Rising Rebellion [#3]

Chapter 6 - Mask Up, Lights On

The 24-hour train-ride to the Capital was little eventful. John and Sylvia stuck much to themselves in one of the rooms. As they kept to themselves, they had laid there cuddling while debating on how they would portray themselves in front of the crowd. The agreed to play on the impressions they had had themselves when they were tributes. That meant that Sylvia would have to be the angry and feisty one which wasn’t hard for her at all considering all the anger she had been carrying all these years. John on the other hand was the kind and friendly type who could still control Sylvia whenever it was needed. It was a good idea for both of them as they could be a playful couple in front of the crowd at the same time.

As the train stopped at the Capitol they could hear the crowd outside. “Who would’ve thought they even remembered us in the middle of the love story District 12’s got going for them?” She then asked sarcastically. “Well, I guess people in the Capitol have their own favorites. Some might actually like your feisty attitude from last time.” John answered with a gentle smile. They had put on some more Capitol-friendly outfits, but they didn’t overdo it as they were headed straight for the prep-saloon for the chariots. “Maybe I’ll get some extra attention for that as I didn’t really show them that attitude the first time.” She said smiling as the doors opened. The crowd was eager to get a look at them again. Sylvia acted, as usual, arrogant to the crowd as she had no interest in any of it. John was a lot friendlier as he waved slightly at the people before they were separated. “I’ll see you soon, sunshine.” John winked as they were led into separate prep-rooms.

Like last time, they were both washed and scrubbed before they were led to the room where they would receive their costumes. While in there, John got ready by taking off his artificial leg. “John, it’s so nice to see you again…under certainly different circumstances it would’ve been even better but….it is what it is.” She then said as she was clearly unhappy with John being her tribute again. They shared a small hug to calm her down. “Well, like you said, it is what it is. I am on the other hand, excited as to what you’ve gotten for me this time.” John then said slightly smiling.

John met Sylvia before they got the chariots. “Oh no…what have they done to my feisty girl?” John then asked as he saw her costume. She let out a deep sigh and then shot an angry look at her designer. “Just like the last time, they put me out there like a freaking tree! Can’t we just switch outfits? I want to stick that axe somewhere.” She then pouted at him. John chuckled lightly. “I would if I could, but that looks really uncomfortable so I’m going to have to pass.” John said afraid that she would turn angry with him. They entered the elevator going down to the chariots. “Nah, it’s okay. I like you in the outfit…it’s kinda hot.” She smiled at him. John raised his eyebrows for a quick second as the elevator started moving.

“So what’s our plan down there? Do we mingle with the rest?” John then asked. Sylvia thought it through for a quick second. “You got well on with the boy from 12 when they were in 7. See if you can get him into thinking alliance. I’ll see if I can get to Finnick when it comes to the girl. I really can’t stand the sight of her anyways.” Sylvia then said. “I know you can’t…” John said smiling as the elevator opened up. They had barely gotten out of the elevator before they were noticed. “John Wintergreen and Sylvia Mason…it is a nice pleasure to see you both to this magnificent event.” Finnick Odair said as he threw a sugar-cube in his mouth. “Finnick Odair…this truly wouldn’t be the same without you I’m sure.” John then answered as they shook her hands. He then looked puzzled at Sylvia. “What’s gotten into you? No ironical remarks?” Finnick then said before Sylvia gave him a warning mine. “Oh, they’re in here somewhere. It would be easier to spit them out if it wasn’t for this piece of crap.” She said adjusting to the dress. “Speaking of crap…I have a little favor to ask of you.” She then said as she dragged him away.

“Mr. Mellark, I bet you didn’t see this coming?” John said as he offered his hand to him. “Wintergreen, we met in District 7 a few months back.” John pointed out. Peeta nodded. “Yeah, that’s right. Well, I wasn’t really expecting this, that’s for sure.” Peeta then added. “Wouldn’t want her to do it all again, would you? Make up a new act so that she will save you from certain death again?” John then asked as they just stood there casually. “She’s not going to have to this time, Wintergreen.” He answered slightly quiet. John seemed to get it even though Peeta didn’t think he did. “I see…how about I help you with that? Keep her safe and all of that?” John then suggested. Peeta turned more aware of his motives.

“What I’m trying to say here is I can be your ally in the Arena. With all these experienced killers, you’ll be depending on an alliance. Most of us know each other. For your sakes, you better really consider it.” John pointed out. Peeta wasn’t quite sure what to say as he looked over at Katniss talking to Finnick. John turned over and saw the two of them talking. “Oh, well, I can see why you can’t answer my request. Finnick is a real lady’s man. You better go and save your girl before he swoops her in his arms.” John said with a light smile. “Just consider my offer, Mr. Mellark. It is a very generous one.” John pointed out as he walked over to the District 7 chariot.

“So, how did it go?” Sylvia asked as he approached her. “Well, the bomb has been dropped. Remains to see if they accept the message…oh and I warned him about Finnick getting his girl. More to the point though, what did you do in the meantime?” John then asked with a raised eyebrow as he leaned casually to their chariot. “Oh, I was just standing here doing what I do best: shoot angry and feisty looks at everyone I don’t trust or like in this crowd…including Katniss.” She added. John crossed his arms. “We’re supposed to be begging for her to get in an alliance with us. It tends to help if you actually trust her.” John pointed out. “Really, I never heard that was a requirement, John.” She started. “Besides I have to keep up my appearance.” She then pointed out.

It was time for them to get up on the chariots. The chariot started moving. “Just please, don’t kill anyone with your eyes out there, alright? We got enough time for that later.” John then said right before they entered the sunlight and the crowd got to see them. “As you wish my, way-too-kind-for-his-own good-boyfriend.” She said. John smiled as he shook his head. The chariots carried away between the two stands. John and Sylvia held their hands firmly on the chariot and in each other’s hand. As they made that little half-circle movement in front of the President, both Snow and John and Sylvia could see what was going on. They had experienced him at his worst and most manipulative ways. He didn’t speak as they passed him and probably there was nothing for him to say. They had all been there once before.

As they got off the chariot, they were waved over by a discrete Haymitch. “Well, well, Haymitch, are you jealous you’re not in our shoes? Oh wait that would mean you’d have to stop drinking.” Sylvia then said quite sarcastic. “You’re always a delight, aren’t you?” Haymitch smiled at her. “No, I’m not jealous, and even if I was, I wouldn’t be telling you. I just wanted to give you a little something.” He said as he handed it discreetly in John’s hand. “It’s for the Arena. I don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance to give it to you later. Katniss doesn’t really like either of you. If she sees the symbol however, she’ll know that I trust you, and that will make her trust you as well.” He said. John and Sylvia nodded as they looked at it. “Okay, Haymitch.” John then answered as he walked away.

John stashed the objects in his pocket as he turned to Sylvia. “I’m going to our floor. Want to join me now or is there anyone here you’d like to speak to?” He then asked her. “I’ll get to Finnick for a quick chat, and then I’ll see if I can catch the same elevator as the prince and the princess.” She then said with a cunning smile. John knew that smile, he just didn’t know if it was a smart move to ask her. “Oh, and you should probably stand by the elevator with a robe.” She said blinking her eye. John let out a deep breath. “I truly can’t wait to hear about this.” John then said smiling as he walked off.