Chapter Six: The Chariot Parade

50 4 0
                                    

-Zayn-

I scanned everyone across the room. All of us were set up in awful costumes and disgustingly festive chariots. Typical. I leaned against my chariot and tried to postion the netting I was wearing to look somewhat decent. My costume consisted of pants and a short sleeves shirt, all white, all made of the actual netting we used to catch fish. Cherry, the female tribute from my district, had on something similar. Her dress was all netting with a few fish, crabs, and shells stuck in it. Our stylists are truly idiots. Between my scanning, I couldn't stop glancing at Liam. He was in complete black. He looked quite scary, even more like a career then when I first met him. He looked over at me and winked. I didn't think he was aloud to come over to me, but he did anyways.

"That costume looks ridiculous!" He said, laughing.

"Gee, thanks...Your costume is really cool," I said with a pout.

"The perks of being from District twelve, though I never knew there were any," He replied, smiling.

"Liam!" I looked up to see an older lady calling him over while bringing out, who I assumed to be, the female district twelve tribute.

"Well, I've got to go. See you tomorrow, Netsy," He said. I shot him a glare, and in return he smiled and winked again. 

I had come to the conclusion that there was no way I could kill him, not even for my own life. I was screwed.

The Parade started out with district one coming out with their white horses and jewels. Everyone followed behind. Cherry grabbed me hand, she was about thirteen. I knew her, she was one of the kids who lived in my alley. I hope to have the oppurtunity to protect her.

I notice the cheering grew louder until it was basically screaching. I looked back to see which chariot has people on their feet. I see Liam and the other District twelve tribute bounding down the parade with flames on their backs. I almost cheer out of aw, but I manage to hold it in. A pat on the back for their stylist that's for sure. We all ascend in our circle around President Sylvester. 

"Welcome, Welcome, tributes, Welcome. We thank you for your bravery and your loyalty to the Capitol. Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor!" He cheered, before stepping down. The Chariots filed either left or right, one through six--right, seven through twelve--left. I tried to find Liam again when I finally got off that bloody chariot, but our mentor already had us walking the floor.

-Niall-

I almost had a heart attack when I saw my beau engulfed in flames. Only his bright, toothy grin could calm me. I didn't stop biting my nails until his chariot had safely come to a halt in front of the president.

"Niall, relax dude. This isn't even the life threatening part," Greg says.

I suddenly feel light-headed,"Please... don't remind me." In an attempt to calm myself, I closed my eyes and thought back.

I watched as Liam helped Lynna and her sisters Cyna and Reyna make flower crowns, I laughed when Reyna put hers on his head.

"Hey girls, I see you have turned me beau into a flowered mess," I say with a laugh, while picking Reyna up.

"Doesn't he look pretty!?" Cyna said, excitedly.

"Stunning, but of coarse, he always does," I say, while winking at Liam.

"Well aren't you being cute today," Liam said, and I felt my cheeks start to burn while Lynna and Cyna fixed his crown.

"You need a crown to!" Reyna exclaimed. She jumped out of my arms and grabbed Lynna's flower crown.

"Bend down," she said as she made her final touches,"perfect." 

"You both look great!" Lynna complimented.

"We do look great, don't we," Liam agreed.

"Lynna Marie! You and your sisters get in her right now, and stop bothering Niall and Liam!" Their mother yelled.

All the girls waved goodbye and ran to their house. As they left I made my way to Liam's lap and plopped down. We sat in a comfortable silence until I turned towards him.

"I want kids when we get older," I told him.

"You know, I've always dreamed of us having kids in the future--a future where things are better than they are now," He replied.

I hummed in agreement.

"Well, we don't know what'll happen in the future, exactly, so one of the first things we'd have to teach them is to stick together," I say.

"Forever," He finishes.

-Liam-

There is something to be said; the whole time I was going down the parade, millions of others watching, I only thought of one blond-haired boy in District twelve. I wondered what he was doing; was he watching, or was it too painful so instead he curled into a ball on his bed. I missed him so much. I don't think about it as I get off my chariot. I see Zayn almost dragged to the elevator. I watch Simon come closer to Lynna and I,

"Liam, Lynna? Come on." he drags us towards the elevator in complete silence. The silence doesn't break until the elevator starts to move.

"You need to focus, Liam. The whole time you looked like you were looking for someone, he's not here. He's back in District twelve, Liam." Simon says to me.

"I know that!" I say, trying to defend my stupidity.

"I don't think you do, either of you." His gaze is cold and hard. I almost ask him what he means, but the door opens to quick. All three of us walk out to find a door marked with, yet again, District twelve. We walked in and were immeadiantly blasted with the smell of roses. Lynna almost passed out from a cough attack.

"You'll get used to the smell." Simon said.

"Maralie will be here a little later, how about you go check out your room, Lynna?" Simon suggests. Lynna runs to her room like the child she is. Simon sits on the sectional and pats the spot next to him. I sit down uneasily, but still, he might have information on my Niall.

"Look, Liam...I've been in contact with Greg," Is Niall ok? What happened? Why are you telling me this? I thought,"Greg says Niall is doing as well as expected, he says Niall won't leave the TV except to go to the bathroom. Greg said to tell you to try your best to come back, not only as Niall's boyfriend, but as his best friend." Simon said.

"Why are you telling me this? You could get in serious trouble." I say.

"I don't think either of us are very keen to following the rules." he answered. "I'm telling you this so you fight harder; Niall is counting on you, Greg is, I am. You need to remember not to be your usually selfless person, selfishness is key in the arena. The others just want to kill you, or they will slow you down. You need to get back home, and I'm going to help you as best I can. Don't get distracted." Simon said.

"But...why?" I ask, confused.

"If Niall has to live the rest of his life without you, he won't last long." then Simon started getting up and walking towards the door.

"Simon?! Can you tell Greg I can't wait to meet Kimree and tell Niall I love him and I will win...I will win for him." I said.

"I'll do my best Liam." Simon answered. With that he disappeared behind the door and I walked to my new, and extremely improved, room.

The Hunger Games « Niam/ZiamWhere stories live. Discover now