Safeguard

Chariots

  Today we meet our stylists. After breakfast, we were taken to a different building where they prepare us for our stylists. I've been here for 3 hours already. They have waxed my legs, cut my hair, plucked my eyebrows, etc. After taking another shower, I'm sitting on a table, waiting for my stylists to come. I'm nervous. Then the door opens and a woman walks in. She is rather plain looking for a Capitol person. Her skin is a natural pale, her eyes green, her hair black with red tips. She has one visible tattoo on her wrist; a horse rearing. She wore high heels, and a dark blue dress which stopped at the knees.

  "My name is Marissa. I'm going to be your stylist," she introduced herself.

  "Nice to meet you. I'm Rapture."

  "Rapture, that's an interesting name. I like it. I hope you've had a nice stay here so far. I'm sorry you had to come like this, though." 

  "Most people just congratulate me," I said.

  "I honestly don't like it when people say that. It's like they're congratulating you on dying."

  "That's one way to put it."

   "Anyway, what do you want to dress as for they chariot parade?" Marissa asked.

  "Well, most of the time District 10 is dressed as ranchers or animals," I answered.

  "I have talked with Lief's stylist and I think you will enjoy your outfit." She took my hand and led me towards a different room. Marissa pulled a dress out of a closet and hung it on a hook. She places a pair of shoes in front of it, and then pulled out a headband with cow ears on it.

  I wanted to laugh and yell, "I wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit!" but I didn't want to hurt Marissa's feelings, plus I has to wear whatever she told me to wear.

  The dress was a brown maxi with sleeves that come to my wrist. The shoes are brown high heels but the heel is clear.

  "Am I supposed to look like a cow?" I asked.

  "Not a cow. A bull!" Marissa corrected.

  I stifled a groan.

  "I've never walked in heels before," I said.

  "Then let's practice!"

  I slipped the shoes on my feet and balanced myself. I took two steps forward and almost broke my neck. After a few minutes of practicing how to walk, Marissa started on my hair and makeup. She braided my hair and pulled it to the side. My eyeshadow was a brown smokey eye mixed with glitter. After Marissa was satisfied with me, we walked out to the chariots. We passed the tributes from Districts 1-9 and I began to feel better about my costume.

  We reach the chariot after Lief and his stylist. I accidentally let out a laugh before I covered my mouth with my hand. Lief was a bull fighter! He looked ridiculous! I'm sure he felt that way too. He chuckled at my costume. Crystal and Juniper walked up to us.

  "How are the best looking tributes?" asked Crystal.

  "I'm doing great!" said a boy tribute from District 2 as he passed us.

  "Not you!" Crystal shouted at him. "You look great," she said to both of us.

  "They look like a couple of kids going trick or treating," said Juniper.

  "Well no one cares what you think," replied Crystal.

  "You better get in the chariot. You leave in a minute. We'll meet up with you afterwards," Juniper said, ignoring Crystal's remark.

  "You look nice," Lief said as we stepped into the chariot.

  "Thanks. You look nice too," I replied.

  "Thanks, but I look ridiculous."

  "You don't look as bad as district 12," I said.

  We look behind us at the tributes. They were wearing black morph suits with an orange belt.

  "I guess you're right," Lief told me.

  "Of course I am. I'm always right," I say jokingly. "This costume doesn't even make sense. Bulls are males not females."

  Then the chariot lurches forward, and I almost fall out. Lief puts his hand on my back to steady me. His touch sends chills up my spine. I smile at him. He removes his hand and my back feels cold. My hand grips the side of the chariot as we move forward, making my knuckles turn white. The crowd cheers as the chariots come out, the Panem national anthem playing the whole time. I try to smile, even though I was terrified. Lief takes his hand in mine. I look at him in surprise. I let him keep me steady. With my other hand, I wave at the crowd. Women shout Lief's name. Probably because he's so handsome. I don't know why I never noticed before. We reach the end of the runway, the other chariots following.

  President Snow starts his speech, "Welcome tributes! Welcome to 70th Annual Hunger Games! We congratulate you for the honor of fighting and representing your district! Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor!"