#postparade36

[mondovermatter]

Not Feelin' It || Post-Parade OS

They pair off pretty quickly, all talking and introducing themselves as if this were a normal party. I might have actually stood a chance if that were the case, but rather than being in a level playing field I'm surrounded by girls and boys alike in all sorts of crazy getups while I myself am dressed like something out of a mommy porn novella. 

So I head for the elevator right off the bat. I know it's not in my best interests, and that my mentor and escort alike will be on my ass about not mingling with the crowd. But it's not like I plan on running alone for the entire game… I just can't start tonight. Tomorrow is going to be a new day, and all of us will be in simple clothes, and I won't run the risk of bumping into some girl when she's half-naked and I'm not much better. 

The suite is empty when I arrive-- well. There are avoxes there, but their silent stares aren't very comforting. I find my room, complete with pajamas laid out, and immediately start stripping the costume off. Upon examination in the mirror, I see the straps have left light markings along my side. Even after showering they refuse to fade away. 

I wait up in the common room for a bit. I suppose there's a part of me that wants to see someone before I go to bed - anyone at all, really. The complete lack of interaction is unsettling. When an hour goes by and still no one's arrived, I retreat back to my room and try to get some sleep. 

Tomorrow, I swear to myself as I start to drift off, warm sheets and an unnaturally soft bed making it easy, I can meet people tomorrow.

[camdenshaw]

Milk & Cookies || Kyera & Camden || Stables

Leaning on my club, I surveyed the room from the refreshment table. I was a little tired, but the thought of meeting some of my competition fueled me. These were new people. I could use some old jokes and they wouldn't groan. Some of them wouldn't be sick of my shit and being a goofball. 

Excellent. 

There were a few people that I could talk to, but I spotted a girl that looked like she would be interesting to talk too. She was very pretty and that kind of drew me to her right away. But mostly, it was because she was sort of on her own at the moment. She wouldn't be distracted by other people. This girl could focus on me. 

I sauntered up to her with a glass of milk in my hands. "Hey. I know milk does a body good, but damn girl, how much have you been drinking?"

I smiled and raised my eyebrows, hoping she would get that I was joking and wasn't serious. 

[augustrobbins]

Loafing Around || August & North || Stables

After saying bye to Kyera I take a look at the clock looming over the stables. Ms. Henries would be so proud of me i was the best analog reader in the whole class! I still have some time before I need to be back at the suite and I want to meet as many people as possible! Moving through the crowded stables is a little tough with the costume but I manage to squeeze through a few tightly packed groups of chatting people and when I do I can see one of the prettiest girls I've ever seen standing all by herself.

Someone had just left her and it looks like she's thinking about heading back to her suite for the night. Without thinking I start running at her, the pretty girl can't leave yet! "Hi you're really pretty and I want to talk to you wait!" I yell at the pretty girl. She stops in her tracks and turns to look at me as I stop a few feet from her. Already I can feel my cheeks turning bright red.

"Sorry, I uh-" I stutter suddenly at a loss for words. This never happens! "I don't even know what to say right now so uh, hi I'm August but my district partner Nessa calls me Gus have you met Nessa she's really nice and pretty too." I got out all in one breath.

[augustrobbins]

August Rush || August & Kyera || Stables

Nessa has to help me down from the cart cause it's a long ways down and my costume is a little hard to jump in. July said we had a strict bedtime but there's a little time to get to know the other contestants first. I was so excited when she told me that even now I'm bouncing up and down! In front of me all the tributes are starting to mill about, forming small groups to talk in and get to know each other. With a smile on my face I set out to find someone to talk to.

"Hello. Excuse me." I tug on whatever I can grab hold of on costumes but no one really seems to notice. I'm about to give up when I spot a really pretty girl who seems to be standing all alone. Before anyone else can get to her I run as fast as I can in the bread costume, nearly tripping and tumbling into her.

"Hi I'm August what's your name?" I smile at her as I steady myself on one of the stable dividers. 

