A changeling in the hunger games, no two changelings in the hunger games. All of Equestria was baffled when two changelings were chosen at the Reaping. Me and Chitter are practically siblings. All changelings share a certain brotherly bond to begin with, and we are all of the same mother. Most changelings have died out after the tragic incident that killed the queen.
Our queen had no authority over us to begin with, and any changeling that referred to our mother as queen was shot down and killed. Too many of the ponies in Equestria desire to see changelings exterminated, and it will take a lot of convincing to show the ponies that we deserve to be rooted for.
When we came in to The Capital, and I waved to everyone outside the window of our train. We were greeted with spitting and obscenities by everypony. I just hope that we receive fair treatment in these games. Just because we're not ponies, doesn't mean we deserve to die.
Chitter and I trot carefully out of the train with our heads low, and are quickly greeted by our stylist. "Hello, dearest changelings. I'm very excited to be working with you."
I smile sincerely at the pale green mare before us. Chitter cowers behind me. "I'm Shift, and this is Chitter." I say looking up at the mare. "I'm sorry about her, she's very nervous." The mare smiles nervously, offering a hoof to Chitter.
"Hello, I'm Red Raven." she says kindly. "I'm going to make you beautiful." Chitter smiles.
"You mean it?" She chirps happily.
"I'm actually an expert on changelings." Red Raven smirks confidently. "I share a love of them that is often frowned upon by pony folk. In fact a grew up in your District."
I nod affirmatively at her response to Chitter. Red Raven's scarlet mane and blue eyes calm me slightly, it's nice to have some help from a pony that doesn't hate us. "Your interest in Changelings is baffling Red Raven, but unless you're a miracle worker it's going to be next to impossible to make us liked by anypony."
"I am a miracle worker." Red Raven smiles. "Just follow me and I'll apply the right touch."
I follow after her, with Chitter skipping ahead of me. She seems more confident than usual, and I'm grateful for that. The streets of the capital are white streaking with crystal glowing a brilliant aquamarine. The building ahead of us is just as captivating, with bright red fixtures and windowsills of pure gold, accompanied by long transparent glass windows letting sunlight pass through errantly. As brilliant as the outside of the building is, the white tiles on the floor and pink walls are much less captivating.
"This is the salon, have a sit." She motions to an uncomfortable looking chair with a hair dryer. She's not touching my cyan mane. Chitter sits down immediately in the chair next to me while I stand awkwardly. I'm not as thrilled to be getting a makeover.
Red Raven's kind demeanor changes quickly. "Sit." She hisses. I obey, not thrilled at her tone. "Now what you need at the parade is to be vibrant. Noticeable. The dark black exoskeleton of a changeling won't do." She rummages through her beauty supplies pulling out something that seems rather strange to me- gold body paint.
"What is that?" I ask.
"Don't worry this is perfectly safe for use on changelings, and you can wash it out right after the tribute parade." Red Raven adds. "Well, hopefully." I cringe. She applies the paint, despite my body jerking in protest. "Hold still, please." I growl slightly and comply.
Chitter looks to me blinking incessantly. She doesn't seem to be in dread of this, she seems eager. "Okay now." Red Raven says, levitating a small mirror in from of my face. I'm gleaming so much that I have to squint.
"It's great." I lie. "Everypony will love us." No, everypony will be blinded to death. Chitter chirps happily as Red Raven begins to apply the gold body paint on her.
"What about the dress?" Chitter asks.
"Oh I have something special in mind." Red Raven grins. I hear her chuckle lowly under her breath. What's she hiding? I feel like she means well but she might be too excited about making us look good. I really wish she'd dial it down a notch or two. "Okay you're all set. Now it's time for the apparel, I have something for the both of you." She smiles, leading us out into another room, this one's quiet and cramped full of outfits- mostly feminine. I growl in protest.
"Please tell me you are not planning on sticking me in a dress." I protest. Red Raven laughs, more audibly this time.
"Are you familiar with the psychic abilities of changelings?" She asked, still not answering my question.
"Somewhat yes." I know that changelings use their psychic abilities to feed on other peoples emotion. Changelings also have the ability to infect ponies to make them more compliant, but any changeling caught using that ability will be killed by peacemakers. I still don't know if I'm wearing a dress or not.
"This pink dress has magic that will amplify a changelings ability of infection." She smiles, maliciously. "You want everypony to love you, you have to force them." A dress, there goes my stallionhood.
"The dress is for Chitter right? You have something else for me don't you." I plead.
"No, I have two of these dresses so you'll have to swallow your pride and wear it." Red Raven barks. I hiss again at her tone. I'd rather go naked. And how is that going to help you're pride? I put on the dress, reluctantly. Chitter smiles as she puts hers on in front of me.
"How do we activate the magic." I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Focus your energy on the crowd." She says. "Once you have their attention, start giving them suggestions. The magic will project your infection on the entire audience."
"Isn't that cheating?"
"Do you want to win?" I nod.