𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙊𝙉𝙀
—𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵—

     "𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀 𝙄𝙏 𝙄𝙎," someone says behind me, slight irritation clear in the voice. "The Capitol. Such a beautiful place, filled with so many buffoons and cold-hearted killers."

I realize the voice to be Johanna's, glancing over my shoulder at the dark-haired victor. I let out a deep breath, and press my palm against the glass of the train window, watching the large buildings pass quickly.

The day was bright, the sun shining in the sky, and no storm clouds in sight. I couldn't possibly believe the sights that I was seeing when we first entered the Capitol: silver buildings lining the outer edge of our train, and thousands of colorful citizens standing on the pavement, cheering and screeching as our train shot by.

But as the minutes drug on, I started to get bored of it, and sat down where I am now. The buildings still caught my eye— and Johanna's too— but somehow, a sick feeling entered my stomach.

I bite my lip, and stand from my position, straightening my floral dress. My body stiffens at the memory of putting it on this morning. I had been struck with a panic attack when I woke up, forgetting about the Reapings yesterday. Of course it had come back to me within five minutes, and I had calmed myself, and put on the dress that Reena gave to me.

Reena, my escort, took pride in my clothing, and demanded that I change from my Reaping clothes. Thus leading me to the floral dress and pumps I'm wearing now.

"God, I can't stand them." Johanna says, gritting her teeth. "These people make me sick."

"Come, come!" Reena says cheerily, grabbing my arm, and pulling me to the front of the train. "Time to greet the Capitol!"

Aspen stands next to me, his posture firm. I straighten myself, too, and let out a deep breath as the train slows, and eventually comes to a stop.

"Stick to Aspen's side," Johanna orders, looking to me. "When entering the building, your prep team will lead you to your rooms. They'll prepare you for your stylists, you'll get into your outfits, and you'll be led to the chariots."

"Tribute parade," Reena smiles. "My favorite part of the games."

The train doors open before us, the sunlight training on the carpeted floor. Reena and Johanna step off first, leaving Aspen and I behind. Without thinking, I grasp Aspen's arm tightly.

He looks down at me, gives me a small smile, and gets off the train. I don't let go of his arm as the Capitol citizens scream our names, some whistling, and even crying. Aspen simply faces forward, and ignores all of them. I follow through, blocking out the citizens and roses being thrown at us.

Upon entering a Capitol building, I allow my shoulders to slump, but still stay latched onto Aspen. He doesn't seem to mind as his attention shifts to me.

"See anyone you'd like as an ally?" He asks softly, nodding in the direction of a group of tributes.

My lips form in a tight line as I look over to the large tributes. And in a moment, those ocean-blue familiar eyes meet mine.

"Cato," I murmer under my breath, almost in a whisper.

He openly stares at me, not thinking twice of the tugs on his arms by his fellow careers. A smirk finds its way on his lips, before I blink rapidly, and move closer to Aspen.

"No, no." I shake my head, staring up at my District partner. "But you'll be my ally, right? I mean- you don't have to... I'd understand if you-"

"Of course I'll be your ally," he says smoothly, pulling my hand in his, and lacing our fingers together in a friendly manner. "District partners, remember? I wouldn't leave you like that."

I smile at his kindness, feeling a surge of warmth flood through my chest. I feel a cold hand on my arm, a sharp gasp leaving my mouth at the contact. I turn, only to find three oddly dressed people- in which I immediately recognize as my prep team.

"Hello, Casey," a lady with flaming red hair greets me, flashing her green dyed teeth. "Sorry to steal you, but we must have you prepped for your stylist as soon as possible."

The two men behind her nod in agreement, eyeing me up and down with slight disgust. Did I really look that bad?

"Okay," I say quietly, giving Aspen a look. "I have to go. I'll see you at the chariot."

"Don't miss me too much," he grins, allowing the red-haired lady to pull me away from him.

The corner of my lips twinge upwards at him, before I'm almost completely out of sight. But before rounding the corner, my eyes lock on Cato's for a short moment.

And with that, I'm shoved into a dark room with my prep team. I let a sigh escape my lips, before sitting down on my designated tribute table. This will not be fun.

"Well, darling, you look stunning!" Anala, my hairstylist announces, stepping back to overlook my hair.

Huler and Vaslin jump with joy behind her, satisfied with their work on my nails and makeup.

