Survivor

Chapter 2: The Capitol

Cameras followed Heather and Blaze as they walked to the train station from the car. To say that the car ride was awkward would be accurate. Blaze blushed every time he looked at Heather and she avoided talking with him. After all, she shouldn't form any emotional connection with him. It would be hard for her in the arena to leave him. She knew that she was being selfish. That was not how her father raised her. But it was either kill or be killed, and Heather would be damned if she left her brother in this mortal world alone. Aside from the baby in June's womb, Heather was his only living birth family member.

The tribute train was a fascinating sight for Heather. She catches herself with her mouth open a little bit on the television screen on the wall. Heather blushed and suddenly the ground seemed more interesting.

Once they entered and the doors closed swiftly behind them, the train started to move. The inside of the vehicle was fancier than it's outer appearance. With bright exquisite different designed on the walls and floors. But before she could explore more of the decor, Nola motioned for the avoxes to take Heather and Blaze to their living chambers.

"I'll come by to collect you for supper in an hour," Nola told them. "In the meantime, feel free to use anything you like in your rooms."

The moment Heather saw the inviting bed in her room, she immediately raced towards it and laid down. Sleep hit her like a ton of bricks.

~~~~

Feeling someone shaking, Heather opened her eyes expecting to see June's golden locks floating above her face but instead it was Nola. Her face was still caked up with heavy makeup which made her look inhuman. That was one thing that Heather would never understand about the people of the Capitol, their fashion.

"Sorry to bother you, dear. But supper is ready and we're all waiting for you," Nola informed her in a fake worried tone.

Heather covered her mouth as a yawn escaped her. "Sorry."

"It's okay. Just don't take a long time changing your clothes." With that, Effie left the room.

Heather hopped out of bed rubbing her neck as she went into the bathroom. She washed her face and brushed her teeth. Then she started at her reflection in the mirror. Freckles that used to surround her whole face, now only appeared on her nose and cheeks. Her eyes were the lightest shade of blue, her hair all over the place, and her dress wrinkled. Taking a brush out of one of the drawers, Heather tamed her hair and pulled it into a ponytail, leaving the baby hairs on the side.

The clothes in the dressing area were all fine garments, not something that Heather was interested in. She quickly chose a green tank top and black leggings. She then put on a white button-up shirt, sealing the first three buttons so her cleavage won't show. She left her necklace on.

To Heather's relief, she didn't get lost while searching for the dining cart. Every head in the room turned towards her and the first person Heather laid her eyes upon was Haymitch. He was already preparing to drink the bottle of wine in front of him. Clenching her jaw, all Heather could see was red. He was to be their mentor. His job was to guide her and Blaze on how to survive the arena, but here he was. Preparing on getting himself drunk out of his mind. Like he didn't care about what would happen to them in that deadly arena. Well, if this was how it's going to be then Heather was going to make him care.

Calmly, she marched towards him and snatched the cup filled with wine before it made contact with Haymitch's lips. Heather then strolled to the window, opened it, and spilled the alcoholic content. Silence dominated the room, but Heather didn't care.

She placed the empty cup in its original location, took all the material that contained alcohol in it, and sat across from Haymitch. Heather forced a smile on her face and intertwined her fingers together placing them in front of her on the table.