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KILL FOR YOUR LOVE.

act one.

(chapter four, a parade of death)

capitol train / remake centre / city circle, 72 ADD.

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JUNIPER FELT SLIGHTLY LIGHTER at her acceptance of death. She realised that no matter what she does, it wouldn't mean anything because Juniper and Justice Hale were set up to die. Clear as water, clear as glass. 

And so, when Nadine harshly knocked on her door the next morning, Juniper didn't feel scared at the impending doom that was the Tribute Parade because it didn't matter. Nothing mattered anymore. Juniper was going to die and she was okay with that. 

So, with that in mind, Juniper got up easily, cracking her joints and spine as she stared at herself in the mirror. She fell asleep in her Reaping attire, the outfit in question being all wrinkled and creased from where she rolled over during her sleep. Her eyes were red from the crying yesterday with violet patches underneath. Her hair was messy and flying into her face. But Juniper didn't have the energy to fix her appearance because in the end, it did not matter. 

"Well, you look lovely."

As Juniper walked out of her room, which had taken her by surprise at how massive it was, being able to house nearly a quarter of District Ten, and into the dining cart, she saw the smug face that was Brent Higgins. He eyed Juniper with an amused smile, choking on his chortles as he studied her appearance. 

"Yes, thank you," Juniper snapped as she adjusted her eyes on the sight before her. 

Brent, Lucy, and Nadine were all sitting down at the wooden table, plates filled with breakfast foods before them. They all wore new clothing that was clean and fresh. Nadine, of course, wore the most absurd outfit that had the brightest shade of pink. Juniper had to blink numerous times to block out the highlighter colour that attacked her eyes. Justice was already sitting at the table, a plate filled with fruit in-front of him. He too was still in his Reaping attire.

"Have something to eat, Juniper." Lucy smiled at her slightly as she picked up a plate, setting it down. "You're going to need energy."

Slowly, Juniper agreed as she sat down across from the woman and beside her brother. If she was going to die soon, she might as well have a good meal. And so, Juniper picked up nearly everything that was in the little bowls that littered the table. Her plate was filled with an array of fruit, pancakes, and toast.

"So, the day will go like this," Nadine began to say as Juniper shovelled food down her throat. "We'll arrive at the Capitol, you'll meet your prep teams, get ready and polished—"

"I'm sorry. Polished?" Justice asked. 

"Don't interrupt." Nadine narrowed her eyes at him, instantly making the boy cower down. "Then you will have lunch with your separate stylists, get dressed, attend the Parade, and then we will have dinner."

The two Hale siblings nodded slightly as Lucy leaned forward, saying, "For now, just be focused on the Parade. At dinner, we will discuss the training and mentoring."

"What's to be discussed with the mentoring?" Juniper asked as she threw blueberries into her mouth. 

"Well... you two will be mentored separately, of course," Lucy told her. Juniper blinked numerous times. 

"Separately?" 

"Yes." Lucy nodded. 

"Why?" Justice asked. 

"Well, only one survives, kiddo." Brent laughed as he poured himself a cup of coffee. That fact should have stung Juniper... but it didn't. "You do know that, right?"

"Of course." Justice nodded. "But it won't be me or June so it doesn't matter."

"Still," Lucy said. "There's two mentors, two tributes... but we will discuss this at dinner."

Juniper and Justice grumbled under their breaths as they continued eating their massive plates of food. There was no point in discussing the subject considering the two had already made a pact to die together. Neither one wanted to win and it would remain that way and couldn't Lucy and Brent see that? Their nonchalance when it came to the Games? How they didn't try? Lucy Stevens was a smart woman, she must have known that the two were placid on dying in that arena together.  

But, of course, they didn't. And so, Brent spent the entire breakfast commenting on the people of Ten, Lucy trying to feed them up, and Nadine telling them the process of the Parade over and over again. But Juniper didn't listen to any of them, focusing on her meal and her stuffed stomach. She was sure she couldn't eat another thing for days. 