[roman-palmroy-blog]

Bred Killers || Roman and Elias || Stables

My first mission after the parade was to make allies. Both of my mentors suggested the Career tributes. So far, I was able to lay my eyes on an interesting amount of other people, but I know I'd suffer the scolding of Vanilla mostly if I don't talk to my fellow Careers. The male from District One was strong and much older than I was which meant he was more experienced in training. He was definitely someone I'd rather have with me than against me in the Arena. Then there was his District Partner, who from her reaping, was feisty and a fighter. Mika might not be a Career, but I know for a fact she's at least more pampered than the other tributes, getting her a more of an advantage. Plus, she's absolutely gorgeous, and I wouldn't mind running into her in my time in the Capitol. I walked over to the chariot from the District of Luxury in hopes to meet either one of them. 

Target set on the muscular individual wearing the Julius Caesar outfit. The girl was nowhere to be seen however, shame but I'll just have to meet her some other time. Another Avox approached me with a tray of drinks. I took the entire bottle and motioned her to follow me. She respectfully abode, almost as if she was there to follow my every will. "Hello," I began as I got to his chariot. I popped the cap off using my fish-hook bracelet and poured him a glass. "Care for a drink? They're free, and I believe everyone in the Capitol wants us to envy their expensive beverages."

[roman-palmroy-blog]

Things in Common || Roman & Sloan || Stables

President Snow's speech was something I was looking forward to. Father wanted me to show him my respect, and to recite his usual spoken words of courage and sacrifice of the tributes. Then that boy from Twelve had to show such repulsive attitude towards him. I really don't understand the way people think sometimes. How could they hate the same man that runs the nation of Panem. Without him, the Districts and the Capitol would be in anarchy. I have my target set on that guy once we get in the Arena. However, his punishment did got my blood boiling less. 

My District Partner and I stepped out of our chariot, motioned to get into our apartments as soon as possible by our mentors. But the tributes around me that might pose as potential allies made me a little disobedient. I urged my team to go without me, and I was grateful they actually complied. An Avox offered me a glass filled with the pink beverage which I recognized from earlier. I walked forward an bumped into someone, luckily not spilling a single drop from my drink. "My apologies, M'lady, I should have watched where I was going." I hoped my charming sorry was enough to start off nicely. 

[sloanevietunion]

Damsel in Distress || Mika & Sloane || Stables

Calin and I parted as soon as the chariots pulled into the stables. I knew we needed to have a discussion but this wasn’t the place. The last thing I needed was another tribute sticking their nose in my business. When I was confident that the walls didn’t have ears I’d bring up his selfless offer, but until then I needed a drink and to mingle as Daisy had so elegantly put it. It was overwhelming being surrounded by people who no longer looked themselves; District Seven was covered in mushrooms and flowers, District Five were wrapped in long black wires, District Twelve were still smouldering and then there was little August prancing around as a slice of bread. It was moronic how they thought these were apt depictions of life in our Districts. This stupidity seemed like something I’d need to become accustomed to as the days wore on. Yet, it didn’t mean I had to like it.

I plucked a glass from a tray, throwing back the fizzy yellow liquid as I yearned for the burn of a vodka. All of this sugary stuff was capable of was giving me cavities. It was then as I surveyed my fellow tributes that I heard a curse, turning around to see the girl from District One fighting with the spoke of a chariot. She’d veered off course, snagging her dress on the wheel and despite tugging at the material it wouldn’t budge. Resting my glass on the closest flat surface I walked towards her, bending down to unravel the material from the wheel finally freeing her dress from its captivity. “You can kill a snake, but a chariot gets the better of you?”

[dotev-hunter-original-blog]

Sexy Encounter || Dotev & Raf || Stables

I wandered around the stables bored out of my mind. I really didn't want to meet anyone else today. I was tired and annoyed at this fucking dress for aging all these damn layers and shit I keep tripping over trying to walk. And these god damned snake vine rubbing up on me is less than acceptable.

I decided to head over to the table littered with bottles of alcohol. I needed it and  was okay with being alone for a few minutes. Until I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to find the boy from 6.