Timber

Chapter Eleven: The Scent of Roses

Senator Snow's eyes had the depth of the skies over District Seven but lacked their comforting familiarity. He gave her a fleeting smile and then turned his attention back to the activity of the Capitol Train Station. Hazel's focus continued to be drawn to him as he moved with natural authority across the platform. His tall frame and undeniably handsome features made him stand out in the large space of the Capitol Train Station. His pale golden blonde hair shimmered under the station's lights, enhancing his distinguished appearance. Dressed in a rich, impeccable, tailored suit, Snow exuded an air of refined sophistication.

The Capitol Train Station was a marvel of architectural grandeur, a vast expanse that Hazel had never imagined existed. Its high, arching ceilings and the abundant natural light streaming through the massive windows lent the space a majestic atmosphere. The polished surfaces and detailed decorative work added layers of luxury to the station's design, far removed from anything Hazel had seen in her life.

The station was tranquil, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle one might expect. The platform lacked activity besides Snow, Dr. Gaul, the tributes, and a few Peacekeepers.

As Hazel's vision adjusted to the station's bright lights, the other tributes from the twelve districts unloaded from their respective trains. Each train car was sleek and polished, reflecting the sunlight streaming through the massive glass windows of the station. Like her and Silus, the tributes appeared disoriented yet mesmerized by the splendor.

Under Hazel's feet, the marble floors of the Capitol Train Station shone with an impeccable finish, reflecting the grandiosity of the space and the figures moving across it. Each step she took echoed; the surface was so polished that it mirrored the soaring columns that lined the walls. These pillars rose to the ceiling while ornate chandeliers suspended from the high ceilings. Along the designated pathways, plush red carpets unfurled, offering a vivid contrast to the cool, hard marble.

Positioned throughout the station, Peacekeepers maintained a watchful silence. Their uniforms were crisp, the stark white standing out against the backdrop of the station's grandeur. Each one's gaze was alert, scanning the area with practiced scrutiny, their hands resting casually on the weapons secured at their belts. Their presence was a constant reminder of the Capitol's control and the seriousness of the tributes' situation.

As Hazel's gaze wandered, she observed her fellow tributes, each carrying the weight of their districts on their shoulders. A girl from District 4 caught her attention, her long, wavy hair cascading down her back in shades that reminded Hazel of sunlight dancing on ocean waves. She stood with an innate poise, eyes sweeping the assembled group with curiosity.

A younger boy from District Eleven seemed almost lost in the magnitude of the station. His head was shaved, making him appear even more youthful, and his large, innocent, dark eyes took in his surroundings. His movements were tentative, betraying his nervousness, and his eyes flickered around the station, absorbing its lavishness. Occasionally, his gaze would drop to the marble floor, then dart up to the vast ceiling as if trying to comprehend the scale of the world he had been thrust into.

As the tributes huddled together, Dr. Gaul moved to the forefront with her graying, curly hair that framed her face in an almost erratic fashion yet somehow suited the image of a Capitol genius. Her radiant and full smile flashed across her face as she greeted them, her teeth a bright white against the backdrop of the grandiose train station. Despite the warmth in her tone, a discernible chill colored her features.

"Welcome, tributes of the 15th annual Hunger Games," her voice resonating across the cavernous space, "And welcome to the Capitol, the heart of Panem." As Dr. Gaul's eyes surveyed the group, her demeanor exuded a practiced congeniality. "You are all part of a significant and historic change for our nation. This year's Games promise to be unlike any before. You are all in for something exceptional."