Mini Task: Chapter by SkeltonsInTheCloset


Titania's POV:


It's finally come; the day of the Tribute Parade, and I couldn't be more excited! I'd already drawn up several ideas in advance for the outfits. I was so excited to see my tributes, and when I met them I was ecstatic.

Kira Hunters was the nicest girl ever, but her partner Hugh Janus wasn't very smart. He was quite dumb. But anyway, they were great. And their outfits were just gorgeous on them! I loved every moment I spent in the room designing clothes and making them.


This afternoon I was asked by Caesar Flickman if I'd come on his show for an interview. It wasn't being broadcast to all the districts of Panem, it was an exclusive Capitol broadcast. Tonight's show featured many of the other Stylists being interviewed about the games, the parade, and if they'd already planned on any outfits for the final interview if their tribute won. It's all very exciting to be on a TV show, but for me it means another day of lying about my feelings towards the games. I don't like them very much, but I'd be shunned if I said so. This is the Capitol after all.



"So, Titania, how are you feeling about the upcoming Tribute Parade? Are you confident your tributes will capture the audience with their look?" Caesar Flickman asked, chuckling and smiling to the audience as he did so. I smiled back, stroking a bit of my blue hair behind my ear. "Well, I'm not sure what the audience's feelings will be towards them, but I'm confident I did a good job and that they'll receive a great amount of applause." I replied.

"Ah yes, and can you give us any hints what to expect when we see District Three out there?" Caesar always tried to pry things out of us Stylists, he wanted us to give away our secrets. But I wasn't about to tell him anything, I wanted it to come as a pleasant surprise.

"Oh Caesar, I'm not telling!" I put on a taunting voice, winking at the audience and the cameras. "You'll just have to wait and see!"
"Tsk tsk, Titania you are the vault of secrets. I can pry nothing out of you!" Caesar said laughingly. Honestly it wasn't that hard to pry secrets from me. Although I have kept my feelings hidden well; maybe he was right.

"Another question, how do you think your tributes will fare in the arena?" His question sort of caught me off guard. I hadn't expected that at all. So I sat there, silently thinking it over.
"Well, Kira is muscular. And Hugh- is strong." I hesitated on almost every word, my feelings of fear growing as I thought of what lie in wait inside that arena. What if they didn't make it? How would that make me feel?

"Titania?" Caesar's voice cut off my thoughts, causing me to flinch at his tone. "Yes, ahem-" I cleared my throat. "I think they have a chance. But it's really up to the sponsors and these Capitol citizens. I know I'll be putting in a vote for my tributes, I can only hope they're liked enough to be sponsored. " I smiled at the crowd, hoping to win them over for the sakes of my tributes. All it would take is a simple vote, a sponsorship, and that could mean the difference between life and death for these kids. Life and death.

"Yes, yes, I think we can all agree." Caesar commented and trailed off. "Well, next question-" He read from a card in his hand before looking at me excitedly and asking the next question on his list; "What will it mean for you if they did win? And will you come back to be a Stylists next year for the games?"

I thought a moment. "Well Caesar, I think it would mean the world to me if they win. Because really, it's the sponsors and popularity that keep these kids alive besides their knowledge of survival. If they're disliked by the sponsors then the Gamemakers will give them an exciting death; so if I can make them look stunning in their interviews and parades, and then they win, I will feel that I've played my role in helping them get their victory." I said honestly, smiling as I ended my little mini speech.

"And as for coming back, I think I'd be honored. I absolutely love making and designing the outfits, and the other Stylists have welcomed me graciously, so, yes, I'll come back." I replied again. Caesar smiled and laughed with the audience. "Ah yes, great great. Well that's all for the interviews folks! See you on Parade Day!" He announced. Music played and then the cameras were shut off and people started to get up from their seats and leave.

I shook Caesars hand and some of his crews before heading downstairs to grab my jacket and leave. But when I reached there I met the former Stylist from the party, Aros. "Hey," He said with a bright smile. "Hey." I replied, taking up my coat and smiling back at him. "Where are you headed now?" He asked nonchalantly. I couldn't help the grin that played on my cheeks as we walked towards the exit, Aros following me closely. "Home, I think." I answered, stepping outside into the fresh air. Aros and I stood by the threshold awhile longer before either of us said anything. We just smiled at each other and looked around at the many buildings.

"You got time for a drink? I believe Slinky's is open till midnight," Aros asked, looking at me hopefully. I nodded my head a little in response, "Sure." I said as casually as I could. Ever since the party Aros and I had kept in touch. He visited me once when I was doing the finishing touches on the Parade dress. He was the first to get a peek at the outfits before the parade. We shared many goals and ambitions in life, and had much in common. I think that's what drew us together into this friendship. Overall he's not a bad guy, he's kind, considerate, he loves children, and I have a feeling he shares the same dislike for the Hunger Games that I do.


And now as we walk over to Slinky's talking casually about life and the current excitements I have a gut feeling I can trust Aros with my feelings. So I go for it. "Aros, there's something I think you should know about me." I start off in a quiet tone, feeling the presence of a slight fear someone might be listening. "It's good I hope. You're not a crazy murderous woman are you?" He said jokingly.

I laughed a bit but then reminded myself this was serious. "No. Nothing like that, I just- I'm not like anyone else." I said as carefully as I could. I did not want him to get the wrong impression or anything; I love my country and my people. I'm proud to be from the Capitol, I just don't share it's views. I'm not rebellious, just different. If only I can find a way to tell him that without it sounding like I hate Panem's president.

"I know. That's why I like you." Aros said smoothly. He stopped walking and so did I. But when he leaned in to kiss me I got scared and pulled away. "Aros, I'm sorry. It's not that I don't like you or anything. Because I do, but I think you should know that I-" He stopped me by walking away again, discouraged. I just resisted a kiss from him, that ought to make a guy upset. But I couldn't afford his disappointment right now, I had to get this off my chest.

"I can't stand the games," I blurted out as he just kept walking away at a faster pace than I could keep up with. He stopped immediately and didn't move. I was almost afraid this might be a bigger deal to him than I thought, but when he turned around I caught sight of a big smile on his face. "Me neither." He whispered. "I thought I'd never find someone who felt the same way I did." He said, stepping closer and still smiling. I sighed a breath of relief and happiness and moved closer myself.

"Titania, I don't care if you hate the president. I'll still feel the same way about you." He closed the gap between us, moving his hands close, preparing to take me in his arms. I looked up into his eyes, "The same way?" I questioned, holding our gaze to be sure this wasn't a dream, that he was serious. "I-" He stopped himself and blinked a couple times to clear his vision. He cleared his throat and then brought up his arms to wrap around me. "I- l-love you." He breathed silently. Although I hadn't known him long, I felt the same way. I felt that he was the one. That I, too, loved him.

We kissed with fiery passion, the sparks electrifying our romance and sending chills down my spine. He was wonderful, I couldn't be happier.