Into the Flames [Watty Awards 2012]

Chapter 29

The sizzling sound my hair was making against the hot stick Regi had in my hair, sounded like something cooking. I had never seen one of these stick things before, but he said they were common in the capitol. He called it a Curling Wand. It was weird, but it was curling my hair. The curls were big and perfect. The only person I had seen with curls this perfect was Ellen. Ellen was reaped a few years back. I remember she always had really curly hair. When she was in the Capitol though, her hair was straighter than mine.

“How does it look?” asked Regi.

My hair flowed down in perfect curls. Despite the fact my hair was brown, it seemed to glow in the light. “Perfect, it’s perfect.”

Regi nodded slowly, “Yes, yes. Now for the dress.”

A long silky blue dress hung behind me. As I took it off the hanger, I heard the door close behind me. I slowly put on the dress, letting its fabric tickle my skin. The dress was tight on top, but not too tight. The bottom flowed out like an ocean. When I turned to look in the mirror, I was astonished. I had never looked so nice and I hadn’t even had my makeup done. I couldn’t imagine how I would look then. I turned and left the room. Regi smiled as I stepped into the hallway and led me down the hall to the makeup room. Phillida immediately started to cover my face in a neutral light color as soon as I sat down. She hurried around me smearing makeup everywhere on my face while Scientia started to repaint my nails. It felt like forever until they both stepped back. “Done,” they said in unison.

“Five minutes until we leave!” called a voice in the hallway, obviously it was Coelia.

Regi nodded, please by how I looked. “Let’s get you out with River now so you two can leave.”

I nod and stand up, heading towards the door. As I leave, I catch a quick glance at myself in the mirror. It was amazing what they did. I had blue and silver makeup covering my face. My eyelashes were a shiny silver. They glittered it the light. I looked perfect, but now could I do a perfect job at the interview?