'The Remake Center', Harlow called it. Two stories high with beautiful exterior decorating Maesus got very little glimpses of as the car had driven them to the back entrance. Separation was immediate, solitude soon following. Upon first arrival she briefly sat on one of the red couches of a sitting room overlooking the Capitol, waiting to be led into the cold prep room by two women; neither seemed keen on including her in their conversation.
Wall to wall white with fluorescent lighting and tile floors, the prep room had a single long metal table that she was expected to lay on. They didn't even give the girl the opportunity to undress on her own, the older woman of the two pulling her dress up and off as though it were nothing. Exposed, Maesus was mortified watching the expressions crossing the faces of her prep team as they took in her form and hugged herself as though it'd make the situation any better. By the second time they'd rinsed her down though, she'd grown accustomed to being completely nude in front of the two.
Laid out on a slab, blinding her eyes with a focus on the lights above, she tried to ease the awkwardness. "I didn't.." She cleared her throat. "I didn't get ya'lls names?"
The older woman of the two who'd previously been applying hot wax to her legs applied a large paper patch over top, smiling down at her. "It's Anya, darling." Platinum blonde hair that shimmered appeared natural as her eyebrows matched the shade of her bangs, skin pallid and contrasting against the deep blue of the uniform both members of the team were dressed in. "Deep breath now."
Above Maesus strips of paper were applied to the wax on her arms by a woman with a bronzed complexion that shined like gold in the light, electric yellow eyes still not sparing her a glance. "Kamilla." With little opportunity to register their words, the girl grit her teeth and flinched as her extremities were waxed.
To think Harlow assumed this would be a process she would enjoy. Privacy had been stripped away the moment she entered for pete's sake. At least the pain was followed up by a cool rinse of water, and then a sweet smelling lavender. She was getting a headache from the flurry of scents she couldn't even name, hundreds of products on the counters of the room.
Thus far she'd been rinsed and washed thrice, nails trimmed and filled; now it was wax and moisturizing. Maesus could not take her eyes off the tweezers that hovered above her head, doing her best not to flinch as her eyebrows were plucked. It hadn't lasted long but her relief was short-lived, Kamilla returning with a thread to continue the process. "Mi tias use thread, more precise right?"
Sitting in silence wasn't doing it for the tribute, at least if they explained the process she could have something else to focus on. Anya spoke instead, "Exactly right." She laughed. "We've got a smarter one this year." How insulting to the past tribute yet uncomfortably reassuring for Maesus. Another lotion type product had been applied to her face now, gently and as if trying not to miss a single pore. "And look at that hair!" The moment Anya was given the invitation to fill the space with chatter, she took it. "Myles is going to be ecstatic to do something with all this, look!"
With a hand running through the perfectly conditioned and diffused curls, the blonde woman lightly pulled from the roots. "You can't get natural hair like that in the Capitol, pull anyone else's roots and they're going to come straight out." Kamilla laughed, shooing the other woman away from the hair to comb it back down. "Come on now, you're yanking out strands here."
There was nothing in the room to tell Maesus how long they'd been in prep, no window either. The longer she sat the colder she felt, grateful to let her thoughts race as the women above filled in the silences with their gossip.
"There's a robe on the back of the door, Myles will be by to meet you." Slowly sitting up and letting her legs dangle over the side of the table, she hopped off the moment the door closed. The robe itself was plain gray but soft beyond words. She fastened the belt around her waist and backed towards the table again; in such a sterile space it was the most comforting spot. Maesus hadn't recognized the stylist's name, meaning last year's finally resigned and maybe this year they could be dressed as more than cattle or .
Little time passed before the door opened once more, the appearance of the man before her unnerving. Although he sported a short pink afro it was flecked with gray hairs, his rich cocoa skin wrinkled around his eyes and lips as he smiled at her. He was aging with grace and dressed less ridiculously than the garb she'd seen since arriving in the city; his emerald suit was comfortably casual and paired with a black button up and black dress shoes. "Would you like a bite to eat, Ms. Ovejas?" Harlow pronouncing her last name correctly was to be expected, he'd been saying names in the District for long enough now he had to show some kind of knowledge. But this stylist, it was as though he'd practiced before meeting her and focused on her expression to ensure he'd said it correctly. Everything about Myles made Maesus want to trust him, it was no wonder a smile came to her lips so easily.
