Chapter 15 Chapter 15 The Burning Spirit

Having worked with my makeup artists Flavi, Vinia and Octavia so many times, I thought working with them again would be a matter of patience.But what I didn't expect was a terrible emotional torment waiting for me.Each of them cried at least twice during the make-up process, and Octavia cried all morning.Little did they know they really liked me, and they broke down when they saw that I was going back to the arena again.Plus, losing me would mean losing access to all important social events, especially my wedding, which they found even more unbearable.The idea of ​​being strong for others never crossed their minds, so instead I became their comforter.But it was me who was going to die, and it was annoying to think about it.

Remembering what Peeta said to me on the train, the waiter didn't want to see the victor back in the arena, and neither did the Capitol; Forget about it all.But interestingly, the Capitol does care about us, which is a new discovery.Of course, they have no problem watching children fight each other every year, but perhaps they are so familiar with the victors, especially those who have been famous for many years, that watching this game is like watching their old friends die.Then, this game might as well be for the common people in the jurisdiction to watch. I have been comforting them all the time, I was extremely tired and irritated when Cinna arrived and their tears reminded me of my family and they must have been crying for me too.I stood there in my thin robe, my skin prickling and sad, and I knew I never wanted to see even the slightest bit of regret on someone's face again.So as soon as he came in, I said loudly, "If you cry, I swear, I'll kill you right away."

Cinna just smiled and said, "It's very humid this morning, huh?" "You can wring me dry," I replied. Cinna put his hand on my shoulder and dragged me to lunch. "Don't worry, I often channel my emotions through work so that I hurt only myself and no one else." "I can't take it anymore," I warned him. "I know, I'll go back and talk to them," Cinna said. After lunch, I was in a slightly better mood.The main course of lunch is pheasant with colorful jelly, diced vegetables in butter sauce, mashed potatoes and celery, and the dessert is fruit hot chocolate.Cinna ordered another dessert for me because I started with a large spoon and finished it in a few bites.

“What are we going to wear at the opening ceremony?” I said after eating my second dessert. “Headlamps and flames?” At the opening ceremony, both Peeta and I were asked to wear coal-related costumes. "It can be said that it has something to do with it." He said. I was doing my final preparations before the opening ceremony, when my makeup artists showed up again, and Cinna dismissed them by saying that they had done a great job in the morning and that there was nothing else to do now.They stepped aside to calm down, and thankfully it was just me and Cinna left.He braided my hair the same way my mother used to do it, and then put on my makeup.Last year's light make-up allowed the audience to recognize me at a glance when I entered the venue.But this time, my face was almost invisible with different shades of cheek paint.Eyebrows are drawn into a high arch, cheekbones are highlighted with cheek paint, eyes are smoky, and lips are painted with dark purple lipstick.The clothes looked simple, too: a skintight black jumper from neck to ankle.After that, he put me on a crown similar to the one I wore in my victory last year, made of dark black metal instead of yellow metal.He adjusted the lighting in the room to resemble dawn, and he pressed a button hidden in my cuff.I looked down, it was amazing, the clothes all over my body gradually lit up, flashing colorful colors, soft golden yellow at first, and then gradually orange red, I looked like I was wrapped in charcoal fire, ah, No, I am a coal burning in a hearth.The colors flickered, flickered, and flickered, like the light that coals emit when they burn.

"How did you do that?" I asked in amazement. "Portia and I spent a long time watching the flames," said Cinna. "Here, here you go." He turned me to a mirror so I could see the overall effect.What I saw in the mirror was not a girl or a woman, but a mysterious elf who lived in a volcano, the volcano that destroyed everything in Haymitch's Ultimate Race of the Century.The black crown now glowed red and seemed to be burning, creating a magical image on my painted face.Katniss, the burning girl, has abandoned her flickering flames, her beaded gowns, her candle-soft blouse.She is a fire, a deadly fire burning brightly.