And whilst breakfast was awkward after their conversation, the silence killing everyone, Juniper forgot all about it when the train suddenly began to slow down, the dim area being lit up by bright lights. And as if on cue, Juniper and Justice both rushed to the window to get a better look. 

They were at the Capitol. 

Humongous buildings that were encrusted with silver and gold glittered in the sun, a large hydropower lake residing just in the middle, soft waves lapping over each other. Everything was so grandiose and Juniper was in awe. She was put under a trance from the glimmering silver and gold plating of the buildings. She could hear the soft lullaby from the water. She could practically feel the wind of rich flowing through her hair as she closed her eyes. But then suddenly, the obnoxious sound of Capitol people cheering had Juniper startled. 

She was no longer standing in-front of the impressive scenery that was the Capitol. Instead, she was face-to-face with a crowd of dressed up civilians, their wigs higher than Juniper herself, their makeup hideous and frightening, and their clothes as bright as a lightbulb. Juniper realised that the people didn't match the beauty of the scenery. 

"Well, come along." Nadine scoffed as she grabbed the girl by the shoulders, yanking her away from the door. 

Justice's eyes were wide as he stared at the different Capitol people, who were all faintly yelling their names and trying to peer inside the train, but as Juniper laid a hand on his shoulder, he immediately calmed. There was no point in being scared by these people. They were going to die anyway. 

Nadine walked over to the door that was the entrance and pushed a button. It swivelled open and the faint yells turned into booming screams as camera flashes went off, momentarily blinding Juniper. 

The escort was the first to get off the train and as she walked down the little runway they had set out for them to walk down, she winked and waved to the crowd before turning around, nodding at the two Hale twins. Brent pushed Juniper out first. 

She nearly stumbled to the ground, but she regained her balance when she realised she was out of the train. She was in the public. Everyone's eyes were on her. But it didn't matter, she reminded herself, she was going to die anyway. And so, it didn't matter if she acted afraid or if she gave the people of the Capitol a show. She was dead anyway. 

So, Juniper walked down the runway, ignoring the crowds as they practically thrusted themselves at her. There was no point in trying because where would it get her? Sure, a few sponsors and an actual chance at surviving in the arena. But Juniper didn't want to survive. She wanted to die. She had to die. There was no good world that didn't have Justice in it. And so, Juniper Hale must die because there was no way she would survive without her twin. 

Justice was right behind Juniper and at the sudden appearance of the two tributes from Ten, the Hale twins, the crowd went manic. Guttural screams were echoing around the station, people were trying to jump over the barricade and Juniper looked at them all appalled. Was this how they normally reacted? Juniper had seen the arrival of the tributes many times on television, but she never saw the Capitol act like this. And she probably would have turned around and retreated back into the train if it wasn't for Lucy's warm hand being placed on her shoulder. 

"Just keep going forward," the woman mumbled into her ear.

And so, with her comfort, Juniper started to walk forward again, completely blocking out the crowd. Justice was still behind her with Brent and Nadine and she felt sympathy for her younger brother. He was stuck with the nutters whilst Juniper was with the sane. 

"Here we are." Lucy sighed finally as they exited the train station, entering the building that Juniper knew as the Remake Centre. Justice, Brent, and Nadine stopped beside them. "Now, both of your prep teams will be in here and then you will see your respective stylists."

"One thing you two should know," Brent said as they walked. "It doesn't hurt that much."

And as Brent Higgins said that, as Juniper was warded off to a group of men that was painted in polka-dots, she decided that the Victor of the Sixty-Eighth Hunger Games was her enemy because being prepped did hurt and was the most uncomfortable thing Juniper had ever imagined. 

Sitting naked in-front of three hungry, pathetic men was not what she had in mind. Justice was lucky, she thought, for he had a mixture of males and females as his prep team, but not Juniper. No, she was forced to withstand being prepped by three lanky men that eyed her for too long, who were all too harsh when it came to getting ready. 

They scrubbed her body down with some gritty foam that removed not only dirt, but multiple layers of her skin harshly. They filed her nails to perfect uniform shapes painfully. And when it came to removing the hair off of her body, the three men did not give her mercy. They ripped the wax so cruelly that Juniper felt the need to puke as she felt not only hair be torn off, but raw flesh. In conclusion, Juniper despised getting prepped. 

