Welcome to the fourth chapter of the Untold Hunger Games.
This chapter and the one preceding it are all about the chariot rides. I had fun with this and decided to redo all the Tribute Chariot Costumes, apart from District Twelve's. It took a lot of work but I'm happy to say I like how it turned out.
All the designs are taken from beautiful artwork done by Tryaki-chan over on Deviantart. Please go check out her artwork, she has a fantastic style. And what is the Hunger Games without gorgeous chariot costumes? :"3
For the names of the other tributes' stylists I beside to due a play on the names of artists I like from Deviantart and YouTube. The stylist based on Tryaki-chan isn't in this chapter, hers is the next chapter as she is one of District Thirteen's stylists.
Now I'll stop here and let you enjoy Chapter Four of the Untold Hunger Games.
I'll tell you how I felt about fire being anywhere near me; very nervous.
But only a few hours later Cinna had me in my costume; a simple black unitard that covered me from ankle to neck with shiny leather boots laced up to my knees. My face was almost clean of makeup with a few highlights here and there. My hair was in its usual single braid. Flavius had wanted to do my hair with lots of looped braids, but when Cinna saw the picture of the hairstyle, he waved it aside politely – saying it looked too much like Princess Leia – whoever that was.
The feature that defined the costume was the unseen cape that draped off my shoulders. It was this addition that made me nervous. Cinna was planning to light it on fire just before our chariot was to roll out onto the street.
"It's not real," he assured me. "It's synthetic fire that we just cooked up. It wouldn't burn you. Your outfits are designed to protect you from the flames and we've applied a special coating to your hair that's flame resistant, it's perfectly safe." I still wasn't convinced. "I want people to remember you both as the tributes on fire."
I was relieved when Peeta showed up in an identical costume. His blonde hair was slicked back and free from hiding his bright blue eyes that I adored. I held myself back just barely from running towards him and wrapping my arms around him. Possibly even planting a big one right on his lips. Sometimes it sucked to behave.
We were brought down to the bottom of the Remake Center which was where the chariots and horses were housed before and after the opening ceremonies. The pairs of Tributes all stood next to their chariots.
Each chariot was pulled by a pair of horses; ours were coal black. These were genetically modified by the Capitol to fit with each District's industry and to match the chariots they pulled. They were also well trained and needed no instructions when it was time to pull their assigned chariot, which would be in another half hour.
My eyes soon went straight for the tributes but I was sad to see that besides Peeta and myself, who were already dressed in the colour, every tribute wore cloaks of black over their shoulders. I looked at Haymitch who had now joined us, as did many of the other mentors with their tributes, asking him why that was.
Haymitch smirked but it was Cinna who answered my question. "Hunger Games stylists like to cover their tributes so that their competition doesn't see their designs until the last minutes. It's been a tradition for about 49 years now. I believe it started during the Second Quarter Quell as a new rule added to the Pre-Games. It's not mandatory though," he explained, as he and Portia looked over our capes one more time. "Since Portia and I didn't want you in those ridiculous capes we decided to make the main feature of your outfits hidden."
I could tell he was putting a lot at stake from doing that, since the other stylists were giving Cinna and Portia mocking glances and glares. Portia noticed this and smiled, "Don't mind them, they're just jealous."
A light laugh escaped my lips and I tried to avoid the glares directed at my costume and our stylists, instead I focused my attention on the rare chance of seeing the victors of other districts close up. Though part of me wanted to put a cape on to ensure that nothing happened to our stylists for this bold move. But I'd believe Portia when she told me not to mind the others. Perhaps nothing would occur.
I was surprised to see the Shine family was present this year, all in matching shimmering blue clothings. It was odd because usually the newest victors would be mentoring the tributes and despite the fact that Cashmere and Gloss were newer victors, they weren't the newest. There were three victors from more recent games, two young women and a young man.
I looked over at Effie Trinket, asking her the question I had been wondering. "Why is the Shine family here? Shouldn't Marvel and Glimmer be mentored by newer victors?"
"Well that's because Glimmer is a Shine, Katniss."
I looked at her in disbelief before Cinna corrected her. "She's the daughter of Satin Azura, the oldest of the Shine siblings. Gloss and Cashmere are the youngest of their three other siblings, Satin, Calix and Blaze. They're also the only two of their siblings to have participated in the games. Though Satin and Blaze have both been reaped."
"Someone volunteered for them?" I asked looking at the beautiful family as they spoke to Marvel and their tribute relative. It surprised me that someone would even think to volunteer for children of two victors. Cinna nodded, and turned back to working on fixing my unlaced left boot.
