Life at Hogwarts, chapter 1 (Amy's point of view)

(I finally finished the first bit of the story I was working on; here's chapter one!)

Words couldn’t explain how Amy Cowley felt as she stepped on the Hogwarts Express at long last. She had been dying to go to Hogwarts ever since her older brother, Nash, was accepted four years before. Steam from the engine billowed around platform 9 ¾, and it had made it hard to see her mother as Amy kissed her goodbye. She had then quickly scurried onto the train behind her brother.

Amy was a pure-blood, so she already knew all about Hogwarts. She knew she was bound to be in Gryffindor, and that her sleeping quarters would be in a tower. She knew Harry Potter, the boy who lived, was in Gryffindor too; he was entering his fifth year ( she had heard he was insane, and thought the dark lord was back, but she didn’t buy it; she believed him, even if it was scary to think that he-who-must-not-be-named had returned.) She knew how Ravenclaws were smart and how Hufflepuffs were loyal, and she knew how Slytherins were bullies, to be avoided.

Nash left Amy on her own once they had boarded the train. He had his own friends. Nervously, she peeked in compartment after compartment, looking for a seat. Most seats were full, and the ones that weren’t were beside older students that Amy was too shy to approach. Finally, she found a compartment that only had a half-dozen other first-years, all looking as nervous as she felt. Amy thought that a seat here would be better than nothing, so she edged into the space and closed the door.

“Um, is that seat taken?” Amy heard herself ask, as she gestured towards and empty spot on the bench.

A small, chubby girl with her blonde hair in ringlets answered. “No, you can take it.” Amy stored away her trunk, and sat down, trying to keep the attention off of herself.

The train started to move, as the first-years spent a few minutes in awkward silence. Finally, the tall boy beside her piped up, “I’m Lane, what’s your name?” he smiled confidently, showing dimples.

Amy felt a little more comfortable, and she told Lane her name. Lane then looked over at the girl with the curly hair. “Me?” she asked, clearly surprised Lane was asking her. He nodded, and after she stared for a moment, she answered, “I’m Rhoda. Rhoda Miles. Don’t laugh; I’ve heard it all before. I know, my name is funny, like a big pun, but I’m sick of hearing it.”

“Don’t worry.” Said Lane. “We weren’t going to. What about you two?” he asked, pointing at two boys who looked quite similar. “Are you brothers?”

“Naw” replied the shorter of the two. They did look remarkably like brothers; they had the same big eyes and ears. The biggest difference was their height.

“We’re cousins.” Clarified the taller one, who had black hair, not brown. “I’m Ty, and he’s Mark. Our fathers are brothers.”

Mark continued for Ty. “They’re wizards, and my mom is a half-blood, but Ty’s mom is a muggle. We were worried, because our dad’s sister hates muggles. She ended up moving to Austria, and me and Ty have never even met her. Muggle means non-magic person.” Mark added, for Rhoda’s sake, since she was new to the wizarding world.

“I don’t know if I’d ever want to meet her though.” Mumbled Ty.

“But she’s your aunt!” argued a girl with brown pigtails. “You must want to meet her a little!”

“Nope. She’d probably try to murder me and my mom.” Ty countered

“Do all wizards really hate muggles?” Rhoda asked nervously.

Amy answered her, speaking to the whole group for the first time, “Not all of us. Some pure-bloods think they’re better because all of their ancestors are wizards, but I’m pure-blood, and my family doesn’t think so.”

“Phew, good. I’m muggle-born, and I don’t want everyone to hate me!” fretted Rhoda.

“Its okay!” the pigtail-girl reassured her. “We’re already your friends!” The blonde girl in the corner that no one had noticed before nodded enthusiastically.

“Oh! What’s your name?” asked Lane. She looked reproachful.

Pigtails laughed. “Oh Lise doesn’t talk. I’ve been trying to get her to speak ever since I moved in next door to her six years ago!” Lise sighed and shook her head in agreement. “I’m pretty good at guessing what she’s thinking by now, though.”

“Well, to each their own.” Lane said simply, and an awkward pause followed.

Amy jumped when the door swung open. A plump little witch pushing a snack cart poked her head in. Before she could say anything, Mark and Ty bought seven of everything, eventually distributing it among the seven of them. Amy began to eat the licorice wand, as she knew those were her favorites. She saw Rhoda looking apprehensively at all the food, and remembered that she was new to all this.

“Where will everyone sleep at Hogwarts? Will I have to share a room with the muggle-haters?” Rhoda looked absolutely terrified.

“Hogwarts has four houses; Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. We’ll all get put into one of them today.” Said Pigtails

Lane continued. “Slytherin is where muggle-haters go. All of Slytherin is just stuck-up dark wizards. That’s what my dad told me. You-Know-Who and his followers were all Slytherin.” Amy knew by the look on her face that Rhoda was familiar was familiar with You-Know-Who.

“Slytherins can’t ALL be bad, though!” exclaimed Rhoda. “There’s got to be at least ONE good Slytherin.”

“I doubt it” said Amy. “My brother told me that they’re all arrogant and mean.”

“Well, I don’t buy it. Everyone is different. What house do you guys want to be in?” Rhoda asked Lane, but Amy answered.

“Gryffindor.” Amy said automatically. “My entire family has been in Gryffindor.”

“Gryffindor’s the best.” Agreed Pigtails. “The headmaster, Dumbledore, apparently favors them. But Lise wants to be in Ravenclaw.”

“I don’t care, I just know I would throw myself off of the highest tower if I was in Hufflepuff!” cried Ty.

Mark nodded. “It’s where the kids that none of the other houses want go. I know they say that Hufflepuffs are loyal and hardworking and stuff, but everyone knows they’re the worst house.”

“I bet I’m in Hufflepuff.” Huffed Rhoda.

“I wouldn’t mid Hufflepuff.” Lane said over Rhoda, since Amy was the only one who had heard her. “They’re still better than Slytherin. And that Diggory kid from the Triwizard Tournament was in Hufflepuff!”

“My brother told me he died.” Interjected Amy.

“Whatever. He still was chosen as Hogwarts champion, am I right?” Amy shrugged, and took another bite of the cauldron cake she’d been working on.

As the conversation progressed, they covered quite a few topics; Quidditch, teachers, classes and Harry Potter. Pigtails, Mark and Ty thought he was nuts, but Amy and Lane were sure he was telling the truth. Of course, that started a heated debate, which lasted a long time. Ty yelled so much that his voice became hoarse. He had to stop yelling when a prefect with bushy brown hair interfered, looking amused, and told them to quiet down.

By then, it was pretty dark, so the seven of them changed into their new school robes, and often glanced excitedly out the window. Amy could see nothing but trees. Rain splattered the windows, blurring the view, so Amy doubted she’d see anything anyway.

Finally, the train began to slow down. The compartments around them became very noisy, and Amy could hear everyone bustling to lift down their luggage. Lise almost collapsed under the weight of her trunk. A prefect poked his head in, and said, “First-years? Leave your luggage here; they’ll be taken to the school separately.” Everyone groaned and dropped their trunks on the floor.

Amy tried to stay close to her new friends as she stepped off the train, into the crowd. She was about to ask Lane where he reckoned they were to go, when she heard a brisk female voice call, “First-years line up over here, please! All first years to me!” Rhoda grabbed Amy’s arm and pulled her over to the woman, who was carrying a lantern. Amy stood anxiously in the dribbling rain, while the woman called out a couple more times, and the crowd around her grew. When all the older students had left, the lantern lady instructed, “Follow me, down this way!”

They trooped down a path surrounded by pine trees that lead to a lake. Around twenty tiny boats were floating peacefully. The woman carefully got into one, and said, “Two to a boat, everyone! Climb on in now, quickly.”

Pigtails wished to sit with Rhoda, so Amy got into a boat with Lane. Poor Lise had to sit with a stranger. Suddenly, the boats began to move, all on their own, to a magnificent castle on the horizon.  The ride was very cool, but it was still raining, so Amy was getting progressively colder. At one point, Lane nearly fell into the lake, but eventually, they had reached the shore.

The woman with the lamp got out of her boat, helped a few others get out of theirs, then she took them through a passage in the rock, up a flight of stairs, and stopped in front of a large wooden door. “Is everyone here?” the woman called. When it was established that everyone was present, she knocked three times on the door.

