03: The Parade

"The games this year...it'll be different from all the past games. I assure everyone a new and wonderful experience in the games."

Jongin watched as Kyungsoo's face changed from disbelief to pure, unadulterated annoyance. He couldn't blame the smaller male, though. Watching the Gamemaker, G-Dragon, talk about the games and it's tributes like they were all just a pawn in his stupid game was infuriating. Truthfully speaking, they were just that-- pawns, but Jongin refused to accept it fully, already brewing up plans in his mind to mess up the games just to show the 'Capitol ers' that they didn't exist just to amuse them.

Kyungsoo quickly grabbed the remote and turned the television off. He was frowning, and without a word, he buried himself under his blanket. Only a few hours was left until they reached the Capitol, so Jongin remained sitting, his eyes never leaving the lump on Kyungsoo's bed.

"...the chariots are next." Kyungsoo's words sounded muffled from underneath the thick material of the blanket, and Jongin grunted in response.

"Yeah."

"...we'll be put on display for people to see." Kyungsoo squirmed from underneath to peek out and stare at the ceiling forlornly.

"Yeah."

"...this ."

"Yeah."

Jongin's gaze flitted to Kyungsoo's wide eyes, and they both sighed. Words from their talk with their mentor and floated back into their minds, and they couldn't help but feel irritated at the irony of it all. Jonghyun had instructed them to team up with Districts 3, 5 and 6 because in the arena, strength wasn't everything. Jongin had disagreed at first, saying that teaming up with other districts was pointless because in the end, they'd be at each other's throats anyway, but Jonghyun shot him down with an icy glare.

"If you want to reach that point, you need to stay alive, and to do that, you can't be alone." Jonghyun had explained in exasperation, and Jongin finally conceded.

Kyungsoo sat up, looking as restless as ever, before he stared out of the window, watching the bright colours of the outer circles of the Capitol closing in. Jongin could see how Kyungsoo was trying to calm himself down, his shoulders trembling with shaky breaths.

"Do you think I'll still see Sunny and my mom?"

Jongin barely heard his whisper over the sound of the train, but he found himself unable to answer. The previous day, he'd have easily answered with a 'yes' because really, he wanted Kyungsoo to get out alive. He wanted the boy to live because he deserved it-- he had a family to go back to, he had people to love. However, now that they neared the Capitol, which they might as well call their slaughterhouse, Jongin felt the words stuck in his throat. A long silence filled the room before Kyungsoo turned to him, the ghost of a sad smile lingering on his plump lips.

"I know, Jongin. It's okay. Let's just show them what 12's made of."

After getting off the train, Jongin and Kyungsoo were both pushed into a large, white building. Peacekepeers flanked their little group, and up front, Taeyeon led the way with Key, Seohyun, Tiffany and Jonghyun. Taeyeon never stopped talking, things about sponsors and parties sprouting from her lips like a fountain. Jongin had finally learned how to tune her senseless babbles out, so he did just that, preferring on walking side by side with Kyungsoo as they traversed the hallways of the building.

His gaze wandered around the place, mentally wondering how each of the ornaments cost. He would bet everything he had that one ornament from the place was enough to feed everyone in the Seam. They stopped in front of the elevator, it's reflective surface painted silver with specks of real gold that reminded Jongin of snow. The doors soon slid open, and before they could go in, a girl with flaming red hair pushed past them roughly, her face livid.

"I hate my stylist! Ugh, that stupid woman. What does she think I am, a ing stripper?!"

Jongin watched with his mouth agape as the girl, which he recognized was from District 1, stopped in the middle of the lobby, covering her face with both her hands as she seemingly tried to contain her anger. Following her was a boy with multi-coloured locks. He reached a hand out to the girl, and the action was nothing short of apathy. The boy obviously chased the girl because he was told to do so, or he was just used to the girl's tantrums.

