Wicked Game ~ An Hedric AU Fanfiction

Chapter 4: Opening Ceremony

Harry's PoV

Harry sighed as he stood completely still, the preparation team scurrying around him in a frenzy.

As usual, District 12's costumes were based on mining as if it was the only profession existent in their District.

At least, it wasn't simply completely ridiculous, over-the-top coal mine worker outfits by the interpretation of the Capitol, nobody would wear like that to work in the actual District ever.

Still, compared to the other tributes, their costumes would be probably conceived as boring and plain which was also always the case with District 12.

Harry shortly wondered if there would ever be a stylist to revolutionize District 12's opening ceremony costumes in the future before he remembered that he probably wouldn't live to see it if it ever were to happen.

Harry closed his eyes as fitting make-up to go with his costume was applied, and at the same time, somebody started to style his hair.

'Good luck with that', Harry thought, remembering all the times Mrs. Weasley had tried to get that hair of his under control which always had resulted in it being left the way it was in the end.

Soon, Harry would get a glimpse of the other tributes in real for the first time, even though there thankfully wouldn't be much time for interaction among the tributes between the dressing rooms and the start of the opening ceremony, so less time for things to go wrong or turn ugly.

It was a slight comfort for him, even though the opening ceremony itself made him feel nauseous.

'Bring over a mirror, so he can look at himself, we're done.'

Harry heard someone from the preparation team say as everyone stepped away from him to make space.

Harry opened his eyes to watch as a full-body mirror was carried over.

Harry wasn't really interested in seeing his own costume but he looked into the mirror anyway.

As expected, his clothes - even though not ugly or horrendous - were nothing special with their dark greyish color and would no doubt go under in comparison to the other tributes.

His make-up and hair on the other hand ... Harry couldn't help but gape how good it actually looked.

They had kept his make-up very light and natural, his face wasn't completely plastered with it like he had feared it would be. Then there were strategically placed little 'soot' smudges on his cheeks, forehead, and also over his eyes, which made it look like he had actually worked in a mine for hours but without it looking dirty or disgusting but instead rather fashionable ... if that was even possible? Especially the little smudges across and under his eyes due to their darker color, highlighted the green of his eyes, making them appear strikingly intense in a natural way, without it being too over the top.

Apart from the make-up, Harry was surprised to see that they had actually managed to style his hair. His hair was styled in a disheveled, slightly sexy way, his no doubt naturally unruly hair for once greatly helping with this, particularly intended hairstyle.

'The make-up and hair are really nice. I actually like it.', Harry spoke out his positive surprise towards the preparation team.

Then he diverted his attention towards the door as it was suddenly thrown open, revealing a member of Lavender's preparation team.

'Ah, perfect! Looks like you're done here. We need help with Lavender's hair and make-up. Send him out to wait by the horses and their chariots. There are already quite a few tributes waiting from other Districts who are done as well.'