I turned to look over at District Four, a young woman stood beside the most well known mentor and victor, Finnick Odair. He was the youngest person in history to win the Game, he was also a Capitol favourite and I could see why. His good looks and smile were something I'm sure the Capitol loved a lot. His clothes were expensive and fit snug to his muscled figure, making it more noticeable. If he was the male mentor of the District Four tributes then the woman next to him, with her wild red hair and frightened look in her eyes, must have been his fellow victor, but I wasn't sure as to what her name was.
Before I could look amongst the rest of the victors and tributes, Peeta and I were ushered into the chariot while the prep teams fixed every little tiny microscopic thing about us. Soon they left us alone and I was thankful for the reprieve. "What do you think about the fire?" I whispered to Peeta.
"I'll rip off your cape if you rip off mine."
"Deal." I smiled while resisting the urge to pull him into a kiss right then. By the look on his face he was thinking the same thing. Sometimes I hated keeping secrets. If we weren't in the Games, I'd want the whole world to know that Peeta belonged to me, and I to him.
Soon I could hear the opening music and the massive doors to the streets opened. The well-trained horses would carry us to our prison… I mean temporary home... in order of District. Soon District One's horses began to pull their polished chariot onto the cement streets. I could hear the cheers as each chariot pulled out. It was at this moment that the capes had finally come off.
POV The Announcers' Box
The Panem National Anthem came on screen as the Panem Network began the live broadcast, "Welcome all of Panem to the opening of the Pre-Games for the 99th Annual Hunger Games." Caesar Flickerman's smile brightened up the screens of every home in all of Panem. No one was going to miss this annual event, not that most had a choice, "Over 100,000 people have filled the stands cranning to get a glimpse of this year's Tributes. As many know this will be the first time the sponsors will get to see them in person. This is the time for the Tributes to shine and catch the eye of every sponsor."
Claudius Templesmith chuckled at that, "Each and every stylist has worked tirelessly to bring to us what is said to be the most creative and outstanding Chariot Rides to date. As always each chariot will arrive a few minutes after the other to give the sponsors the perfect chance to see the Tributes before the next chariot."
"Of course who wouldn't want to enjoy the fabulous costumes the stylists have come up with this year. Every design has been kept secret until now." Caesar exclaimed, flashing his dazzling white smile at the cameras once again.
The camera's zoomed in on the doors to the Remake Centre slowly opening for the first pair of Tributes.
"And there they are. This year's Tributes start with the pair from District One. Are they glamourous?" Caesar asked, turning his head to look out the giant glass window that showed the entire pathway from the Remake Centre to the Training Centre.
"Yes they are. Marvel Sanford and Glimmer Azura are the definition of glamour and elegance." The camera showed a close up of the tribute's beautiful solid white chariot that was trimmed in blue. The horses pulling the chariot were huge and also pure white. Their manes had been braided and fell down on the side visible to the left crowd. Their tails were brushed and long, barely touching the ground.
"District One is the most luxurious district and doesn't it show in their costumes. It's amazing how each stylist captures the essence of each District." Caesar laughed as the camera zoomed in on Marvel.
A thick cloak of cascading fur swiped down his back. Its neutral colours of white to black gave the young man a strong and powerful look. His arm gauntlets of shining blue were cut from lapis crystals. They looked as hard as stone, probably even able to punch through one with ease. His pants were made from the same material as his gauntlets. Their jagged line at his hip angled up to reveal much of his left thigh.
"Doesn't the costume send a chill down your spine?" Claudius faked a shiver, despite his smile being ever present.
"Oh definitely," Caesar agreed, turning back to the camera, "Marvel looks like he's bathed in riches and honour. Oh and my goodness look at the lovely design Glimmer is wearing."
The camera flipped to Glimmer. Her cloak had the same thick white fur at the top that Cato's cloak did but only at her shoulder and the thick black trim at the bottom. In between that was a clear fabric inlaid with small crystal gems, the fur trim ended just above her knees. Her stylist had designed the skirt with yet another layer of the clear fabric, this time flowing to the floor in a flutter of crystals and diamonds. The dress she wore was a wrapping of the shining blue material around her body only being held up by unseen cups that clung to her breasts. The right cup was only there to cover her breast. Unlike the gauntlets worn by Marvel, Glimmer had on clear fingerloop gloves only made noticeable by the fabric of her short cloak. Her high, coral-like collar and matching lily shaped headdress in her bejeweled, flowing blonde hair added a nice addition to the design. Her boots, similar to Marvel's, were as blue as with all the other clothing they wore, apart from their expensive furs, and jagged. They wrapped slowly up each leg only to stop their ascent just above the knee on one leg and below it on another.
