#cotcpostparade

After having some quick chats with Mallory and Zale, I scanned the room, trying to find a familiar face. Or at least one that made me feel a little more comfortable than I was currently. I pulled out a couple of feathers from my sleeve as I searched, feeling more and more like I should just go back up to my room and sleep. It would prepare me better for training tomorrow.

And then I noticed a flash of blond hair and a familiar smile. My chest felt a little lighter as I walked up to approach him. Leo. 

"Well this is fun," I said sardonically as he lifted a piece of food into his mouth. Chewing, he turned around to look at me.

It seemed like the tributes were mingling after the parade, and I decided to join them. After all I needed to get a better impression of them, and this was my first proper opportunity. I could see Ayla talking with someone further away, but although I tried to wave it seemed like she did not see me. I would have to have a chat with her later.

 Scanning the crowd I saw Rose, the girl I had barely talked to on the hovercraft.  She was standing alone, and I took advantage of the opportunity and headed confidently in her direction. I noticed she was wearing a really nice dress, and was planning to compliment her on it. I tried the best I could to seem confident, but truthfully I was happy that I knew someone that was not engrossed in a conversation with someone else.

I hopped off my chariot, exhausted and relieved that I could let the act go. I knew the way to get sponsors was to kiss up to the crowd, to show them that I was spunky and personable. Though I was not naturally any of those things, I felt I did a satisfactory job. I was looking forward to heading straight back to my room, picking out a couple of the feathers in my dress, but it seemed everyone else was talking amongst themselves, nobody making moves to go back to isolation. 

I had been told this was our opportunity to get to know the other tributes, maybe make some alliances or scout out for weaknesses. But I was tired. Socialization wore me out. Sighing, I searched the room for other loners. 

One of the girls from Seven hopped off the chariot and made her way to the edge of the room, which is when I made my move. I needed to at least appease my escort, who had insisted we talk to tributes from other districts. One conversation wouldn't hurt. 

Talking to Leo was fun. Ever since the meeting, we got closer and I enjoyed every second I spent with him. Brother or not, I was thankful that in the Games, he was someone I could trust. After our conversation, the two of us agreed to walk around to take a closer look at our potential allies and competitors. Everyone seemed to have been interacting already, no doubt planning on working together in the Arena. Since that was the case, I got to work too. 

Alcoholic beverages were being served by passing Avoxes, but I refused to take part in drinking. Okay, so maybe champagne wouldn't hurt, so I grabbed a glass and continued to walk around. I had a mission to talk to someone and either consider them an enemy or a friend. My eyes caught sight of a familiar face in the hovercraft, and I made my way over to him.

The parade wasn't as bad as I thought. All of the candy-coloured citizens that were screaming on top of their lungs and raising their fists in the air just to get a glimpse of us was in a way flattering. I was now aware of how the Careers who trained their entire life for this moment feel when they get to the Capitol or even their reaping. They're exposed to a strong sense of pride and a brief period of fame before getting sent to the Arena. The only way the get to keep that stardom is if they win, and the Game Makers stated the down side of being closely watched after. I still valued my life and I would rather not be one of the Fallen, so to me, it was a small price to pay. 

Our costumes were another thing that I actually liked. We were dressed as royals. Leo was Arthur, and I, his half-sister Morgana. Siblings, just like Ryner said. That trick with the fiery sword and flaming dragon couldn't have been from a designer. I now knew what Leo can do, and I discovered that our powers were similar, having more evidence that what Ryner said is true. 

I hated socializing with people and now that I had gotten that first interaction over with I was really wanting to punch someone in the face. I hated being around people. Feeling their eyes on me, silently judging me. I know my mentor told me to not get into anymore fights but at the rate this was going I would be surprised if I didn't punch someone in the face before the day was over. 

It was almost like everyone had forgotten the reason we were here. I may have not gone to school but I was absolutely sure that the predator didn't befriended his prey before killing it. I had read somewhere to keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Well I didn't have friends but I had a heck of a lot enemies. None which I wanted near me. The way I saw it, the sooner I got rid of them the better. 

Grabbing two more shots from the Avox I was determine to get myself drunk if it meant I got to forget about all this mess even for a few minutes. Anything to free my mind. Throwing my head back I let the strong liquid burn my throat but as I was doing this I felt someone bump into me. 

You had to be fucking kidding me. 

At the end of the Parade, I looked around at all the tributes, Doing my best to remember who was doing what in the Parade. The kid from Four with the water piqued my interest, however I hadn't had any interest in talking to him. And Anatolia had already scurried off somewhere. Most limey to find our mentor and talk strategy, always thinking that one.

While she did that, I sat sidesaddle on my horse, twirling an arrow in my hands and tried to decided what i wanted to do. Did i want to talk to anyone,  cause that went so well last time, or just head upstairs.

Ultimately I wanted to take advantage of the booze sitting out so I hopped down from my horse and made my way over to the food tables. While walking there, I passed the chariot turned race car from Six and I jumped. The little girl was standing there, but i hadn't noticed her until I was close to her. She looked absolutely terrified and I rolled my eyes.

How very dreadful that parade was! Oh gods, being shown off to the entire nation was quire exhausting. I could return to my suite right now and sleep for an eon, but alas, I must begin to interact with my fellow competitors. I simply cannot allow them to edge me out by knowing more about each other! 

I part ways with my sister huntress Mallory. We both have agreed to head off separately in search of opponents. I adjust my crown. After all, it would be quite disrespectful of me to have it on crooked. It is a sacred item of a huntress, worn from the moment one is inducted. 

I move cautiously throughout the room, my arms crossed as I survey the group of tributes. I walk in swift movements as I hunt out my prey. My eyes flicker back and forth between each and every one of my fellow tributes, similar to the hunting tendencies of the wolf, as I zero in on one.