But she had to admit that even though the three men were grotesque, cruel, and disgusting, they were masters at their art. So harshly done, but so beautifully so because even though Juniper was on the brink of tears during the entire time, not speaking a word except from a stray cry or whimper, she still looked beautiful. This was something she realised as she stared into the mirror. 

The men all stood behind her, faces nonchalant as they watched her. Watched her too closely for her liking, but Juniper tried to ignore that as she shrugged on her thin robe. Never had she been so cleaned, so beautiful. 

Her hair was shiny and silky as it laid straight down her back. Her lips were painted with a deep purple as her eyelids were dusted smokily. It was simple, really, but Juniper didn't care because she wasn't used to things like this. Back at Ten, she was always covered in dirt, dust, and sweat. But not in the Capitol. But it didn't matter, Juniper suddenly remembered, because she was going to die anyway. 

"Yara would like to see you now."

"Ah, so you three do speak." Juniper rolled her eyes as she tightened her robe over her tender body. It was still raw from the jabbing and poking the men did. 

"This way, Miss Hale."

They ignored her quip and one of the men stepped forward, grasping her arm tightly as he began to lead her out of the room. Juniper was sure a bruise would appear later on as she felt the man's hold tighten with every hallway and stairs they had to walk through. And as Juniper let the male push her around, she tried to remember the District Ten stylist. 

Her name was obviously Yara, but Juniper couldn't seem to remember who the woman actually was. She had seen all of the Hunger Games since the moment she could talk considering it was mandatory, but she couldn't remember Yara. But it didn't surprise her. They never showed the stylists unless they did some beautiful work or if their tribute won. No-one in Ten had survived since Brent and all of the outfits had been atrocious. 

And so, Juniper was coming up with different images about who Yara was when she was chucked into the stylist's office. Some pictures were rather bizarre and so, Juniper wasn't surprised when she actually saw the woman.

The stylist, who was exceptionally tall, was facing a wall that was entirely glass, looking out at the Capitol. Her hands were folded behind her back and Juniper noted that her skin was ghastly white, so white that it had to be cosmetically enhanced.

"She's here," one of the polka-dots murmured before turning around on his heel, walking out of the room, slamming the door behind him. It was just Juniper and Yara. 

"Hello, Juniper Hale."

When Yara turned around, Juniper raised a brow. The woman had endured so much plastic surgery that she didn't even look human. Her cheekbones were sticking out as if the bones were raised, her lips looked to be inflated, and there was not a wrinkle in sight. And her hair was an elegant aqua that was tied in an intricate braid down her back.

"Hi?"

"I am Yara Give," the woman said as she took a few steps forward. She was wearing a tight, leather jumpsuit and with every step she took, her attire creaked and squeaked. Juniper was choking on her chortles. "Your stylist."

"Are you really?" Juniper nearly laughed as she had a bemused look painted on her face. "Lord, save me."

Yara tried to make a face that involved the raise of a brow, but the plastic surgery was so intense, her look remained the same and so, she simply said, "I'll let that slide... are you hungry?"

"Not really..." Juniper mumbled as she tightened her robe. Yara merely examined her face and hair before sighing. 

"Fine."

Yara began to walk off to another room and Juniper grumbled under her breath before following. They both went through a door that revealed a sitting room and like the area they were just in, three walls were blank with one being entirely glass, showcasing that it was noon.

The stylist sat down on a grey couch, a colour Juniper had now seen multiple times, that was facing a low table. Yara pressed a simple button on the side and the top split open, another tabletop rising with a steamy array of food. 

Juniper could practically feel herself drool as she looked at the different arrays of soups and rolls, all steamy and utterly delicious. Yara gathered up a bowl and started to assemble her meal, all while Juniper looked helplessly at it. 

"Better start eating," the Capitol woman told her. "It'll all be gone by the time I've finished."