With a nod she followed him out of the prep room back into the sitting room, the table between the couches had been split and lowered with a secondary table rising to reveal a spread of lunch delicacies. Myles settled on the couch adjacent and grabbed a glass plate, serving himself a small ham sandwich. "You know, they try to really sell us on these 'cruelty-free' meat substitutes that are just bullshit. What you all raise in 10, there's nothing like it." He served one onto her plate, alleviating the stress of making a decision with the vast array of choices.
"It's funny, I ain't ever actually tried ham." It was nervous but it was a laugh at least, Maesus knowing that something as enjoyable as a cut like this was sent to the Capitol. She could break down and describe every part of the pig itself, but enjoying the meat of the livestock was special. "The skin though!" She took a bite of the sandwich and leaned into the pillowed couch. "We just fry em' up in a bit of oil and it's a perfect snack!" Adding a few servings from the fruit platter in the middle of the table and sipping a glass of water, the brunette felt at ease for the first time since she was reaped.
"That sounds delicious, I'm sure we could get an Avox to make that up sometime this week." The way he so casually mentioned the Capitol servant made her wince and focus on her food; she'd never realized he'd been watching her since they'd sat down, like he was committing every angle to memory. "I noticed this was with your clothing." He reached into his suit pocket, her rosary being held up in his hand. "I figured you'd want them back as soon as possible?"
Setting down her plate, Maesus quickly retrieved the token from him and placed it around her neck. "Thank you! I worried they was gonna keep it! Thanks, Myles..." It was embarrassing to think she hadn't even asked for his name yet, but she'd learned his first already so the question must have slipped her mind.
"Forsythe, but just Myles is fine." Wiping his hands on one of the provided cloth napkins on the table, he set his plate aside and brought out a large sketchbook. "Now, I already have a design I've worked on for tonight but I wanted to meet you before I finalize a few pieces." Flipping through the pages of the book, he continued on. "I run a little studio over in the Fashion district of the Capitol. Last year I had this line of clothing using hides and horns and I guess the Gamemakers thought me fit to style 10." He finally seemed to reach the desired page, holding it towards the girl to see.
"Personally, though, I think we can do a bit better than just dressing you like a cow."
Maesus ran a clean finger over the design in front of her, the floor length gown utilizing classic black and white hide from the waist down. The belt around the waist itself looked as though it were meant to be made of rope, a lasso. "The ladies got me your measurements, so I believe we should lower the neck of the top a bit. If it has some give it can rest delicately, make them be enticed but still have to buy a ticket to the show."
As annoyed as she was that he held the same opinion as Harlow, it was nice at least that he wasn't putting her on the spot during the first event. Some of the costumes from 2 or 4 in the past years were immodest enough to make her grandmother faint, this was doable. "Yeah.. Harlow said v-necks would be a best friend, get people to 'like me'." Myles scoffed at her sarcasm.
"They're not going to like you, Maesus. They're not even going to know you. But, if they like what they see and who they think you are, you'll get the sponsors you need. I'm sure you've already begun discussing your image with Harlow but, let's make them want to know what's beyond your chest." He stood up, gesturing towards the prep room they'd been in prior. "Don't worry, after tonight we'll be working in a more comfortable environment than this."
An undefined amount of time had been spent on her makeup. It all felt so heavy on her face, Maesus worried she was going to sweat through it despite Myles assuring she wouldn't. Most of the attention had been placed on her hair, the two members of her prep team curling extensions that had been left cascading down her back. Although they claimed it was an 'untamed' look, each hair that stuck out or framed her face was put perfectly in place and subjected to several coatings of hairspray. At least they didn't bring out a straightener.
Through it all she remained focused on her reflection in the mirror, recognizing herself less and less as they continued. If the circumstances were erased she may have loved the makeover, feeling confident with thinner eyebrows and a winged liner. Scratching at the itch on her nose, she narrowly avoided taking out her eye with the sharp acrylic nails they'd applied. They were stiletto shaped and black, colorful floral designs on each. Everything she did with her hands felt classy.
"We're going to need to sew you in, so first: shoes." Myles held up a pair of dark brown boots with heels that made the girl's heart drop; they were taller than Harlow's and just the thought of walking in them made her ankles hurt. "Come on now, it's very little walking to the chariots and once you're on the horses do all the work." He nudged her with his elbow and chuckled. "If they're that bad we can break the heel the second the ride is over, looking at them now I hate them with this look. Though… a shorter heel would make you look too much like your age." Maybe it was how he recognized her as an actual teen or how easily he too got lost in thought getting her picture perfect, but Maesus was grateful to have gotten placed with Myles. She was in good hands, even if only for a little while.