Sea Green chapter 8

The next morning I wake up to the excited squeals of my prep team. "Up, up, up sleepy head!" Periwinkle says as she yanks the covers off of me. I groan and put my pillow over my head.
"What are you doing here? I thought you didn't come till late afternoon." I mumble from underneath the pillow. They all giggle, "We came early silly! Mags and Bruce said that they will teach you how to act, at the interviews after we get through with you." Violet declares. Fuchsia leans down and pats me on the back. "Come on out, the longer you fuss the longer this is going to take!" I sigh and sit up. They all start clapping, and I can't help smiling. They're so silly, always trying to make me smile.
"Oh alright, what could you possibly do to improve me?" They start giggling again, and Violet slaps me on the arm playfully. "Oh you humble thing you! Hop up, and strip down." I do as they say, and am brushed, plucked, combed and bathed for the next couple hours. When they're finally done, my skin is tingling, and I'm starving.
"You hop off to breakfast and your interview training, we have to help Dalia." Fuchsia says, and they all disappear out the door. I rub my sore skin, and get dressed in some sweat pants, and a hoodie. Walking to the dinning room, I order breakfast, and wait at the table. Mags is already there, sitting on the end next to me.
"So, did you enjoy your surprise guests this morning?" I take a sip from my coffee. "Oh yes, it was wonderful to be woke up at the crack of dawn by a bunch of squealing women, who rub and pluck you until you're raw." I say in an extremely sarcastic voice. Mags chuckles, "Well, usually you would have had to wait until later this afternoon. But they showed up early, said something about Dalia needs more time to work on your outfit." I grunt in reply. My breakfast arrives, and I begin eating as Mags explains the itinerary for today. "After you're finished with breakfast, Tiffy will take you to a private room, and teach you on appearance, for four hours." I nearly choke on my toast. "Four hours!?" Mags looks at me calmly, although I can see she's hiding a smile at my distress. "Yes, four hours. At the end of which, you will be switched over to me, and I will tell you how to act at the interviews. By the time we're through, it will be time to have your prep team get you dressed and ready." Once she's done, she gets up and walk to the door. Before she exits, she turns and gives me a glare. "Be nice to Tiffy, and hurry up and eat." Then she smiles cheerily and waves.
I eat as quickly as I can, then walk down a hall to Tiffy's room. I knock on it. "Tiffy?" The door opens, and she pulls me in quickly, and slammed shut the door behind us. "Here! Put these on quick!" Throwing a bundle in my arms, she pushes me into the bathroom and shuts the door. I stand there for a moment. "Hurry!" I hear her shout impatiently. I look at the bundle, and find out that it's a suit, complete with tie and dress shoes. I quickly change into it the suit and put the shoes on, but I have no idea how to do the tie. I walk out with it draped around my neck, Tiffy turns quickly around and scolds me. "Why didn't you tie the tie? And look at that shirt, it's not tucked in properly at all!" She rushes over and smooths and straightens all my flaws, finishing with the tie. "There! Now that you look decent, let's start." The next four hours, Tiffy has me practice walking, sitting, talking, and a million facial expressions. The main issue seems to be my posture, Since I've always been tall, I've also always slouched. Tiffy has me straighten my shoulders and walk confidently. We don't work much on talking and facial expressions, she says I have a quick wit, and an "amazing" smile. "You'll do just fine, people already love you, and you are so easy to talk to!" She exclaims happily. After our time is up, she gives me a hug, and says. "Oh you're going to be just wonderful!"
She takes me to a small room with several cushy chairs. Mags is waiting for us, writing something down on a notepad. "He's all yours!" Tiffy says, then she leaves, shutting the door behind her. I walk over and sit in the chair, just the way Tiffy told me. Mags smiles. "Well, it looks like you learned a thing or two from Tiffy, excellent work." I give her what Tiffy calls my "why thank you smile" This receives another smile from Mags. "Wow, I don't think Tiffy had that much to teach you, you just said more in that smile, then some people can in a whole sentence." I laugh, "Well thanks. Now, what are you going to teach me?" She holds up her notepad, and scans the writing, replying as she does. "I am going to teach you how to act at the interview, your angle, and dominate personality trait." I nod, "Sounds good, so what's my angle?" Mags keeps staring at her notepad as she replies in an even tone. "Sexy" My eyebrows shoot up. "Excuse me?" She looks up, a smile hovering on her lips. "You heard me. I know you're young, but with your mature body and looks, we should play up the fact that you are whether you like it or not sexy." I feel my cheeks heating up. "I don't know how I feel about that..." She shrugs, "It doesn't matter anyway. You aren't going to be just sexy, that's just summing it up. I'm aiming for: funny, charming, flirty, and likeable, with just a tad of sweetness. Which, all of those joined, is a very sexy personality for anyone. Plus, you've got the looks, and personality to pull it off." I'm still a bit unsure of this, but I trust Mags, so I just say: "Alright, let's get started."
I'm back in my room, waiting for my prep team and Dalia. While running over everything Mags and Tiffy taught me. I don't have long to wait, periwinkle, Violet and Fuchsia, all burst into the room.
"There you are!"
"We can't wait until you're all ready!"
"Wait till you see what Dalia has for you!"
They all rush out at once. I try to follow along, but they all start chattering at once. So I just nod and smile like I have a clue what they're talking about. They comb and style my hair, rub something into my face that even the skin tone, and spray something into my eyes, it doesn't hurt just makes an odd tingling sensation. Once they're done touching up, Dalia comes in with a garment bag. Still dressed all in white.
"Trust me?" She asks with a smile. I nod. "Close your eyes then." She says. I do, and feel fabric brush against my skin. They have me slip into some pants, and I feel them put on my socks and shoes. I feel them fiddle with the fabric here and there, then I sense them step back.
"Oh," Says Violet,
"My," Adds periwinkle,
"Word." Finishes Fuchsia.
"Open your eyes." Says Dalia. I do, and turn to look in the mirror. I gasp, the reflection in the mirror is not a tousled haired boy from district four. It is a tall well-groomed young man, with bronze hair, styled in a natural looking wave, and golden evenly toned skin. Whatever they sprayed in my eyes, highlights their natural color, giving them the appearance that they are glowing. Dalia has dressed me in a black suit, perfectly tailored to fit my body. A dark purple shirt underneath the suit jacket, has the top three buttons undone, giving me a roguish look, an exposing the small golden trident necklace. The outfit is completed by a pair of black shoes. I turn around admiring the complete outfit.