"I think... I just need to show this image in front of everyone." I said. "Yeah, I think your days of pink lipstick and ribbons are over," Cinna said.He pressed the button on my wrist again to turn off the light. "Don't run out of batteries. Don't wave or smile on the float this time. I want you to look straight ahead as if all the audience is out of your sight." "Finally it's my turn to be good at." I said. Cinna had something to do, so I decided to go to the preparation center on the first floor, where all the "tributes" and floats were assembled, waiting for the opening ceremony to start.I searched the crowd for Peeta and Haymitch, but they weren't there yet.Last year, all the tributes were arranged to wait beside the floats, but this year is different, everyone can communicate.Those winners, whether they were this year's "tributes" or instructors, stood in a circle in twos and threes, talking about something.Sure, they all knew each other, but I didn't know them, and I wasn't the type to walk around and introduce myself.So I just stroked my horse's neck, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.

But it's no use doing so. There was a crunching sound in my ear and I turned around to see Finnick Odile's famous sea-blue eyes inches away from me without even realizing he had approach me.He was leaning against my horse, chewing on a candy bar. "Hello, Katniss," he said, as if we'd been friends for years, even though we'd never met before. "Hi, Finnick," I said.I felt uncomfortable with him being so close to me, especially with his revealing clothing, but I still tried to look natural. "Want to eat candy?" He said, reaching out his hand, and he grabbed a lot of candy in his hand. "It's supposed to be for the horses, but who cares? They've been eating candy for years, but you and I... well, if you see candy, you'd better get on it."

Finnick Odile is a legend in Panem.He won the sixty-fifth Hunger Games at the age of fourteen and is still one of the youngest winners.He is a professional player from District 4, so his chances of winning are relatively high.But no matter what the trainer couldn't give him was his handsome appearance, he was tall and strong, with brown skin and dark brown hair, and the most boastful pair of beautiful eyes.That year, while the other players were scrambling for some grain or some matches, he needed nothing, food, medicine or weapons.It took a week for his rivals to realize he was the real killer, but it was too late.He has been able to skillfully use the spear and knife obtained in the Horn of Zeus, and has become a powerful killer.By the time he received the trident from the silver parachute—the most expensive gift I've ever seen sent to an arena—the match was drawing to a close.The fourth district is dominated by fishing, and he has lived on the boat for many years. The trident is a tool they often use, and it has also become his weapon.He wove a web of vines he found, entangled his opponents, and slew them with his trident, and in a few days the crown of victory was in his hands.

Since then, the Capitol has coveted him. In the first one or two years, because he was too young, no one dared to touch him.But as soon as he turned sixteen, during the Hunger Games, he was followed by countless crazy admirers.His attachment to anyone was short-lived, and every year during his time in the Capitol he would associate with four or five women, young or old, lovely or ordinary, rich or very rich, and he He associates with them, takes their costly gifts; but soon leaves them, and once he is gone, he never looks back. I can't deny that Finnick is one of the most beautiful, aesthetically pleasing people in the world, but frankly, he never appealed to me.Maybe because he is too beautiful, maybe because he is too easy to get, maybe because he is too easy to lose.

"No, thank you." I looked at the candy in his hand and said, "I'd like to borrow your coat to wear it." He's wearing a gold fishnet-like dress that's slyly knotted in the front, so technically you can't say he's naked, but it's pretty close.I'm sure his designers thought the more bare Finnick could be, the better. "You really startled me in this outfit, where are those cute girl outfits?" he asked, licking his lips with his tongue.This gesture might drive a lot of people crazy, but somehow all I can think of is old Clay salivating over poor young girls.

