Chapter Text
“From District 1, Vincent with a score of… 8.”
“Oh, it started already-” Jamie flopped down on the couch.
“Yeah, you’re late,” His district partner gave him a stern look.
“Hey, I got here before Erik!”
“You act like that’s an achievement.”
“You’re right.” Jamie moped focusing on the television”
“District 2’s Zyanya with a score of… 10.”
“Jesus that girl always looks like she’s gonna kill someone,” Jamie said.
“Hope it’s not us-”
“Sorry, I’m late,” Erik waltzed in. Taking his spot on the couch watching the rest of the tributes scores get called. “How do you think you did.” Sipping his drink he nodded towards his tributes. As their mentor, he was supposed to train them. Sometimes they trained themselves more rather than relying on him.
“I think I did ok,” Jamie started, “I’m not getting a 12 but I think I got better than a 5 that’s for sure.”
“I shot an arrow at the game makers…”
“That’s cool,” Jamie lay comfortably on the couch before doing a double take. “I’m sorry, YOU DID WHAT!”
“I was frustrated and I shot an arrow at them.”
“Chale, honey you shot a game maker?!-” Efia finally spoke up. Her gold and purple way of dressing was very distracting.
“No, I shot an apple. No one got hurt anyways.” She sighed. “You think it’ll affect my score?”
“Sweetheart if it doesn’t affect your score then the game makers will make your time in the arena a living hell.” Erik grabbed her by the shoulders.
“From District 11 Tala with a score of… 6,”
Here it was district 12.
“And now District 12 starting with Jamie with a score of… 6.”
‘Well that’s not bad,’ Jamie thought. ‘Not enough to be too much of a threat but also enough to not seem too weak.’
“...with a score of 11!”
“Oh my god-” Everyone started getting up. Jumping, Cheering, the works.
—
“So, Ms. Kirra what was your first impression of the capitol?”
“God, this suit is tight.” Jamie tried stretching out the fabric backstage.
“They’re going for the heartthrob look aren’t they.”
“Doesn’t mean I can't be a comfortable heartthrob.” Jamie retorted.
“Most of us are gonna die in a week and you’re complaining about how a suit feels.”
“You know I don’t mean it like that-”
Efia walked in. “You’re on in 5.”
“Good luck with your interview by the way.” Jamie did a little joke salute.
“Likewise.”
“That's the dress that catches on fire right?” Jamie touched the materials on her shoulder.
“Yeah, hopefully if i spin on stage I’ll get some more interest. Sponsors and whatnot.”
Jamie looked at the television screens hoping to find Hazal his stylist. Looking for her gray and black hair. Her way of dressing wasn’t as extravagant as everyone else in the capitol.
“We’re glad to have you. We’ll be rooting for you in the arena.”
Liam Bryne was dismissing the male from District 11.
“Now let's give a hand to the ‘Girl on Fire’ from District 12 here’s…”
Jamie watched the screens backstage. Looking at their tribute counterparts. All the careers were jumbled together; they laughed at the other tributes. Laughed about how they dressed, looked, and acted on stage.
“Did you see the boy from 9? God, he looked like he was gonna throw up.” The girl from 4 laughed.
“He’s gonna be one of the first.” The girl from 2 interjected. Her purple clothes purple clothes hugged her figure. Showing her curves in a way Jamie found uncomfortable. If he was feeling tight in his suit imagine her in her spandex.
Jamie looked back up at the screens just in time.
“I’m wearing it right now you wanna see?”
Jamie saw her get up and spin around. The flames danced on her dress burning away the above layer and leaving her in a red dress. Decorated to the brim in orange and yellow lace.
“It’s tacky.” Jamie heard the boy from 1 scoff at the dress.
‘You’re one to talk.’ Jamie thought. The boy’s suit was laced with gold and satin. Every part of him screamed wealth.
“It’s been a pleasure to have you. We’ll be rooting for you in the arena.”
She stepped off the stage.
“Now let's give it up for our last but certainly not least tribute. Jamie from District 12!”
Jamie stepped onto the stage stretching out his suit one last time for his own sake. Liam Byrne smiled at him as he walked on. His pearly white teeth contrasted with his beard. Dyed so that it would be symmetrical.
“Pleasure to be here Liam.”
“So how have you been.”
“Little confused I guess.” Jamie gave a small chuckle and scratched the back of his head.
“How come?” Liam leaned in resting his chin on his hand.
“I guess it’s because of guilt. I’m here enjoying all this amazing stuff. I mean there was this soup and the meat was so tender. Oh my god, I’m drooling just thinking about it.” Jamie wiped his mouth. Liam chuckled.
“Yeah, some of the food here is pretty good isn’t it?”
“Yes exactly. And I feel kinda guilty I can’t share it, y’know.”
“You’re very caring I see. Lucky for you,” Liam smiled putting his hand on Jamie’s shoulder. “If you’re able to win you can bring all this back to your district!”
“That’s gonna be a toughie.”
“I’m sure you have some tricks in your back pocket. We wish you luck it was a pleasure having you. We’ll be rooting for you in the arena.”
—
“Remember what Erik said-”
“First thing you need to do is find water,” Jamie repeated with air quotes. “He says it every time Hazal.”
“Just making sure. Don’t want my favorite mannequin to die from dehydration.” Hazal leaned her head back against the cold metal of the room that would bring Jamie up to the arena.
“Thank you Hazal,” Jamie sighed his situation weighing down on him. “I’m glad you’ve been real with me. I know that the chance I survive isn’t likely.”
“What can I say I’m a truthful person,” She walked up to Jamie. Opening his jacket she placed a Mockingjay pin on Jamie’s shirt. “Don’t say anything.”
“But this is-”
“What did I just say? But no I was able to make a replica just like her’s. She still has her original.” Hazal closed the zipper on the jacket.
“Thirty Seconds.” The robotic voice on the speaker signaled for tributes to head to their tubes.
“Don’t die stupidly,” Jamie stepped into the tube. “The last thing I want is for you to be the one who steps off too early and gets blown up.”
“I won’t.”
“If I could bet I would bet on you,” She pulled Jamie down so they were face to face and kissed his forehead. “Good luck.” Hazal stepped back as the tube wall came up isolating Jamie. The platform raised and he weakly waved goodbye to Hazal. The platform came up and opened into a forest arena. Blinding Jamie with the cloudly light from the sun.
'Damn.’