I Bet On Losing Dogs

Chapter 4

The cool dawn air dances over Dottie's cheeks as she opens her window on the electric July morning.

She pulls out the outfit that Ms Bloom had pressed for her the night before, letting the ridges of the ribbon ripple through the tips of her fingers. As she places herself inside of Ms Bloom's personal creation she marvels at her being in the mirrored walls. She's reminded of the many days she had stared in outfits far more grand and audacious. But none had ever felt like this.

There was no train, no ruffles or head pieces. Just a minuscule A-Line with silver silk and chiffon, embroidered with magenta jewels along the sleeves and hems so that it glistens just right under the dawning light. Making her way through her quarters in silence she is able to keep herself in a sense of dreaming, the sunlight refracting off the roof creates an ethereal glow against her own design.

She takes the time to walk to the station, enjoying each dew drop on the flower petal in the maze. Hearing the old laughs of her and her sibling running through the maze in search of candy and other hidden prizes. The coughs from a far off Jewel and Dottifer consuming their first secret sips of champagne as a secret more sacred than life.

The reaping day had always been a sprightly in her life, but today it felt as if something was shining from within her, from the top of her styled hair to the ends of her hand crafted heels. She could feel something larger than herself pushing her to make every step and stride stronger than the other.

Walking through the Capitol centre before the rush of the Games fully awakens feels raw, a moment untouched by anyone else but herself. The banner's drape delicately along the pillars of the academy, so vibrant they can be spotted as a speck across the town. Digital displays reminds Capitol viewers to tune into Uncle Caesar's and Templesmith's various programmings that re-air in the lead up to the Midday Reapings. Shops displays showcase their very finest of Game-wear, some recalling the styles of Games long past, many choosing to revisit the classic designs of Ms Ruby Bloom across the past year. A mother and daughter oggling at the majestic sights of the Capitol as the young girl runs around in a darling bright yellow sun dress, a tradition as young Capitol children dress up like their tribute counterparts. She can recall gathering scrap table clothes to sew up her own costume for the Junior academy Reaping Gala, oh how far one could come in these celebrations.

As her heels now click along the steps of the Capitol station's entrance, she finds Trill waiting with his briefcase at the top of the Station stairs, polished in the new uniform similar to her own. She greets him courteously with a kiss on both cheeks and a firm handshake as always. She can practically feel his gleeful energy radiating form his grip. "You know if I didn't know any better Trill, I'd say I could see a smile."

"You clearly don't know any better then." He sharply returns as he begins striding indoors. She huffs, no matter how much grandeur they were about to face, at least some things could always been counted upon. Like the never-ending stick up his ass. Trill, still unfazed by the grandeur of the day, begins to explain a detailed breakdown of the schedule today. "The Victor has already been secured in Cart 3, I drew up a diagram of how the Game transport systems are organised."

"Wait, Mr Sterling returned to District 1 last month." She can't help but be befuddled by this sudden appearance in the midst of their well reviewed itinerary.

"According to Ms Bloom, he had an appointment to attend to as a Victor before the Games begin." He scoffs as he continues to parade through his tablet, whizzing through technological break down of every system on board their first station for the season.

"And why is it so amusing to hear of what Ms Bloom says?" Her spine somehow manages to stretch itself taller than before as she grimaces at Trill. She can hear him groan beside him, his nostrils flaring at her sprightly