"Wow." Is all I manage to say. My prep team giggles, but Dalia just smiles modestly. "Thank you Dalia." I say, giving her a hug. "You're welcome."
I look over her completely white outfit, and white hair. "Dalia, why do you always wear white?" She smiles, "Because, I belive in putting the color, and exotic designs on my work." I smile my "Compliment" smile as Tiffy calls it. Just then, the door opens and Bruce sticks his head in. "Time to go."
We go down to the ground floor, and meet Annita with her stylist and prep team, and Mags. Annita is dressed in a silky dark green gown that drapes over her body. She has her hair pulled mostly up, in a fancy twist, with just a few curls hanging down. She has just the faintest bit of makeup on. Her and I get into a car with Mags and Bruce, our stylists and prep teams travel separately. We drive a little ways, and stop at a large building. The door we enter through takes us into a sort of back stage area, where the other tributes are waiting. Everyone in our party leave Annita and I, going to find their seats. We stand and wait for the show to start, when Caesar Flickerman announces us, we will walk up a flight of stairs, in order of our districts. Then we will take our seats, and wait for our turn. The lights dim, and Caesar bounds onstage, with his seemingly permanent smile.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the sixty-fifth hunger games, tribute interviews!" The crowd goes insane as Caesar takes his seat. He cracks a couple of jokes, loosening the crowd up. Then he clears his throats and says. "And now, introducing...this years tributes!"
We form a line, and make our way on stage. The crowd goes wild, and it takes Caesar a full minute to quiet them down. He introduces Glorry, and she makes her way to the stage, each interview last three minutes, then they re-take their seat, and the next tribute takes the stage.
Glorry looks very elegant in a bright red tight-fitting dress, and her brown curls fall loose down her back. Her angle is obviously seductive.
After her is Vicktor, whose angle appears to be: a fierce killing machine.
Alexia balances gracefully on tip toes, as she twirls gracefully on stage. Her light pink chiffon dress, and hair pulled back in a large bun, make her look like a ballerina. Her angle is definitely flirty.
After her is Xavier, who strides slowly onstage, he is mysterious.
Both tributes from three are quiet. Then they're calling Annita's name. She seems to glide onstage, taking her seat, she bats her eyelashes and smiles at Caesar. Her attitude suggests, that she is bashful.
I hear the buzzer ring, and Caesar is bidding Annita goodbye.
"Goodbye, and good luck to Annita Holmes! And now, for district fours male tribute. You all have seen his confidence and charm, but do you really know him? Let's get to know him better, ladies and gentlemen...Finnick Odair!" The crowd screams as I stride up onstage. It's only then that I realise how nervous I am. I look out into the crowd, and see Tiffy sitting primly, she raises her eyebrows, and motions to her shoulders. Right, shoulders back.
I smile and accept Caesar's handshake. We take our seats, but the crowd is still screaming. Caesar raises an eyebrow at me, then turning to the crowd, he waves his hands trying to calm them. I give the crowd my mischievous grin, and hold a finger to my lips. They all go silent almost immediately, and Caesar turns back around, I quickly drop my hand, and sit back in the chair with a "well done" smile on my face. Caesar straightens his coat. "Well now that I've got the quieted down.." There's a ripple of laughter from the crowd.
"Did I miss something?" He asks confused.
"Not at all Caesar. Tell me a little about yourself." The crowd roars with laughter as I take on the role of interviewer. After they quiet down Caesar turns to me.
"Well now Finnick, do you know I have received death threats, telling me which question I should ask you. Do you know what the most asked question was?" I look thoughtful,
"Alright Caesar, I give up. What was it?" Caesar gives a knowing look to the crowd, then turning back to me he said. "I received over a hundred letters, asking if you are single." We both laugh at this, and most of the crowd joins in.
"Well Caesar to tell you the truth, I am single." Caesar raises his eyebrows,
"What? I can't belive that, why wouldn't you have a girlfriend?" I look at the floor, trying to look shy.
"I guess I just haven't found the right girl yet." Screams from the crowd, and one girl actually tries to get on the stage.
"Well, I don't think you ever have to worry if you need a girlfriend," Caesar chuckles. "Tell us a little about your home, do you have any family waiting for you?" I sigh,
"Sadly no. My mother abandoned me when I was a baby." A sympathetic "aww" from the audience, Caesar places a hand over his heart and looks sadly at me. "But I do have something of a family, My best friends family practically treats me like a son." Caesar nods,
"What would your friend's name be?" I hesitate for a minute, then say.
"Annie Cresta." Caesar frowns for a minute, then looks up realization hitting him.
"Wasn't the boy you volunteered for named Cresta?" I nod,
"Yes, Robbert, he's Annies brother."
Caesar gives me a wink, "Are you sure you don't have anything going on with Annie? I mean, you're best friends, and you volunteered to save her brother's life."
I shake my head, "No, Annie and I are just best friends, she's almost like a sister. Besides, I volunteered to come meet all you wonderful people!" Cheers from the crowd. Caesar claps,
"Well thank you. Seeing as you got a nine as your training score, and the fact that you volunteered, I would say you have a real chance to win this thing."
I smile, "Well, that's what I'm planning on." I turn to the crowd, and say with a wink. "Oh, and any female sponsors out there, remember I am single, so why don't you slip some numbers into those parachutes." I swear all the females in the audience squeal. Then the buzzer rings,
"Well, it looks like your time is up." Shouts of protest from the crowd. Caesar and I stand, I shake his hand, and he puts his arm around me. "Good luck Finnick! And may the odds be in your favor!"
I walk back and take my seat. After that I don't remember much, except that Weasel was sly and dangerous. And I remember Luna walking softly up to Caesar, a hush falling on the crowd as they saw her delicate figure. She was dressed in a baby blue short dress with puffy sleeves, her blonde hair was pulled back from her big blue eyes in two braids. She was shy, and quiet, but you could tell the crowd had fallen in love with this angelic little child. Once the interviews are all done with, we are escorted back to the training center. I ignore the chatter, and slip off to bed. Stripping to my boxers, I crawl into bed. But sleep wont come easily. After all, the games start tomorrow.