"District One's stylists, Artis Shin and Katarine Dollie have out done themselves this year." Claudius exclaimed.
"Right you are Claudius, right you are." Caesar agreed just as a new chariot left the Remake Centre, "Oh it appears as if District Two's Clove Kentwell and Cato Hadley are about to make their entrance."
Stone grey horses trotted onto the pavement pulling the similar stone grey chariot. When the light of the surrounding area hit the horses, specks of glitter shimmered off them.
Caesar looked at the camera, remarking, "Well isn't that gorgeous, stylists Rooney Heath and Linds Holi haven't disappointed, especially of those designs."
Both Cato and Clove had their skin spray-painted a light stone grey. A thick cord matching the color of their skin was wrapped tight around their waists, highlighting their slim, muscled stomachs and holding up a cloth that covered their private parts. Cato had cloth draped around his chest, hiding his pecs. It trailed over his shoulders to flow down behind him. The breeze from the moving chariot made it flap in the wind. His feet were wrapped in the same material but almost mummy style. Gaps were here and there, showing off his grey skin.
"Don't they look like living statues. What an amazing creation their stylists have designed." Claudius nodded in agreement to Caesar's comment.
Clove was dressed almost the same as Cato, but a slit went up both sides of the cloth, giving a peek at her upper, outer thigh. Her feet were wrapped the same way as Cato's. She was smirking as she flipped her braided brown hair that had a laurel wreath resting atop it, a similar one adorned Cato's head.
"Isn't she a pleasant sight for the males of the Capitol and all watching at home." It was a bit cheeky but Caesar knew his people loved cheeky, "It's almost too hard to peel my eyes away from them. But peel they must."
"Oh Caesar, look. District Three's chariot has just pulled out with Sextus Wirre and Cida Elect."
The Tributes of District Three were standing upon the digital chariot pulled by two black horses with electric blue lines that shone over their coat. The chariot was floating above the ground.
"What technological marvel." Claudius exclaimed, fawning over the chariot.
"And the costumes seem to match. They looked like fashionable scientists."
Both of the Tributes were wearing square, blue glass monocles covering their right eyes and black, suede flats covering their feet. Sextus was dressed in a short, thin black unitard covered with flashing green digital coding, his pants falling just down to his knees. Covering the straps of his unitard was a pure white lab coat with short sleeves and long collar that was opened to get the full effect of his clothing underneath. Cida looked like a cute schoolgirl in science class with long pigtails topped with green bows and wearing a short dress that flipped up at the sides to show off her thighs. The dress was barely four inches below her waist and covered with the same digital coding as Sextus's outfit. Her lab coat fell off her shoulders with the long sleeves bunched up at her elbows. To complete the schoolgirl look she wore long white socks that were at least seven inches above her knees.
"Have you ever seen socks that long?" laughed Claudius.
"Of course, I let their stylist Nettalynn Scribb and Syan Zinzy borrow them for this." The two looked at each other and then burst into laughter just as a new pair came into view.
"Would you look at that chariot!" Caesar exclaimed, breaking the laughter. The chariot of District Four was built with real crashing ocean water and dark sea-blue horses with manes and tails that looked like water, "The perfect for District Four's Wade Fairtide and Auricula Poole."
The entire costume of District Four's Tributes was different armour made entirely of enlarged fish scales that shone when the light touched them. Their breastplates were made with the silvery blue scales of haddock matching well with their pale skin. Auricula's barely covered her breast before diving into a "v" at the top of her navel showing off the middle of her stomach. Wade's completely covered his thin chest with gold trimming the top edge.
The plates of their armoured skirts were composed of rainbow tuna scales, glistening a different colour each time the light reflected on them. Their arms were covered by gauntlets created with black sea bass scales, pointing sharply at their elbows, giving off the appearance of a shark fin. The point looked sharp enough to hurt someone, making them look menacing but at the same time fashionable. Their knee high boots were created from salmon scales, with two fin-like attachments on the backs. Strapped to their knee with grey leather were gold, diamond shaped knee plates. Their shoulders were covered with the same material, with chains dangling off Auricula's. She also had a diamond-shaped collar and a blue bubble headdress sat upon her long braided hair.
