Haymitch's Story: The Hunger Games

Chapter 5 - The Chariots

This amazing mockingjay outfit reminds me so much of home. I can picture a younger version of me. I am with my mom, and we are heading to the Black Market. As we walk, I whistle. That gets the attention of the mockingjays and they mimic me. I've always loved going there with my mom. I exit my room and find the other tributes looking like me. "Come come, children," I hear Abby say. The chariot ride starts at 2."

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When the time reaches 1:55, we are already there. Apparently we were pretty early because the other tributes haven't even showed up. Good time to talk. "What do we do when we get out there?" I ask. "Well," says Leo, "It's very simple. Just go out there, wave, smile, and hold hands. And I also put a little twist on your suits.There's a button on them so once you find it, press it together and the people will love you.Trust me." In order for that to happen, we would have to pull off something that would actually take all the attention and put it on us.That never happens in district 12. No one from district 12 has ever won. And with all the tributes this year, I don't think there will be one this year either.

When two o'clock rolls around, the chariots and tributes start to come in. When the district 12 chariot comes to us, we are all taken back. Eight golden-brown horses stand bold and proud, and the chariot looks like an exact replica of the woods back home. Home. I completely forgot about home. And the fact that I'll never see it again.

When it's time to get on the chariot, the other tributes and I slowly start to board. The anthem starts to play shortly after. When the anthem finally comes to a stop, the first horses start to move. Our horses soon follow. That's when I hear the booming voice of Caesar Flickerman.  As our chariot enters, I almost go deaf. The people of the Capitol are screaming their lungs out. But instead of plugging my ears, I smile and wave at them. The other people in the chariot do the same. The Capitol people start throwing things at us. That's weird, I think. Back at home, we show respect by putting our three middle fingers up. Much better than throwing flowers or coins. That's when I find out what my suit can do. I find the button on it, so I show the other tributes and we silently count down from three. Then, we all press our buttons together and the crowd goes quiet.

The people of the Capitol just stare at us. Awestruck.

I quickly glance up at the screen that has our faces on it and almost faint.

When we get back to the room, Abby begins to applaud us. "Bravo!" She exclaims. "Wonderful. You should definitely get plenty of sponsors." "Yes they should," says Leo.

Author's Note: Sorry I couldn't think of anything better for the suit. If you have any better ideas I'll see which I like best and dedicate a chapter to you! Cya!