“I like people who have a sense of individuality. I love expression and anything awkward and imperfect, because that’s natural and that’s real.” — Marc Jacobs

Whoohoo! Making sets and writing stories instead of doing homework! yay! I am seriously the queen of procrastination, omg what is this. OK, well, here's a rushed story, I'm actually hoping to develop some plot lines but since school is starting again soon.....I probably won't. Anyways! here you go :)
 
***
 
Esmeralda has us whisked through the crowds and winding tunnels of The Capitol so swiftly I barely have time to take in my surroundings.
All I can really remember is smiling numbly at the plastic, extravagant faces of admiring capitol residents. Oh and the constant blinding flash of cameras.
By the time I’m shoved into a room and separated from Cairo, Kaspar and Esmeralda, I find myself sighing with relief. It doesn’t last long though as three bubbly, bustling people burst into the room, filling the air with their loud voices and overwhelming exclamations.
“And you must be the stunning Miss Ruby Sparrow!” The busty woman squeals, her fire-engine red curls bouncing with her every step.
They introduce themselves as my prep team and as airheaded and annoyingly superficial they are...for some reason they relax me and find myself smiling at their chitter chatter.
There’s Vona, the smiley red-head, who does nails. Alvis, a man with shimmering tattoos all over his arms and hair that is picture perfect, is in charge of my hair. And last but not least, there’s Cosima, a thin woman with plump lips, rainbow streaked hair and has the fantastic job of doing my eyebrows and waxing.
As their first task they have me strip down and out of my clothes and stand stark naked in front of them.
Even though I can feel myself blushing furiously at being inspected so closely and so exposed, my prep team seem to think nothing of it.
They circle me, tilting my head this way and that, muttering random comments to each other. Nodding and shaking their heads as they thought about what they should change about me first.
It’s not until they lay me down, still naked, on a giant metal slab that they address me directly.
“The good news is...” Alvis begins, “You’re absolutely beautiful!”
I’m not sure whether to smile or not so I settle for a sort of grimace.
“That bad news...” Cosima eyes me up and down, “Our job is to make you look your ABSOLUTE best.”
They snap on their blue rubber gloves and set to work on my body. They wax every single hair on my body (apart from my head of course) and I have to bite the inside of my cheeks to stop myself from screaming out bloody murder. I’ve waxed before, being from district 1, but the wax was searing hot and they waxed in places I never even thought was possible...
Vona sets to work filing and colouring my nails to perfection. Cosima moves onto my eyebrows and finally Alvis tends to my hair, pulling, spraying and tugging me in every direction.
They next few hours are a blur of hands, tools, creams, powders and sweet smelling beauty concoctions that they lather all over me. My skin is raw and spotless by the time they’ve finished with me and I feel used yet strangely refreshed.
The whole time this painful process is going on, the team are chatting away non-stop, from dull capitol happenings to the latest gossip on the Hunger Games.
At one point they ask me about my volunteering but I’m too busy gritting my teeth in pain as something sharp attacks my legs to reply or listen properly.
Finally it’s over.
My prep team stand back to admire their work and smile proudly at me. Mind you, I’m still completely nude at this point so, makeover or not, I feel the heat slowly sliding up my neck.
Soon my stylist comes in. She has light purple hair that falls down her shoulders in soft waves, flawless skin (of course) and one of the most sincere smiles I have seen since arriving at the capitol.
“Hello, Ruby,” She smiles, taking my hand, “My name’s Aspasia, nice to meet you. I have the pleasure of being your stylist...and from what I can see, the team has done an amazing job on you...”
“Thank you,” Is all I manage to say, wondering how on earth these people can have a completely bare girl standing in front of them like nothing is weird at all.
“Right, let’s get down to it.”
She takes out a long tape and takes down my measurements and tells me a bit about her plans for my costume.
I’m still a bit light-headed from the perfumes that have invaded my mind but I manage to gather that she wants me in gold...and lots of it.
“You have this sort of mysterious air to you,” Aspasia comments and the prep team nod in agreement, “I can’t quite put my finger on what it is exactly about you that makes you so...different.”
“You have the crowds going crazy already,” Cosima grins.
“I do?” I ask, genuinely surprised.
“Yeah, they love you. You were so graceful coming off the train today!” Vona gushes.
“Oh and it definitely has to do with how your boy was looking at you too!” Alvis adds, enthusiastically.
“Oh, he’s not mine...”
But before I can ask any more questions, Aspasia is ushering my out of the room and I’m lead to the dining room, leaving the prep rooms and all the jumble of thoughts I had acquired, behind.
 
