Post by dragonxiii on Jun 1, 2020 16:20:19 GMT -5
Emerald Varda
Age 22
Capitol Citizen
~~~
When you're the youngest daughter of a wealthy Capitol family, there isn't really much you're expected to do other than look pretty and not embarrass anyone. That suits me just fine, of course; I've never been much good at anything but looking pretty. My older siblings have a much harder time, in my opinion. My sister's marriage was arranged by our parents, further cementing our family's wealth and status by linking us with another, equally wealthy. Some day my brother's marriage will also be arranged, but for the moment everyone is pleased enough with his decision to apprentice as a Gamemaker. I'm a little jealous of him for that, of course; he gets to be directly involved in the Hunger Games.
Ah, the Games! My heart flutters just thinking about them. Such brave children, to die for the sake of our peace and prosperity. I've been watching for as long as I can remember, and I've never failed to be moved by their courage and sacrifice. I once asked my father why no one from the Capitol was allowed to participate. He only laughed and said it was the price we had to pay, just as participation in the Games was the District's price. I'm still not entirely sure what he meant, but I've never been very good with such difficult concepts.
It's probably for the best anyways. I'd never have stood a chance in the arena. I basically stopped at growing at eleven, barely reaching four foot ten, with such a slight frame that I'd hardly have been able to lift a weapon, let alone use one. Exposure would have killed me just as quickly as another Tribute; my skin is pale as porcelain, offering no protection from sun or heat, and I would never survive the cold nights without even a shred of baby-fat left.
Not that I'm complaining, obviously. Those same features which make me so ill-suited to the arena have also made me perfectly suited to the life of a Capitol socialite. I've never even needed anything to improve myself, other than a little make-up to enhance my girlish features. My mother always forbade me to cut my hair, so it falls in luxurious waves far beyond my waist. Its length makes it perfect for styling into the latest Capitol fashions, except during those trends which call for unnatural shortness. Lately I've taken to streaking the bright red locks with gold, giving the impression of living flames falling from my head.
Parties have always been my greatest delight, after the Games, of course. From the time I could walk, my mother and father would bring me to every party on the Capitol's social calendar. Those thrown by the wealthy elite, government officials, even influential merchants. They took every chance to show me off to everyone who was anyone, in the hopes that my natural beauty would further increase their status, and possibly even entice offers of marriage. It hasn't happened yet, obviously, but not for lack of trying. I'm just too flighty I expect, moving from one fancy to another like a hummingbird who wants to taste the nectar of every flower in the field.
I suppose my marriage is inevitable, but it isn't something I think about too much. I still attend all the parties my parents could want, but these days I get to choose them myself. I've got an open invitation to all of them anyways, so I tend to just focus on my first love: The Hunger Games. The best seats for the Tribute Parade and Opening Ceremonies are mine for the asking. My favorites are the viewing parties, of course, when those among the Capitol Elite gather to cheer on their favorite Tributes and mourn their tragic sacrifice.
I'm not usually one for betting. It seems like a poor way to honor these brave children, gambling on whether they'll live or die for the sake of Panem. My trust fund does afford me the opportunity to support my favorite Tributes through sponsorship, though I have never picked a Victor. It breaks my heart whenever one of them dies in the arena, though I truly believe they do so for the good of us all. In the end, the Victor is the one whom the odds truly favor.
The Quell is coming up, and that is always exciting. The Gamemakers pull out all of the stops to give us something truly spectacular. The parties will also be more fabulous than usual, and maybe this time I won't have to say to goodbye to my favorite Tribute again. I hope the recent death of President Snow will not ruin everyone's enjoyment of the festivities. The High Council has assured us that it will not delay the Games in any way, and I am thankful for that.
