The Winner Takes it All

The Tribute Parade

Sereia and I focused intently on the holographic screen as the train sped toward the Capitol. "Remember, never underestimate an underdog, but don't overestimate them either," Sereia advised, picking at her meal. "Think of Johanna Mason – her low scores were a ruse to throw everyone off."

I nodded, absorbing her words. "So, what's our strategy?"

"Expect the unexpected," she replied, her eyes scanning the passing landscape. "Both in training and the arena."

Zale, lounging across from us, interjected lazily, "Obviously."

Sereia shot him a sharp look. "The training in District 4 is vital, but the arena's environment is a game-changer. A forest benefits District 7; a beach, District 4."

I considered this, swatting Zale's hand away from my plate. "Should we hope for a water-based arena, then?"

"Possibly," Sereia mused. "But consider other factors – sponsors, alliances... You're both attractive, which helps with sponsors. As for alliances," she paused, her gaze lingering on Zale, "don't just default to Districts 1 and 2."

Hearing Sereia discuss partnerships and alliances made me realize we were missing someone.

"Sereia, why don't you have a partner this year?" I ask, remembering Finnick back in District 4.

"Normally, Finnick is my partner, but given the circumstances, President Snow thought it would be unfair to have a tribute's sibling as a mentor because it would be considered favoritism." She answers. "I also chose to do it alone this year because, quite frankly, I don't like any of the other male victors."

Unable to resist a jab, Zale remarked, "Finnick's with that crazy girl, right?"

I stomped on his foot, infuriated. "DON'T CALL ANNIE THAT!"

Sereia uncharacteristically stabbed her knife into the table before regaining her cool. "It's disrespectful, not only to Annie but also to me. She is a dear friend of mine, and I will not tolerate you speaking ill of her. If you knew her story, you'd understand."

Tinsel burst in then, drawn by the commotion. "A KNIFE? What are you three playing at?" she exclaimed, noticing the knife and Zale nursing his foot.

"What? He deserved it." I remark casually.

"That is Ebony. Have some respect for the Capitol's nice gestures." Tinsel mumbled as she looked at the table. Then she rushes to Zale's foot and removes his shoe. "As for you, get some ice, and you'll be fine. Now I've got some calls to make about fixing this," she says, exiting the room again.

"We should be arriving soon," Sereia says, standing up and heading to her compartment.

Zale and I look out the window and see that The Capitol is coming into view. Finnick always talks about how spectacular The Capitol is, and looking at it for myself makes me realize how beyond beautiful the city is.

"Almost makes me forget why we're here," I whisper, looking at all the fantastic buildings.

"Yeah...almost," Zale says, losing his usual bravado.

It's unbelievable knowing this city is the result of 12 suffering Districts and that these psychotic people find enjoyment in teenagers murdering each other. Finnick's Games come to mind and make me remember watching him do things that I thought he'd never do.

"If either of us comes out alive, do you think we'd come out completely as different people or still be who we were before entering the arena?" I ask, turning to look at him.

"Marin, we've been training for the Games forever. If anything, we'd still be us." He whispers in awe of the large city.

I knew that he would say something like that. I refuse to let the Games change me. I won't become another puppet for The Capitol like so many of the victors had.

"Okay, big smiles, everyone. I can't wait to see what the Prep Teams and Stylists have planned this year!" Tinsel exclaims excitedly.

After a few minutes, The Peacekeepers escorted us to our separate Prep Rooms, ready for our stylists to dress us in whatever gaudy designs they had planned this year.

Once my team started to wax my body, I was so glad to be from District 4 because I had already shaved for the Reaping, and I would have initially gone swimming with Finnick had I not been reaped.

"Well, I'm glad that you have no body hair, so that drastically shortens the process." said a woman with cyan-colored hair.

"I know. Eros will be so happy to get to work on her so soon." said a girl who looked about three years older than me as she began to put lotion on my body.

"Well, you were a pleasant surprise, and it was nice working with you. We'll let Eros know that we finished." says the girl.

A minute passed, and then a man with jet-black hair and a neatly trimmed mustache entered the room and excitedly looked me over.

"You must be Marin. Look how beautiful you are," he says, smiling. " I had a big plan this year after hearing that District 12 is going to have big plans with its costumes this year. So this made me think, if District 12 is going to burn bright, how about having District 4 wash away the competition."

I resisted the urge to cringe at his comment and smiled. 'Why do I attract all the weirdos?'

"Now, I know it may sound fishy...." he laughs. "...but I promise that your costume will keep everyone hooked."

"Thanks for the puns, but can you please tell me what it will be?" I snap at him.

"Well, since you asked so nicely," he said sarcastically. " Aurora and I decided to go with a classic theme involving the ocean."

"Dressing us up as fisherman?" I ask unenthusiastically, recollecting one year when District 4's tributes came out in old-fashioned diving suits and shuttering at the thought of wearing those helmets.

"No, silly, that was last year. We decided to go with...wait for it..." Eros pauses, trying to contain his excitement. "MERMAIDS!"

After what seemed like hours, my prep team finished my hair and makeup while Eros put the finishing touches on the costume. Afterward, I'm led to our chariot encrusted in pearls and starfish.

"Damn, Marin, you look beautiful." a voice says from behind.

As soon as I turned around and saw Zale, I couldn't help but notice his costume. He was only wearing a shark tooth necklace on his bare chest and a light blue, skin-tight, mermaid-skin swimsuit that started at his waist, forming a V shape that went all the way down to his legs. Near his calves, light blue fins were sticking out. Similarly, I wore a seashell crown over my straightened hair, an iridescent top, a matching swimsuit that went down my legs, and a pair of iridescent heels.

"Time to meet The Capitol." We say together, climbing the chariot and waiting for our turn.

Once our chariot begins moving, I nervously smile as I mentally prepare to be seen by all of Panem.

"Relax, it'll be over before you know it," Zale whispers mockingly, confidently smiling and winking at the audience.

"You're right, Zale, and besides..." I lean in to whisper into his ear. "...You're not the only one who can charm them. I'm an Odair and know how to play up the cameras, too."

I begin to preen and blow kisses at the desperate audience. I will prove to the sponsors that I'm just as capable as Finnick.