Moonlark

The Parade

Early in the morning, Sophie rushed to the room with crazy clothing.

"We will make a stand with these outfits!" Sophie blinked, doubting Cinna. He was holding up a simple glossy black unitard. "Hehe, I know it doesn't look like much, but all eyes will be on you." Sophie grabbed the outfit, donning the clothes quickly. The black was probably to represent coal, with all the mines in District 12.

When Dex walked into the room, he was drawn to the suit. "Pyrotechnics," he breathed. An Avox named Vertina pulled Sophie's blond hair into a sleek high ponytail. The beautician gave Sophie cat-eye and three golden teardrops lining each eye. The young woman painted Sophie's lips a frosty pink while another put sparkling gel in Dex's hair.

"When you are in the middle of the tracks, press the textured button on your hip." Sophie and Dex were bullied onto a chariot taking them to the huge archways containing the auditorium. They rolled in last, cheering fans grating on their ears, waving and smiling to the fawning Capitol. Once in the middle, the pair pressed the button on their side, and the vehicle burst into flames, much to the crowd's approval.

Four thoughts stood out to Sophie.

This girl is going to change my life.

That should have been me.

My dress is far better.

And one far worse.

I will take her down.

The thought impaled Sophie, but she stood strong. Sophie knew what she volunteered for. So she decided to focus on the first thought. One that seemed to come from a boy with disheveled gorgeous blond hair and ice blue eyes that were resting on hers. He had a glittering pink shirt on that was definitely too tight, and comfortable looking rosy pants. There was a silky hot pink vest with only one button done covering his upper chest. The designer had decided to flaunt his body with the stretched top. He was District 1, representing Luxury, and he certainly looked luxurious.

Gah, this thing is like a corset.

Sophie giggled under her breath before they got to the balcony with President Snow. The boy had seemed to notice her laugh, smiling. Coriolanus looked them over with calculating eyes, before signaling for the tributes to leave. Next was the training. And then the interviews. Sophie could only hope to be able to trust.