After nearly two hours of plucking and perfecting my body, my prep team had finally finished. I let out a huff of relief when I stand from the table, my back aching. I stretch out, and watch as my prep team leaves the room, giving me a small word of how my stylist will be in soon.

The door shuts will a 'click,' signaling that I can finally breath without a judging look being sent my way by Huler, Vaslin, and Anala.

I pull the silk robe closer to my body, feeling exposed to the world as a cold breeze sweeps the room. I look up, only for the door to quickly open, and for someone new to walk in. I examine the normal character, my eyebrows furrowing.

A man- who looks to be twenty- stands in front of me, a smile on his face. He has light skin, but is tan in a way that makes him look as though he's been in the sun for just enough time. His hair is swiftly brushed to the side, and a shade of white eyeliner shines on his eyelids.

The white eyeliner is almost invisible, only clearly shown with close examination. His cheeks are lightly blushed, looking as though his face is flushed from smiling. Overall, he looks quite normal, and pretty handsome.

"I'm your stylist," he announces, holding out his hand. "My name is Ace. You must be Casey."

"That's me," I say lowly, barely touching his hand. He seems to understand my lack of communication, and begins talking again.

"I've already prepared your dress," he says, gesturing to a room that looks like a large closet. "Would you like to see?"

I nod in responce, and follow him into the room. The moment he flips on the dim lights, a mannequin catches my eye. I let out a gasp, and walk over to the dress.

"You made this?" I ask, touching it lightly.

"Of course. I figured covering you in glue and leaves would be a lot less . . . appealing," he chuckles. "A flowy dress seems a lot more formal."

Leaves are gathered around the crown of the dress, taking on real fall colors. A fake bird— that looks as if it were going to fly away— is placed on the top right of the dress. More leaves are placed at the waistline of the dress, where frilly silk is outwardly displayed.

"It's perfect," I breathe, touching the pads of my fingers to the matching headband.

"Not on the mannequin," he shakes his head. "It's meant for you."

My cheeks heat up at the comment. I slip off my robe, feeling surprisingly comfortable in front of Ace. He helps me into the dress, and places the headband on the top of my head. I slip the matching brown heels onto my feet, and step up to a full-length mirror.

Ace stands behind me, his hands tucked in his pockets as he smiles. My jaw drops at the sight— of someone who doesn't look like me.

My hair is in a loosely braided side bun, small hairs pulled from the sides to frame my face. My makeup is soft, nude colors splayed on my eyelids with dark brown winged eyeliner. The dress fits every curve on my waist, and cups my chest perfectly.

"Told you the dress was made for you," Ace grins. "Ready to go?"

I nod, and follow him out of the room, and into the open hallway. Not too far down the hall is a large doorway, leading to the stables and chariots. After exiting the building, Ace leaves me to myself to find my tribute partner.

A shiver runs up my spine as a few gazes land on me. I ignore them, nonetheless, and look around for any sign of Aspen, Johanna, or Reena.

I walk by a few chariots, before being stopped by a girl I could immediately recognize.

"Hello, seven," she smirks wildly, her headdress moving in the wind. "Nice to finally meet you. I'm Glimmer, by the way."

I shrink, and bite my cheek.

"You don't talk much, do you, Casey?" She tilts her head to the side, her blonde hair flopping over.

I shake my head in response, my mouth not wanting to move. The intimidation between the two of us itches at my skin. The mere thought of having to fight her sends a wave of nausea through my veins.

"That's funny," she giggles non-humourously. "The quiet ones always die first."

I flinch away from her, the words locking into my mind.

The quiet ones always die first.

"Oh, don't worry," the girl rolls her eyes, speaking in a sweet way. "I won't be the one to kill you. It just wouldn't be fun for me. Although I'm not sure about Cato."

My body stiffens at his name.

"Cato has real pride," she crosses her arms over her chest. "And no doubt he'll take you down before anyone else can even look in your direction."

I step away from her, only to be yanked my forcefully. I let out a whimper, tugging at my arm.

"Hey!" She growls. "I was talking to you!"

"Glimmer, stop." A deep voice commands. She lets go of my arm, before a pout lands on her lips.

"I was just talking to her," Glimmer defends herself.

I glance up, only to find Cato staring down at me. I don't react for a moment. But when bringing myself back to reality, I give him a slight nod of appreciation for getting Glimmer away from me, and walk away without a word spoken.

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