"If I fall off that chariot, you better tell Harlow it's your fault." Sitting down on the metal table to slip either boot on, she watched as Anya and Kamilla laced them up. The boots were soft suede and she lightly kicked her feet up to get a better look at them. Golden hooves were embroidered at the side of the heel for either shoe, the material hugging her calves tight before ending just below her thigh; it practically cut off her circulation but she said nothing. Her prep team members gently helped her by either elbow, the girl now on her feet and trying not to fall over. Just the slightest breeze and she was sure she'd be crumbling to the ground.
Dressed only in the soft white underwear set and boots, Maesus took a step forward and attempted to break the shoes in. She'd have loved to see her sister's face at the sudden height she gained in the heels. Maybe the cousins and uncles would finally take her seriously.
On the other side of the room and against the door was the gown Myles had designed, except he stood in front of it with a look of distaste. In his hand a pair of scissors, snipping at the air as though he'd gotten lost in his hesitation to cut. With one more glance sent her way, he seamlessly snipped right down the middle of the skirt of the dress until reaching a bit further below the waist. He hummed and hawed, setting the scissors down and unzipping the back of the dress. "Alright, help her get it over her head, please. One moment."
Maesus' face flushed at the idea of someone catching a glance at her through the door he'd opened, closing it only a smidge after stepping out. Anya and Kamilla stayed focused on her though, bringing the now cut dress to where she stood and raising it up above her before lowering it again. The cow hide was comfortingly familiar, the material changing to soft thick cotton as it settled against the top of her hips. The sleeves were short and hung off her shoulders, cream colored material brought to life by the colorful floral embroidery around the chest and neckline. Just like he'd said, resting gently across her bosom rather than squeezing them out.
Striding back in with a small bag hanging from his shoulder, Myles beamed at her and she realized one of his canines glinted; pure silver. She didn't get much time to focus on it, instead distracted by the stapler-looking device in his hands while Anya zipped up her back. "Now that you're on those stilts, we're gonna sew this a little differently than planned. Do you trust me?" Once she nodded, he got down in front of her on one knee and gently began pinning together sections of the dress to create seams at her inner thighs.
Watching him work was captivating, Maesus did everything she could not to tilt her head and was relieved when Kamilla pressed a button on the wall. It shifted from white to a mirror and she could watch with ease; it was like watching her grandmother mend her clothing growing up. He made every effort to ensure he didn't nick her yet he still worked quickly, tapering the hide at her knees to properly flare them out and turn the dress into a bodysuit.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror she'd never felt so beautifully seen; the pants did something for her the dress couldn't have. Voluptuously formidable, if not for the heels she could step onto that chariot with her chin held high and her confidence peaking. Perhaps being dressed and viewed as a woman wasn't as world-ending as she thought. "Myles, have em' bury me in it. Please."
For a joke she appeared almost serious, preferring the outfit to that of her reaping one.
"Hush now, we're not yet finished." Back to his feet, he admired his work for a moment before reaching for the belt still hanging from the dress hanger. The rope was thinner than anything on a ranch but it was the same rough material. The knot was loose and unrecognizable, Maesus chuckled. "Can I help ya with that?"
Myles untied and first wrapped the rope around her waist, bringing either end up to place into her hands. "I have no doubt you'd tie a better lasso than me, not sure why I tried." Quick and diligent, she'd finished the knot as soon as he had his sentence. The impressed look on his face was validating and the girl grinned. "I got good practice."
He pulled the longer end to her right side but didn't tighten it all the way, allowing it to rest loosely on her hips and pinned it to the seam of where the two materials met. Kamilla cut the ends and burned them, the rope only going down less than a foot. Representative of her district from waist down, Maesus felt like he truly understood her from the waist up; the top was so simple and elegant, but reminiscent of the clothing worn for gatherings or dances. Nearly every year the tributes from 10 were dressed as the commercialized cowboy if not the cow, but Myles captured so much more in just this first design.
A few snaps in front of her face and Maesus was brought back to reality, tearing her gaze away from her reflection to focus back on her stylist. "There will be lots of photographs and video coverage tonight; they are going to love it just as much as you are, and, I think you should smile." He put his hands up in defense. "I know, I know; I'm sounding like Harlow already. If they're brought in by your chariot, outfit, and curves though, a smile will keep them watching even longer. It's more….. digestible."
Two hesitant steps forward and two hesitant steps back, she twirled to see the flare of her pants move about before releasing a soft sigh. "I do really love it, Myles." A soft hum in thought and she stuck her hand out to which he shook gladly. "I'll smile tonight, but only cause ya asked so nicely."
