Oh my God, everything was moving so fast.

I ran back to the styling room where I was “beautified” so I could meet Saffra. She was stationed at a table in the back, hand-threading some black fabric together with the finest thread I’ve ever seen. I quietly approached her and tilted my head. She noticed me right away and pulled the fabric into her arms.

    “Dear!” she whispered. “You weren’t supposed to see this just yet!”

    I stared at her, confused. She set the piece of clothing back down and gently poked the needle through the side of the dark fabric. “I am almost done, though,” she added, “and I can’t wait to see you in it. It is the perfect outfit for you.”

    It was totally black. It didn’t look like it was made of cotton or a common material. No. It looked like it was made out of alligator hide or something. The collar jutted out boldly at the neck and the shoulders were broadened. The fabric for my legs looked like they were going to be tight. There was a pair of sleek, black boots on the floor next to the table.

    God, I don’t want to wear all black.

    Saffra held up the dark suit in front of me. She looks at me and motions me to come try it on.

    I looked at myself in the mirror. This didn’t look like me. Not one bit.

    Me, in a black shiny suit. My hair is silky and wavy. My eyes, darkened with the blackest cosmetics. My skin looks pure. This isn’t me.

    Saffra clapped her hands and walked up to me in the mirror. “Ah, this reflects your district very well. The fire, the coal, it just looks so perfect!”

    Oh.

    Saffra stepped away from me and examined me from afar. “Now, I want you to raise your arm up quickly. Like a jerk, but more graceful, okay?” I nodded and I swiftly raised my arm into the air. I saw fiery sparks jump out from my arm, and then a flame roared out from underneath it. I jumped back, startled. Saffra, though, was having the time of her life.

    “Oh, it’s awesome!” she clapped. “You’re going to stop the whole show!”

    “Why?” I asked quietly.

    Saffra ignored me and led me out of the styling room. The parade was happening sooner than I thought. Why don’t people tell me anything?