Orchid took a deep breath in, and stepped outside. Her fur bristled at the cold breeze blowing across the landscape. She let her gaze fall upon the beautiful Lake Rockall, more majestic at night than in sunlight. She looked down at her dress again, as she had countless times before. She still loved it just as much as when she had first seen it. She loved the colours, the patterns, the material, absolutely everything. It made her feel amazing. Almost bursting with excitement, nervousness, and anticipation, Orchid walked towards her boat. When she was able to see it, she fell in awe. It was perfect. She stepped aboard and noted the flower lights and glowing vines. With a gasp, she realised that the flowers on the vines were orchids. They weren't real, but were still so beautiful. As she looked across the deck of her elegantly dainty boat, she noticed three items: a pink flag, a lighter, and a jar of brightly glowing fireflies. She became curious. Maybe, just maybe, she could pull off something spectacular. A small grin came onto her face. Yes. She was going to do this. As the boat sailed off, Orchid took in the smell of the lake, the gentle rocking of her boat, and the sound of the water lapping. It was incredibly calm. In the distance, the shapes of cats became apparent. This was it. She was going to put on a show. "Hey everyone!" Orchid declared as soon as she was within earshot of the cheering crowd. "Who's ready for a speeeectacular show?" The crowd erupted instantly. "Okay," Orchid whispered to herself, drawing in a deep breath. "Showtime." Lifting the flag, she waved it around in the air. silence. Orchid brought the flag down. She grabbed the lighter and showed it to her audience, a gleam in her eye. With a twisted grin on her face, she brought the lighter closer and closer to the flag. The crowd gasped, and she could feel the anticipation radiating off them. No. Not yet. She suddenly remembered. She put the objects down as if she had teased the cats on purpose, giving them a playful wink. Twisting the lid of the jar of fireflies, she let them all out first. The air filled with the blinking lights of countless fireflies performing in the air. Now. Without hesitating to show the audience, Orchid brought the lighter and flag together. She lit the flag. The audience, who had been focused on the fireflies, looked surprised, and probably felt a yearning for the anticipation they should have received. Now the flag was burning, and Orchid was running out of time. She waved the flag in the air, leaving a trail of crimson flame and charcoal-black smoke. Where she cut through swarms of fireflies, they spread apart instantly, which was quite entertaining to watch. Orchid continued waving the flag between the fireflies, dancing on her little boat. The bugs split apart, then came together. The crowd went "ooh," and "ah," clapping and whistling and cheering. It felt great, and Orchid wanted to remember this day for a long time to come. At last, the flag was burnt away, and nothing but the pole remained. Orchid waved the pole experimentally through the fireflies, but they refused to part. She shrugged. She realised that she hadn't introduced herself. Hastily, before she sailed away, she announced: "Citizens of Panem!" Orchid declared. "I am Orchid Summer or District 2! Remember me!" And her little boat sailed away. All that effort just for five minutes of show, now useless. Orchid let out a sigh. She was content. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Credits: Thank you to the THGRP crew who put together this event and are putting in their own time to judge our entries. They didn't have to do it, but they have chosen to. Thank you to Suzanne Collins for writing the original 'The Hunger Games' series. Special thanks to for founding THGRP And shoutout to , who didn't get to be in the Games this round, but in a way shares the character Orchid with me. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Still working on a drawing 0.0 (wonder if it will ever get finished?)
