District 5: Jessica Garter

                                    

                                          
I glance at everything around me. Everything in the room is so beautiful. So beautiful that it started to edge on extravagance. The velvet pillows with floral embroideries, the sofas,the center pieces,the stained glasses and the thick rug carpets. I am not used to surrounding myself with such finery. But I was never as nervous as I am now,sitting in this gorgeous room.
                          
I keep wiping my hands on my dress to wipe out the sweat. I started doing that as soon as I entered the Justice Building. The last time I was here,I was eight. It was seven years ago. I had been here to meet my then fifteen year old sister who was reaped to represent District 5. I remember sitting on her lap and crying in her hair as she promised to win the 22nd Games. She died in the Cornucopia bloodbath.
                          
And now I'm here, at the age of fifteen,in the same position as my sister.
                          
I still recall the last hour as a dream. Azora,our escort,calling out "Jessica Garter!" in that stupid accent of the Capitol. Me floating to the stage. Shaking hands with the male tribute,Glenn. Being escorted to the Justice Building. And right now,sitting here,waiting for my family. Its all a dream. No,not a dream, but a nightmare.
                          
My parents are the first to come and meet me. My mom's crying,her tears plastering strands of loose hair on her lips,and kissing my head,my forehead and my temple. Her eyes hungry with desire to look and drink in me. My father, standing near the door as if he's ready to bolt away,but controls his tears. I'm grateful to him for that. He gives me different advises- how to win sponsors,how to survive the arena,what to do in front of the cameras,how to survive. The best advice was about how to light a decent fire. I'm not sure if its certified advice because my father is not a victor and neither were any of the victors or tributes his relatives or friends. Except my sister, Delia. 
                          
Finally I say," Dad! I'm coming back. Its our year this time. Get ready for applesauce and oil and grains. Entertainment from the Capitol. Our house in the Victors Village. I'm going to be the victor." Dad stares at me as though he didn't recognize me, but then rushed over and engulfed me in a hug. Mom chokes out a reply."We don't care about any of that. Just come back. To hell with the winnings." They're time is up as the Peacekeepers take them away. 
                          
The dams and power plants are closed today for the reaping. But then the workers will have to work more than twice the usual amount because all the districts and the Capitol need electricity to watch the reaping.
I look at myself in the nearest mirror, which was easy since the room was virtually made from mirrors. That can't be me. The girl I see has blonde hair and grey eyes,just like me, but she also has a terrified expression which could mean only one thing. Doom.
My friends are next and I couldn't help thinking how fake their tears are,how the comforts were lies and how all their hugs were untruthful. 
                          
Except one. My best friend, Harriet, who walked in after everyone. She had a blue box in her hand. Harriet is a girl of few words and demureness,but she thrust the box in my hand and said,"Here. Take this as your district token. Please." Inside the box were the most gorgeous pair of earrings which were shaped like the symbols of power. District 5. 
                          
I fingered them."Harriet," I whisper,"this is beautiful. " She starts to say something but stops as the Peacekeepers come in.
           As they take her away I realized how alone I actually am and how alone I will be in the arena. 
                         *****
                          
The car ride was short. Azora escorted me and Glenn to the train station.
                          
As soon as I stepped out of the car, miraculously, my tears gave way to a smile. My fear stepped aside for confidence as I faced the cameras and journalists,who were swarming at the station. I waved at them and gave my most winning smile. The crowd went nuts,trying to click a photo or ask questions, but Azora managed to sneak us away from there. But we stand at the doorway of the train,waving and smiling, my golden hair glittering as power itself, letting them take all the photographs they wanted. As soon as the door closes and the train is in motion,Azora turns to me and says,"You are going to have sponsors lined around the block!" She giggles hysterically. Azora has bright maroon eye shadow and lipstick and a red wig. All her clothes are shades of red,white and pink. Her small whiskers are bright pink. She looks positively ridiculous.
                          
I'm given my own closet,my chambers and my own room. Azora asks me to get ready for supper.
                          
There were more dresses in my closet than the entire population of 5 owns. The chambers was bigger than the room of the Justice Building. The drawers were filled with the prettiest clothes I had ever seen. I dress in a comfortable shirt and pants and start walking towards the dining area.
                          
When I reach the room, Glenn,Azora and our mentor, Hallie had already started their lunch. I was a bit annoyed that they didn't wait for me,but I take my place beside Azora. Azora looked a bit sick,sitting on the same table with Hallie. They were as different as you can get. But Glenn and I don't care, what with the amazing lunch in front of us.
                          
Lunch is extremely delicious. Seafood with butter on them,sandwiches with real cheese and mayo, carrot and pea soup and a huge chocolate brown pudding with a sweet,white sauce which Azora called 'vanilla'.
                          
Glenn,just like me,was staring at this feast with a gaping mouth. And then,just like me,attacked every bit of food in front of him.
Hallie was looking at us with an amused expression,as though our hunger was a source of laughter for her. Azora,on the other hand,pursed her lips and gave us a disgusted look. And Glenn and I cared nothing.
                          
Mute people came in the room, changed the delicacies and exchanged plates in the table. Most were redheads but there were some blonde and a brunette. 
                          
Between the meal, Hallie looked at us and said," Hmm, a better pair than last year. The stylists will change you both. Even your parents won't recognize you." She gave a high-pitched laugh that sent a chill down me. Glenn and I stared at her,like,Seriously? 
                          
Hallie took on a more serious note as she leaned towards us."Look, when you get down, you  will meet your stylists. Don't resist them. They can get you sponsors. In the arena, get a small backpack and run. Run away from the Careers. Don't participate in the bloodbath. These are the bare essentials. We'll talk later."
                          
That was damn weird. We had finished our lunch by now and were getting up to go to our rooms.
                          
"Go to bed," Azora purred. "Take a nap,we'll see you in the evening."
"Stay here!! They would televise the reaping! Of course, you wouldn't wanna miss the reaping of the people you kill,would you?" Hallie smirked.