***

*NOTE* I've gotten super carried away with writing the story and it's just going for pages and pages so instead I'll just put like little snippets of the stories on Polyvore...so it's probably going to be all over the place and won't make much sense. I might post them up on fanfiction or something (not that anyone ever reads my stories anyway) but then I'll have to create an account...gosh haha I'll work something out...
 
***
 
As Cairo takes his seat next to me I can’t help but notice how strikingly handsome he is. His dark, almost black hair is tousled in such a way that it looks neat and effortless at the same time. His deep blue eyes catch mine and the edges of his lips tilt upwards slightly as if he heard the loud thump my heart made.
In the five seconds it takes for him to cross the room and take his seat I’ve already got my first impression. I’m getting that uptight air of self-importance all the other district 1 boys have from him and he already starts to annoy me. From the musical sound of his laugh to how his toned arms flex when he reaches over to get food. And how he manages to make eating a steak attractive. He’s perfectly friendly to everyone, even me and I have no choice but to be sweet back. The last thing I need is to be falling for some superficial male robot that’s probably planning on ways to rip my lungs out right now.
I don’t realise I’m still staring at him with a less than romantic expression until Esmeralda clears her throat. I quickly regain composure, reaching for a buttered roll as if nothing had happened.
Instead I turn my attention to our mentor, and quite bluntly, the man who determines whether I live or die. For all I know he could decide I’m as good as dead and focus on keeping Cairo alive instead of me.
Kaspar’s well into his forties now, worry lines forming deep in his face, but instead of making him look old, they give him character and substance, each line and scar telling a different story. I noticed when he walked in that he has a slight limp in his left leg and was leaning upon a polished wooden cane. He gives me a curt nod of acknowledgement as he sits across the table, his hand going straight for his wine glass.
“Great! We’re all here now,” Esmeralda beams at us, helping herself to a spoon of baked potatoes but doesn’t eat them, “I can tell we’re all going to get along just fine!”
How she is able to gather this information and come to that particular conclusion...I’m not sure. In fact, I would say the opposite.
If anything, the four of us sitting here is probably a hilarious site. The glammed up, glittering escort with the rainbow hair and permanent smile, next to the expressionless man in a rumpled suit who seems to be judging everyone and everything, and then the beautiful boy with sun kissed skin, perfect features and then there’s...me.
“Ruby,” Kaspar barks, his demanding voice making me jump slightly in my seat.
I catch Cairo chuckling, not unkindly, next to me.
I throw him a glare and turn to Kaspar who’s looking at me expectantly.
“Sorry...what was the question?”
“We were talking about your talents? Have you got any? Swords, arrows, upper body strength...? Or are you just going to kill the boys with that pretty face?” Kaspar smirks but I can tell he doesn’t mean to be insulting.
I force myself not to blush and instead say, “Actually, I’m pretty good with throwing knives...daggers...darts...anything small and sharp, really.”
“Oh I remember you now,” Cairo nods to himself.
I turn to him, not bothering to hide my surprise.
“You do?”
“Yeah. You’re in the form below...you train in block D, right?” I nod and he goes on, “We pass by there sometimes, on our running course. I’ve seen you throw, you’re not bad.”
“Gee thanks, I’ve been aiming for ‘not bad’. I’ll try not to be too flattered.” I say before I can stop myself, the sarcasm melting off my words.
Esmeralda looks a bite shocked. Even Kaspar’s surprised that the pretty clone from district 1 actually has a personality. I think I see him crack a small smile, but I’m probably mistaken and it’s the lighting doing tricks.
“I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant,” Cairo’s smiling, his eyes never leaving my face, “You’re always with that girl with the white hair, right?”
“It’s more of a silver colour,” I reply automatically.
“Right,” He gives me a strange look but I can’t quite work it out, “Yeah, I remember now. You’re wicked with knives...you’ve got perfect aim. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you miss a shot.”
Kaspar’s definitely more interested in me now.
His eyes are searching mine as he attempts to assess me. I avoid their gazes and reach over for a rich chocolate torte topped with an assortment of berries and cream.
Cairo notices and whispers so that only I can hear, “At that rate it’ll be a tight squeeze into your chariot costume, princess.”
“Thanks for your concern but, quite frankly, I really don’t care,” I shovel a heap of chocolate goodness into my mouth and chew triumphantly in his face.
With my mouth still full of food I add, “Oh, and don’t call me princess.”
He chuckles and shakes his head slightly turning back to his own food.
I’m in a better mood now and I finish off the rest of my dessert and wipe my mouth.
“I’m actually feeling sort of tired...I think I’m going to go and wash up and get ready for our arrival...” I give a sleepy yawn to back up the act.
“Good idea, love,” Esmeralda says, “We’ll be arriving in the Capitol soon. Make yourself look nice for your first day at the Capitol...I think you’ll love it!”
Don’t count on it.
 