"Krystal, will you please just calm the down? You almost killed our stylist." The boy said, his voice devoid of any emotion despite his words.

"She deserved it! I'd have killed her if you didn't in, Oh Sehun."

"I want to look presentable for the Tribute Parade, you selfish . Now, let's go." Sehun grabbed her by the arm, and forcefully dragged her back to the elevator, where Jongin and the others were still standing in front of.

Sehun stopped in front of them, a bored look on his face before annoyance flitted through his features. His forehead creased ever so slightly before he let out an impatient sigh. It was Jonghyun who finally pushed everyone in the waiting space.

"O-okay, okay, let's go get you lot cleaned up, yeah?" He chirped, and Krystal scowled at him before they entered as well.

Taeyeon never stopped talking, still going on about getting sponsors and flooding Key with details regarding Jongin and Kyungsoo's costumes for the Parade. Krystal suddenly turned her head to them, specifically at Taeyeon, and she sneered in annoyance.

"Will you please stop talking? It's already crowded in here. You're making it very difficult to breathe. I can't even hear myself thinking, lady!" She snapped, and Taeyeon promptly silenced herself, not because she listened to Krystal, but because she was surprised by the young girl's impudence.

The elevator dinged to a stop, and the District 1 tributes got off, but not before Krystal gave a condescending look at their little group. As the doors closed, Jongin saw Sehun steal a glance at them, his face still unreadable and thick with apathy.

The Tribute Parade was a part of the Hunger Games ritual. Right after the Reaping and before they went to the Training Centre, it was the only time that the tributes ever got shown to the public in the flesh. They would be prettified and thrown into absurd costumes representing their Districts. This was also the time for the public to show who they favoured, by screaming and cheering for the tributes or staying silent. Naturally, each District's stylist gave their all so that their tribute would get many sponsors. Some stylists didn't really give their all, but Key was different. He loved his work like a child.

Key, along with Seohyun and Tiffany, led Jongin and Kyungsoo to a clean, white room. It was divided in the centre by a thick, white curtain. Each side had a huge tub filled to the brim with clear water, and on the side were chairs with different contraptions attached to it. In the corner was a dresser with a huge mirror in front.

"Tiffany, Seohyun, clean them up nice and pretty, okay? Also...I want some dye. You guys choose; I trust your judgment on this." Key winked before leaving the room, Jongin and Kyungsoo standing utterly lost before Seohyun and Tiffany.

Jongin saw the glint in Tiffany's eyes before she took hold of his wrist, pulling him to one side. He saw Kyungsoo being pulled to the other, and before the curtain in the middle divided the room, a group of equally wild and colourful people like Seohyun and Tiffany came in, dividing into two and dispersing to each side. Tiffany started barking out orders to the people, and it's only when Jongin felt his clothes being taken did he realize what was happening. The blood rushed to his cheeks, but even as he tried to cover himself, he was soon stripped of his clothes, Tiffany sizing him up with analyzing eyes.

"We'll stay with black hair, but we'll style it up. Geez, would it hurt you before to wash your face and at least pluck your eyebro-- aw, to hell with it. Let's do a complete make-over, guys!" Tiffany clapped her hands with determination, and before Jongin got pulled into a flurry of bubbles, soap, and roaming hands, he heard Kyungsoo yelping like a girl from the other side.

He really couldn't recognize himself in the mirror. His unruly hair that reached past his ears before was now cut shorter and styled back, the fringe just hanging above his eyes. His face looked cleaner and felt incredibly lighter, like a hundred layers of grime had been removed (which he assumed was really the case). His nails were trimmed and cleaned, and-- basically, he felt clean. He still wasn't wearing any costume, though, since Key still hadn't returned.

He heard the curtain being pulled, and he whipped his around, only to get his breath almost knocked out of him. Kyungsoo was wearing the same pair of shirt and pants as him, but Kyungsoo looked different. His black hair was now shorter and in a deep, burgundy red colour, swept to the side like waves on an ocean. It revealed his smooth, pale face, now as clean as Jongin's was. His dark orbs were wide with surprise, as well, and his plump lips opened and closed as they both took in each other's appearances.

