CHARADE | Glimmer (THG)

Chapter Fifteen

Trigger warnings: Sexual harassment, Body dysphoria, Low self-esteem

I stare at the apparition in the mirror. Blond hair loose and flowing interwoven with sparkles so it looks as though there are real gems flowing downwards. Black mascara to bring out the green eyes, whilst lips are coated in baby pink lipstick. The dress is a shimmering silver, awash with jewels, but the fabric is thin enough so that the thighs and top of the legs are seen through it.

"What do you think?" Arion asks quietly behind me, "Too vulnerable?"

I pull my lips into a smile and turn away from the mirror, "No, this is great, Thank you. I look...sexy."

"But does it feel okay?" Arion presses, "I have..."

The door to the studio swings open and Cashmere and Gwen breeze in.

"Glimmer, darling, you look wonderful!" Gwen gasps, "Just look at the jewels Arion's sewn onto your dress! And in your hair! And this fabric!"

She reaches to run her hand through the dress, and I twist slightly away.

"The Jewel of District One," Cashmere smiles slightly, and clasps me by my shoulders, "Glimmer, remember, you are adored. Your beauty has everyone wrapped around your little finger. The audience is yours and you own the stage." She presses two fingers under my chin and raises my head so that I'm gazing into her steely blue eyes, "Smile, flirt and have your head held high. Do not let us down."

"I won't," I murmur.

She squeezes my shoulder, "Good. Remember what we practised yesterday."

How could I forget? Long tortuous hours spent with Cashmere and Gwen coaching me on how to sit, stand, wave and flirt.

I nod and give her my best winning smile, "By the time I'm done with Ceasar, he won't remember his own name."

Gwen pretends shock but Cashmere claps her hands together once, "Good! Just like that!"

"Glimmer," Arion cuts in quietly, "I have other dresses if you want to try them on."

"No need," Cashmere throws a vice-like arm around me, No one will be able to keep their eyes off her in this."

"Glimmer-" Arion tries.

"Shut up, Arion," Cashmere snaps, "You're like a whiny robot. What can you possibly know about what's best for Glimmer?"

Arion's eyes flash and I cut in before they can do anything stupid. "I'm happy with this one, Arion," I smile, "It'll get me the most sponsors."

"See?" Cashmere says smugly.

"Come on dear," Gwen takes my arm, "Let's get you to our interview."

I don't meet Arion's eyes as we pass them. Do I feel good? No, not at all. The dress is too short, my arms and legs are bare, and everyone can see my bra and underwear through it. I feel like a walking doll, innards exposed for everyone to see and play with.

But I suppose Arion wasn't given much of a choice with Cashmere and Gwen watching them at every turn.

I can do this. This is, after all, the final time to get sponsors before the Hunger Games. So I walk down the hallway where the other tributes are waiting with my head high and a smirk plastered across my face.

The District Eleven and Twelve tributes have not yet arrived, and neither has Marvel, but I can see the others milling around.

"Steal the show, dear," Gwen murmurs encouragingly as she pushes me towards the other tributes.