Snippet #1968730

I sat in my luxurious Capitol room, alone, on my bed. The crowds were quickly done with me as soon as they gained interest. Like I really thought I could get them on my side. I'm a farmer from 10. The'll be rooting for a career with a dumb name and illegal weapons training... Someone with a rich family who will sponsor them... someone who's stylist can actually make them not a farm animal during the showcases... someone who's smarter than me... smaller... faster...

An alarm clock starts blaring right in my ear; a second later its embedded in the wall across the room, sparks flying from it. I buried my head in my hands. Did I really think I had a chance? How idiotic.

A door opens and my stylist walks in. She's a very short woman who's built like a stick. She's older, about 40, but moves like she's young: swift, energetic, humming as she walked. Her skin is dark brown and her head bald except for a thin black stubble upon her head. She had full red lips and a bright yellow and pink Summer dress on. Her dark skin was subtly highlighted by light blue tattoos that resembled veins travelling through her body.

She glances nervously at the wall, but seems to disregard it. "Rita, District 10 Male Tribute Stylist." She extends her hand and I shake it halfheartedly, not getting up.

"Stand up, boy, stand!" She pulls me off the bed and I stand, shoulders slumped. "I have a lot to work with," She comments. "What do you do in 10?"

"Farm," I answer sullenly.

"Mm-hmm," Rita said, knowing I'm holding back. "Obviously you carry the cows out of the barn every day to look like that. Why so depressed? You look as if you have a chance."

"Sure I do," I sigh. "I'll get killed the first day, Rita."

"Only if you keep up that attitude!" She slaps my cheeks playfully, on her tiptoes to do so. "Now, let's get to my room! I have a lot of planning in order to pull this off! I wouldn't want to mess up my first year on District 10!"