I wake to the sound of my escort yelling at Zack to get up, I quickly dress and open the door; wanting to keep on my escorts good side. She smiles at me as I walk by, and then returns to yelling at the door. I walk down to the dining room, and fill my plate. My mentors are already at the table when I sit down. “do you want to be trained together, or separately?” is all she says once Zack sits down. “Separately” I say instantly. No way do I want to train with him, any skills I do develop, if any, he can use against me. He wont want me in the career pack this year, and because the district 2 male is usually put in charge, that means I wont be with the pack, which honestly relives me. I wouldn’t want to join a group of cold blooded killers anyway.
He looks at me curiously, as if he was expecting me to leave it up to him, ugg. Im not one to submit to power, especially when it will lead me to a death, or more importantly, my sisters death. Alright then, my Brooklyn says, noticing the tension. “good to know, now when we get to the capitol, your stylist, and prep team control how you look. Don’t put up any resistance, it’ll only make it worse.” I nod, in district 2 we have a special lotion that prevents hair from growing on your arms and legs, so theres nothing I would have to resist anyway. I do, however, feel bad for tributes from lower districts.
Before long we reach the capitol, its amazing. Bright lights, colorful buildings, and then, oh gosh, the people. The capitol citizens are dressed in bright, almost blinding, colors. There hair is unnatural, as well as their skin tones, and eye color. Its terrifying. Then, I get an idea, before I can think twice, I walk up to the window and wave and smile at the crowds. When the train stops and we get out, there is a long carpet with people on either side. People are calling our names, and throwing flowers. I even see one little girl with purple hair, and blue eyes try and get Zack’s autograph. He obviously refuses and the girl looks crestfallen, she looks at me, almost hesitantly, and slightly lifts her little book, asking me silently to sign it. I smile down at her kindly and sign the book and whisper softly “don’t worry about him, hes a meanie.” She grins and runs to her mom and shows her the book.
When we, or should I say I, finnaly reach the end of the path my mentor looks absolutely pissed. “took you long enough” she hisses. Zack rolls his eyes and continues down into the building. We are separated, which I truly don’t mind that much, and put into the hands of out prep team. It takes me no more then half an hour to get ready, and then my stylist comes in. He is wearing a ridicules outfit, a pink puffy shirt, and acid green, I don’t know what to call it. He gives me my outfit, almost shrieking in delight when I put it on, it does look good. It’s looks almost like the armor the peacekeepers wear, but in gold. The piece gives me curves I don’t yet have, and makes me look much stronger, and taller. My brown hair is left down, flowing down my back. I have a gold headpiece, perhaps meant to mimic the victor’s crown.
When we enter the city circle, the crowd loves us. I hear them chanting my name, as well as Zack’s, Its obvious who my competition is. After we’ve gone around the circle a few times, we listen to the presidents welcome speech, and head to the training center.
When we get to our floor, we are brought to our rooms, I quickly wash all traces of make up from my face and put on a simply tshirt and jeans. I then head down the hall to the dining room for dinner. By the time I get to the table, our mentors, and stylists are already there. I quickly slip into a spot and begin to eat, I take steak, mashed potatoes, and several different fruits that I don’t have a name for. I eat quickly, in hopes of getting back to the safety of my room as soon as possible. I don’t bother to listen to the conversation around me, focusing mainly on the different types of conditions we may face in the arena. They seem to not notice im there, because they’re only discussing typical career tactics.
I clear my throat, successfully getting everyone’s attention. “what about me?” I ask, getting slightly angry, “whats my strategy at the cornucopia? How do I find shelter, how do I find water? How do I survive?” they all stare at me, and I suppose if in their shoes, I would as well. But it was obnoxious that they where counting me out. I WILL win, I WILL prove them wrong. I WILL be the victor. I stand up and toss my napkin on the table, “im going to bed.”
I head to my room and throw on the first night gown I find in the closet, climb into bed, and slowly drift off to sleep.
Im running, I don’t know what im running from, but im running. Sweat is pouring down my face, and getting in my eyes, I have scratches on my arms from the branches on the trees, and I think my leg is bleeding. I turn to see what im running from, and I trip over a tree root. I fall on my stomach, and just manage to roll onto my back before Zack puts a spear through my chest.
I wake up screaming, my body drenched in sweat. Im shaking, and I cant stop, turn onto my stomach and cry into my pillow.
I open my eyes and see light streaming through my window, I don’t even remember falling asleep. I quickly get dressed in the outfit left out for me, and run into the dining room. By the time I get there, Brooklyn is the only one there. “you’re late” she says “better head down to training.” I sigh, grab an apple and jog to the elevator. By the time I get to the training floor, I have eaten the apple. I throw the core in a garbage can, and walk up to the entrance of the gym, I take a deep breath and push open the door.