The games themselves still remained prominent in the back of her mind but she'd been at ease for these few hours, no longer sick and pessimistic.
Except the door was thrown back open and Harlow came strutting in now dressed in an extravagant red and black dress, sleeves bending back in the shape of horns over his shoulder blades. He exclaimed delightfully and gestured for Maesus to twirl for him, the girl desperately looking at Myles despite still giving the slow spin he requested.
"You two are going to look amazing together on that chariot! Just wait till you see what Verity cooked up for Blais! But, we needed to all be down there four minutes ago." He checked his watch and swiftly turned around, back out of the room and towards the elevator. "Now five minutes! Let's go, team ten; we aren't that far back in the line." Harlow laughed. "What are we 12?!"
The first few stumbles humbled Maesus in seconds, either woman of her prep team grabbed her by the elbows and helped to keep her walking. As amazing as they made her legs look, heels were awful and she was breaking them as soon as possible.
Already standing in his place on the District 10 chariot, Blais was stoic with squared shoulders and furrowed eyebrows. He wore a long sleeve cream-colored cotton button up tucked into denim pants that were bleached to appear used; the sleeves of his shirt featured similar embroidery to that on Maesus' outfit. His vest was the same cow hide print as her pants and he actually seemed relieved to see her again.
As Myles helped her take a step up onto the chariot, Maesus took Blais' hand to steady herself and returned the dumb-founded yet relieved expression he wore. "Hey, stranger." She mused, noticing that up ahead the District 1 chariot had begun its ride. She reached out for the small handle hidden behind the design pieces and cast one final glance towards Myles, taking a deep breath and returning his smile. The horses lurched them both forward and the sound of music, cannons, and cheering marked the start of the show.
Blais whispered to her as they continued their ascent, grinning confidently as though he'd been given the same advice by his stylist. "Almost didn't recognize ya in that get up. How lucky they didn't try to force you into a dress, huh." She elbowed him in the gut and rolled her eyes.
"Yeah yeah, lucky me." Her lips moved only slightly, trying to maintain the previously requested smile once they came into the view of the thousands of millions of Capitol citizens. Her eyes struggled at first to focus beneath the bright lights shining upon them, soon able to make out the wildly dressed citizens shouting at them. Above were red and gold banners displaying their faces and district numbers, the first true glance Maesus could get of the rest of her competition.
The first glance Panem got of her.
Her heart may as well beat right out of her chest, body feeling heavy and vision unfocused; being on heels that were practically stilts didn't exactly help. Grip loosening on the handle in front of her, she felt Blais' hand rest over it and keep her steady.
All this and her smile never wavered. The two appeared like a kind, happy farmer from District 10; good ole' cowfolk. Perhaps from the televisions at home they appeared as united. Their chariot made its way into the city circle and finally came to a halt, her gaze rising to find the distant image of their president. Snow wore a pristine white suit with gold buttons and inline, his button up beneath was capitol red; she noted he was finally growing a beard after entering his fifties. From the video banners it felt as though his steel blue eyes bore through her, through them all.
"Welcome tributes, citizens, and all of Panem watching." His words echoed over a silence she'd hear a pin drop in. "Today we recognize and praise your courage, your sacrifice." Cheers erupted once more, Snow continued over. "I wish you all a happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor."
Short and simple, as if there was any reason to recognize the individual districts who've just sacrificed two of its children. In a few weeks they'd forget the names and faces of the tributes who didn't win, once they fell in that arena all the star power they had today disappeared. The only ones who'd remember them would be their families, friends, maybe even strangers from home. All these wildly dressed screaming citizens though, they'd move on to adoring their victor.
The horses took off again without any direction or order, Maesus could only guess they may be mutated. Trained, sure but even a well trained horse didn't do all this without a rider or coachman. She wondered how they were treated, if they were born back home and sold as foals.
The chariot came to a halt beneath the large Tribute Center, towering over the skyscrapers and the highest floor appeared to disappear within the clouds. Around them the other tributes stepped down from their respective chariots and entourages seemed to pour out from the multiple elevators around the corner. She didn't even try to look for Harlow and Myles, looking at the faces of the District 1 and 2 tributes instead; the four were already staring down the rest of the other twenty teens. "Oh Maesy-baby, that was beautiful!"
Despite the looks their escort's voice brought to the pair, Maesus was relieved to see her prep team and stylist striding up alongside him. Another woman and two men she hadn't met yet embraced Blais, her guess being his own team but she quickly recognized the female stylist as the one who'd been assigned to 10 just a few years ago: Verity Blis.