"I've grown up and those clothes don't fit me anymore," I said. Finnick picks up my collar and runs his fingers along the edge. "This extreme game is really bad. In the Capitol, you should be like a robber. Take everything, jewels, money, everything." "I don't like jewelry. I've got enough money. What's your money doing, Finnick?" I said. "Oh, it's been years since I've touched anything as vulgar as money," Finnick said. "Then what do they pay you for the company of such a good companion as you?" "Secret," he said softly, bringing his face closer so his lips almost touched mine. "What about you, Burning Girl? Do you have any secrets worth my time?" I blushed for some reason, how stupid I was, and I tried to keep my composure and said, "No, I'm an open book." I also whispered, "Everyone before I know them You already know my secret." He smiled slyly, "Unfortunately, I'm afraid that's true." He glanced sideways, "Here comes Peeta, it's a pity your wedding was called off, I know how bad it is for you." He Throwing another piece of candy into his mouth, he walked away unhurriedly. Peeta is standing next to me, dressed in a suit similar to mine. "What does Finnick Odile want?" he asked. I turned around, followed Finnick's example, lowered my eyelids, put my mouth close to Peeta, and said, "He bought me candy and wanted to know all my secrets." I said in the most seductive voice. Peeta laughed. "Yeah, no way." "It's true," I said, "I'll tell you when my goosebumps are gone." "If one of us wins, will it be like this? Behaving erratically?" he said, scanning the victors around him. "Yeah, especially you," I said. "Oh, why me in particular?" he asked with a smile. "Because you have a weakness for beautiful things, but I don't," I said in a condescending manner, "They will lure you into the Capitol way of life, and you will become addicted to it and lose yourself completely .” "Having an eye for beauty is not the same as a weakness." Pete hit the nail on the head, "Maybe it's your turn, it will be different." The music sounded, and I saw the gates open, ready for the first group of floats to enter, and the crowd The noise came from outside the door. "Get in the car." He stretched out a hand to help me get on the float. I got on the float first, and then pulled him up. "Stand still," I said, straightening the crown on his head again. "Did you see the way the clothes were lit? We'd have a good time." "Absolutely. But Portia says we're going to be supercilious, don't wave, don't do anything," he said. "Where are you going?" "I don't know." I looked at the parade floats. "Maybe we can just turn on the lights." We said, and turned on the lights.I see people pointing and talking about us.I know that this time we will be the focus of discussion at the opening ceremony again.When our float approached the door, I turned my head and searched for Portia and Cinna, but I couldn't see them. Last year, they accompanied us to the end. "Are we holding hands this year?" I asked. "Looks like they left us to decide," Peeta said. I looked up into Peeta's blue eyes, eyes that no amount of make-up could possibly make hard.I was determined to kill him last year, and I'm sure he wanted to kill me too.But this year, everything is reversed.I was determined to let him live, even at the cost of my own life.I'm glad it's Peeta by my side instead of Haymitch, otherwise I wouldn't be as brave as I hoped.We pulled our hands together without further discussion.There is no doubt that we will go hand in hand and embark on this thorny journey. It was evening and the light was getting darker. When we entered the venue, the shouts of the audience had already rang out, but neither of us moved. We just cast our eyes into the distance, as if there were no audience around, and there was no madness shouting.I couldn't help but glanced at the big screens around the venue. On the screen, we were not only beautiful, but the deep black color made us appear strong and powerful.No, much more than that.We, star lovers from District 12, have suffered so much, but have not enjoyed the rewards of victory; we don't need the admiration of our followers, the graceful smiles and kisses they fly us.We are unwilling to forgive what they have done. I like this.I finally became myself. At the corner of the city square, I saw the outfits of another pair of contestants. Their designers obviously wanted to imitate the design concept of Cinna and Portia, and designed glowing costumes for their own contestants.If there is some truth to a contestant from District 3, which produces electronic components, wearing glowing costumes, what is a contestant from District 10, which focuses on animal husbandry, wearing a cow-shaped costume with a flaming belt? meaning?Roast yourself?Incredible! And Peeta and I were blazingly bright in our costumes that flickered like burning coals, and the other contestants were staring at us.A pair of sallow-faced, scrawny contestants from District Six are notorious morphine addicts.They stared at us intently with admiration in their eyes. Even when President Snow stood on the platform and gave the opening speech for the XXX century, they couldn't move their big eyes away.Finally, the national anthem was played and we took one last lap around the town square.Am I wrong?I clearly saw President Snow watching me, is it true? Peeta and I stayed in the same position, not relaxing until the doors to the training center closed behind us.Cinna and Portia were there