"Both ensembles send another shiver down my spine. They're as menacing looking as District One's jagged clothing. Once again Yuna Myener and Lew Nott have brought us an amazing and dangerous design." Claudius smiled at the camera, "It appears District Five is coming out with Haynes Graft and Finch Swift to spark us with their costumes."
"Oh spark. Good one Claudius."
The camera turned to District Five's golden yellow chariot, with spokes carefully placed on the frame. It was pulled obediently along by two shimmering golden-yellow horses with specks of silver braided into their long golden-white manes.
The chariot costumes themselves were skin tight, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. Both had short sleeved, turtleneck outfits.
"Well they are unique to say the least." Caesar chuckled as the camera zoomed in on Haynes.
He's outfit was bright yellow with thin blue lines running in all different directions centered from a solid bluish grey orb on his chest. The boots on his feet were electric blue, matching the lines. Upon his wrists were bright yellow gauntlets that had the emblem of an atom on the surface of each. His hair was standing straight up almost as if he'd been electrocuted.
"I believe the lines represent electricity and power." Claudius mused, prompting a 'hmmm.' from Caesar.
Fox's outfit was the complete opposite. Where Hayne's was bright and cheerful, hers was dark and mysterious. Black fishnet tights appeared out of her knee, high black boots and disappeared under her skirt. Her hair was just as wild as Haynes' but black material with grey lines representing static were attached to a headband. Her outfit was made up much of the same black material with swirls of grey and white running throughout the bushy fur of her skirt while the top was tight and strapless. Some of the same busy fur was wrapped around her right upper arm with the swirls of grey and white. The white throughout her outfit looked similar to lightning bolts but weren't as defined. On her hands were black leather gloves sporting the same atom symbol that were on Hayne's gauntlets.
"I do enjoy when stylists use different outfits on each tribute. They always seem to tie together the contrasting designs. An electric entrance with the designs of stylists Azalea Divine and Lith Miello." Before Claudius could reply to Caesar's joke, both his and Caesar's attentions drifted to District Six's chariot that had just left the building.
The pewter-like silver horses with manes of oil black pulled a metallic chariot onto the asphalt road. Standing inside were the Tributes of District Six.
"It appears Jason Turf and Palia Rayle have just brought us into the future."
Like Caesar had said, the designs worn by the two had a very futuristic feel to them. Thick wool covered the shoulders of the Tributes, stopping just at the elbows. They each wore futuristc glass visors over their eyes and a leather collar around their necks; deep red for Jason and blue lavender for Palia. Palia's collar looked more feminine as the leather seemed to sparkle to match her outfit. Jason's was more dull, and masculine.
"Giving the Tributes separate colours. A smart play by stylists, Bledi Love and Beni Monn."
The camera zoomed in on Jason. His thick wool was sewn on the shoulder gathered to make them seem bulkier and sturdier. His chest was covered with a black tee and the wool was attached to the long sleeved shirt. The wool on his legs were so thick, it almost made him look like he was wearing a skirt. His outfit was complete with a pair of black leggings and boots that met the wool on his thighs.
After lingering on Jason the camera moved to Palia. The wool of her costume was sewn to the shoulders of her short dress. The bodice was narrow and tight, pushing up her breasts. It showed off her slim waist line before poofing out around her hips. The same wool trailed behind her and the wind fanned it out much like Cato's cloak had earlier. Her arms were also adorned with black material but her legs were bare except for the high heeled boots. Part of the wire hoop from her dress skirt showed in a way that showed off one of her thighs completely.
What really gave the costumes the futuristic were the picturesque galaxy scenes covering the wool on their outfits. It was done with a Digital Reality Alterer, or DRA, mostly used by Capitol women who were large in size and wanted to appear thin. Basically it projected a clear, crisp picture overtop any surface, in this case wool and fabric. As they moved the galaxy's shimmered and the stars seemed to twinkle.
"How beautiful and awe-inspiring. Bledi and Beni's use of DRA is ingenious."
"I agree Caesar, it is a wonderful use of techno- those are huge horses!" Claudius exclaimed in shock.
The horses of District Seven, if you could call them horses, were humongous from head to hoof, they were twice as large as the other horses. One wrong step and you could lose a toe… or a foot. The horses, if they were under there somewhere, were covered in vines that were twisted around and around to form trunks. The bark was a different shade then the Tributes' costumes, but was unique enough that it didn't matter. The horses feet were brown, fluffy and covered in fur.
