Tai Hosman's P.O.V. (D4)

I heave myself into the chariot beside Brad.

"Well, don't you look fabulous!" Brad says sarcastically.

"Dude, you're wearing the same thing. So that means you're just as 'fabulous' as me," I throw back.

I look down at my costume. I'm wearing a dark blue tunic with a gold net-like belt. A long, aquamarine cape drapes over my shoulders, and I have a plastic trident in my hand. To my great delight, I'm barefoot.

"Hey, the doors are about to open," Brad says, nudging my elbow.

I look at the doors, but they aren't open.

"How can you tell they're about to open?"

"Just look at the horses. Some of them are getting ready to move. They know when everything is supposed to happen. They're specially trained just for the opening ceremonies of the Games."

Almost immediately after Brad finished his explanation, the doors of the stables open. The loud cheering of the waiting crowd reaches my ears.

I can just see the District Two chariot heading out. Their shiny helmets gleam when the street-lights hit them.

Suddenly our chariot jolts into motion. I stare in amazement at the two white horses drawing our chariot. How do they know when to move? Nobody is even steering them. They know exactly where to go and when to stop.

We are met with loud clapping and Capitol citizens shout our names as our chariot rolls out. The horses pull the chariots all through the Capitol streets. It was almost like a parade, as some people call it.

The chariots finally come to a halt when we reach the President's Mansion.

The crowd becomes silent as the President walks onto his balcony. He smiles and waves to the crowd. Then he welcomes us all here and reminds us of what a great honor it is to be a part of a Quarter Quell. He also says a little speech about the Games and how exciting this Quell is and he wishes us good luck. Finally, he announces each tribute's name and district.

After he finishes with District One's announcements, their chariot returns to the Tribute Hotel. The same goes for District Two and Three. Then it is finally District Four's turn.

"And the male tributes from District Four are, sixteen-year-old Tai Hosman, and thirteen-year-old Brad Barlin!"

The crowd shouts our names once again as our chariot turns to make it's return journey to the Tribute Hotel.

I can still hear the President's booming voice announcing tribute's names by the time we reach the Hotel.