Juniper blinked once before rushing to the couch opposite of Yara, leaning down to grab a bowl. The minute she poured soup in it and dipped rolls, her entire breakfast disappeared as she felt her stomach rumble. She did not waste time.

"So," Yara said as she placed a napkin on her lap, eyeing the girl. "The Tribute Parade."

"The Tribute Parade." Juniper nodded. 

"After your darling escort had a word with me, I have been forced to change my design," Yara explained. The girl from Ten figured that Yara and Nadine did not like each other. "I'm sure you'll appreciate it... it is to represent your district."

"I don't care what it is," Juniper told her. "Do what you want."

"You don't care?"

"I'm going to die anyway."

Yara looked up from her bowl of soup and rolls, spoon stopping halfway from her mouth. She placed it back down as she said, "So, you're giving up already?"

"I'm accepting reality."

"I suppose that's one way to look at it." Yara nodded before she continued eating. "I mean — having twins in the Games is extremely rare. I assume your brother also has the same mindset?"

"Yes," Juniper told her. "We have both accepted our fates."

Yara hummed to herself slightly as she licked her lips. Juniper nearly felt bad for her. She actually felt bad for everyone. They were dedicated to trying to make at least one of the two survive, but they had already accepted their deaths. The Hale twins were going to die in that arena no matter what.

"Either way," Yara began. "I am not letting my design go to waste... well, hurry up. Finish eating."

And so, Juniper scoffed down her meal and Yara got to work the minute the girl got out of her seat. She had seen some of the outfits the other tributes wore from Ten and none of them looked pretty. It was an array of cow suits, cowboys, or farmers. One year, the stylist, which was Yara, had dressed them up as butchers, splattering blood and fake cow intestines all over. That was not even three-year-ago. 

But as Juniper looked at herself in the mirror an hour later, she was not dressed up in anything like those attires. Instead, a soft cloth that was coloured black encased her body. A dress that covered her arms and legs, splaying out slightly on the floor. And whilst one would question how this would relate to District Ten, it was the large, furry shoulder blades that answered it. Black fur completely littered the shoulder blades, puffing out to be nearly as large as Nadine's wig. 

"This isn't real fur, is it?" Juniper asked as she stared at herself, Yara behind her. There was an intricate design that trickled down from the neckline, swooping around the waist, and drooping to her hip. 

"Of course." Yara nodded and the girl immediately felt herself blanch. "Oh, don't be silly. You lot butcher animals and eat them... I'm sure you can survive the shearing of an animal."

"What animal fur is it?"

"How am I supposed to know?"

"Uh — because you designed it?"

Yara waved off her comment and continued working on her finishing touches. And as Juniper watched her, she felt just as pretty as she did in the mirror with the three men. It was a shame, really, that she was going to die. 

When Yara finished her touches and studied Juniper, she gave a curt nod and began to lead her out of the office and towards the basement floor of the Remake Centre. It was a simple trip in an elevator, but Juniper was enthralled with it considering she had never ridden one before. She was tempted to ask Yara to ride again, but the doors opened to reveal the lower level. 

The basement of the Remake Centre was practically a massive stable, manure and hay being smelt and Juniper swore she was back at home. But she wasn't because when she surveyed the area, there were twelve chariots with twenty-four white horses, two attached to each carriage. And the tributes that Juniper had seen on television were all here. 

"Hey, found her!" An annoying voice echoed around and Juniper looked to see Brent, Lucy, Nadine, and Justice walking towards her. 

Justice was wearing a replica of Juniper's outfit with the exception of a suit instead of a dress. But he was still covered in the soft, black cloth with the ginormous fur shoulder pads. He looked different without the usual layer of sweat and dirt that caressed his flesh. 

"Well, don't you wash up nice?" Brent smirked as he studied Juniper. He was wearing the same clothes that he had on in the train. 

"Yara." Nadine scoffed as she examined the surgery-filled face that belonged to the stylist. "Don't you look... unnatural."

"Nadine." Yara smiled sickeningly. "You look just as fake as I do."