"You look clean." They both said, and they laughed in unison.

The door opened, and Key came walking in, an excited look on his face. He took one look at Kyungsoo, and he started squealing like a proud mother. He grabbed Kyungso and crushed him in his hug. Jongin stood up, slipping his hands into his pockets as he watched their stylist smothering Kyungsoo.

"You look so handsome! I knew you had it in you both, but this is surprising. Such perfectly good genes." Key mumbled dreamily, and Jongin rolled his eyes before walking over, slinging an arm over Kyungsoo's shoulder nonchalantly.

"So, what now?"

Key clapped his hands once as he remembered why he had come into the room in the first place. Taking hold of Jongin's wrist, he pulled the pair out of the room, followed by Seohyun and Tiffany, and led them through a series of hallways before reaching one at the end of the hallway.

"The Parade's in a few hours, so just let me do my magic on you two." Key winked at them before opening the door.

Jonghyun let out a whistle as his eyes fell on Jongin and Kyungsoo. Jongin self-consciously thumbed the hem of his dark black suit, feeling too overdressed. Beside him, Kyungsoo was also fidgeting, clasping and unclasping his hands nervously. Taeyeon was concentrating on something on her tablet, silent for once.

"You two look nice. Key did a good job." Jonghyun commented, and Jongin shrugged his shoulders.

"He did. I mean, we can't even recognize ourselves in the mirror." Kyungsoo nodded furiously beside him, and he couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

It was true, though. They were in matching pairs of dark black suits, the lapels studded with stones that had an orange to red gradation, to imitate burning coals. Kyungsoo's red hair was, apparently, only temporary dye, but Key had done something to the tips of his hair so that when the light shone, his hair literally shone, like it was on fire. It didn't look bad, surprisingly. Jongin's hair remained jet black, but Tiffany had done something to the make-up around his eyes. The red and orange shade emphasized his eyes, making him look perpetually angry. Their ensemble was simple compared to the others, but it was what they wanted.

"Guys, stop looking nervous. You're practically asking the Careers to kill you on the spot." Jonghyun said, eyes on the changing number in the elevator.

"We know, but..." Kyungsoo started, but he soon trailed off the as the elevator doors opened.

As they walked out of the elevator, Jongin noticed a change in Kyungsoo's demeanour. The nervous wreck in the elevator was gone, replaced by a proud tribute, head held high and eyes filled with determination. Jongin felt the corner of his lips twitching in amusement, and he shrugged before putting on a front, too, smirking as they entered the waiting area for the tributes.

Chariots were lined side by side, and Jonghyun led them to theirs. Their chariot was the darkest and blackest among all the chariots, and Jongin found the same effect on their lapels on the hooves of the horses and the wheels on the chariot. Key soon came bounding towards them, fussing over minute details.

"They look wonderful, Key, but don't you think it's a little too simple? We need to catch the sponsors' attentions..." Jonghyun mumbled as he gazed at the other tributes' ensemble, and Key gave him a bored look before sighing dramatically.

"An artist never reveals one-hundred percent of his works easily. You'll see later in the parade. They will be brilliant." Key his lips in anticipated triumph, reaching out and fixing a stray lock of Jongin's perfectly styled black hair.

The horns blared, signalling for the tributes to get ready. Jongin hopped into their chariot, helping Kyungsoo up. They stood in the tiny space allowed, and Kyungsoo held on tightly to Jongin's hand, afraid of falling. Before Key left, he patted Jongin and Kyungsoo's legs for good luck.

"Remember, I want you to look fierce. No smiles, no grins, no teeth. Look fierce, smirk-- show them who's tough, and who's boss. Show them who you are, and how you feel."

