Storm: A Hunger Games Story {Book One of the Storm Trilogy}

Twenty

Ozias had dressed Lilah in a short, chiffon, rainbow dress with matching shoes. It represented the array of colors that we create, and the clothing that we make for not only the Capitol, but for ourselves.

Apollo was in a more revealing number, still rainbow so he matches Lilah. He once again showed no emotion.

I began to think of an image for them, hoping that Caesar will come up with something to say about them that I can run with.

They mounted the chariots, trying to appear unafraid. I could see Lilah shaking but she didn't show her fear. Apollo grasped her hand in the chariot to comfort her, reminding me of Aaron.

"Remember to smile, Lilah. Try your best to appear friendly and approachable. Apollo, smile a bit but try to seem confident." I told them from beside the chariot. They nodded.

I could hear the roaring crowd, and just like last year, they screamed the tributes' names. I could see them throwing flowers and jewelry and money onto the avenue.

"Here is the district we have all been waiting for, District Eight! Home of Ophelia Wyatt, last year's specatcular victor. This year, we have Apollo Keaten and Lilah Aldaine, a beautiful pair of tributes! We hope to see more of them soon, don't we folks?" Caesar announced, causing the crowd to scream.

Wes held my hand and stood next to me, watching the parade. Ozias was on the other side of me, admiring his work. I could see Snow far far away on his balcony, looking down upon the tributes. The white rose on his lapel was in complete contrast with his red suit.

I tuned out his speech, the crowd, the people around me. I closed my eyes and tried to think of home. I tried to think of my cozy living room and the warm kitchen where I cook with my mother. I tried to think of the shop, where I spend my days with Trina.

"Why is my district filled with cocky overachievers?" Finnick complained, walking over to us. He was dressed in a revealing outfit, as per usual. An open shirt, dark blue pants, his bronze hair ruffled.

"Present company included." I replied tauntingly, earning a laugh from Finnick. Our tributes were pulling up to us, still holding hands. I greeted them with a gentle smile, and helped Lilah off of the chariot.

"Great job you two. Come on, let's go back upstairs." Wes put his arm around my shoulders and led us to the elevator. To my left, I saw the career tributes talking, and looking in our direction.

"Stare back at them. Don't back down." I whispered to Lilah and Apollo. They did as I told them, and the careers looked away, mumbling to each other.

"This dress is amazing, but I have never been more uncomfortable in my life." Lilah complained, taking off the tall heels as Wes pressed the 8 button.

"You'll get used to it." I replied. We stepped inside the entrance to our floor and I took off my shoes as well. I looked over at Lilah and saw her walking to her room. I followed her, hearing her sniffle.

"Lilah? Are you okay?" I asked her as she sat down on her bed. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes, and my heart broke. She looked so scared, and so sad. I sat down beside her and let her talk.

"I wanna go home. I don't want to be here, it's all so overwhelming and loud and bright, and I, I don't want to kill anyone." Lilah's tough exterior toppled and she began to cry. She was only fifteen. She was just a child. I put my arms around her and pulled her in.

"Let me tell you a story. There was a girl, around your age, who felt the same way as you. She was scared, and homesick, and she didn't want to kill anyone. She was put in the arena, and was forced to do the thing she didn't want to do. But she survived. She survived, and she saw her home again, and her family again. Everything comes at a cost, Lilah. Survival comes at a cost. Happiness comes at a cost. Not just here, but back home too. You have to think of everything you have to live for, all of the people you love. You can't give up hope." I told her, and in a way, it felt as if I were revealing this to myself as well. I held Lilah for what felt like hours, trying to comfort her. I knew there wasn't much I could do.