When The Canary Sings

Polka Dots

Third Person Point of View: 

WARNING: This chapter contains a brief mention of sexual harassment. You have been warned. 

*

"And here it is, the heart of the country," Effie says, leading Becca up stairs. "The president's mansion."

Becca gazes at the monstrosity in front of her. You could fit the entire population of Twelve in that house! Its white walls were tinted purple from the bright flashing lights. The music was so loud she could hear it from where she was standing. Like District One, the music wasn't really music, just a continuous beat that pounded in her ears. The gardens were lush and green, even in the coldest time of the year.

"In the coldest time of the year, why is it so hot down here?" She asks, sweating.

"No, no! Don't sweat, you'll wipe the makeup off!" Effie scolds, fanning her for a moment with her hand. "There. Better."

"Is Haymitch here already?" The little redhead asks, wobbling in her tall heels.

"Don't you worry about him, darling," Effie smiles, pursing her blue lips nervously, for she knew. Haymitch had gone to tell her quickly, telling her to distract Becca after the party. He'd be home late. "I'm sure he's already at the bar."

The freckled child giggles, and her hands find her way towards the ring looped on a silver chain, she fiddles with it until they reach the top of the steps.

"Smile on, chin high, and for heaven's sake, please stop fiddling with that necklace!" Effie said as they approached the crowd, and her hands fell to her sides, the ring falling right next to her heart. "And keep that snake at bay as well!" She says, and with those words, Milky and Becca were swallowed by the dense crowd.

Men and women, boys and girls reached out to touch her and her snake. They pet her dress, her arms, her hair, anything they could reach, like touching her meant years of good fortune. She was thankful for Effie, who led the way, otherwise she'd be swallowed by the crowd whole.

Becca's green eyes widened in childlike wonder as she saw men juggling sharp knives that glinted in the colorful lights and breathing in and out fire. She smiled at women who matched her and her red lips, and the men who wore anything with snakes on them. Vaguely, she could hear them chanting the name, Medusa.

"Come come!" Effie chirped, turning around quickly, she led her into the mansion, which was stocked with food and warm golden lights. She remembered Effie's words from when she first really talked to her, crystal chandeliers, real food, golden door knobs and marble floors.

"Now, right now the party starts inside, this part is just for eating! Then, it'll move outside, into the courtyard, and that's where the fun is!" Effie squeals, saying hello to people as we walk by.

"Outside, the courtyard. That's where the first party was, right?" The girl asks, remembering her first Capitol party.

"Yes, darling, although this party will be much more fun! Anybody who is anybody is here tonight, just for you, my darling!" Effie chirps, and as soon as she sees someone she knows, she runs off to meet them, leaving the girl alone.

Becca marvels at the room as she walks towards the food tables, in awe of everything. The tables display an array of foods, coming from each district. She walks around the food table, eyeing everything up carefully. The desert table caught her eye, it was full of cakes from big to little, rich chocolate and moist vanilla cakes towered over her.

"I see the dessert tray has caught your eye, Ms. Blue." Someone says, she whips around to see a man. He is on the shorter side and has bright white hair. He is dressed rather modestly for a Capitol citizen. "You know staring won't make you any less hungry."