Fair Fight

Chapter 12

Shakily I step into the horse drawn chariot that will lead the 24 tributes around the city before coming to an end in front of the President's mansion in centre of the Capitol. I see some of the other tributes glancing in my direction at my outfit, so they must think I outshine them. I can't deny though, my stylist has done an amazing job on me, surprisingly. I reach my hand out to stroke the big black horses pulling the chariot when a sharp tone makes me pull my hand back. "Well, Emma Odair, here to make a splash like your big brother did? He's not here to look out for you now is he?" Reid. Trust him to make a huge spectacle of this. I can hear the other tributes in hushed voices talking about how this is the infamous Emma Odair, whose brother is known to everyone in the entire nation. I don't want people to know me as Finnick Odair's sister. I want them to know me for me and the parade will help me show everyone. 

"Yes Reid," I reply in a confident voice,"I am going to make a splash, now if you please, I'd like to get ready. That shut him up. I stare straight ahead at the now opening gates, with a determined look on my face. Not some bully from District 4 is going to ruin my chances of survival and sponsers. The District 1 chariot moves into the glaring sunshine and is greeted by roars of the crowd, followed by District 2 who receive the same reception. One and two are known to be the Capitol favourites. The District 3 chariot rolls on the street and Reid hops up beside me and hisses into my ear, "I am not going to let some puny little girl get in my way of winning, so watch out." I grit my teeth and think to myself, I'm not going to let you get in my way either.

Screaming and chanting voices are heard all around, as our chariot is led around the shining city. People call my name and i wave mechanically, blow kisses and show megawatt smiles. It's a crowd pleaser. My billowing cape shines iridescently in the sunlight and my flowing tresses of bronze coloured hair float along behind me. I sneak a glance over at Reid and he is trying to pull off that scary look that some of the older male tributes put on for the cameras. It isn't working out for him, his mouth is teased into a grimace and it looks as though he is trying to hold back tears, never mind appear masculine. I think he is trying to imitate the beast of a boy from District 1. I give a small shake of my head and focus on the task in front of me, giving the crowd what they want. 

Eventually, the chariots pull into the City Circle and there is the President in full glory on his balcony, at the mansion. I used to think the President was a good man, restoring the peace in the Districts, but that was before Finnick told me chilling stories about him, and how he rose to power. He is despicable, but Finnick and I must not let him show how much we openly despise him, or terrible things could happen to Annie back home, and for the people we know and love. 

When all 12 chariots have entered the Circle, the President booms,"Greetings, to these fine, courageous young people, who are here to fight for their freedom in the 73rd Year of this paegeant and may I wish you all the best." His eyes scan over the tributes, and I can't help but think his snake eyes linger over me for too long. I do not know. What i do know is that I will have to get a goodnight's rest, for I have a big day ahead of me tomorrow.