Chapter Text
Galinda waved to the crowd as the chariot she and Boq shared continued forward.
They both had on sparkly outfits, highlighting that district one was the wealthiest. Hers being pink and his being blue.
Being district 1 they went first
The audience marveled and cheered for them as they went by.
But then a couple moments later Galinda noticed people looking past them. Something from far being the two of them had grabbed the people's attention.
From this distance she could hear people make sounds of amazement. She even make out some people cheering for 12.
‘District 12?’ She thought confused
Tributes were expected to be face forward during the parade, which means she couldn’t look behind her to see what the fuss was about. 12 was probably too far to see anyway.
Eventually the chariot came to a stop and they stepped off.
Speed walking to the wall that had the stands above them she looked at where the chariots were coming from.
Her jaw dropped at what came into view
The 12 chariot was approaching and the two tributes were… on fire
‘Oh wait, no. It’s just their capes.’ Galinda realized, finding relief
She knew artificial fire was a thing but she’s never seen it used like this before.
The boy, Fiyero Tigelaar, looked handsome. He definitely resembled a prince. Galinda could easily imagine him stepping off the chariot to sweep some girl off her feet.
The girl, Elphaba Thropp, looked beautiful.
She couldn’t believe that it was the same girl who ran into her before.
As the chariot approached she could make out the details of her dress, her hat, even the stick thing in her hand.
Eventually it clicked what she was supposed to be.
‘She’s a witch.’
Everything Galinda had heard about witches back in district 1 was always negative. They were more like creatures than people. Their souls were so impure that water could melt them. They only existed to cause terror.
‘So why dress Elphaba up as something everyone’s been taught to hate?’ She wondered
Despite her confusion she couldn’t help but feel jealous. That display was far grander than hers and Boq’s.
She also felt a bit worried. First impressions are important for potential sponsorships and the 12’s just made the most striking impression of anyone here.
Galinda continued to stand there as the parade came to an end
She watched as people dismounted the same way she had and walked off back to the tribute center.
Eventually Elphaba and Fiyero came by
The blonde was annoyed by how pretty the brunettes outfit looked this close up
“Hello there, Glinda.” The woman said smugly, walking past with her fellow tribute by her side
It irked her that she was still saying her name wrong
Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned her head to see it was Boq
“Come on. Let’s go.” He said calmly
As they walked to where the elevator will be she couldn’t get the frustrating woman out of her head.
‘You may have won this battle, Elphaba Thropp.’ She thought, determined ‘But I will win the real battle.’