The 53rd Hunger Games- Two Words

7.Talk Of The Careers

Our chariots stops in front of the stage where President Snow is waiting. He is illuminated by bright white lights, which are situated just over his glass stage. His hair is a mixture of black and grey, and he wears a patterned maroon and black suit. Even though he's president, he still wants to keep up with Capitol fashion.

He spreads his hands, and just like that, the Capitol falls silent. He doesn't smile, but he has a pleased expression. 

"Welcome to the Capitol!" he says, his voice strong. I've only ever heard him giving speeches on television, but he sounds no different. Are my family watching me from our home? Is Silvia watching? Are they in awe of my appearance? I hope so. I hope they are cheering for me, along with the rest of the district.

"We salute your bravery and willing," the President continues. The state of the art microphone he's using projects his voice without so much as a crackle. "We hope you enjoy all the Capitol has to offer before you enter the arena!"

He says a few more lines, and I look at the other tributes. The Careers are hanging onto every word. Of course - this is their dream, competing in the Games. I've forgotten that I'm trying to ignore Hadrian, and he catches my eye. His crooked smile returns, the one he seems to save for me. And he has the audacity to wink.

I shoot him a glare, but know that under my make-up, I am very flush. President Snow finishes up. The speech, like all others he has made, is brief and to the point. The horses tug on the chariots, and we circle the area in front of the stands another two times, the anthem belted out. All of the time, I look at Hadrian as I wave absentmindedly. What is he trying to do? Because I don't know his angle yet, I have frustrated myself. He wants something off me, I am sure. I just don't know what.

The Training Building rises high before us, thirteen stories high. The walls are grey, and the windows tinted glass. The chariots roll into the stable, and just like that, the Parade is over. A screen of dark glass rolls down, cutting off the screams from the Capitol. They are still calling my name.

Our mentors are waiting for us. Wade and Tule rush over as soon as our chariot stops moving. Tule helps me off the back, which I don't think I could do in heels looking dignified. Gladius jumps off, and lands quietly. He moves stealthily too, which will give him an advantage in the arena, like Hadrian. There's something off about him, but I can't pin it. First he tries to ignore me, then he tries to talk, and now? Now he seems to be keeping his distance. Does he want something from me? Is it the same thing Hadrian wants? As far as I am aware, I do not possess any valuable skills or items.

Tule smiles at me. "Nice job. You look amazing. I wish I could have been as beautiful as you when I was in the Tribute Parade."

I'm too young to remember Tule's outfit, or maybe it just didn't stand out. I nod though, and Tule embraces me.

"Thank god the Capitol likes you," she murmurs. "I think I might just be able to sign you a few sponsors."

Wade congratulates me too, and I see Marcille and Gladius's stylist, who is just another  example of extreme Capitol fashions, running over to us.

"Well done, Eunia!" Marcille says. "I just knew you would woo the crowd."

I don't know a single person who says woo, but I grin. "I owe thanks to you, Marcille. You made my costume."

"You made it look good," she says. She then introduces Gladius's stylist as Julias. Tule, Wade, Gladius, Julias and Marcille exchange conversation, mostly about the Parade and what our stylists have planned. For once, I'm not interested. I look over to District Two, where the girl is standing. She's a little taller than I am, and her wide set eyes look over to Hadrian. Apparently she is attracted to his looks, just like most of the Capitol. He red hair is pulled back, revealing flawless skin. She then turns to the District Two boy, and starts talking to him. He nods, and then the worst happens.