Dives stood up proudly, preparing for his golden chariot to take off into the night. "I wish my old suits fit this nicely," he muttered under his breath. He hadn't ever worn such a expensive suit in his entire life. It was tailored to his figure, emphasizing his tall frame. He had once been revered. Attorneys across District 1 had known him and his business. Even in the Capitol, he'd been desired by celebrities to represent them. Dives hoped that they would still retain the same interest in him as they did then. He wore a darkly colored cropped blazer adorned with scarlet and golden patterns of laurel leaves and metal chains, complimenting his opposing emerald eyes and blonde fur. A corset was layered beneath. Paired with green sapphire scale earrings, and a matching gemstone lapel pin, this is what Dives would have worn if he had the money back in the Captiol. He looked like the way he'd always dreamed of. Well... not exactly. His Capitol designer had made the correct decision to add a beautiful, dark silken cape that reached down to his shoulders, adjoined by a golden chain reaching across his chest. Real gold had been sewn into the fabric, shaped into laurels once more. It had layers of sheer, black tulle. His confidence was getting higher every passing second. Dives breathed in, and exhaled repeatedly. He ran a paw through his slicked-back fur. A technique of box breathing he'd used for the past years in court. It was easy to get nervous... but not now. There was no other alternative. He had to impress them. Dives was ready. He perked his ears. He had several advantages, especially because District 1 would be the first carriage out. An announcer's voice boomed across the speakers. "Now welcoming, District 1!" Dives's chariot roared into action, barreling from behind the chariot. He firmly planted his paws into the chariot's wooden floors. A showbiz smile beamed across Dives's face, as he took in the scene around him. Moonlight shone across his body, illuminating his outfit as the golden specks glowed. The black tulle gently buffeted in the wind as the chariot emerged forth, creating a beautiful flowy effect. Entranced by the crowd, Dives yelled, his rich voice booming across the runway. "Good evening, Capitol! It's amazing to see you all here again today!" He declared, his emerald eyes greeting his supporters. His proud stance set him apart from his District mates, alongside his bubbly personality. He dug through his satchel, which was now bedazzled with golden laurel leaves. Reaching into the bag, he gathered hundreds of golden silk petals, all embroidered with a law scale and a small phrase... 'Smoke N' Associates'. Using the wind to his advantage, he threw them up into the air, watching as thousands scrambled to reach the beautiful silk petals. On the back, they said, 'Dives Smoke. District 1.' "I'm Dives Smoke of Smoke N' Associates!" Dives grinned smugly, his beautiful jade eyes placing his audience into a trance. Now, they couldn't forget him. Nothing was better advertising than your own, miniature business cards. As the chariot approached the curtain, Dives's smile softly weakened. He had done the best he could've. But he was glad it was over. As the chariot passed through the second curtain, he closed his eyes... and the roar of the audience still remained. His eyes fluttered open once more. Thousands of virtual avatars surrounded District 1's chariot, reaching up at Dives's paws, yearning to catch his attention. Taken aback, Dives's eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. He nearly mistook them for opponents. But his quick deduction skills had luckily only sharpened during his time in training. The glowing cats bought food, raised their glowsticks, and cheered. He brought his smile back, his cape flowing freely behind him as he lashed his long tail. Reaching down, he shook and touched the paws of those who reached up towards him. ...A journalist? Dives wouldn't miss a chance to stir up some good PR. Character evidence, though sometimes inadmissible, was important in the Hunger Games. He took a golden flower from his satchel. He approached the front of the chariot, reaching out towards the journalist with a smile, golden rose in hand. But... someone behind them caught his eye. "...Jasper? Akuma?" He whispered under his breath, his eyes meeting with theirs. He reached out towards them instead, his entire body shifting towards them as the chariot barreled down it's route. He laughed in disbelief as a tear fled from his eye. He was unsure if it was from the speed of the chariot, or from the emotion overtaking his soul. As he reached out to grant them the rose, he picked out a noise from the thousands of voices that bombarded his ears. /Click./ The journalist smiled at him as they looked at the photo of Dives's glowing fur and emotional gaze. Dives paused, his eyebrows furrowed... and then smiled back. written by art by
