Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 5: The Capitol

^this is the closest to what I picture her dress as. If you don't like it, you can picture something else. It's not a big deal, Sweets!

We arrive before dawn can break into another day. Acacius and I both stand together, still dressed in the same clothes as we see the countless people waiting to get a glimpse of the arriving  tributes. Ditus and the two Mentors stand together as we pull into the city.

"Remember...the best way to get sponsors is to be kind, like-able, and memorable."

Seeder says as she looks over our shoulders at the Capitol people. I offer a small smile, waving towards them as we come to a slow stop. The buildings and scenery is breathtaking, making me feel small as they tower over us. Ditus walks over, brushing a stand of hair back as Chaff takes another swig out of a bottle.

"Our first stop will be your stylists. You'll be sent off with their team to get all ready for the tribute parade. Remember! Smiles at all times! Sponsors love that!"

——

I grunt as my legs and lower parts are waxed. Two people stand above me, mumbling to each other as they hose me down. One has bright pink hair, streaks of green and yellow showing in the light every time he moves. The other has black hair, it shining purple and navy blue when it catches light.

"We're almost done, Sweetie...just one more spray down then you're off to Noviana!"

The one with pink hair smiles, moving to turn back on the water. I gasp at the temperature before letting them continue with what I couldn't stop.

——

I'm now alone in a small room, laying on a cold metal table similar to the one I was on earlier. Nothing covers me but a thin cloth that doesn't even reach my thighs. My curls are damp and wrapped up in a strange cloth.

Thoughts of where Acacius is flash in my mind. If he's okay or what he's being forced to go through right now. Aurelia and Atlas come to mind, Briar and Sloan right with them as a tear falls. I may never see them again. I may never get to say a proper goodbye to my sister. To my brother. To my best friend.

A door opening to my left makes me sit up, wiping my tear away as a beautiful woman walks in. She hair and eyes are both jet black, her skin a lighter tone to contrast that of her other features. Her dress is a similar black as it flows down her tall frame.

"Hello. I'm Noviana, your stylist....I'm so sorry you had to come with your brother...that must have been hard enough. Though I do admire your willingness to volunteer for someone you are not related to."

"Sloan's like a sister to me...I just-"

I stop as her face softens. She reaches over, squeezing my shoulder as she sighs. She offers a small, comforting smile as she bends down a bit.

"No matter if she was your real sister...it was beyond courageous. I think we need to reflect that for the Tribute Parade. Don't you think?"

——

My breath stops as I look in the large mirror. Noviana really outdid herself with this one. The base color is a light green, similar to the shade of my mother's zucchini bread. Flowers and leaves from various plants are precisely sown into the layered fabrics. A long, gorgeous train flows behind me, the same beautiful flowers and leaves scattering across the layered fabric.

A matching headpiece sits delicately set on my head with my bouncy curls. No frizz or knots sit among the flawless curls, everything looking far better then it has ever been. Noviana and her two assistants stand behind me, awing at the dress.