***

READ THIS! IMPORTANT(ish)!
I decided to change my character's name from 'Mackenzie' to 'Ruby' because it fits her district a lot more and I think it's cute to have her nickname be 'Rue' as a kind of salute to the real Hunger Games. But other than that this Rue has nothing to do with the Rue in the book at all :) I think the word 'rue' also describes my character (me) perfectly in relation to the Hunger Games. Anyways, without further ado, the story!
 
***
 
My brother was killed in the Hunger Games five years ago. I was 11.
He was only 13.
He died less than a week in, ambushed by someone twice his size, captured, stabbed, sliced, murdered.
And I got to watch it all on the big screen.
While I cried and screamed, my parents showed little or no emotion and that angered me the most. I didn’t understand it at the time. I didn’t realise that it was their way of dealing with the pain and grief, numbing themselves so that they couldn’t feel at all.
It took me a long time to realise that the whole time my little brother was in that death arena, my parents were slowly dying on the inside too.
The other Careers tried to protect him, but finally they realised that he was little use to them.
So what did they do?
Leave him as bait, of course.
They told him they would come back. He trusted them, stupid kid.
All he had going for him in the arena was speed and hiding.
But his guard was down, he didn’t believe the careers would turn on him like that.
He didn’t stand a chance.
I’m still haunted by his death every time I close my eyes. His screams ring in my ears like the peal of bells.
I’ll never forgive the Capitol for ending the life of someone so pure and full of joy and love. Never.
And I will do anything and everything to get vengeance for the death of my big brother and best friend and I won’t stop until the day I die.
There is a slight breeze present in the extravagantly decorated town square this morning. It dances around the hem of my skirt, the silky material brushing over my legs softly.
The excitement of the milling crowd is palpable all around me and their eagerness for this day makes me sick.
Being from District 1, you would think I would be just like the rest of them, honouring and loving the games, wanting to be in it to kill, slaughter and claim victory.
But I'm not.
I never was. And last year just pushed me over to the edge.
A silent pact was made between me, myself and I.
To get revenge on the capitol.
And part of my plan for revenge was to get into The Hunger Games in the first place.
And so like the rest of the young people who surround me today, I am hoping that my name is called from the bowl. Just...for different reasons.
I want the revenge. They want the glory.
It pains me that these people don’t realise how horrible the Games are. The killing. No, the murder.
I think that sums up the Hunger Games pretty well. Murder of innocent lives. Murder of dreams and hope. Murder of freedom. Murder of a world where people live by love, not fear.
My parents always said I was born with this weird empathetic streak that's unwelcome in our district.
They used to be fine with the Games. Until, of course, the year my brother was murdered.
Since then, they’ve been numb, lifeless ghosts. Drifting around in my parents’ bodies, living their lives yet not living at all.
Hell is an understatement for how the past 5 years of my life have been.