Catalena had brought Maesus back from analyzing the stylist's appearance, taking the girl by the elbow and guiding her in the direction of the elevators as she spoke. "You did wonderfully, that smile alone should have got you some admirers." Myles pressed the button for the tenth floor and gestured for the rest of team ten to follow. "Sounds like Harlow should start going to talk up the sponsors, make sure they know the name and face." The rest of the group crowded in and she leaned against the wall, finding most of her attention lasered in on balance. Her feet had gone so numb she completely forgot about desecrating her footwear.
With incessant chatter and excitement filling up the ascending glass elevator, the two young tributes were able to throw the other a pitied glance. Neither of them were alone, that's what mattered most.
There were only three doors on the tenth floor of the Tribute Center: one for house cleaning, one for engineering, and finally the intricately carved double doors with the number 10 in bold lettering. There wasn't so much as a window in the hall though. "Ah, welcome my lovely tributes to your home for the next week!" Harlow opened either door with grandiosity, the rest of the group trailing in from behind.
"Maesus to the left, Blais to the right. I will see you all at dinner after we're all cleaned up. We have some strategies to discuss." The man clapped his hands twice, walking off towards the stairs and disappearing from view. As much as he was there to help them it never seemed like the escort actually wanted to stick around the two.
Beside her again, Catalena looked down at her outfit and turned towards Myles. "I'm gonna need help getting her out of this without ripping it." Whisked away again by his mentor before they could even share a word, Maesus could only give a short wave to her cousin before his room door closed. With a sigh she tried to stride forward, stumbling and praying her ankles remained intact.
Myles trailed right behind, chuckling as he held his arms out to catch her should she fall. "I told you you'd get the hang of them. I'm sure you're gonna prefer the slippers we have though."
Privacy and peace; the beauty of the large bathroom connected to her room was a safe haven from the rest of her situation. No mentor or stylist, prep team member or escort. Just her. Only dressed in a robe and the soft slippers previously promised, her makeup had been mostly wiped off with light staining remaining; Myles assured the shower would take care of it.
A joined quaver note button was on the wall near the sink with volume and skip buttons alongside it. It turned on to classical piano music and the girl turned up the volume instantly, hitting the skip button to find a better station.
Although music class was mandatory and people had the freedom to play, few had the time and money for the instrument itself. Fortunately weddings and birthdays are often a time for an ensemble of guitar, harp, woodwinds, and trumpets; music that makes you want to get up and dance. Excitement until late in the night when the peacekeepers come knocking.
She could find nothing lively or similar enough in the options available, ultimately settling on the relaxed sounds of Capitol jazz. No doubt it suited the situation better than cumbia. The real wish now was that the shower came with an instruction manual.
Since opening the glass door, she struggled to discern the multiple buttons and knobs. One had the closest symbol for water, the stream instantly coming down from the shower head and the girl recoiling at how cold it was. Maesus hit one of the knobs upwards and immediately felt the water warm up, steam filling the room. Relaxed now, she could finally drench her hair and push it back from sticking to her face. There weren't any bottles of product anywhere in the shower, not even a caddy to hold them. Instead there was a small spout below a number of the buttons and a name plate; it shifted as she hit the button, previously naming a soap and now a shampoo.
"Honey Hearth?" There were hundreds of odd names including fruits or plants, too many choices for just one product type. So she stuck with the honey scented cream that poured out, running it through her long brown hair and taking as much time as possible. It was already so late in the evening, the last thing she wanted to do after showering was show up for another dinner with her 'team'. Maybe if she took too long they'll leave her be.
It took some time but she finally understood what each button before her stood for. Following up with a similarly named conditioner and a rose scented body soap, she relished in the warmth and steam engulfing her. Not to mention the lack of siblings banging on the door needing to shower or use the bathroom. She was clean and calm. Whilst rinsing off and fidgeting with the different options, she hummed in curiosity at the hair oils available.
Focusing less on scent, she selected one at random and ran it through her dripping wet hair. The water was off and she was even swaying to the music, grateful that the room didn't get any colder as she stepped out onto the mat. With a large towel wrapped around her, Maesus examined the device near the sink that almost appeared like an upside-down hand dryer.
Except the wordless instructions showed to put one's hair in, little explanation given but she trusted the technology enough to go for it. The quiet whoosh of wind whipped her hair about before it settled perfectly down her shoulders and back, split down the middle and curls neatly diffused. She took another look around the bathroom in search of what other gadgets she could try.
