The 25th Annual Hunger Games

Chapter Four - The Capitol Part One

Patrick on the side!

Chapter Four – The Capitol Part 1

When I wake up light is peeking its way under the shades. It takes me a minute to realize that I'm still gripping the sheets when Velvet burst's through the door.

"Wake up dear! Wakey wakey wakey, Hellloooooo?" She trots in, just a smidgeon to happy for my morning. I glare at her hoping she might take the hint. "Are you up dear, hop your little butt in the shower and report to breakfast in 15!" Nope. She's oblivious. She trots out of the room slamming the door behind her. I push myself to the edge of the bed, shaking my head and rubbing my eyes trying to push off the sleep I just emerged from. I'm so tired I can't stand myself, up all night with nightmares.

I slowly trudge my way into the shower and blast the hot water on myself before I look down and realize, I'm still in my pajamas. I toss the sopping wet pajamas into the bathtub and start sifting through the shampoos, deciding on one that smells like sweet fruits, they call them mangoes. I guess they went extinct before my time, but it smells good!

I hop out of the shower, coming down off the high of a nice hot shower. I use the dry command on the panel and style my hair in my signature curls, and I find an outfit laid out on the bed for me. Here I am thinking that I'm a big girl and could dress myself, guess not. I pull on the black pants and a form fitting blue blouse and find a black pair of flats on the floor by the door. I look at myself in the mirror, I'd give myself a seven out of ten.

I walk in on everyone eating breakfast; the smell of breakfast sausage fills my nose as I take my seat.

It's borderline intoxicating. I take a helping of scrambled eggs and sausages, shoveling them into my mouth. For some reason I'm starving, maybe I'm just trying to swallow my nervousness for tonight.

"Alright kiddies, when you come up for air we can start to discuss tonight."

"What's tonight?" Copper asks, pushing his plate aside in a "let's-get-down-to-business" look about him.

Alma gives him a look, "The chariot ride,"

"Oh." Copper's face drops for a split second.

I however, am ecstatic. I am nearly bouncing out of my seat when Alma looks at me. Copper grins at me and shakes his head. "That's her favorite part of the Games... Aside from the competition, of course."

Right now, I could care less about the competition. I just want to be pretty for the crowd.

"Well kids-"

Copper speaks up, "Please, don't call me a kid. I'm eighteen."

Alma is annoyed; she pinches the bridge of her nose and shakes her head.

"Well adults, we will arrive in the Capitol in exactly 10 minutes. From this train you will be lead to the remake center. You are to do as you are instructed to a tee. Since we have Lace this year as our stylist on hand for the BOTH of you, you will meet with him separately in consecutive consultations of 15 minutes.

From there you are to meet Velvet and she will escort you to your Quarters until tonight. Any questions?"

"One actually," Copper starts, "Where are you going to be?"

"Not your problem, kid." She says, words dripping with venom.

Copper blushes and looks down, clearly embarrassed. I look down onto my hands as well, waiting for more reaming, but it stays silent. I look up and Alma is gone, I'm stunned, I didn't even hear her leave!

Copper is still looking down, what an excellent opportunity...

I put a hand on his shoulder, he immediately tenses up and shakes. "I'm sorry I won't-"