ODDS

haunting realities

I couldn't help but feel total and utter relief at the costume that Cinder had put together for my time in the Tribute's Parade. The comfortable material wrapped around my body in soft waves and shades of the deepest and most gorgeous blues. My bare collar bones were sprinkled and painted with sparkling glitters and jewels, running together perfectly with the silky materials that shined against any light it passed. My hair had been combed and left in its natural wave, jewels also littering the crown of my head. And the details of my makeup had left me astonished, acting as glowing scales like the fish that dotted the tide pools back home.

I almost felt like a princess.

My heart stopped when I looked at myself in the mirror. I realized how different I looked from the girl I had left back in District Four.

I wondered if this was enough to make Calypso laugh.

"So, how do you think I did?" Cinder asked, carefully placing her hand on my shoulder where the glitter did not rest.

I only blinked, not quite able to put my thoughts into words.

"It's beautiful." I admitted breathlessly. Cinder chuckled, nodding in response.

"Okay love, let's go show them what a real tribute looks like."

She led me out of the large and cavernous room into the hallway, which ended after many twists and turns at a shining elevator. The doors opened, and through the glass, the setting sun shone through. We boarded, careful to keep the dress intact as we descended downward.

After more hallways and endless corners, we finally made it to a large room, full of chariots and horses. People milled about. Some Avoxes tended to the beautiful horses, while fellow tributes and their mentors began to enter as well. I felt people's eyes on me, and suddenly, the nervous jitters returned.

"I can't stay long. I have some ideas that I need to discuss with your prep team for the interview." Cinder informed me as we made it to the fourth chariot. "But Sander and Finnick should be here soon, alright? Let an Avox know if you need any help."

I nodded quickly, searching the room before me. Cinder leaned in close, pressing a small kiss to my cheek.

"Remember to stay calm." Our eyes met and I took a deep, shaky breath. "Smile and stand up straight. They're going to love you."

She flashed me one last smile, then disappeared.

Her words continued to echo within my mind, and luckily, I was able to calm my nerves just enough to be okay.

I sat awkwardly by the chariots, tossing a few sugar cubes in my mouth and looking over the horses with the Avoxes. I wondered when Sander and Finnick would turn up.

And soon, I wasn't alone.

"Hey, Four."

My head jerked to the side, wary of any conversation with anyone but the Victors from District Four. A girl, hair as dark as night with matching eyes, approached me, sparkling, silver outfit hugging her body tightly as she strutted straight towards me. The girl from One didn't seem like a person I needed to draw attention from. She stopped a few feet back, judging my own costume, by the looks of it, and met my eyes.

"Nice costume, mermaid girl." She smirked.

I let the silence linger in the air, not quite sure what to say or how to say it.

The girl scoffed. "Do you even talk?"

Luckily, that was when Sander and Finnick had decided to show their faces. The former was dressed in a familiar shade of blue, shining and glittering just as brightly as my own costume.