The Hunger Games: Separated

Chapter 8- The Tribute Parade

Chapter 8- The Tribute Parade

The next thing I know I am stepping into the horse drawn chariot meant for the District 11 tributes. William and I are forced to stand together as if we are a team. His tribute attire is very similar to mine, except his is a suit made out of orange peel instead of a dress. The District 1 tributes are already leaving. I feel something being placed on my head, its Paz with a tiara made out of fake oranges. William's stylist places a similar crown on William's head.

The District 10 tributes set out in their chariot, and Paz puts the final touches on my outfit. We are ready to go. With a wave and a shout, Paz jumps off the chariot and the horses pull our chariot into the open where everybody in the whole of Panem can see. The games along with anything that goes with it is compulsory viewing for everyone. I wonder if Rue and Ivy are watching together from the square, or on our tiny ancient TV at home?

Remembering I have to put on a show so I have a chance to go home, I put on a fake smile and wave enthusiastically at the crowd of Capitol citizens. They scream my name in their ridiculous accents, and wave enthusiastically in return. "Lily Lily Lily!" It doesn't thrill me that they are excited about such a cruel game, but I keep the fake smile on and continue waving.

I glance up at the big screen above my head, and see myself smiling and waving with William waving with a glum face next to me. At least my smile looks genuine, only my family and Rue will be able to tell its fake. My fake smile falters for a second as I realise they might have to watch me die on television.

Our chariot rounds the last bend, and I wave one last time, before we enter a building and I can no longer see or hear the Capitol people. Our chariot stops in front of Seeder, Paz, and William's stylist. Chaff is missing, I wonder where he is? Drinking with the District 12 mentor I suppose. They always show them passing a bottle back and forth on television. "You did great!" Seeder exclaims happily as she helps me out of the chariot. "You will surely get lots of sponsors!"
"Thanks, I hope so!" I reply pleased with myself.
"I would sponsor you myself if I was allowed." Paz adds.
"Thanks."

The District 12 tributes enter the building, and Paz babbles on about some new Capitol fashion. They are wearing coal miner outfits complete with headlamps. I glance over at the tributes from District 2, the 12 year old girl, Gemma, who I remember from the reaping is standing there. She is wearing a really pretty pink dress that goes down to her knees. I don't know what that has to do with her district, but she looks good all the same.

We are all escorted to a line of waiting cars, and I decide to follow Gemma to whatever car she gets into. She picks the last car and jumps in, I'm closely behind her, and Seeder is behind me. Once we are all buckled in, she breaks the silence by introducing herself. "Hello, I'm Gemma from District 2, you're Lily from District 11 aren't you?"
"Sure am." I reply with a smile.
"Do you want to work together in the training centre tomorrow? I can show you a few things if you'd like?" Gemma asks curiously.
I glance at Seeder for approval, she nods. "I'd love to!" I reply, happy to have made a friend despite the circumstances.

The car stops outside the training centre, and Gemma and I agree to meet by the lift at 9:45am tomorrow so we can go down together. I wave goodbye and step out of the car behind Seeder.