The 69th Hunger Games

Chapter 4

-Chapter 4-

I wake up to find myself perfectly tucked in. My hair in intricate little braids all over my head. I am not in my Reaping Day clothes. I am in a thin pale orange night gown.

My escort knocks delicately on the ajar door to my room.

" Hello, Hello!! " She twitters in her funny Capitol accent. " Today is a massive day! "

That's right. Today is the Chariot parade. I wonder what stupid costume I will be shoved into. Considering my luck, my costume will be a dead fish.

I finally met my prep team.

They circle around me probing me and prodding me.

" Hmm, I know!" Milo's exclaims.

" What? " I ask.

" Well, it's obvious!" Alleeka trills.

" We're going to make you a mermaid!" Lyylina throws her hands up in joy.

" Oh...joy." I mutter unhappily.

Milo pulls out a a huge make up kit as big as a diving board. How does he lug that thing around?

Alleeka magically curls my dull, straight hair into beautiful,shiny ringlets of caramel strands. She dies the tips of my hair sea-green with hints of turquoise. I must say, I look alright.

Milo applys little stick-on gems under my eyes, and brushes colbalt blue on to my eyelids and makes it shiny somehow. I can't describe how beautiful my face looks. My lips are full and pale pink, my cheeks blushed only slightly, my eyes, my eyes are the most dazzling thing. Blue-green, and shiny. Gems line the bottoms.

" You're dazzling." Alleeka smiles.

Now, into the outfit.

My stylist is a beautiful young woman. Not scary and insanely made-up. But-but like a normal person. With flowing black hair and a green blouse and black thin jeans.

" Hi. " She introduces herself. " I'm Zavanine. "

" Bless you. " I whisper nervously.

" No, no, I didn't sneeze. That's my name. I know, I know, weird name. " She chuckles.

" Here. " she hands me a blue bikini top and a sea green mermaid tail with open bottom for my feet to stand.

" Look, your gorgeous. " Zavanine puts her hands on shoulders as I gaze at my beautiful costume.

- At the Tribute Parade-

District 3 is just rolling out in their shiny metal costumes and electric light studded headpieces. The crowd is cheering and screaming their stupid Capitol heads off.

" It's your turn," Zavanine rubs my shoulders and Crestin, Reef's stylist pats his shoulders.

Then, the horses begin to trot out to the adoring crowd.

" Smiles!" Yells Zavanine. Reef gives her a thumbs up and turns back to met. He's also a dressed in a tail, but it's deep blue, and he's wearing no top, he strong and muscular. He is looking at the crowd, waving in small motions left and right, left and right.

I am also waving, but I am smiling and a blow a kiss or two. The crowd roars and throws roses and lilies out to the tributes.

We finally make it to the town square, followed closely by district 5's twilight gray horses.

" Welcome tributes! To the 69th Hunger Games!" announces President Snow. " This year, 23 of you will die, leaving a lone Victor. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor!"

The chariots disperse, Reef and I are making our way back to the training center. I can't stop thinking about what Snow said. It replays in my mind.

" 23 of you will die..."