Cainon has me dressed as what he calls a Dryad, a tree spirit. My costume is unbelievably pretty. It is made of brilliant white silk and drapes over my body. A belt made of gold leaves synches my waist, making me look curvy. I’m wearing a gold leaf crown as well, and my hair falls down my back. I have tiny flowers woven into my dark curls, and each bright white daisy lets off a potent smell. Desira has painted leaves on to my skin with some sort of glittering green paint, and each intricate pattern shines as I move. My face is made up brilliantly as well; my eyes have thin brown eyeliner and my lips are painted a natural pink. If I did not know it was me, I would have thought the person staring back at me was a goddess. Cainon and I wait by the carriage for Harry and Havoc. I watch the other tributes intently.
First I see the Careers from District 1. The girl, Sparkle, is dressed in a beautiful fur coat. Her brilliant red hair is pulled into a bun, and decorated with gems. Beside her is Liam, the District 1 male Career. He is tall with broad shoulders, olive skin and a muscular body. His face is brooding, and he’s incredibly intimidating. He too is wearing a fur coat, and his head dons a glittering crown. Next to them, preparing to get into their chariot is the District 2 tributes Niall and Katya. They’re both blonde, but look completely unalike beyond that. Katya is tiny and seems serious, while Niall is slightly taller and is constantly smiling. Their costumes are armour, fitted to accent their muscular bodies. The other tributes from District 4 are noticeable as well. Their names are Titan and Sheena. Titan fits his name well; he’s gigantic and muscular. His shoulders tower over his head, making him appear to slump. Beside him Sheena seems tiny, but she towers over the other careers. She’s lean and muscular, and her cropped black hair is swept back making her look almost masculine. They are dressed in scales and fishnets, making them look like captured merpeople. I look over the other tributes, noticing only their costumes and meagre smiles.
Then I see District 12. I know the two tributes already; they were on TV two years ago when Katniss and Peeta were crowned as Victors. They are Primrose Everdeen and Gale Hawthorne; Katniss Everdeen’s little sister and cousin. My heart nearly drops at the sight of them. The Reaping in 12 was rigged no doubt. Primrose looks much like her sister; only tinier, blonder and lacking in the confidence and arrogance that Katniss radiated. I stare at her, donned in a coalminer costume with her hair braided like her sister’s iconic style. I am horrified and sad at the sight of her; it is the Capitol cutting off the last ties to Katniss Everdeen to the Districts.
“Hey! Kate!”
My thoughts are broken by the sound of Harry’s voice. I turn to him, and am immediately captivated. He’s been dressed as an elf to match my dryad costume. He’s wearing a brilliant white silk tunic, with a belt like mine. His stylist has made his ears look pointed, and they poke through his messy brown curls. He’s wearing brown boots that go up half of his calf, and brown gloves that reach his elbow to match. His skin has painted on leaves like mine, and in his hand he holds a large wooden staff. He smiles at me, and I try my hardest not to blush.
“Wow Kate! You look beautiful!” He says, and I realize he’s speaking in a Capitol accent. I look at him and raise my eyebrows. He smiles at me and with a reassuring nod says, “They love it when I talk like them, so I thought I might as well do it.”
“Makes sense I guess. You look amazing Harry, I almost thought you were actually an elf.”
“Good, I thought you were a real Nymph. I still think you are really, you’re far too beautiful not be mythological and magical.”
I start to blush, and Cainon laughs at me. Suddenly a loudspeaker booms a five minute warning, and the Tributes climb into our chariots. Havoc leads us to ours and looks at us, smiling through his beard.
“Okay guys, this is it. You need to make a good impression; it all starts here. Smile, wave- well basically look like you’re unbelievably happy to be here. And good luck,” Havoc walks away, and I hope he’ll be in the crowd to watch. I start to realize that I’m nervous, and try to take deep breaths. Harry grabs my hand in his and smiles to me.
“Are you ready?”
“As ready as I can be.”
“You can keep holding my hand if you’re nervous, I won’t mind at all.”
“Thanks…”
As Harry smiles at me our chariot pulls forward, music starts to play, and the Tribute parade for the 76th annual Hunger Games begins.
[A/N: Hello again! I know it was a long wait but I do hope it is worth it! I hope you are all enjoying the book so far and I can't wait for you all to read the rest of it. Time frame wise I don't know when the next chapter will be up but it shouldn't take too long. Things are just starting to get good! If you like the story please make sure to share it and vote with all your friends! Thank you all for taking the time to read this and I hope you enjoy so far and please let me know what your theories are for what is going to happen! :)
Thanks again! xx ]