There was a cabinet behind a mirror on the wall next to the sink, it was full of products in an array of bottle shapes and sizes. Spray, pumps, and screw tops, she grabbed one labeled 'moisturizer'; it had to at least do as it was described. She unscrewed the lid and was grateful to find it was scentless. Once applied to her face she applied some to her arms and legs as well, not interested in mixing hundreds of creams, gels, and oils.
Opening the door back to her bedroom, Maesus was relieved to see Catalena and Myles had left. She could comfortably walk naked towards the closet to select pajamas from a screen on the door, it swung open as soon as she made a choice. They were plain black pants and a short sleeved white top made of silk. As enticing as the bed looked, she still grabbed the bra made available as well.
It was a full day of activity in the Capitol and yet she'd barely gotten any time with Blais; it would be comforting to see him again. See if he had any plan in his own mind about them working together. Such an alliance was her assumption.
Finding her slippers back in the bathroom and pairing them with nice warm socks, the teen accepted defeat at the sound of her stomach growling. Once out the door she found the dining room adorned with candles and a full table setting. Harlow already sat at one head, either mentor listening to him talk incessantly about absolutely nothing.
"Ah, Maesy-babey! I told you you'd enjoy all the amenities the Capitol has to offer!" As right as he was, she could only focus on the stylists sitting in the conversation pit of the living room. They quieted when she approached and Myles quickly rose to his feet with a smile. "So you joined us after all."
She shrugged and walked alongside him to the dinner table. "I mean, who can say no to..." A glance was cast towards the covered spread of food. "..whatever we're eating..?" He laughed first and she felt her own shoulders untense as she settled into the chair beside Catalena. Her question went unanswered as Verity loudly greeted Blais, Harlow and Colt both turning attention to him quickly as her own stylist at least leaned closer. "I think it's branzino, but Cata says there's never a menu."
Once every seat had been filled at the table and food was served, Maesus immediately turned to her cousin. "So Blais, I've been mean' to ask: why egg on the head?" Like the previous night, wine had been served at the table and she was happy to partake; it might be her only chance considering her father would kill her for trying it 'so young'. Old enough to die but too young to drink, what a stupid age she was.
"Oh god." He laughed and set down his fork. "Abuelita had come stormin' in that office back home and cracked it on my head. No hug, no warnin'; she said it promotes 'eternal life'." Finishing with air quotes the boy scoffed and went to take another bite of food. "I don't know, maybe I'll become immortal."
The brunette smirked and pulled out the rose beaded necklace to show from beneath her neckline. "To superstitions then." She held up the rosary before letting it fall back down against her chest. As much as she adored the token, she didn't think they'd do anything for her chances; but it did its job reminding her of home. As quickly as it started the conversation fizzled out and she picked at the fish skin on her plate. It wasn't like joking over the table back home, every time their eyes met all she could think about was potentially having to yield to her cousin or kill him. It was easier to keep putting the decision off.
For the time being their district escort filled in the silences between them and made the dinner move along faster, the sweet relief of sleep so close yet just out of reach.
By the time dessert and drinks were served only the tributes and mentors remained, the four discussing the basics of survival in the arena. The right time to build a fire, the right kind of shelters, so on and so forth. More than once Maesus questioned them for the best option in getting supplies from the cornucopia; Catalena repeated that she should avoid it. That whatever she can't get on her own can be provided through sponsor gifts; Blais was urged to make any attempt possible for a weapon at the start.
By that point she'd stood up from the table with a small stumble in her step, dizzied warmth making it difficult to react negatively. 'Grin and bear it'; story of her life. "Night, y'all." It was frustrating to hear the comparisons made about them, how much more they seemed to believe Blais could do compared to her. Catalena was her damn mentor and even she seemed convinced Blais' chances were substantial. Any longer and the fun feeling of tipsiness would turn her towards an angry outburst like the night before. Besides, Harlow already made her role fairly clear; sexy sweet, helpless and beautiful. She wanted to puke.
Maesus wandered off to the bedroom and quietly closed the door, knowing a slam would result in a lecture about 'manners'. All she could do was kick off the slippers and pull the blankets down on the bed, taking a moment to acknowledge the option of a nightgown in the closet before ultimately remaining in her current clothing. She nestled into the silver silk sheets, pressing a button beside her on the wall to turn off the lights. Home felt primitive since arriving in the Capitol, her sense of inadequacy growing stronger through her restless dreaming.