CHARADE | Glimmer

Chapter Five

Trigger warnings: Self-hatred, Swearing, Estranged family relations

The air is hot, stuffy and smells of sweat as we all stand packed together in our age groups. My legs are heavy and it feels like we were standing for hours before the Capitol escort even arrived or the Mayor did his speech. I can't see Sparkle but I know she is standing somewhere with the fifteen year olds.

The Capitol escort – Gwen Maple, an eyesore in a sequined rainbow dress – beams at us as she approaches the balls. I feel a ripple of anticipation run through the crowd. It's time for the female tribute to be chosen.

I feel sick and I clench my dress to stop my hands from shaking. I glance to where I know Splendour is standing with the eighteen-year-olds. Her lips are pressed together, looking anywhere but at the ball and the rest of us. And as sure as the sun that rises each day, I know then that she's not going to volunteer. That she never was.

I watch Gwen Maple's hand descend into the ball. So many slips of paper. But how many have Sparkle's name written onto them? How many have Sapphire's?

With a dramatic flourish, Gwen Maple pulls out a slip of paper and moves over to the microphone.

Even though I know what she is going to say, it still comes as a shock.

"Sapphire Burns."

People cheer, but as I look again at Splendour, I feel everyone else's heads do the same. She's still standing the same way, eyes fixed on the ground, her face a mix of determination and resolution.

Sapphire moves gracefully towards the stage, her back erect and her head held high. And even though it's been two years, even though I can't see her face, I still recognise that proud way she holds herself. The way she acts when she's trying not to cry.

Maybe it's that which spurs me into motion.

"I volunteer!" I scream.

The other seventeen year olds startle and move out the way. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Splendour raise her head to stare at me, but my gaze is fixed on Sapphire. She's glaring at me, but I can see the confusion in her eyes.

"A volunteer! How lovely!" Gwen says into the microphone, and I look away from Sapphire to the stage. Gwen Maple's hand is outstretched, beckoning me forwards, "Please come up, dear!"

I try and give Sapphire a reassuring smile and make my way as confidently as I can to the stage. Even as I climb the steps, this feels like a bad dream. Any second, I am going to wake up and Sapphire won't have been picked and I'll be safe. But my feet take step after step and suddenly I'm on the stage, staring out at the hundreds of District One citizens.

"What's your name, dear?" Gwen Maple beams at me, angling the microphone into my face.

I see the cameras and remember that right now, the whole Capitol is watching. I plaster my brightest smile over my face. My muscles are tight, and I know the practice I did this morning will not be enough to hide the fear in my eyes.

"Call me Glimmer Jewel." Somehow, my voice comes out confident and not choked.

Glimmer Jewel. It isn't my real name, but I need one that the Capitol will remember.

"Congratulations Glimmer!" Says Gwen, and to my surprise, she winks. Is she trying to reassure me? "And now for the gentlemen!"

She reaches into the ball for the boys. Please let it be Marvel, I think, that way he won't be able to volunteer...

But of course it isn't.

"Alabaster Gem."

I find him in the crowd. A twelve year old boy who's shaking with fright.