waiting for us, and they were very pleased with our performance.Haymitch also made an appearance this year, but instead of our float, he was with the District 11 players.I saw him nodding in our direction, and two players came after him to greet us. I recognized Chaff right away, having seen him and Haymitch swap glasses on TV over the years.He was dark-skinned and about six feet tall.He lost a hand in the Hunger Games, so one arm is a stump.He won it thirty years ago, when someone was supposed to give him a prosthetic, like Peeta had when he had his calf amputated, but he must have said no. The woman, Sidel, with olive skin and straight black hair streaked with silver, looked like someone from the Seam, only her hazel eyes suggested she was from another precinct.She must be in her sixties, but still looks strong, with no signs of alcohol, morphine, or other chemical addiction in her body.Before we could speak, she came up to me and hugged me.I knew in my heart that it must be because of Lulu and Salish.I couldn't help but say, "How is their family?" "Alive." She whispered in my ear. Chaff put his good arms around me and kissed me hard on the mouth.I startled and backed away, while he and Haymitch laughed. We chatted briefly, and then the Capitol service staff hurriedly motioned us to go in the direction of the elevator.I have a feeling they're uncomfortable with sentimental victors passing on camaraderie between each other.I head for the elevator, still holding Peeta's hand.At this time a girl walked by me, she took off the leaf headdress from her head, and threw it behind her, regardless of where it fell. Johanna Mason, a contestant from District Seven.She wears a leaf headdress because District Seven produces wood and paper.Back then, she had disguised herself as weak and helpless, so she was not noticeable at all.But later, she revealed her evil killing skills.At this point, she tousled her spiky hair and said with big brown eyes: "My clothes are terrible, aren't I? My designer is the biggest fool on the Capitol. She made us all Forty years old tree. Wish we had a designer like Cinna. You look amazing." Girls' gossip, talking about clothes, hair, makeup, that's what I'm the worst at.So I lied and said, "Yeah, he's been designing clothes for me. You should see what he does with velvet." Velvet, that was the only fabric that came to mind. "I saw it when you were on the Victory tour. Is that the strapless tux you wore in District 2? That dark blue diamond dress? It's so good, I want to see it straight through the screen. It comes off of you," Johanna said. Surely you would, I thought, with a piece of my flesh attached. While we waited for the elevator, Johanna unzipped her tree dress, took it off the floor, and kicked it away in disgust.At this time, she was naked except for the green slippers on her feet. "Oh, it's better this way," she said. The elevator came and we got on it with her.She was talking to Peeta about his drawing until the seventh floor got off the elevator, the light from Peeta's dress reflecting on her bare breasts.After Johanna got off the elevator, I ignored Peeta, but I could feel him laughing.Chaff and Sinder get off the elevator at the end, and it's just me and Peeta.As soon as the elevator doors closed, I shook Peeta's hand away, and Peeta couldn't help laughing. "What's the matter?" I said, having reached our floor, and we stepped out of the elevator. "It's you, Katniss. Can't you see it?" he said. "Me what?" I said. "Why are they like this, Finnick offers you a candy bar, Chaff kisses your mouth, Johanna takes off her clothes." He tried to be serious as he spoke, but failed, "They were Teasing you because you're so... you know." "No, I don't know," I said.I really don't understand what he's talking about. "It's like that time in the arena, when I was about to die, you didn't dare to look at my naked body. You were just too...pure." He finally said it. "I'm not! I've been flirting with you for the last year on camera!" I said. "Yes, but... I mean, you're too pure for a Capitol," he said, apparently smoothing over what he had just said to calm my anger. "To me, you're perfect. But they're all teasing you." "No, they're laughing at me, and so are you!" I said. "No." Peeta shook his head, trying to keep a smile on his face.I was so angry that I had to seriously reconsider who should come back alive from this Hunger Games.Then another elevator door opened. Haymitch and Effie come out of the elevator, looking like they're having a good time.But Haymitch's face turned serious again in an instant. How could I have thought that way just now.I almost said it.But I saw that Haymitch was not looking at me, but at the entrance of the restaurant behind me. Effie also looked over there, and then she said in a cheerful tone: "It seems that they brought you a pair of waiters this year." I turned around and saw the red-haired Avax who had been serving me during the Hunger Games last year, and thought it would be nice to have a friend here.At the same time, I also noticed that there was a male Avax next to her, also with red hair. I think this is the "pair of waiters" that Effie mentioned. However, I couldn't help shivering.I know this guy too, not in the Capitol, but in Hope Market, with whom I've gossiped and joked about Gracie Se's soup for years, last seen him in the plaza in Twelfth, he Lost consciousness, lying next to Gail, who was also beaten bloody and almost half dead. Our new Avax is Darius.