The sound of knocking pulled me from a restless sleep. My eyes flickered open, and I groggily called out, "Coming!"

I rubbed my eyes, still heavy with the weight of the previous day's anxiety. The bright, garish lights of the Capitol, the crowds of people, the rehearsals—it was all so overwhelming. With a sigh, I removed my robe and dressed quickly, pulling on a simple blue shirt and black pants. I searched around for the skirt I wore yesterday, but quickly gave up, opting instead to slip my wand and broom out of the pockets where I'd tucked them away the night before. I slid them into the side pockets of my pants and made my way to the door.

As I opened it, the man from the previous day stood in the hallway. He had pale skin, red hair, and brown eyes that held a quiet, almost reserved intensity.

"We've arrived at the Capitol. Please, follow me," he said.

I nodded, stepping out into the hallway, and we walked in silence through the train.

"Caelum. Caelum Voss," he added, as if he felt it necessary to break the silence.

I tilted my head slightly, curious. "I beg your pardon?"

He glanced at me, a small, almost amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Caelum Voss. That's my name," he repeated, his voice steady.

"Oh." I paused, catching up to his pace. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Caelum."

And just like that, the conversation stalled. Silence fell between us as we made our way toward the exit of the train, the clang of metal and the hum of the engines filling the space.

When we finally reached the platform, I saw them—my prep team. Three women stood waiting by the exit.

The first woman had olive green hair, brown eyes, and a waterlily tattoo on her cheek. She smiled as soon as she saw me, her accent heavy, unmistakably Capitol. "I'm Nyx," she said, her voice friendly but professional. "And these are my sisters." She pointed to the second woman—her skin a soft shade of purple, her hair black, eyes icy blue. "This is Juno."

Juno waved shyly, a small smile crossing her face as she fiddled with her hair.

Nyx turned to the third woman, who had green eyes, pale skin, and lavender hair. She raised an eyebrow as she introduced her. "And this is Maelis."

Maelis scowled as her gaze flicked from Nyx to me. "Hey now, respect Elara. We have to work with her."

Juno nervously tugged at the ends of her hair. "Maelis..."

Maelis groaned but didn't argue. She stepped forward and grabbed my arm, her grip surprisingly strong as she pulled me toward the Capitol streets.

The bath was a strange experience. The pink and blue liquid bubbled around me, giving off a sweet, floral scent. I sank into the tub, trying to relax despite the strange concoction surrounding me. My mind raced with thoughts of what was to come—the parade, the Games, the ever-present eyes of the Capitol.

Nyx and Juno entered the room, their footsteps light. Juno held a nail file in her hands while Nyx carried a hairbrush and a white bow. Without a word, they began their work.

Nyx helped me out of the tub and began brushing my hair, working through the tangles with practiced ease. Juno, quiet as always, began filing my nails, her hands gentle but efficient.

I sat there in silence, wondering how it had come to this. How had I gone from a quiet, secluded life in a world of magic to being thrust into this horrifying spectacle?

Before I could dwell on it further, Maelis entered. She circled me like a hawk, inspecting every inch of my appearance. After a long pause, she nodded to her sisters.

"Perfect," she muttered, before leaving the room with Nyx and Juno.

The woman with dark skin and brown eyes from the previous day entered the room next. She was holding a bag in her hands, her expression serious. Without saying a word, she handed the bag to me. I opened it to find the parade costume waiting inside.

I stared at the clothes in disbelief.

It was... blinding. A mix of bright blue and pink, with star patterns covering everything. I hesitated but quickly put it on, the fabric stiff and uncomfortable. The hat—a half-blue, half-pink monstrosity adorned with stars and a bow—was placed on my head.

The woman ushered me in front of the mirror, her eyes darting between me and the reflection, seemingly pleased. But as I took in my appearance, all I could do was stare, barely able to comprehend the garishness of it all.

Without waiting for my approval, she rushed me out of the bathroom and down the hall.

I found myself standing in the Remake Center, in a chariot. The wheels creaked beneath me, and the low hum of the Capitol was all around. My district partner sat beside me, but I paid him no mind. My attention was elsewhere.

I looked around, scanning the crowds, but the woman who had rushed me into this hideous costume was nowhere to be seen. The chariot began to move, and I flinched, my nerves rattling.

The big doors opened, and District 1 and District 2 went out first. I squinted against the brightness of the Capitol's lights, my eyes beginning to water. The flashing cameras only made it worse.

And then it hit me.

My wand! My broom!

They were still in my pockets, in the bathroom! Panic crept up my spine, my heart racing as the realization hit. I couldn't go back for them now, not with all these people around. But I couldn't leave them behind, either. I'd need them.

No choice. I'll have to do it.

I closed my eyes, focusing on the feeling of my wand and broom, imagining them tucked into my pants pockets. The faint glow of magic stirred inside me. I opened my palm at my side, hidden from view, and willed my wand and broom to fly to me.

Under my eyelids, I could see them. My wand, my broom—floating towards my hand. The glow from my palm flickered in the corner of my vision. I clicked my fingers, and they shot above my head, out of sight, before dropping gently into my hand.

I opened my eyes quickly, my breath caught in my throat. Without hesitation, I slid them into my pockets, relieved.

That was close.

The chariot rolled forward, and the Capitol's streets stretched out in front of me. My heart slowed, and I let out a silent breath of relief.

I looked up and found a television screen, the projection of District 12 on fire. I couldn't look away. They were magnificent, glowing like flames against the dark background. It was mesmerizing, almost hypnotic.

I watched in a daze as the chariots of District 3 to 5 passed, each tribute more dazzling than the last.

We were pulled into the President's mansion, the Capitol Anthem playing loudly as we were ushered around the City Circle. I barely noticed the crowd anymore, my mind still consumed by the fire of District 12.

Finally, we entered the Training Center, and the doors closed behind us. I didn't wait. I jumped off the chariot as quickly as I could and headed straight for the elevators.

The ride up to the eighth floor was a solitary one. I let out a long breath, my fingers tight on the handrails as I watched the floors whiz by. When I reached the eighth floor, I hurried out of the elevator and found my room.

Without a second thought, I ripped off the parade costume, discarding it on the floor.

I found a simple sleeping gown in one of the drawers, slipping it on, relieved by the soft fabric. I tucked my wand and broom into the pockets of the gown and crawled into bed, finally allowing myself to relax.

Tomorrow would come soon enough, but for tonight, I could rest.

For now, I would simply sleep.