Beside me, my best friend, Silver, has her eyes locked on the glittering escort who was talking on stage. No, seriously, the woman might as well have glitter spewing out of her mouth instead of words; nothing she says had any substance. It is just noise rolling off her tongue, slipping airily between her glitter coated, surgically enhanced lips. Typical Capitols. Though, I shouldn’t talk, district 1’s are hardly any better.
“And so, without further ado...ladies first!”
You can almost hear the sharp intake of breath rippling through the silences crowd as her hand reaches into the reaping bowl.
Silver’s hand finds mine and I am almost certain she is crossing her fingers on her other hand.
“Ruby Sparrow!”
Her fingers slacken.
A thousand pairs of eyes swing to me.
I can’t really tell what they’re saying. Sympathy? Envy? Hate? Shock?
Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter.
Nobody volunteers. I think they're all a bit too shocked to even speak up.
Before anyone regains their sense, I step forward and out of the crowd.
The escort, I think her name’s Esmeralda, is beaming down at me, but her mouth is rigid and her eyes are blinking too fast. Even she recognises me.
Poor family, they must be thinking. Both children to be lost in the Games. That’s unfortunate.
They don’t know, though.
They don’t know I’m planning to win. For my brother. Losing isn’t an option. Dying is out of the question.
I’m escorted onto stage, every eye in the square, every camera, locked on me.
But my expression gives nothing away.
I put on a sly smile and, with my head high and shoulders back, I walk onto the stage.
I knew I seem powerful and I’m going to have them in the palm of my hand.
I’m going to teach these people a lesson they’ll never forget.

***

name: Ruby 'Rue' Sparrow
age: 15
district: 1; Luxury
personality traits: mysterious, alluring, clever, charming, determined, reserved, observant, stealthy, graceful, compassionate
skills: hiding, and camouflaging, identifying/creating poisons, speed/running, throwing darts and knives
nickname: The girl with the secret smile
tribute token: A pure gold snake arm band
model: Barbara Palvin
 
*Whoo! I'm so excited for the Hunger Games! And I just had to join this group :D I actually should be doing my homework but I couldn't resist.*
 
P.S. I did that thingy on the Capitol site and it put me into District 1 which was surprising and not at the same time. Haha I mean, I like luxurious stuff sometimes but I'm also such a simple child I don't really know...personally I would've thought I could fit in well in District 11 (Just like every other person out here) but I decided to spice things up a bit with this challenge :) Mackenzie is like a more beautiful, bold, confident version of me. There's definitely big hints of me in her and I'm really excited to do this challenge! Oh and excuse the awkward skin colour differences...I changed the model to the beautiful Barbara cause I felt like she fit the character and she's just so pretty!*
 
xx

Survey time! :D
 
QUESTIONS:
 
Are you a mean person?
No, I’m what people call ‘too’ nice. Haha. But if my values are threatened or someone I care about is being hurt I won’t hesitate to stand up for what I believe is right and true.

Is it more common for you to follow your heart or your mind?
I’m a more intuitive person so more often than most I follow my heart. If I can’t work it out by feelings I’ll use my mind.

Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night?
Nope.
 
Is there someone you don't ever want to be out of your life?
Definitely everyone in my family. Mum, dad, bro, grandma, grandpa and dog :) and my best friends of course!
 
Have you ever kissed anyone with the name starting with a K?
Never been kissed. I am a professional boy repeller!
 