Sea Green chapter 7

When I wake up the next morning, my whole body aches. I crawl out of bed moaning, and stumble into the shower. My hand slips, and I accidentally press a button that shoots a spay of pink foam that engulfs my body, and surrounds me with the smell of flowers. I rinse it off as quickly as I can, but no matter how hard I try, I can't get rid of the smell. I give up and leave the shower, getting dressed quickly I hurry to the dinning room. Bruce is up early, sitting at the table sipping a cup of coffee.
"Morning."
I say, he grunts in reply. I get some coffee and sit across from him. As I sink into the chair, I groan loudly. Bruce looks up and chuckles.
"Feeling a bit stiff are we?"
I sigh, leaning back in the chair.
"Yeah, just a little. I don't know how I'm going to get through today, much less be fit for anything at the end of the week. I am used to working hard all day, but whatever that hand to hand teacher did, makes me feel like I've been beat on by the waves all night."
Bruce shakes his head, smiling.
"Just goes to show you how easy it is for someone without much physical ability, to toss around someone much stronger."
He calls to a servant.
"When he brings back what I asked for, pour it in your coffee. Trust me you'll feel loads better."
He stands up and stretches.
"Anitta is trying to join the careers, just so you have a heads up."
I nod.
"Thanks."
He shrugs and walks out. Mags passes him on the way in.
"Good morning Finnick."
She says with a smile.
"Morning Mags."
She glances over her shoulder.
"Did he tell you about Anitta?"
I nod.
"Well then, that brings up the question. Do you want to join the careers?"
I think about it for a moment, our tributes are almost always careers, sometimes it helps in the games, sometimes not.
"No. I don't want any alliances."
She nods.
"Okay then. If they ask I'll just tell them you're going solo."
I give her a smile.
"Thanks, anything you want me to focus on in training today?"
She grabs a muffin and pats me on the head.
"Work on survival skills some more, and practice with a weapon you feel comfortable using. Oh and continue to watch the other tributes."
She walks back toward her room.
"Thanks, will do."
I call after her, she just waves a hand. the servant appears with a small glass containing a thin green liquid. I pour it into my coffee, and take a sip. It doesn't change the flavor, but the minute the coffee touches my lips, I instantly feel relaxed. Annita walks in, a little stiffly, and orders a mug of hot chocolate, and some scrambled eggs. She sits down across from me with a wince.
"Here."
I say sliding my mug to her.
"Try some of this."
She hesitates for a moment, eyeing me suspiciously. I lean back in my chair and nod at her. She takes the mug and slowly sips it.
"Oooooh that's better. What did you put in this?"
I shrug.
"Bruce gave it to me, told me it would help with the stiffness."
Her breakfast arrives, and she hurriedly eats it. Tiffy pops out of nowhere, in a rigid teal outfit.
"What are you still doing here!"
She shrieks, we both stare at her confused.
"Training started five minutes ago!"
She rushes over and pulls us both up by our clothes.
"Go! Go! Go!"
She says pushing us to the elevator, she practically throws us into it and presses the button to the training floor. The second the doors open, she shoves us out the door, and shoots back up. I straighten my shirt out, and run my fingers through my messy hair. Annita glares at the elevator doors, then turns and pulls her long black hair in a ponytail.
"Hey! Over here!"
I hear a voice call from the weapons station, I turn and see the tributes from one and two watching us. Annita smiles and runs over to them, I turn and walk to the obstacle course. After running through it a couple of times, I move on to the hand to hand combat, and do better then yesterday. Thanking the trainer, I make my way to the weapon station.
"Want something pretty boy?"
The boy tribute from district one: Vicktor, says with a sneer. His district partner: Glorry shakes her brown curls with an arrogant toss.
"Is that you that smells so nice?"
The career's laugh, and I spot Anitta staring guiltily at the floor. She's standing next to the district two boy, the one that looks like Alexia, tall, slender with dark hair and grey eyes. I smile at them and say cheekily;
"Aww, are you guy's jealous because I'm better looking than all of you put together? Well, don't worry, I'm sure some people sponsor the ugly ones."
Vicktor's face turns livid, and Glorry snarls. The boy from two takes a step forward.
"Don't" Anitta says grabbing his arm. "He's only mad because he didn't make it in, and I did."
Vicktor smirks.
"Come on. We don't want to start smelling like a meadow too."
They walk off, Anitta glances back over her shoulder, I grin and wave at her mockingly. She turns back around. Selecting a couple of knives, I begin throwing them at the target.
"Your not half bad."
I hear a voice say behind me, turning around quickly, I see the girl from ten watching me. Her sharp features and mottle brown hair, give her the appearance of a weasel. Now that I see her up close, she can't be older than fifteen.
"I choose the knife as a weapon, although, I don't throw mine."
Her voice is deep, and there's almost purr in it. She narrows her strange gold eyes, and smiles. It sends a shiver down my spine.
"You're from district four, aren't you?"
I nod.
"My name's Finnick Odair. Your's?"
She shrugs her shoulders.
"My name isn't important, some call me weasel. You can too if you like."
I frown.
"It doesn't bother you?"
She laughs, it sounds like a cold breeze.
"Why should I? Weasels are very sly and dangerous creatures, I rather like being compared to them."
She gives me another smile, and walks off. I decide to watch the other tributes for a while, so I go over to the knot tying station. I fiddle with some rope, creating complicated knots, and undoing them as I watch the tributes.
Anitta is learing how to shoot a bow from the district two boy. Both tributes from one are chopping dummies to bits, and Alexia is prancing around the obstacle course with her usual grace. I see Harrold throwing knives, and the two tributes from three are at the camouflage station. I scan the rest of the tributes doing random things. And notice that I haven't seen Luna the whole day. I'm about to look for her, when a buzzer sounds signaling it's lunch time. In the cafeteria, I go through the buffet line and choose a table.
Anitta sits at the career table, Harrold and the district three tributes share a table, but other than that everyone sits alone. I look around for Luna, still no sign of her.
"Hi."
A small soft voice says. I look over my shoulder, and see Luna standing holding her tray. I know she's twelve, but her light blonde hair, and enormous blue eyes, mixed with her small stature, and delicate features, she doesn't look a day past nine.
"Can I sit with you? The other tributes scare me."
I nod, she gives me a shy smile and sits down across from me.
"You're Luna right? District five?"
She nods, I smile.
"I'm Finnick."
She nods her head.
"I know, I've been watching you."
I raise my eyebrows in surprise.
"You have? I haven't seen you..."
She looks up and smiles.
"Exactly."
I grin knowingly.
"Ah, I was wondering why I never saw you in training. That's what you do. You hide."
She nods.
"No one can find me if I don't want to, that's why I don't need much training."
The rest of the day I spend showing Luna how to make some easy fishhooks, and how to build a fire. That night I eat a big dinner, and go to bed early.
The next day I spend learning how to use certain healing plants, and more knife practice. On the third day of training, we start the day as normal, but at lunch time, the game makers will call each tribute in alone, starting with district one's boy and ending with district twelves girl. Each tribute will do whatever they can to impress the game makers, once their time is up, the game makers will rate their performance on a scale from one to twelve, one being the lowest you can get, and twelve being the highest.
I spend most of the third day wondering what to do for the game makers. When lunch is called, I sit waiting for my name to be called. After what seems like an eternity, I hear
"Finnick Odair."
The minute I'm in the training room, I know what I'm going to do. I look up at the raised platform that the game makers have used to watch us the past couple days.
"You may begin when ready."
One of them says. I walk slowly over to the knot tying section, and quickly finish a half completed net. Walking over to the weapons, I grab a trident. Striding over to the dummies, I whirl the net, wrapping it around the dummy, running up to it, I stab it through with the trident. The game makers nod in approval, the whole thing took less than fifteen seconds. Then I walk over to the knife station, and throw a couple. I complete the obstacle course without too much difficulty.
"Thank you mister Odair, you may go now."
I nod to the game makers, and walk out to the elevator. Back on our floor, I avoid the main room, and duck into my bedroom. After a quick shower, I go join the others in the lounge. Annita avoids my gaze, staring at the floor. Mags pats the spot next to her on the couch. I plop onto the couch and hug a pillow.
"Have they showed the training scores yet?"
Bruce shakes his head.
"Nope."
Tiffy sits primly in a chair, grinning and clapping her hands excitedly.
"I'm so excited! Aren't you?"
I give her a wide smile. She used to irritate me, but she's not so bad.
"I can't wait!"
I say cheerfully. Mags smiles and turns to me.
"How do you think you did?"
I shrug.
"Okay I guess."
Mags nudges Anitta who is sitting on her other side.
"What about you?"
She grins,
"I think I did very well, I even got the game makers to clap."
Bruce raises his eyebrows.
"Really?"
She nods.
"Oh! There starting!"
Tiffy squeaks. The television lights up, and Caesar Flickerman, and Claudius Templesmith, hosts of the televised hunger games. Appear on screen. Caesar Flickerman dyes his hair a different color every game, and this year his hair is a bright yellow, he has the same shade makeup on as well.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the 65th annual hunger games! I'm Caesar Flickerman, here with Claudius Templesmith. And we are here to present this years tribute training scores!"
Loud applause, then the screen switches to black. Large white letters appear saying: "District one" Vicktor's picture appears, and a large number ten flashes on it. Glorry get's a nine, Alexia and her district partner, whose name is Xavier. Both get an eight. The tributes from three both get a six. Then my picture appears, and a large letter nine appears. Mags smiles and pats me on the back.
"Okay you guess?"
I grin. Annita scores a ten, and after that I don't remember much, except Weasel got a nine, and Harrold scored an eight. I'm surprised when Luna achieves a seven, she must have done something pretty impressive to pull that. After the show ends, I say goodnight to everyone and go to bed. As I lie under the silky sheets, I think of tomorrow, where Anitta and I will be prepared for our interview with Caesar Flickerman, which will be broadcasted all over Panem. I fall asleap wondering how I'll do at the interview, and what secrets the arena will hold this year.