Juniper and Justice both looked at each other with raised brows, trying hard to not chuckle as they watched the feud that was happening between the escort and stylist. Brent smirked and Lucy looked rather uncomfortable.

"Well, you all look lovely," the redhead said, trying to change the subject as she looked over her shoulder, looking at the different tributes. "But you better be getting into your chariots."

Juniper and Justice both nodded and began to walk over to their carriage. As they did, the Hale girl took the moment to survey the other tributes. 

All of the Careers' stood at the front, all looking pretty and glamorous in their gowns and suits. They had sinister looks on their faces as they mocked the other tributes near them, who looked inferior in their presence. And then there was the pair from Six. They both held the nonchalance that they had during the Reaping and were already on their chariots, wings attached to their backs. District Six, transportation. 

But what really caught Juniper's eye was not the Careers', not the pair from Six, and nor the ones from Seven. It was the boy from Eight. He was skinny, and short, and was considerably smaller than the Careers'. But as Juniper watched his narrowed eyes, she wouldn't be surprised if he joined the Careers' or was considered a threat by them. But really, it didn't matter to Juniper. She was going to die anyway. 

When the opening music began to blare faintly, the massive doors sliding open to reveal the thunderous screams from the crowd-lined street, Lucy and Brent walked up to the chariot.

"Smile and wave, kiddies." Brent laughed as he took a swig of his flask that he pulled out from his pocket. "Need to get some sponsors."

"Yes, sponsors would be nice," Lucy agreed as she peered up at the two. "Do your best... I know you will do good."

As the two Victors' walked away, leaving Juniper and Justice to talk as they watched District One and Two ride out into the spotlight, it was the younger twin that spoke, "I feel bad for them. They are trying to help."

"What do they expect?" Juniper whispered as she clung onto the rail of the chariot. "They must know we've accepted our fate... Yara certainly does."

"She's weird, that one." Justice shook his head as he eyed his sister's stylist. "But I suppose all of them are... you know, my stylist is some junkie? He's so drunk, he won't even attend this."

"Capitol people are weird."

As Justice hummed in agreement, their horses started suddenly and Juniper realised they were next. District Nine had already left the stable and now, Ten was chasing after them. And as they did, as they entered the city, Juniper was momentarily blinded by the lights. 

People were everywhere, screaming and crying as they pointed at the tributes. Juniper and Justice's attires weren't anything special, but as the girl blinked to adjust her eyes, she saw that everyone was pointing at them, shouting at them and throwing roses onto the paved floor as the chariot rolled pass. 

They were all screaming their names, something they actually remembered, and a sense of joy filled Juniper's heart. She knew that the Capitol people didn't mean it, that they were just excited for another Hunger Games, but it didn't stop her from gingerly raising her hand to wave at those who blew kisses towards her. 

When she looked to her side, she saw that Justice was smiling brightly, which was being showcased on the large screens that littered the city. And when Juniper looked up, her face was also being put on view. But when her heart filled up with glee, the footage quickly changed to the pair from Eleven, who were barely smiling. 

The music still blared and vibrated in every fibre of Juniper's being as the twelve chariots filled the loop that was the City Circle. Every ledge of a building was filled with prestigious guests, the most powerful in the Capitol. But one small, thin man with paper-white hair stuck out on his balcony. 

President Snow.

"Welcome, tributes," the man said as he raised his arms. His face was filled with plastic surgery, just like Yara. "Welcome to the Capitol... we hope your stay here is satisfactory and we wish you luck in the Seventy-Second Annual Hunger Games!"

The Panem Anthem rang around as the camera flashed at each tribute's faces. It went on for a few minutes before President Snow disappeared, the chariots turning around to do one final lap of the City Circle before heading back into the Training Centre. 

When the doors shut just as District Twelve rolled into the stables, Juniper let out a sigh of relief as she closed her eyes. As she did and as the District Ten team surrounded them, she could only think of her father. Was he proud? Was he even watching? Surely he was. He'd give any chance to see his beautiful children, even if they were attending a parade of death. 

⇢ ˗ˏˋ matz 🎧 !

— here is what i imagined june's dress to be