The 50th Hunger Games, Second Quarter Quell

Chapter Six

The tributes were all gathered in line by their horse-drawn chariots, waiting to start the parade. The opening ceremony was viewed by all in the Capitol and all cameras would be on the tributes. Haymitch joined his fellow tributes at the back of the line. He took in the other three.

Clay was wearing the same outfit as Haymitch, navy blue dungarees with a checkered shirt underneath and a helmet with a lamp balanced on his head. The girls also wore dungarees but in black with a white shirt and streaked with coal dust. Their hair had been curled and styled and they wore no helmets. Around the chariot were lamplights.

"We're hoping it'll make you stand out," Aquila said as she clocked Haymitch's curiosity.

"Suppose we'll see," Haymitch said.

They all stood up on the chariot. They had two horses to pull them around the ceremony, both pitch black. They were well trained and Haymitch gave one a pat on the back as he passed to stand on the chariot. Aquila and the other three stylists arranged the tributes so the boys were on the outside of the chariot with the girls between them. Poppy was closest to Clay. Haymitch noticed Clay's hand holding Poppy's. He wondered if he was to do that with Maysilee but one look at her firm face staring forwards put him off.

Music started and the doors in front opened. The darkness of the place was filled with the bright lights and the shouts and applause of the watching crowds. The chariots started to pull off. The stylists wished the tributes good luck and left them to it. Haymitch grabbed the side of the chariot tightly, praying he wouldn't fall off. At least he would be remembered...

Their chariot pulled off. The horses went slowly towards the doors. At last, they burst through into the brightness. Haymitch felt a hand slip into his free one. He looked down to see Maysillee flinch into Haymitch. Haymitch squeezed Maysilee's hand and tried to smile at the crowds.

The chariot took them on their journey to the City Circle. Haymitch looked left and right, trying to take it all in. The absurd and unique people who waved and blew kisses at their chariot. Some threw flowers at them. Some looked unimpressed, the outfits were not as breathtaking as the other districts. Haymitch tried not to care. He waved where he could and smiled but his chest felt tight. This all seemed like a bad dream. Haymitch had never wanted to wake up more.

When the journey had ended, the horses had stopped outside the President's mansion. President Coriolanus Snow was a newly elected president, he had become president within the last few years. He was stood on the balcony of his mansion. He had dark hair smoothed down and was smiling wide. He was wearing a red suit with a white rose pinned to his lapel. The music cut off as he waved to the audience.

"Welcome tributes to the fiftieth Hunger Games and the second Quarter Quell!" There were cheers and applause. President Snow waited patiently for the hubbub to die down before speaking again. "This Hungers Games is an important milestone and this year we have twice as many tributes. May you all enjoy your time here at the Capitol and good luck to you all! May the odds be ever in your favour!" The citizens of the Capitol applauded again. Haymitch and his fellow District Twelve tributes just watched President Snow. He too just wanted a good game. He was going to get one.

The Training Center was where we would be living for the next few days as we prepared for our deaths. It was a tower of floors and each district had one floor. Twelve was the penthouse at the top of the tower. This meant a ride in a crystal lift and very open spaces. The penthouse was mainly of glass windows which showed the extraordinary view below. They each had their own bedroom again with silken double bed, ensuite bathrooms and room service. The dining room had a long rectangular glass table with stylish chairs. The main room was filled with elegant black leather sofas and chairs with a huge T.V on the wall.

"Make yourselves at home!" Claudia said. This was impossible. Home was a sooty, grey and black space with small cottages and very few luxuries. However, Haymitch went to his own room and undressed. He took a shower using as many different buttons as he could because each one was a different function. He then dressed in comfy clothes before going into the dining room.

The other tributes were there, out of their miner outfits and into normal clothing. Claudia was the only one who still looked extravagant and not in a good way either. Crocas was wearing the same outfit.

People in red outfits handed out food and drinks. Haymitch thanked them when they gave him something but they never responded back.

"So the parade could have gone better, there is no downplaying it," Crocas said. Maysilee dropped her fork. As she bent to pick it up, Haymitch heard her speak quietly to him.

"The people are Avoxes. They can't talk. Traitors who have their tongues cut." She sat back up again and an Avox swapped her dirty fork for a clean one.

"How is that our fault?" Clay asked.

"It's not," Crocas replied.

"The coal mining outfits are very... Overused." Claudia added.

"So what does that mean?" Maysilee asked.

"It means we NEED to put an emphasis on the fact that yes, you come from District Twelve but you all are different and can win this."

"How?" Maysilee asks. She seemed very intent for information. Haymitch was glad all the tributes were taking this seriously and none of them had big egos. There was a possibility that they would all die, they all knew this.

"We need to impress the Gamemakers. That is our next ploy. You also all need to train in every area. Something silly to you now like making snares could help you in the arena."

"When do we start?" Clay asked.

"Tomorrow morning. Ten on the dot. You'll train every day for three days. In the evenings, I'll be mentoring you."

"What will you be teaching us?" Haymitch asked.

"Anything I can think of. But for right now, I suggest you all go to bed. It's a long day tomorrow and you need to be well rested."