Johanna's Hunger Games

The Capitol

"No way! There is another factor known as sponsors out there! And Ash would probably send me tormenting letters in the arena!"

"I'm your mentor. Now shut up and enjoy the food."

I sulk, picking at a muffin. Just an hour ago Leanne was saying goodbye. I let out an overexxagereated sigh. WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE ME??!!!

AND LYNUS!!??

I sit bolt upright in horror. There is only one way I can come home. Lynus must... die. But I would never kill Lynus. We are close because him and Sage are the only relatives I have.

"no." I say aloud. "NO!"

Sage looks at me sadly. "Sweetie, life's unfair. But let's make the most of it. Enjoy the food!"

"You infamous freak! You capitolized, power hungry monster! You sound just like Snow!"

"How dare you! What about-"

Suddenly Sage turns pale. She lashes out at the air, screaming, "Lilah! Stay with me! Don't die! Lilah, please don't die! I need you!"

Tyla just looks lost. Even though she insulted me, I'm still her niece. I rush to her side.

"Its ok, Auntie. You're safe. You're with me."

She looks at me through glassy eyes. "Johanna?"

"Shhhhhh. Come lie down."

"It's time to watch the recap of the reapings anyway!" Tyla says way to brightly. I would really like to kick that woman.

Lynus takes Sage's other side and proceeds to the couch. We lie her down and squash together by her feet, leaving Tyla and Blight the uncomfortable straight backed chairs.

"Keep an eye out for possible allies!" Tyla says. "A tributes reaction when their ally dies is always so much fun!"

I do not look at Tyla for the rest of the evening.

District 1 status: ugh. District 2 status: double ugh. District 3 status: hmm. The District 3's escort's microphone is too quiet, and the girl, Trinity, takes off the back and repairs it just like that!

District 4: that blonde hair is so fake. It's not like anyone but us in District 7 could afford dye.

District 5: weaklings. District 6: triple ugh. District 7: I sigh. I can't even finish my though. Until the camera zooms up on my face. It really looks like I'm crying! I will never be able to live this down! Lynus looks perfect, like always. Sleek black hair cut rather sloppily at his ears.... My hair is straight and brown. I don't have hair that makes me the center of attention like Lynus.

District 8: not interesting. District 9: quadruple ugh. District 10: meh. District 11: suddenly I'm interested. The girl, Zara, apparently only turned twelve today. She doesn't lack in courage, though. She neatly stamps on her escort's toe, a bloodthirsty woman named Tallie.

District 12: a monstrous boy and a tiny trembling girl. Lame.

We sit in silence. And all to soon we're in the Capitol.

~~~~~•~~~~~•~~~~~•~~~~~•~~~•

I gape. Brightly colored buildings, brightly colored roads, brightly colored everything. This is no place for a chromaphobic.

Lynus joins me at the window. "Repulsive, isn't it?"

"You can say that again" I mutter.

"You two! Over here!" Sage calls from her couch bed. We still won't let her leave it.

"Everyone mentor is required to tell their tributes this. We're soon going to be at the Remake Center. It's pretty awful. Just remember, don't resist."

I groan. "I can't picture myself in any of those stupid leafy dresses."

Sage pats my hand. "Just wait."

~~~~~•~~~~~•~~~~~•~~~~~•~~~•

I squeeze my eyes tightly shut as Jinx, Titi, and Dove rip out my eyebrows. Jinx is small and angular, and his dark purple hair. She barely comes up to my shoulders. Titi, on the other hand, towers above me. Titi's skin is completely covered in gems. Dove is about my height.

"So did you hear about Loro's party? I heard that Octavia told Flavius that she was going to go and Flavius..." Jinx jabbers on. She doesn't seem to care I'm not listening.

"Yes" Titi says quietly. Titi has a square jaw and is mostly square. And she rarely talks.

"But I thought he would only go if Kare went..." Dove completes Jinx's story. Dove is about my height, but impossibly thin. He also has bubblegum pink striped skin. Weird.

All three of them stand back and admire their work. After they were done with my leg hair, I was allowed to put on a robe. The atmosphere is awkward, but not as awkward as it could have been.

They shrug in unison and turn to leave. Wait! I haven't done anything to make them think I'm weak!

"Please don't go!" I call after them, trying to make my voice crack. They turn around.

"Why not? You're as beautiful as your gonna get." Dove says.

"But- but- but-" I glance out the window, "But I'm afraid of heights!"

Silence. I'm only somewhat believable, seeing as we're on the SECOND floor. I hold my breath.

They all react at once.

"Of course we'll stay, darling. There's nothing to be afraid of!" Jinx beams kindly.

I let out a sigh of relief. They believe me.

It's time to meet my stylist.