Last time you were really happy?
Just today when one of my closest friends who has the same name as me was over to ‘do an assignment’ and we laughed about stupid stuff and watched music videos and one direction and ate chips and talked :)

Could you go the rest of your life without drinking alcohol?
Probably, yes. I’m 15 so I don’t drink and I don’t think I’d like it anyway.
 
Who are you with right now?
Alone….With my beautiful dog haha
 
The boy/girl you truly care about needs you at 3 AM, would you go?
In a heartbeat!
 
Who was the last person to text you?
Kirsten.
 
If you are being extremely quiet what does that mean?
I’m either in reverie and absolutely blissfully as peace. Or I’m really sad or angry and I’m trying to cover up my feelings but failing.
 
Have you made a mistake this past week?
Every day, every second of my life haha.
 
Is your room ever clean?
no! ahaha it’s ‘clean’ but messy!
 
Do like being around a large group of friends, or a best friend?
I love spending time with a lot of people at times but mostly I think you share stronger memories with fewer or one and bond closer.

If you had to get a piercing right now, what would it be?
My ear lobes! I don’t even have them pierced
 
Are you missing anyone/something?
I miss my childhood, and being free

Could you date someone taller than you?
Yes of course. Taller than me is preferred actually
 
This time last year, were you single?
Yes. Forever single and ready for a pringle.
 
What was the last thing you cried over?
Many things at the same time.
 
Who were you with the last time you went to the cinema?
ohhh it was so long ago! I haven’t gone to the movies in ages but I must have been Linda, Anthea and Jess
 
Honestly, has anyone ever seen you in your underwear?
My mum…? haha
 
How is your hair right now?
Low pony tail
 
Have you ever asked a boy for advice?
Yes but no amazing advice was received!
 
Are you ticklish?
VERY. You could hover your hand over my leg and I’ll scream and start laughing like an idiot seriously.
 
What song did you hear last?
Marry me - Train
 
How often do you listen to music?
Whenever I can
 
Do you trust all your friends?
No, I don’t trust many people
 
What are you thinking about?
That I’m hungry and I should go have a shower after this survey!
 
Do you listen to music when you're down?
Actually not really. I listen to music when I’m happy. I love writing or reading when I’m sad.
 
Did you say "f---" today?
NONE! I don’t swear.
 
This time last year, can you remember who you liked?
No one!
 
What do you bite on more, your tongue, lip, or nails ?
Just on the edge/inside of my lips.
 
How many people did you kiss in the month of August?
The big ZERO WHOO!
 
Were you single over summer?
Why yes!
 
How many people have you had feelings for in 2009?
Maybe 1?
 
Have you been kissed by someone who' s name starts with a V?
Nope.

Have you ever liked someone older than you?
YES.
 
What's something you really want right now, be honest?
I want to be free of school and work and pressue and just go out and live my life and experience amazing things, meet amazing people and help save the world. Oh and pizza. Yep.
 
Last person to emotionally hurt you?
My brother.
 
Who was the last person you cried in front of?
The bro.
 
Are you talkative?
If I’m with people I feel comfortable with, yes, very!
 
Do you prefer warm or cold weather?
I LOVE HOT WEATHER. I really dislike being cold.
 
Do you like funny people or serious people?
Funny people who know when to be serious.
 
Are you a bad influence?
In some ways. But not really.
 
Could you ever be friends again with someone that broke your heart?
Friends used loosely. I would be nice and civil of course but not besties or anything, no.
 
Do you think your life story would make a great movie?
It would have to be spiced up though ahaha. It’d be quite depressing.
 
Does it upset you when you find out good friends have been talking shit about you?
Yes of course.
 
Do people tend to walk all over you?
Sometimes. But never enough to hurt me and I really don’t care for people who do.

Is there anyone you wish you were hanging out with right now?
Yes.
 
Do you like the person you are becoming?
In some ways, yes. But mainly I’m still such a mess.