors from District 10.

"Lav! Hey, it's me!"

Lavender catches my gaze, and walks over, introducing me to Bison. She actually inspired me to dye the tips of my hair purple, just like her, and ever since we've been really good friends as well.

"Oh, this is wonderful! I didn't know you two were dating. But don't you think he's a bit old for you-" I stop myself, forgetting Bison is right there as well.

Suddenly, Rose takes my arm and sits me next to her at one of the front seats on the balcony.

"The parade is about to begin!"

I know she is right, because the crowd in the stands below begin to scream hysterically as the anthem begins.

And sure enough, the curtains open, and the drummers begin to pound on their instruments as the first chariots make their way out.

Rose begins cheering as her district comes out first. Elizabeth wears a long red gown, and a large fur coat draped off her arms. Her hair is tied back into an elegant bun, and she wears black sunglasses, and waves to the crowd as she smokes a cigarette. She holds her district partner's hand, who is wearing a fancy white suit, studded with gold.

It seems the stylist went for a classical movie-star theme with the outfits this year. Both tributes from District 1 look lovely, however compared to the works of previous years, it feels a little more bland.

District 2 comes next. Cain is pumping his fists in the air, while Selene is blowing kisses and fluttering her long eyelashes at the crowd. Both tributes are wearing matching gold armor with red capes, Cain is shirtless, showing off his abs and muscles, while Selene wears a metal covering around her chest, both are holding shields.

Unlike past years, I actually kinda enjoy District 3's outfit choice! Athena and Alectron both wear a sparkly silver jumpsuit, with a fluffy white cape, and their hair stands up like they had just been shocked by something! Alec waves a bit, but looks nervous, while Athena just looks around at her surroundings. I think the theme this year is supposed to represent static?

Anemone's outfit is an eyecatcher, and is definitely my favorite so far! Like her namesake, she wears a luminescent ball gown in the same vibrant turquoise color of a sea anemone. The skirt and puffed sleeves look like anemone tentacles. Her brown hair is pushed back, and her face is decorated with blue makeup, similar to the colors of the sea. Her district partner wears a similar outfit, and the two tributes from District 4 show charisma, gaining attention from the audience.

Next up is District 5, my favorite pair from this group of tributes! Alberta wears a tight and shiny white gown that almost appears to glow, and dark makeup, with a yellow crown shaped like a crescent moon placed above her braided hair. In contrast, Namid is dressed like the sun, with an equally tight and shimmery orange jumpsuit, and sun-shaped crown. Although Alberta looks a little uncomfortable with the dress, she pulls off a big smile, and waves to the crowd, while Namid places his arm around her waist to keep her steady.

"I really like those two." I whisper to Rose.

She scoffs. "You know they'll be dead within a day."

I roll my eyes, and sink my head into my hand as the District 6 chariot comes into view.

The tributes from District 6, Regina and Thomas, both wear dark helmets, covering up their faces, and black leather jackets with ripped jeans, and boots. Like most of the parade outfits from this district (sorry, but it's true) it looks quite boring, though I can tell the theme in mind was that of a motorcycle gang. Regina keeps her arms crossed, while Thomas waves a bit.

With District 7, I expected nothing less from Lily. She cheers, and wears a beautiful gown made out of birch-patterned fabric, and an amazing crown made out of leaves, with colorful makeup on her face, matching her pink hair. Her young district partner wears the same outfit but in the form of a suit. I wonder if Lily herself designed the outfits? According to my mother, she designed the parade outfits from last year.

Rose whispers to me. "She has an advantage, having ties to the Capitol. It's so unfair to the other tributes."

I nod, but wonder if Rose forgets she is talking to me, a Capitol citizen right now. I like Lily, and I think her having ties to the Capitol is a good way for her to earn sponsors.

District 8 comes along next, both tributes wearing a patchy and rag-like dress, made out of an assortment of fabrics in warm colors. Tay wears a colorful top-hat, and stares expressionless, but waves a bit. Robbie tries to muster a smile, but even I can tell that he's faking it.

District 9 comes with disappointment. I assume the stylist couldn't think of any new ideas, so Mazie wears the typical plaid shirt, and flowy skirt made out of woven straw. Her long red hair is tied into two pigtails, and despite her boring outfit, Mazie looks quite confident, and stands straight. Fonio wears plaid overalls, and a straw hat, and looks absolutely terrified, continuing to tremble.

In District 10's chariot, Aaron looks very handsome wearing some sort of outfit I don't recognize, a white long-sleeve shirt with a black jacket, and some sort of floral pattern. He wears a black cowboy hat, and some type of fake-sword in his hand. Barbara wears some sort of cute cop outfit, with a badge and hat, and even a fake rifle! The two tributes grin, and point their respective weapons at the crowd, causing lots of attention, and even panicked faces from citizens in the stands who believed Barbara's gun was real!

The District 11 outfits also look wonderful. Asa claps at the crowd, and wears a provocative green one-piece, made out of vines, as well as long green heels that wrap up to her knees, and facepaint that makes her golden-brown eyes look like the center of a butterfly's wings. Her curly black hair, now straightened, falls down her back, and vines are wrapped around her head. Her district partner looks to the ground, not bothering to acknowledge the crowd, but Asa gains more attention by waving.

Both kids from District 12 are dressed like typical coal miners. Me and Rose don't even bother looking at them, because it's the same look every year. I remember District 12 once had two tributes who wore a bold costume with fire igniting on the back, but since the rebellion, rules were placed that strictly forbid any outfits involving fire in the costumes.

The tributes circle around the building, and on the balcony to my left, my father begins his usual speech. I try shouting and waving at the tributes, but none of them can see me or hear me.


Okay, I must admit this chapter was really tough for me and I put off writing it for a while. I hope it doesn't look too rushed. I may just skip the parade chapter in my next SYOT because describing the outfits is a really frusterating task for me, as well as deciding outfits for tributes whose submitter didn't give them one. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Training will come next :)


1) Which of the outfits was your favorite?

2) Which tribute do you think will be most popular with the Capitol?

3) Do you think Rose and Lavender actually consider Glistina their friend, or are they just being nice?


-xo, cassy