Sea Green chapter 6

Once in the training center, we dismount our chariot. Tiffy, our mentors, and the stylists meet us.
"You were wonderful!"
Tiffy shrieks clapping insanely. Mags comes up and gives me a hug.
"You were amazing, nice touch with the blowing kisses."
I grin,
"Thanks. And thanks to our stylists for doing such a great job with our costumes."
We applaud Dalia and Dumble, who bow modestly.
"Alright than! Let's get you to your floor."
Tiffy says. She leads us to an elevator, stepping into it, she presses the button with a large letter 4 on it. The doors close, and we shoot up at an amazing speed. It stops suddenly, and the doors open into a large elaborately decorated room. It's even more fancy than the train, large plush carpets, comfortable looking seats in all different shapes and sizes. And a large flat screen television covering most of one wall. Annita and I gaze open-mouthed at the luxurious room, Tiffy laughs at our reaction,
"Why not enjoy the best while you can?"
She means it in a harmless way, but it sets me on edge, remembering why we're here: to fight to the death in a bloody arena, not to dress up and blow kisses to an adoring crowd who will be betting on who will come out alive. Mags must feel the change in my attitude, because she's watching me closely.
"Tiffy, maybe Annita and Finnick would like to relax before dinner. Could you show them to their rooms?"
Blissfully unaware, Tiffy smiles and says.
"Oh yes, of course. Follow me!"
She clips off down the hallway, Annita and I follow her, and I give Mags a grateful look over my shoulder. Tiffy leads us down a short hallway.
"This is your room Annita! And this is yours Finnick!"
Annita's door is on the left, and mine is directly across from it on the right side. Annita gives Tiffy a huge smile.
"Thanks so much Tiffy! We'll be at dinner at six right?"
Tiffy smiles back.
"That's right! Don't be late!"
She turns and clips in her ridiculous heels back to the main room. Annita rolls her eyes.
"She is sooo annoying!"
I glance at her with a grin.
"I don't know, she kinda reminds me of you."
Before she can answer, I slip into my room, trying not to laugh at Annita's furious expression. My room is basically the same as the one on the train, except there's no dresser, and it's considerably larger. I find a closet in one of the walls, it has a panel next to it, and you just type in what you want to wear, and the outfit appears. I take a cold shower, and wash with a soap that is titled, "Ocean air" It smells nice, but not like the air back home. I think of Annie and Robbert back home. What are they thinking of now? With the games only one short week away, are they worried about me? Are they even watching? I sigh and program the closet for a pair of cut off jean shorts and a T-shirt, then I remember we are in the capitol, and dinner will be served soon. So I reprogram it for a nice pair of jeans and a black dress shirt.
I dress quickly and decide to go to the main room early. It's only five o'clock, and the room is empty. I sprawl on a comfortable white couch, facing a large window. I look down at the crowded streets, watching the rainbow-colored people move about. I sigh, and lay my head back on a soft cushion. Soon I fall into a fitful sleep.
I'm standing on the beach, watching the ocean eat up the sand, only to slide away again. A sense of calm falls over me, and I breathe in the salty air, but it smells different. It smells like artificial capitol soap. I hear a noise behind me, turning around I see Annie, twirling on the beach with her hair spinning out in a whirlwind of reddish brown waves. She laughs when she sees me and waves, suddenly a hovercraft appears, and takes her away. I try to run after it, but trip over the body of Robbert, pale and cold. I cry in horror, as I fall into the ocean, then there's only peaceful water all around. I relax and see something in the water, it's Mrs. Cresta, a horrible slit in her throat. I gasp in horror as I see Annita wielding a knife, grinning wickedly, she throws it at my chest.
I sit up suddenly, yelling in pain as it pierces my shoulder. I'm shaking like a leaf, and I'm covered in sweat, so much for showering. I look down and see Annies token sticking out of my shoulder, I must have rolled on it in my sleep. I pull it out. It only barely broke the skin. I hear a sound and look over my shoulder. Mags is standing there with a sad look on her face.
"Uh...I was just...um."
I stammer slowly, she comes over and sits next to me.
"I heard you yelling...was it bad?"
I swallow hard and nod my head, staring at the floor.
"Everyone I care about was either dead or taken from me."
Mags nods slowly.
"I know how you feel, it's completely natural to have nightmares."
I wipe the sweat from my forehead.
"Is there anyway to help not have them?"
She sits for a moment.
"If you start having a nightmare, remember a good memory, and concentrate on it."
I nod.
"Thanks. Is it dinner time yet?"
She looks up at a clock on the wall.
"Just about, do you feel like eating?"
I shake my head.
"Okay, you can skip tonight if you want, Bruce and I will discuss training with you tomorrow morning."
I thank her and go back to my room. I change into the outfit I picked out earlier, and try to relax. My dream comes back to haunt me, so I start pacing the room. When this doesn't help, I decide to explore a little. Wandering through the floor, I finally come to the elevator. I hesitate, then open the door, scanning the buttons on the door, I skip over the twelve buttons indicating the tribute floors. I'm left with "T" for "Training" And "R" which I assume means "Roof" I press "R" and start to shoot up. It stops suddenly on floor two, I watch in surprise as the door opens and a tall dark haired girl looks at me confused.
"I was on my way to the roof, and it stopped."
I say hurriedly. She tosses her head, and strides gracefully into the elevator.
"Of course it stopped, I pressed the button."
She has dark grey eyes, and rather pale skin. The volunteer from two.
"You're Finnick Odair, aren't you?"
I nod.
"And you are?"
She does a half twirl to face me.
"Alexia Balera."
She smiles and her grey eyes stare into my green ones. The elevator doors close, and we shoot to the roof. It turns out to be a large square platform, with a three foot high wall enclosing it. To one side is a big garden. I walk over to a stone bench along one wall. Alexia sits down next to me. She stares at me for a while, then sighs and leans back.
"Too bad your only fourteen."
I look at her in surprise.
"Why?"
She gives me a quick grin, leaning in close, she whispers in my ear.
"Because if you were older, I would be tempted to kiss you."
I jerk my head back in surprise. She laughs.
"Don't worry, I never date younger guys."
I stand up.
"You can't be that much older then me."
I say. She stands up as well, standing uncomfortably close to me.
"Three years older, so don't worry, you missed me by a long shot."
She walks around me, pausing behind me, she rests her chin on my shoulder and whispers in my ear.
"Better be carefull, these games may damage your handsome face."
She slides a long finger down my neck, then turns and gracefully pranced into the elevator. I stare after her. She may move like a dancer, but that only hides the fact that she is a ruthless killer. I decide to turn in for the night, and spend a dreamless night in the large bedroom.
In the morning, Tiffy wakes Annita and I up early. We meet Bruce and Mags in the dinning room, and they explain some things while we eat.
"When you're in training with the other tributes, don't show them your full abilities, leave them wondering a bit. This will give you an advantage in the games."
Bruce says. Mags adds;
"Don't show them what weapon you're best at, pick another one to get good at."
Bruce continues.
"Watch the other tributes, no doubt they will be hiding something too, try to find their weakness'."
Mags takes over while Bruce starts eating.
"Also never overlook the survival areas, many tributes die because they can throw a knife and kill someone without looking, but can't even make a simple fire."
Bruce looks at the clock and says.
"Okay, training starts in a few minutes, get changed into your training clothes, and meet Tiffy by the elevator. In a few minutes, we arrive at the floor marked "Training" The door opens, and Tiffy wishes us good luck.
Annita and I gaze around the training area for a while. It's a gigantic room, filled with all kinds of stations. There's a weapon station, combat station, outdoor survival station, and many more. Most of the other tributes are there already, and we walk over to join them. Once all the tributes have arrived, a tall man with dark skin gives some instructions.
"Tributes are forbidden to fight each other, save that for the arena. Masters of every skill are positioned at every station, they will aid you with whatever you need."
He dismisses us and the careers immediately rush over to the weapons station. I walk over to the knot tying station. The instructor is amazed at how easy and fast I form complicated knots.
"District four."
I say, she nods understanding. Then she shows me a few simple snares, for humans and animals alike. I move on to the edible plant section, which it turns out I'm horrible at. I turn and watch the other tributes for a while. Both tributes from one, and the boy from two are all wielding fierce looking weapons, chopping dummies to pieces with leisure. I turn and see Alexia prance and twirl through an obstical course, ending with skipping up a large rock wall with incredible agility. She sits on top of the wall and waves at me with a smile. I look away and walk over to the hand to hand combat, My physical strength proves to be useless in this, for the instructor is a small thin woman. And she throws me around like a doll. I hear some sneers from the careers, but I learn a few moves, thank the instructor and move on to weapons.
I shun the trident, my natural weapon, and pick up some wicked looking knives. I throw a few, most missing the target completely.
"You're doing it wrong."
A quiet voice says behind me. I turn and see the boy from seven, the one with the missing arm. He takes a knife from me and tosses it up in the air, catching it lightly by the tip.
"You hold it loose, like this. And then you flick your wrist like this, and bam."
The knife shoots from his hand at amazing speed and hits the target dead center. He turns to me and winks.
"Surprised eh? Well I'm not one to let an axe swing gone wrong keep me from being just as deadly as one of those thick heads."
He motions to the careers. He helps me toss knives until I'm not that bad at it. I spend the rest of the day practicing knife throwing, and survival skills. By the time training is over, my arm is sore, and I'm dead tired. But I discovered some things about the other tributes, which I share with Mags after dinner.
"The girl from two, Alexia, is very agile, and can swing a sword like she's eating. But she's terrified of water, and isn't very strong, the boy from two is agile as well, and his weapon of choice is a bow. . Both tributes from one, I think their names are Vicktor and Glorry, are excellent at any weapon, but aren't agile at all. The boy from seven, Harrold, has hidden talents. Both tributes from three aren't very good at fighting, but are excellent at camouflage, and are crafty. All the rest are pretty average, except for the district ten girl, she looks like a nasty piece of work, she spent most of the day, delicately killing dummies by slicing them with a long knife. The girl from five is so tiny, and I'm not sure what she's good at. Her name is Luna."
Mags listens intently to all that I have to say. Once I'm finished, she looks at me for a while.
"What do you think?"
I ask to break the silence.
"I noticed you made a note to mention every one of their names that you could remember."
I shrug.
"Yeah, so?"
She sighs,
"Why?"
I sit for a minute, staring at the floor.
"Why? Because If someone killed me, I would want them to know my name. If I'm going to kill any of those tributes, I want to know who I killed, not just 'boy tribute from district six' if you're going to take someone's life, you should understand that they are a person, not just a target."
Mags looks into my eyes for a long time, finally she says.
"I can't tell if that is a good or bad thing. That kind of thinking can be dangerous, if you get to know the other tributes, it will grow harder to kill them."
I nod, Mags stands up.
"You should get some rest, tomorrow is another hard day, and there's only so many full nights of good sleep left."
I stand up and stretch.
"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow." She pats my cheek smiling. "Good night Finnick." I walk to my bedroom. Stripping down to my boxers, I crawl into bed and am asleep almost instantly.

