The Hunger Games Begin

The Tribute Parade

Once off the train, Emmet and I were rushed away from all the excitable citizens who came to witness our arrival. Some were desperately reaching out to us and trying to touch us. Relief flooded through me the second we escaped.

We were taken to a tall building labelled "The Tribute Centre", it was a beautiful glass building with pristine, sterile white walls inside. Futuristic and stylish. Sometimes we would catch glimpses of our fellow tributes being rushed this way and that. Our first stop in this glamorous structure was in a room (separate of course) to transform us into what the Capitol class as "suitable-to-be-seen". This of course is a long and painful procedure involving tweezers and yelps of pain.
"Owwww!" I exclaim as a young woman, Mindy, begins plucking my leg hairs from my skin one by one.
"Please, Skye, if you don't stay still, it will just hurt more." Mindy replies so helpfully. Whilst she is doing this, a man called Kane is washing my hair repeatedly with all sorts of strange goos I've never heard of. Finally, Mindy and Kane stop so that I can take a nice long shower.

After my shower I am left in a fluffy bathrobe to wait for my stylist so that he or she can approve of my condition.Minutes pass, but eventually a small girl arrives. I cannot help but display the shock that has taken me over- this girl must be like what? Thirteen?
"Hello, Skye, my names is Harp and I will be your stylist." Her words are formal but her eyes are playful.
"Hi," I reply quietly.
"Okay, so tonight, you and the other tributes will be displayed to the rest of Panem so that they can bet, maybe sponsor tributes and it's my job to make you look good out there." Harp explains to me, her muddy brown eyes now solemn and serious, "Each district has its own speciality, so the tributes are going to go dressed in something relating to that speciality. You are from District 3, electronics. Now, think about what sort of electronics would totally wow the audience."
"Light?" I suggest meekly.
"Yes, exactly. My plan is for you and your district partner to go out glowing. I've already got a dress prepared for you, so just bare with me a second while I go and fetch it." Harp tells me as she trots through the door eagerly.

I am left "bearing with" Harp for half an hour before she reappers.
"Sorry, Skye! That took slightly longer than anticipated!" Harp chirps merrily. Swinging at her side is a coat hanger, black cloth draped neatly over it and the garment beneath. Great emphasis included, Harp dramatically removes the cloth to reveal a stunning outfit; a glistening red top which reveals my belly purposefully and a matching pair of shimmering red leggings, plus some red leather boots!
"Harp! This outfit is amazing!" I gasp.
"Knew it, I just knew you would love it!" Harp replies. Capitol citizens clearly don't understand the perception of modesty.

Hours later, night has fallen and my hands are helplessly sweaty with anxiety as I, Emmet and all of the other tributes are lurking near our chariots for this evening. It is the first time I have seen any of my fellow competitors -excluding Emmet. Dazzling costumes fill my view, but the ones that really stand out are District Two. They are dressed exactly like the Peacekeepers. I am analysing everyone, thinking about whether they will be strong or weak opponents. Then it hits me, I can't win this alone and if I want to see Tommy and mother again, I'm going to need an ally or two. District 1 has a delicate boy and girl, probably would just slow me down. The District 2 pair look strong, but somehow I think allying with them would land me dead in a day. Most of the other tributes look rather weak, but the girls from Twelve and Eight seem like they can be useful. Tentatively, I make my way to the District 8 chariot to try talking with the girl. She is dressed in a blue patchwork dress, representing textiles.
"Hello," I begin.
"Hi." She replies meekly.
"Look, I was thinking... if any of us want to get home, we'll need allies. How about it?" Words gush out of me like water, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.
"You'd want to ally with me?" She asks quietly.
"Well, that's why I'm asking!" I say in a friendly tone, "Allies?"
"Allies."
"What's your name by the way?" I enquire.
"Oh, I'm Immi." She tells me, "and you?"
"Skye." I answer as I begin strolling towards the District 12 chariot. This time, I will try a different approach. The girl's outfit is awful compared to the rest of us, smudged blue overalls, grimy face and coal dust smothering her hands, but hey, never judge a book by its cover.
"Hi, what's your name?" I chirp.
"I'm Kina, how about you?" She answers, avoiding eye contact.
"So, in the arena, I think we're both going to need allies to earn a chance of going home, you up for an alliance with me and the girl from District 8?" I offer, in a more controlled manner than I managed with Immi.
"Sure." At that moment, the bell begins to trill in our ears, signalling the fact that it is time for us to mount the chariots. Biting my lip, I wave at Kina and Immi before heading back to my own chariot. On my way, I mouth to Immi "we're allies with Twelve." which she returns with a thumbs up. Standing next to Emmet, his face is impossible to read, but before you know it, behind District 2, we are wheeled out into the blinding lights of the Capitol parade street. Though blinding, the lights activate our clothes and so we are shining like stars as we sweep over the tar mac road. The audience are wild with amazement when we start to light up and soon they are chanting our names with all their hearts, it is the most incredible sensation...