The Raven - [HGxMCU] WTM

4 - Parade

Sorry the chapter was written I just forgot to schedule it to release at its regular time. 

[Caesar and Claudius are sat in a presenter's booth above the parade route, commentating on the parade and discussing the reapings.]

[Claudius and Caesar exchange large, excited grins as Claudius asks a question.]

Claudius: So, now that you've seen them, what do you think about this year's crop of recruits? Are there any surprises we can expect this year?

[Caesar looks at Claudius before looking directly at the camera in front of him.]

Caesar: It's really hard to tell from a reaping, but I think this is a very interesting mix.

Claudius: Yes.

Caesar: Whenever you have a volunteer from an outlying, you can't ignore it.

"I know you've explained this before, but how rare is it really for someone to volunteer who isn't one of the 'careers' as you call it," Bucky questioned, looking towards Blake.

"Pretty much unheard of. It'll happen maybe once every ten years, if that, and even then, it's never on free will. Like with Katniss, they'll be volunteering so that their loved ones don't have to go into the arena." Blake replied quietly.

Claudius: Defiantly.

[The scene changes to all of the tributes doing final preparations for the parade.]

[Different tributes have a variety of eccentric outfits, making each stand out in its own ways.]

[A pass-over of Rue is shown in a blue dress while Thresh is standing next to her in a 'capitalised' version of District 11's work overalls.]

[Finally, District 12's Peeta and Katniss are shown standing with Cinna – Katniss' stylist. The tributes are wearing an all-black ensemble.]

[The scene changes to show an overview of the crowd who has come to watch the parade.]

[In the audience, the mentors can be seen, including Vivienne, Seeder, Finnick, Johanna, and Haymitch, who are all gathered watching together.]

Throughout this movie, Blake has slowly become more and more uncomfortable with everything that happens. Natasha is the only one in the room – other than Blake – who is aware that soon Blake is going to be watching her best friend die. Again.

[The scene cuts back to Caesar and Claudius, who continue their commentary on the parade.]

Caesar: Over 100,000 people craning to get a glimpse of this year's tributes. And the sponsors get to see the tributes for the first time. The importance of this moment cannot be overstated.

[The camera turns to show the parade, and a large door opens, revealing the first victors entering on horse-drawn carriages.]

Claudius: There they are

Caesar: There they are

[District 1 passes the camera, smiling and waving out with proud smiles on their faces. They are wearing flamboyant fluffy pink outfits.]

"God, they look so proud to be there. It's kind of disturbing." Tony quietly mutters.

"In their defence, they've been brainwashed their entire lives to believe that winning the Hunger Games will bring them pride to their family and District," Blake responds dismissively. She is very aware that the careers, like the capital, were brought up manipulated to believe that the Hunger Games was a positive thing.

Claudius: This year's tributes

Caesar: Oh, the most exciting part

[A close-up of District 2's Tributes wearing golden gladiator armour are shown waving towards the audience with a matching sense of pride to District 1's tributes.]

Claudius: it just gives you goosebumps

Caesar: Don't you just love how the stylists have just so clearly reflected the character of each district.

[District 3's Tributes are shown wearing reflective silver outfits. Still trying to stand strong, but they are noticeably more nervous than the tributes from 1 and 2.]

Claudius: Hmm. Right, right, there's District 4

[District 4's tributes are shown wearing an ocean-themed costume adorned with pearl accents.]

Everyone visibly cringed at seeing some of the outfits being worn by the tributes. They were simply too much and far too extravagant for this type of thing. It was almost like the tributes were being shown off like a trophy – oh wait.

Caesar: Fishing – I get it.

Claudius: That's very good.

Caesar: And behind them, we have two powerplant workers

[District 5 is shown in bright glittery outfits and massive headpieces surrounding their faces.]

[The scene cuts to later in the parade. Now District 11 Is shown.]

Claudius: our farmers of 11.

[Rue is shown in her big blue outfit with a nervous expression plastered over her face, while Thresh is standing beside her with a brooding face – he may be nervous, but his presenting appearance shows confidence.]

Blake sighs, looking at the screen and seeing her best friend, a twinge of sadness present on her face. Natasha, always knowing what Blake needs, leans in and kisses her forehead in comfort before gently smiling at the girl. Nat understood how difficult this entire situation would be for her fiancé. She couldn't imagine watching back her past of the Red Room yet alone in a room full of people she knew.

Caesar: Yes, indeed. Wait. What is that?

[The scene cuts to District 12's Peeta and Katniss, who are, for a moment, just wearing their black outfits.]

[However, a couple of seconds later, flames erupt around their costumes.]

Many eyes widen seeing the fire on the District 12's outfits.

"Right. Fireman coming right up." Tony mutters while writing down an idea for an iron man suit that could be set on fire.

[The cheers of the audience increase dramatically.]

[Then Peeta grabs onto Katniss' hand, and together they raise their hands in unity.]

[The cheers from the crowd somehow get even louder at the display.]

Caesar: Now see that! I love that! Two young people holding their hands up saying, 'I'm proud I come from District 12.' we will not be overlooked. I love that!

Claudius: People are sure to be looking at them right now.

[The horse-drawn carriages surround President Snow's podium in a semi-circle as he slowly stands to speak.]

[Snow looks out into the audience before eyeing each of the tributes in front of him.]

Snow: Welcome. Welcome. Tributes. We welcome you. We salute your courage and your sacrifice. And we wish you a happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favour.

[A beat of silence. Darkness.]

Peter looks around the room before his eyes finally land on Blake, "I'm assuming one of them is the winner if the movie has such a focus on the people from District 12?" he questioned.

"Yeah," Blake responded monotonously.

There was a moment of horror as everyone realised what this meant. Blake's best friend never got to go home. Blake lost her best friend, and now she is having to watch it over again.