Sea Green chapter 5

My slumbers are filled with nightmares, and I wake up covered in a cold sweat and shivering. I climb out of bed and stumble into the shower, my eyes are still in sleep mode, and refuse to focus on reading the control buttons in the shower. I press a random one, hoping for the best.
"Aaaaa!"
I yell as a stream of boiling hot water hits me, I quickly press another one,
"Whoooo!"
It's colder than ice, but it succeeded in waking me up. My eyes adjust and I change the setting to mildly warm, with a harder water pressure. Then I choose some soap that has the slightest fragrance of cocoanut, it smells like home. Washing and shampooing quickly, I hop out of the shower. I'm startled as hot air blasts me dry instantly, there is a touchpad that has a hand print on it. I touch it, and a current goes up my arm and dries and untangled my hair, leaving it as its normal wave, but much silkier then usual. I wrap a towel around my waist, and walk back into my room.
I stop suddenly. The avox woman I saw yesterday in the hall, is in my room tidying up.
"Um, am I supposed to be already at breakfast?"
She turns around startled, and shakes her head.
"Sorry if I scared you. You're an avox aren't you?"
She nods her head sadly. Then motions to the dresser.
"Um, yeah I should probably get dressed...do you mind?"
I motion to the door. She smiles as she bows, and walks out, closing the door behind her. I walk over to the dresser, and slip on a pair of grey shorts, and a dark purple shirt that clings to my chest. I check the time, and decide to head to the dinning car. I see I'm the first one there. The table is empty, but over to the side is a long buffet covered in glorious food. A servant is standing at one end of the room.
"Can we just serve ourselves?"
He nods, pointing to a pile of plates and silverware. I go through the line and pile my plate with eggs, bacon, and a number of pastries. I sit at the table and start eating. In a minute I'm joined by Bruce.
I see that he has ebony hair, streaked with grey, although he can't be that old. His dark eyes are set under thick brooding eyebrows. He has a chiseled jaw, with a big scar running down the side of his face. He sits down without getting anything to eat. He stares at me, his piercing eyes seem to look through me. I try to eat, but his gaze doesn't stop.
"Uh..is there anything I can help you with?"
He blinks and leans back in his chair.
"Sorry, force of habit, when your a mentor you have to know who your mentoring."
I drink some milk, and say;
"But you're mentoring Annita, aren't you?"
He nods.
"True, but I need to know about you too. After all, you may have to fight each other."
I shrug,
"I'm not keeping any secrets."
"We'll see."
He says, then he motions to the servant and orders a drink. Mags walks in, dressed in a simple white shirt and black skirt.
"Good morning Finnick, I see you've discovered the pastries."
I smile,
"Morning Mags. I have indeed discovered the pastries, which one is your favorite?"
She laughs and steals one from my plate.
"Cream puffs." She bites into it and sighs. "Yum!"
I laugh and she get some breakfast. In another minute we are joined by Tiffy, looking literally fresh as a daisy in a tight green dress with a large white collar, complete with bright yellow wig.
"A bright and sunny day to you all! I just can't wait till we reach the capitol!"
She gets some yogurt, and joins us at the table.
"Where's Annita?"
She asks in her high-pitched voice.
"She must still be in her room,"
Mags says, Bruce frowns and says.
"We need to talk with her, she'll need to know some things before tonight."
I stand up.
"I'll go get her, be back in a minute."
I hurry to her bedroom, and knock on the door.
"Annita? Mags and Bruce say they need to tell us some stuff before we reach the capitol."
There's silence for a minute, then I hear her shout through the door.
"Leave me alone!"
It's meant to sound harsh, but I can hear the waver in her voice. I knock until she opens the door, her face is tear-stained, and her eyes a red from crying.
"Fine. I'll be there in a minute okay?!"
Before I can answer she slams the door. I walk back to the dinning car. Mags and Bruce look at me expectantly.
"She'll be here in a minute."
I say, sitting back down. Bruce frowns, thinking. Mags just nods, and Tiffy continues daintily eating yogurt. Annita shows up a minute later, dressed in a pair of skinny jeans, and a leather vest. Her hair is pulled back in a tight pigtail, and all signs of tears are washed from her face.
"There you are, do you feel like eating anything?"
Mags asks, Annita shakes her head.
"Alright then, why don't we adjourn to the lounge car?"
We watch a recap of the reapings, seeing for the first time who will be our opponents. I make a note to remember the careers, but also remind myself not to overlook anyone. An enormous eighteen year old boy from district one, lunges forward to volunteer. His hair is almost white, and his eyes are like ice. A tough looking sixteen year old girl volunteers as well. Both volunteers for district two look similar, tall and lean, with dark coloring. The tributes from three are nothing special, rather small and weak. Then there's our district, I don't remember much after watching our reaping. Only that a twelve-year-old girl was reaped from district five, the boy from seven was missing an arm, and the girl from ten looked like a weasel. and both tributes from twelve looked on the brink of starvation.
After the reapings, Mags and Bruce asked us what we thought of the other tributes. We talk for a little while about strengths and weakness' then suddenly, the train goes dark, I realise we must be in a tunnel.
"Oh! At the capitol already! I'm so excited!"
Tiffy exclaims. Annita and I rush to the windows, just as we clear the tunnel into blazing sunlight.
I gasp in awe at the mighty capitol, nothing could compare to the splendor of it. Large buildings of all hues, tower over tiled streets full of exotic people cheering and waving at the train. I hear Annita scoff at the crowd. But I smile broadly and wave back. In a minute we stop at the station. Mags walks over and stands beside me.
"Fair warning, in a minute we are going to hand you and Annita over to your prep team and stylists. You may not like what they do, but don't argue. Understood?"
I nod my head.
"Good, here we go."
After a brief car ride, we arrive at the building where we'll be prepped for our chariot rides. I'm directed down a long hall to the station marked "District four: boy." I am greeted by my prep team, three color cordnated women. They squeal and declare that their names are, Violet, fuchsia, and Periwinkle. Their hair and clothes match their names, and they are identical.
"What a handsome young man!"
Declares Fuchsia, Violet and Periwinkle agree.
"Just wait till we're finished with you, although I don't think you need much work."
They all giggle loudly, and tell me to strip down and lay on a cold metal table. They then proceed to remove the hair from my torso, cut and style my hair, do something to my jaw, that they say will keep hair from growing while I'm in the arena. Then they have me take a million baths in all different solutions.
"Goodness!"
Violet exclaims.
"Your skin is so dry! But such a nice tone, are you sure you haven't had any work done?"
I nod as they rub almost a gallon of moisturizer into my skin. After a few finishing touches, like plucking my eyebrows, and filing down my fingernails, they have me stand up and look me over.
"I think he's ready to meet Dalia!"
Periwinkle squeals, they all rush off, leaving me standing undressed, and alone. I want to wear the silky robe that I have had off and on the past hours, but they didn't tell me too. Someone that must be Dalia enters, she is very petite, and is dressed in a completely white dress, white shoes, even her hair is white.
"Hello Finnick."
She says in a quiet voice,
"I'm Dalia, your stylist, let me look you over for a second."
She surveys my body quickly, handing me the robe she says.
"Slip into this and we'll do some talking."
I follow her into a small room that's comfortably furnished with two plush armchairs, and a small round table. She presses a button on the wall.
"Lunch will be here in a minute. Tell me, has anyone ever told you anything about how you look?"
I blush embarrassed, remembering all the times in the community home that I've been called, "Princess" or "Beauty queen" Other then that I've never heard anyone say anything.
"Back at the community home where I live, all the boys tease me and call me princess."
Dalia smiles.
"Well, the only reason they did that, was because they were jealous. Finnick, you are the most good-looking person I have ever seen in my entire life. Here in the capitol, we have a knack for trying to achieve uniqueness and beauty, but you have achieved it naturally, and that is a great gift."
I stare wordlessly at her. Me? handsome? Not just handsome, but the most good-looking person she's ever seen. This surprises me, I never thought I was ugly, but definitely not the best looking guy. Dalia raises her eyebrows/
"This surprises you?"
I nod.
"Well, it is the truth."
She says dismissively. Lunch arrives, and we discuss the chariot ride as we eat.
A while later, I'm standing beside a green and gold chariot with a pair of chestnut horses. I am dressed in a Bluey green scaled tunic from my waist to my knees, a pair of gold sandals, and a gold net draped over my shoulders like a cape. I am shirtless, Dalia explained that I would get a lot of female sponsors if I showed off my muscles, along with my looks. However, now I'm just feeling self-conscious for the first time in my life.
Annita appears with her stylist, a short round man with a brilliant purple wig. His name is Dumble.
Annita is dressed in a scallop shell bra, and a scaly skirt that falls to the floor, it even has a small train. When she stands still, she looks like a mermaid. Her hair falls down her back in a cascade of loose curls, and she has dramatic blue makeup on. She glares at me, and I look away, apparently she's not to happy with her stylist.
Dalia and Dumple, tell us to get in the chariot, and Dalia hands me a large gold trident. I remember my token from Annie, I still have it around my neck, and I hold it tightly knowing she will be watching me. I have to look like I know what I'm doing, confident. I hear the announcement, and the crowd starts cheering as district ones chariot leads the way. After a moment, district two follows, then three, now our chariot pulls out of the building.
I smile and wave to the crowd, even blow a kiss, which causes several women to faint. Maybe Dalia was right after all, I blow more kisses, and continue to wave. I'm showered by slips of paper containing names and phone numbers, I pick one up and give the "I'll call you" sign. At least ten women swoon, thinking I meant them. After we circle around a couple of times, we stop in front of president Snow's mansion. And the president, a small man with thin paper colored hair, and full lips, announces the tributes. Then the chariots drive into the training center.

