I wake up in a pool of sweat. No one enters even though I know I was screaming. Alexis… I tell myself it was all a dream as I stand and dress in the assigned uniform black tank top and pants. I double check to make sure my anklet and lace up my boots. I stop at the door, take a breath and head out. I wander through the different train cars on my way to the dining car. I take my time, watching the scenery go by. When I finally get to the dining car, everyone but Thorn is there. Iris sees me and motions to the seat in between her and Dior. “Good morning, come sit.” I obey, but once I’m seated I feel Dior’s hand on my knee. WHAT?! I carefully move away, and eat some eggs. It’s then that Thorn enters and says “We’re almost to the Capitol. Once we’re there they want us off as soon as possible to prep these two for the parade.” I can’t help but get up and watch as the Capitol comes into view. I just stand and watch fkr a few minutes, until Iris says “Before we get there, I have a few questions for you.” I turn and look into her tiered but dangerous eyes. “How do you want to d2e?” The question catches me off guard. “I..um-quickly. Quickly and as painless as possible.” “Same.” Dior seconds Iris nods and then asks “What are your best weapons?” This one I’m ready for. “None. But in all fairness I haven’t even used half of the ones provided at the Cornicopia.” Dior responds “I’m pretty good with a few swords. Please don’t ask why.” Iris just nods again. But it’s Thorn who speaks next, and directly to me no less. “In the training area, try a few different weapons, but if none feel right still, just try to grab a dagger if you can. A small weapon is better than no weapon.” I nod and realize that this is the most that I’ve ever heard Thorn talk. I go back to my compartment and about an hour later, the train comes to a stop, and two Peacekeepers enter to take me to the platform. No sign of Dior. They must’ve taken him separately. We keep walking until I get swept into a room and three colorful haired heads pinching and fussing over me. I finally push my way through all of them and are about to ask what the heck is going on, but then I look around. Makeup. Hot wax. Curling irons. I’m in the presence of my prep team. After hours and hours of prepping and a parade that was far too extravagant, I finally get to collapse onto my bed. I scratch at my legs, which are very irritated from all the waxing. I fall into a fitful, unconscious sleep. I finally wake to see Dior shaking me. “It’s time for dinner. And Celia has something to tell us apparently.” I drag myself out of the bed, don’t bother to fix my hair and then follow Dior to the dinning room. I hadn’t eaten since before the parade so I’m starving. I sit and begin to stuff myself with as many chicken wings as I can. Celia enters and says “Your training will begin tomorrow at nine.” I think. This will be my first time meeting the other tributes. The people I’m set up to have to kill. The people that are going to kill me. Yes, GOING. They aren’t going to hesitate to attack me. Let alone kill me.