The chariot was almost as unbelievable as the horses. Wild vines wrapped around the dark wooden frame tighter and tighter to look like more trunks had been used to make the old chariot. Leaves could even be seen at the top of the chariot, as if it was a tree itself.
"District Seven's Gunnar Sequoia and Eunia Pine, in the most unique chariot and look at their outfits. They remind me of maple trees and the sweet sap that flows from them. I wonder if they smell like maple syrup." Caesar sighed at the thought of syrup.
"I think they do, their stylists Sami Kachan and Antio Sashon are well known for their signature designs of scented clothes." Claudius reminded his fellow announcer.
While Caesar and Claudius reminisced about syrup, the camera hovered over Eunia. Her outfit was both modest and revealing. While it covered most of her skin, it also revealed some with her see-through skirt. The darker material that made up her bodice and part of her skirt was dark enough not to reveal anything. It even had lighter lines to make it actually look like bark. But as the material lightened around the edges of her poofy skirt, it became light enough to see through. Luckily she'd donned dark brown leggings to match the color of her bodice. But the dark brown was only up around her thighs. As the leggings went down they became the lighter reddish orange tones before disappearing into her dark orange bootlets. Her hands were each fitted with the lighter colored fabric and were thick enough to cover her whole wrist and stand a good three inches off of her skin. To top off her outfit, a headdress of branches and the dark orange material sat high on her hair. Her hair was tangled in the branches and wrapped around the orange material. It was both neat but unruly at the same time.
Gunnar's costume had the same material around his wrists like Eunia's did. The top was designed like a turtle neck and was the color of liquid gold. It slowly darkened as it went to his shoulders and down the tops of his arms. The fabric wasn't cut neatly, but instead looked like it was wet and running down his arms. His chest was reddish orange and looked like sap. It again was edged roughly like the sap was running down from his shoulders. His pants were edged around his top and made it look like one whole unitard if you weren't looking closely. The pants matched Eunia's bodice and had lighter lines to make it look like rings on top of a tree stump. His boots covered part of his pants as they stopped just below his knees. They were the color of the liquid gold up around his neck and added just enough color to the brown pants. Around his head was a crown of maple leaves the same color as his pants.
"Doesn't the crown seem to symbolize his future win, though it's impossible to tell who will really win the Games. I do like that his stylist added that lovely touch." Caesar commented just as District Eight's horse pulled their chariot onto the street, "Oh my looks like District Eight's stylists have once again painted a beautiful design on both their chariot and horses. Though it doesn't seem to take away from Crucis Tack and Saffie Yarn's designs in the least."
Their horses were a light brown colour with inked spiralling designs of pale yellow, light blue and faded green onto their coats. The story the designs told was bold. It spoke of the fighting and war that devastated the world and led to the districts. The way it was woven onto the horse's coat spoke of reverence toward the fighting, something the Capitol looked down on, though it seems the two announcers didn't notice. The chariot itself was beautiful with swirling designs painted on top of off white paint. If you looked hard enough, the designs told a similar story to the one inked onto the horses. Crucis and Saffie stood upon it, both with flowing capes of what looked like tapestries.
"What a clever idea by Kreyul Night and Aedan Lording dressing the Tributes in capes of tapestries." Claudius looked giddy when he spoke.
The tapestry capes spread to over half their own heights. As the chariot moved they flapped in the wind almost as if they were dying to tell their own story and get the attention they needed. The Tributes' skin had also been adorned with intricate black tattoos that looked like flowers. The tattoos were inked onto their necks, wrists, and ankles, leaving their feet bare besides the intricate ink. It gave them almost a gothic feel that was counteracted with the bright gaudy tapestry cloaks.
The outfits seemed to compliment the capes. Crucis' tight black pants were trimmed at the bottom with fancy black lace while Saffie's tight black crop top and similar coloured shorts let all her natural figure show. The lace of her tight clothing was trimmed on the top and bottom of both her top and shorts. Her orange hair was shaped and molded into a bow on the back of her head. Black lace wrapped around the center and dangled down behind her, fanning out as the wind blew past them.
The black lace seemed to guide eyes to District Nine's chariot with stocks of golden wheat placed seamlessly onto the frame, their tops swaying from the breeze as the beautiful blonde horses pulled the chariot. Their manes and tails had been brushed long to sway with the wheat of the chariot.
"I think a chariot of wheat has just brought us District Nine's Kern Plough and Tule Fallow. If I could use any word to describe the style of District Nine's chariot outfits that word would most definitely be Ancient Greek."