Sea Green chapter 4

After Tiffy had led Annita Holmes, and I off the stage, we were shown into two separate rooms to say goodbye to friends and family. The room isn't very large, and is furnished with several big armchairs, and a plush couch. I sat on the couch and waited, thinking about what I had just done. I am going in the games, I might not come back, I have to come back. I hear some footsteps and stand up, I hope I look confident. The door opens, and Robbert walks in.
"Why."
Is all he says, this is the most serious I've ever seen him.
"I couldn't let you steal all the glory now could I"
I say with a smile. But his eyes are boring into mine, and I know he can see past my confident 'I meant to do that' attitude.
"Finnick, as much as I appreciate you willing to volunteer for me, you shouldn't have."
I stop smiling,
"Why not? I have a better chance of winning then you do, and.." He cuts me off.
"Winning doesn't matter, the games change people Finnick, most of the time for the worse, and I need you to stay who you are...For Annie, she's going to need you."
His tone of voice is scaring me, and his eyes are sad.
"You know I'll always be Annie's friend, no matter what happens. And why are you so insistent that I stay who I am? I might not even make it out of the games alive."
His face hardens, and he grips my arm with more strength then I thought he had.
"That is not an option. You are winning the games. You can't leave Annie alone, I won't let you do that."
I feel a knot in my stomach.
"Alone? What do you mean?"
He lets go of my arm, and sinks into one of the chairs. He looks tired,
"Finnick, we both know what I'm talking about. I'm sick, and there's no cure. I don't know how much time I have left, you shouldn't have volunteered for someone who is dying."
I feel my throat tighten, and my eyes start to well up. I can't cry, I have to look confident. I'm going to need it, not many fourteen year olds end up becoming victor.
"Robbert, they must have a cure for your illness in the capitol, and If I win, I will get you that cure. So don't try and tell me that I volunteered for nothing."
The door opens and a peacekeeper announces that Robberts time is up. He stands,
"I'll be watching you Finnick Odair, don't disappoint me."
I stand up,
"I wont."
He shakes my hand, and walks out the door. I swallow the lump in my throat, as Mrs. Cresta comes in. She walks over to me, and wordlessly gives me a hug. Then she holds my face in her hands,
"Come back home."
is all she says, then she kisses me on the head, and walks out. I try to clear my throat with a cough, but it comes out more like a strangled gasp. The door bursts open, and Annie dashes into the room and throws her arms around my waist, sobbing into my chest.
"Hey Annie."
I say softly, this is almost a code between us. It means, everything's going to be ok, and I'm always here for her. She gets her sobs into control enough to talk.
"Finn...I don't want to lose you."
I lead her over to the couch, and sit with her. I push the hair out of her face so I can see her.
"You wont lose me, I'm going to win, and I'm going to come back here."
She half smiles.
"If you win wouldn't you want to live in the capitol?"
I give her a disgusted look.
"I thought we both agreed that we hate the capitol?"
She wipes the tears from her face.
"Well, we do. Don't let them change you Finn, okay? If you win, I want you to come back home, not someone else that just looks like you."
I run my fingers through my hair and grin at her.
"Oh please, they could never find someone who looks as good as me."
She taps my nose with her finger,
"Sure, whatever you say. Here."
She reaches up and unfasten her necklace.
"Will you take this as your token?"
She hands it to me. It's a simple thin gold chain, with a single gold charm in the shape of a trident. I slip it over my head.
"Thank you. I'll never take it off, it'll be my good luck charm."
There's nothing left to say, so we sit together and hold hands until the peacekeeper said her time is up. The reality that she might never see me again must hit her. Because she clings to me tightly and wont let go. The peacekeepers come in and pull her off of me screaming. They carry her out kicking wildly, and I just have time to shout.
"I'll come back Annie, I promise!"
Before they slam the door. After about a minute, Tiffy comes in and declares.
"Alrighty then! Time to toddle on over to the train!"
I smile as confidently as I can, and follow Tiffy out. Annita meets us, and we follow Tiffy to the train station. It's unlike anything I've ever seen. Sleek and shiny, with not a mark on it. There are some reporters at the station, but Tiffy dismisses them with a wave. Once we board the train, Tiffy shows us the main rooms we'll be using.
"This is the lounge, where you can just relax and enjoy the luxuries. Here is the dining car, where we'll have all our meals, and this is Annita's room, and down the hall is yours Finnick. You can go freshen up, or just explore. Dinner will be served at six sharp, don't be late!"
She says with annoying cheerfulness. Then she clips off down the hall, leaving Annita and I alone in the hallway.
"I don't think we've officially met, I'm Finnick Odair."
She shakes my hand, and I am surprised how strong her grip is, but than again, she is a career.
"Annita Holmes. Look, lets not pretend to be friends, we both know only one of us can make it home. It would just make it harder to get to know each other."
I nod.
"Fair enough, we both understand that we're adversary, lets just save the fighting for the arena, deal?"
She nods.
"Deal."
She goes into her room and shuts the door. And I decide to try and find mine. I walk down the hall looking for a door. I see a young woman with blonde hair down the hall.
"Excuse me."
She looks up and hurry over, she raises her eyebrows questioningly.
"Um..hi I'm Finnick Odair, can you tell me where my room is?"
She nods and motions for me to follow her, I do and she leads me down the hall and to the right, she stops in front of a door.
"Is this it?"
I ask, she nods.
"Well thank you miss...?"
She shakes her head quickly and disappears down the hall. I stand for a minute and try to figure out why she didn't say anything, then I realise she must be an avox. A traitor of the capitol, who gets their tongue cut out and must work as a servant. I shiver and walk into my room.
It's one of the largest rooms I have ever seen, a giant bed sits in the middle, and a equally large dresser sits on the other side of the room. There is a door that leads to a bathroom, with a marble tub that has steps leading into it, and a large automatic shower. I've heard about them, inside is a panel that has hundreds of washing options, from water temperature, to what scent of soap you want. I leave it for now, and explore what kind of clothes are in the dresser. They're normal enough, but much finer quality then I've ever seen.
I change into a soft white shirt, and black pants. I see a clock on the nightstand, that says it's five fifty. I find a comb in the bathroom, and run it hurriedly through my hair. Then I walk casually to the dining car. There is a table set up for five, but only has one person sitting at it. The elder woman from the reaping, she's this years mentor. She looks lost in thought, but when she sees me she stands up and walks over with a smile.
"Hello Finnick, my name is Mags. I will be your mentor."
I shake her hand,
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mags. Where are the others?"
She waves a hand airily,
"Oh, here or there. Tiffy's probably still getting ready Annita will most likely show up late, and Bruce will be at the bar."
I nod,
"Is Bruce the other mentor?"
She nods,
"Yes, he will be Annita's mentor. Excuse me asking, but how old are you again? I wasn't paying much attention at the reaping."
She stares at me scrutinizing.
"That's okay, I zone out at the reaping too. I was fourteen six months ago."
She raises her eyebrows.
"Really? I see, I see."
She mumbles something to herself, and sits back down at the table. Bruce walks in with a glass of amber liquid in his hand. He nods to me, and sits down beside Mags. I decide to sit as well. In a minute we are joined by Annita and Tiffy.
We are served huge portions of food I have no name for, all kinds of meat pies and pastas, and for dessert a giant chocolate cake. The adults make small talk, but for the most part the meal is spent in silence. I hardly eat anything, even though it's the best things I've ever tasted. When I'm finished I excuse myself from the table and go to my room.
Mags tells me that her and Bruce will talk to Annita and I tomorrow. I'm grateful, because the last thing I want now is to discuss what the best way to kill someone is. I change into some comfortable shorts, then crawl into bed shirtless. The sheets are soft and the mattress feels like a cloud, and I soon drift off into a deep sleep.

