Light the Way

Twenty Two

Tigris made quick work measuring Olivia's body, having her stand in different positions on a stool. Guiding her gently to turn when needed, to stretch out her limbs and reach up onto her tip toes. Carefully measuring every possible curvature on the girl's body. Coriolanus met her eyes in the mirror while his cousin continued to write down numbers, offering her a smile and receiving an eye roll in return. Although he cared for his cousin, she was working rather slowly, murmuring to herself throughout the process.

"It's going to be very form fitting, so it needs to be precise!" Tigris announced, trying to appease their restlessness. They needed to finish up here quick to catch the train and head out to District One.

Tigris and Olivia got along quite well, much to Coriolanus' surprise. His cousin was absolutely gushing as the two girls met, and Olivia accepted her excitement with a natural ease. Wanting to waste no time, Tigris looped her arm into the girl's and dragged her away to her makeshift studio in her bedroom, with Coriolanus in tow.

"Oh, you're going to look absolutely sensational, I can just see it!" Tigris explained, stepped away and admiring the girl. Her hands clasped close to her chest in excitement.

He wanted them to look like a vision out of the Old Capitol handbook, instead of being draped in those gaudy outfits people were coming out with nowadays. Not only was it an opportunity to politick but it would be their first public outing out as more than friends. A chance to announce to the eligible bachelors and bachelorettes that they were both off limits. They still needed to look their best – jealousy still brought forth attention after all. If they wore the right outfit, their romance might even be looked at as a form of strength, a bond that would bring Panem together.

Olivia smiled in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Tigris, really. With such short notice I can't imagine this is going to be an easy timeline for you." Olivia said back to her, stepping down off the stool and moving to grab her jacket and extra clothes she had taken off.

"The pleasure is all mine! I'm not sure if my cousin has told you but it's been a dream of mine to design fashion for the Capitol. And this could be my big break, dressing you two for the gala! Everyone is going to be eyeing you guys up, just wishing they looked as good!" Tigris chirped back, her voice drowning in longing. This would be the chance for her dreams to start coming true. Surely being the envy of everyone at the gala would help kickstart her name being spread around. We're wearing Tigris. Oh yes, this was made by the one and only Tigris. My cousin, yes! Coriolanus envisioned the swarms of men and women gaggling over their attire.

"Well, I shouldn't keep you, do be safe out there, cousin. Olivia, it was so lovely to meet you!" Tigris said, always so bubbly and happy. Almost to a fault. She clasped Olivia's hands in her own and then pulled her in for a hug, not giving the girl time to decline. Coriolanus had to clear his throat to get his cousin's attention, snapping her out of her pleasant haze of dreams and reminding her that they were in a rush.

"She's... pleasant." Olivia said jokingly as they headed out of the Corso, a small smile playing at her lips.

"She can be a lot, but she means well." Coriolanus smiled back at her. Reminding himself of the times where Tigris took care of both of them as a child, orphaned and hungry. He could still remember the taste of paste in his mouth. Nonetheless, he forgave her eagerness.

The train station was empty, not many Capitol citizens had the authority or the desire to travel outside to the other Districts. An uncommon occurrence to ever leave the safe walls they lived in. Even captured rebels were stuck here, their tongues cut out and their lives now committed to serving those they once plotted against. Olivia flashed the two station passes her father had gotten them to the peacekeepers checking them in, and they took a few extra minutes to make sure everything was in order before letting them board.