Jongin and Kyungsoo watched as Key ran back to wherever he was supposed to be. They looked ahead, and the lights turned off, the torches in the walkway the only things lighting the night. The Parade was arranged to go from District 1 down to 12. Jongin watched as each chariot beside them left their place, and Kyungsoo gripped his hands tightly, their fingers lacing together.

District 11 finally moved out of their spot, and 12 was next. Jongin took a deep breath, and closed his eyes until it was their turn. Their chariot moved slowly, and he could feel his heart beating wildly in his ribcage. He had never been the centre of attention, so it was a really nerve-wrecking experience. Kyungsoo's hand in his was the only thing keeping him relaxed.

Suddenly, the crowd let out a collective gasp. Jongin wondered what was happening. He wondered if someone fell or if he forgot to zip his fly but Kyungsoo squeezed his hand, and he turned slightly to his partner. The smaller male's wide eyes was trained on the screen in front, and underneath the make-up and fierce front, he could see the amazement. Jongin turned to the screen, and he finally understood what the ruckus was about.

They were brilliant. Their dark black suits and chariot blended into the night partially, giving them an air of mystery, but the embellishments on their suits made them glow. Literally glow. They were like living, burning coals atop a moving chariot that had just emerged from a burning pit of fire. The camera zoomed in slightly to their faces, and Jongin saw how his dramatic make-up and Kyungsoo's shining hair did wonders. They looked magical, mysterious, scary and intimidating. Key certainly did a good job.

The crowd was cheering loudly, and as their chariot pulled up next to the others for one final walk together before they all entered the Training Centre, Jongin could feel the burning, envious glares from the other tributes.

As soon as the parade ended, the tributes all headed to the Training Centre with their mentors. Taeyeon was left at the lobby, entertaining prospective sponsors who were attracted to Jongin and Kyungsoo's literal brilliance. Jonghyun led the pair to the elevator to show them to their floor and to their rooms. Before the doors closed, a hand stuck in between, preventing it from closing.

Jongin watched as a boy sheepishly entered the elevator, reaching out to click the third floor from the top. Jongin pursed his lips as he observed the male tribute from District 3, a possible ally of theirs. He was small, a few inches taller than Kyungsoo, and he looked fragile and...girly, really. He was wearing a body-hugging shirt under a white leather jacket, the seams embedded with tiny little light bulbs. The seams of his silver, shiny pants had little microchips attached to them. Jonging wasn't sure what to make of the boy's outfit, and he also wondered just exactly what Jonghyun had in mind when he suggested that they should form an alliance with this boy.

"Y-you're from 12, right? You looked really nice earlier." The boy said, biting his lips meekly as he peered at the other occupants in the elevator.

"Thanks. And to you, as well. You're from 3?" Kyungsoo spoke up from beside Jonghyun, and the boy nodded shyly before looking at Kyungsoo.

"I'm Baekhyun. Nice to meet you." He smiled, and Kyungsoo gingerly took the hand, smiling awkwardly.

"Nice to meet you, too. Uhm...I'm Kyungsoo."

Baekhyun nodded his head before turning back to the door, eyes glued to his hands. Jongin watched as the boy quietly stepped off the elevator, the doors closing behind him. He cleared his throat, and Jonghyun looked at him.

"...you want us to team up with that little guy?" Jongin asked, voice laced with disbelief. Jonghyun nodded.

"Just do what I say, okay? Trust me. I won't send you in there to die like pigs in a slaughterhouse."

Jongin looked at Kyungsoo, who shrugged his shoulders in defeat. They watched as the number in the screen in the elevator finally changed to their floor, and as the doors opened, they heaved in a sigh. Tomorrow, they would finally start training, and after that, the Games would begin.

_{A/N: If you were in the Games (in this fic), would you team up with tributes? If yes, with whom and why? If no, why not? casually urges you people to talk to me winkwink}

_{these kaisoo gifs are killing me hELP}