Sea Green chapter 3

Chapter Three: The Reaping.
I lay awake in my bed. It's almost two in the morning, and I still haven't managed to fall asleep. I know a lot of kids will lay awake tonight, and after tomorrow, two families will spend many sleepless nights.
I sigh and roll onto my side, and stare out the window. I hear Surf moan, and start whimpering. I smile, no one would ever belive he cried in his sleep, but at least I know. I close my eyes and try to relax, but my brain keeps saying over and over: "Twenty slip, twenty slips." I toss and turn for another ten minutes, but my mind refuses to calm down. frustrated, I slide out of bed and slip into my swimsuit. Then I open the window quietly, and slip out into the night.
The air is cool, and salty as ever, and I can hear the ocean in the distance. I hurry to the coastline, and walk along the beach. Soon I come to my special place: two palm trees sit on top of a tall dune. I found it when I was little, and as most young boys will, I gathered drift wood, and made it into a fort. I fashioned a hammock from an old net, and it still hangs between the trees. I showed it to Annie a couple of years ago, and now we come here together a lot. The drift wood has rotted or washed away over the years, but one great stump still remains. I climb up the dune, and collapse onto the hammock. Swaying slightly, I listen to the waves crash on the shore.
"Tide must be going out."
I mutter to myself. Any normal person wouldn't have noticed anything, but my ears are trained to hear any noise not associated with anything on the shore. Soft sounds, reach my ears, and I sit up. Footsteps in the sand, then I see her skinny figure scrambling up the hill.
"Annie?"
She jumps in surprise, and nearly loses her balance.
"Finn? I didn't know you where here."
I slide out of the hammock, I help her up the dune.
"Obviously, what are you doing here? Do you have any idea what time it is? Your mom would be furious if she caught you out here...with me."
She laughs,
"Oh Finn, they know we're best friends. Besides my mom likes you, she says:" She starts to imitate her mother's voice. "Finnick Odair is a nice young man, I'm glad you are friends with him, and he can make anyone laugh, the world could use more laughter."
I blush, embarrassed.
"Your mom said all that? How do I make people laugh?"
Annie sits down next to me on the hammock.
"Well, you just do. Like this afternoon, the 'charisma' thing? That was hilarious."
I grin,
"Well, I wasn't far off was I? Your mom said I could make anyone laugh."
She pushes me off the hammock,
"See? That's what she's talking about, that is Finnick Odair."
I stand up and brush the sand off of me.
"Whatever. You still haven't told me why you're out here."
She sighes, and digs into the sand with her foot.
"Same reason you are."
I nod, but don't say anything. I don't want to bring up the subject that caused our fight this afternoon.
"Finn?" She says quietly.
"Yeah?"
She keeps messing with the sand.
"What will happen? If...one of us gets reaped?"
I sigh, laying back in the hammock, I stare at the stars.
"I don't know."
I hear her sniff,
"I don't think I could stand it. It's Robbert I'm mostly worried about, he's so ill, and they will send him off to the capitol anyway, and I can't volunteer for him...it's just not fair!"
She covers her face with her hands, and starts sobbing. I lay for a few seconds, awkwardly trying to decide what to do. I finally sit up and slowly place my arm around her shoulder. She turns and hugs me tightly, crying onto my shoulder. I pat her on the back stiffly, I know how she feels, I don't know what I would do if her or Robbert got reaped. I wrap my arms around my best friend, and hold her tightly, letting her cry herself to sleep. I carry her home, and leave her on the couch. Creeping out, I close the door quietly behind me. Then I walk slowly back to the community home, slide back through the window, and crawl into bed. Soon I fall into a deep sleep.
Next morning I get up early, and dress for the reaping. A pair of jeans, and a light blue button up shirt, over a white tank top, I leave it un-buttoned, and walk over to Annie's house. Her mother answers the door, tall tan and beautiful. Her hair is a rich brown, and her eyes are hazel.
"Good morning Finnick. You're here early."
I smile at her,
"Good morning Mrs. Cresta. Is Annie up?"
She lets me in,
"Yes, she's just getting ready. I'll go tell her you're here."
She vanishes upstairs, and I'm left alone. Not for very long though, Robbert walks in. Now I know why Annie was so worried, he looks like he hasn't had slept for days, dark circles ring his eyes, and his skin is even more pale than usual.
"Hey Finnick."
He says smiling.
"Hey Robbert, how you feeling?"
He shrugs,
"As good as someone can on reaping day."
We stand in silence for a moment, then Annie comes rushing downstairs.
"Finn! I'm glad you're here early, now we can walk together."
She's dressed in a dark green sun dress that brings out her eyes, it falls just to her knees, and her hair is pulled half up. She's wearing just enough makeup to highlight her features.
"Wow!"
Is all I can say. She laughs and does a twirl.
"It is a bit much isn't it?"
I shake my head,
"No, not at all. You look older than me!"
She smiles,
"Oh whatever!"
Mrs. Cresta appears,
"We have to hurry, the reaping is going to start soon."
We make our way to the square in front of the justice building. With a few words of encouragement, I part ways with the Cresta's, and after signing in, I walk over and stand in the roped of section for fourteen year old boys. It's uncomfortably hot out, and I see several kids, looking quite faint. I look up on the stage, a lone microphone stands in the front of the stage. Behind it sits the mayor, and two of district fours previous victors. There is an elder woman, and a middle-aged man. The mayor, walks up to the mike, and starts going on, and on about the history of panem, and the rebellion, blah, blah, blah. After he's done, the districts escort; Tiffy Cuff, clicks up to the stage in a pair of ridiculously high heels. Her entire dress is covered in scales, and her vivid aqua wig piles her hair high on her head. I suppose in the capitol this is meant to be fashionable, but to me she just looks like a fish.
"Well! Happy, happy hunger games! Let's pick this years tributes!"
She clips over to the large glass bowl containing the girls names. Reaching in, she digs around for a ridiculously long time. I find Annie in the crowd, and give her a reassuring smile. She for once doesn't return it. I hear Tiffy clip back to the mike, returning my attention to the stage I see her unfold the little paper slip.
"Gilda Frot..."
She's cut off as a tall girl with black hair steps forward from the seventeen year old girl section.
"I volunteer!"
She shouts out quickly. A few murmurs from other girls who missed their chance to volunteer, ripple through the crowd. Tiffy smiles brightly,
"Come on up and tell everyone your name!"
The girl almost swagger to the stage, standing beside Tiffy.
"Anitta Holmes."
She says clearly. Tiffy turns to the crowd.
"A round of applause for our brave tribute!"
Almost everyone claps,
"Okie dokie then! On to the boys!"
Tiffy reaches in and grabs a slip, walking to the mike she says.
"Robbert Cresta!"
I hear a scream like a dying animal come from the girls section. I know who it is even before I look, Annie is being held back by a peacekeeper, her skinny legs kicking wildly. I wait for the volunteer, there always is one, but no one shouts out, and Robbert starts to walk toward the stage. My ears are filled with the sound of Annie's screams. There's always a volunteer...
"I volunteer!"
I shout out confidently. Robbert turns when he hears me. He tries to protest, but a peacekeeper pushes him back. I take a deep breath, and with a confident smirk, I walk up to the stage. Making sure to keep my back straight, and shoulders back. Walking up to Tiffy, I smile at her. She giggles, and says:
"Well what would your name be young man?"
I lean toward the mike and say clearly.
"Finnick Odair."
Tiffy says something to the crowd, but I lose track of everything except Annie's tear streaked face, clinging to Robbert as he holds her back. Suddenly I hear Tiffy say,
"Shake hands now."
I turn to Anitta Holmes, who is taller than me by an inch. Which is surprising since I'm a good 5'9 We shake hands, and Tiffy leads us into the justice building