"Caesar that's two words." The two laughed again, "But I'd expect nothing less from stylist Petyr Hallings and Nica Teran."
As the announcers had stated, the two tributes were dressed in costumes that took inspiration from Ancient Greek clothing. Kern wore a short tunic around his waist with a line of braided rope slung over his shoulder and attached to the tunic almost seamlessly. Specs of gold, pale brown, and pale yellow spotted the bottom of his tunic, fading into white as the specs climbed the tunic. By the time they reached his waist the specs were gone and only the white of the fabric and rope remained.
Two thick gold choker necklaces, one layered on top of the other, hung around Kern's neck. They had the same speckled design as the bottom of his tunic, only this was far more pronounced with the colours bold and sharp as the colours layered. The long cuffs over his wrists and the layered plates strapped to his feet, ended with thick diamond plates, that were similar in design and colour to his necklaces.
Tule's short but flowy tunic was not so different from Kern's. It had the same specs that faded into the white of her tunic as they climbed up. Although her tunic was held up by pale brown rope sewn to the top of it. Her jewelry was the same. Half inch heels that had a sheet of plating over her boots and ended with no diamond. Resting in her greek styled hair was a simple laurel wreath made of nine stocks of wheat. Resting on Kern's head was a similar wreath matching his, and Tule's, wheat inspired tunics, footwear and jewelry.
"If your one word to describe District Nine is Ancient Greek, Caesar, then mine for District Ten is cow. Though I miss the sheep design they had last year."
"Oh right you are, Claudius. The little 13 year old female tribute looked adorable in her fluffy wool clad outfit, even the 19 year old male tribute looked wonderful with his wool and ram horns. And wasn't he the rounder up? Oh well I do love sheep. Perhaps this year Canwarn Raysh or Thea Herding will take the crown this year."
The horses of District Ten's chariot matched perfectly. They were brown and white and looked like dalmatians with braided tails. On top of their heads were horns where their ears should be, though if you looked closely the horns were their ears. Behind them they pulled their chariot that looked like a giant bull. The Tributes were seated on its back holding on to one of the horns on the bull's head. It even had a moving tail.
Carnwarn and Thea's wore huge and probably extremely heavy bull and cow horns with the tails made of whips glued to the bottoms of their outfits.
"What an interesting way to tie in the theme of livestock to their designs, don't you think?"
"Yes, Caesar. Maria Destiny and Landa Dearren really pulled the outfits all together."
Canwarn wore a short sleeved bolero jacket. It was one of black and white leather that was opened wide to display the chest. His arms, from wrist to just below his elbow, and waist were bound with more light brown whips. Underneath his whip wrapped waist and dark brown leather boots were a pair of simple tan brown leather pants that looked much more loose than the whips around his waist.
Thea was dressed in a matching attire to Canwarn. Her bolero jacket of white and brown leather barely covered her chest. Her whip bound arms and waist were a darker shade of brown than Canwarn's, possibly to match her jacket. Her skirt sloped down her body, starting just above her left knee and ending above her right, dark brown, leather boots which matched Canwarn's perfectly. Her hair was in a ponytail with a small cut of yet another whip wrapped three times around the ends.
"Well there goes District Ten and here comes the leafy, flowery District Eleven Tributes Thresh Gunthorn and Rue Calla." Caesar joked, once again.
District Eleven's deep mauve horses trotted with their leaf covered chariot rolling along behind them. Thresh almost blended in with the leaves of his chariot. His right shoulder was covered with autumn coloured leaves of oranges, deep reds, crisp browns, and golden yellows. Along his arm and neck he sported realistic leaf tattoos with orange ink. An arm gauntlet of even more leaves rested on his left arm. His pants were also made of the foliage and they wrapped down his legs, cut open in places to show off more of the orange tattoos of leaves on his upper calves and knees. The pants even trailed around his boots like a snake made of leaves. Upon his head was a crown of more autumn leaves.
Rue's costume was oddly different than Thresh, instead of being covered with leaves, she was covered with fuchsia pink calla lilies, probably due to her last name being Calla. Her short, wide dress was littered with the sweet smelling flowers, and they traveled up her chest to her high collar and stopped in a small bouquet atop of her frizzy black hair. Her pink half inch heels, which stopped 4 inches above her ankles were also lavished with the flowers. A bracelet of lilies on her wrists was the last thing.
"I just love when stylists mix and match designs to make them work. Don't you?" Caesar asked Claudius.
"Quite right, and stylists Skylene Moon and Elijah Paige did a wonderful... What is that?"