Jacob's plan to facilitate his future missions was underway, or at least that's what his situation seemed to imply. To be honest, everything was quite straightforward, and at least in the beginning, it meant doing much better than what Peeta had done with the fake relationship with Katniss.
The outcome of all this was known, and initially, it relied on Katniss receiving all the gifts from sponsors since she was the tribute that Haymitch had chosen to support in the Games.
However, while he did seek to make things easier, Jacob wasn't fully confident in the help of his sponsors but rather in the weaponry he would receive once he entered the arena, at least according to his speculations.
Once Jacob descended with his team, he was separated and taken to a place where he would be prepared for the tribute presentation and eventually the opening of this year's Games.
...
Renewal Center.
Jacob found himself at the renewal center, surrounded by stylists and assistants preparing to mold his appearance. The atmosphere was filled with a frenzy of activity and whispers of anticipation. It was the moment when every detail of his look would be carefully crafted to enhance his image and make him the center of attention.
As the stylists began examining his body, evaluating every inch with critical eyes, Jacob maintained an air of narcissistic indifference. He looked around with a sense of superiority, aware that his presence alone was enough to cause a stir.
"It seems like you've been preparing for the Games since you were young. Many have said that you're just an naive boy from District Twelve." One of the stylists commented with complete confidence.
"Well, they're all in for a surprise." Jacob muttered, not particularly interested in engaging in conversation at the moment.
Comments about his physical condition reached his ears, but he coldly ignored them. The stylists discussed among themselves, expressing opinions on how to improve his appearance. Some mentioned the need to tone certain areas of his body, while others made remarks about his current complexion.
"No, he has very well-proportioned muscles, so let's work on his hair. His deep eyes are incredible for capturing the public's attention."
"Yes, considering his skin color, we don't need to do much with makeup. His hair is the main issue that needs to be resolved as soon as possible."
However, Jacob showed no hint of insecurity. Instead, he maintained an arrogant smile on his face, as if every critical word slid off his skin without causing the slightest harm. It was as if he was above such observations, convinced of his own attractiveness and charm.
Impressed by his unshakeable attitude, the stylists continued their work. They dedicated themselves to their task with dedication, trying to meet Jacob's demands and highlight his unique beauty. As the transformation progressed, his gaze grew more intense, and his features became more pronounced, clearly establishing him as the indisputable center of attention.
Jacob, aware of his power and magnetism, delighted in the process of metamorphosis. With each step, his confidence soared to new heights, and his ego fed off the recognition he received. He was the epitome of beauty and was determined to make the sponsors aware of it. With a handsome face and body, he had every reason to be proud and use it to his advantage.
While the renewal center buzzed with activity and the stylists worked to make him even more dazzling, Jacob remained unmoved, convinced of his own greatness.
Jacob's process was the fastest, as there weren't many imperfections other than his nails, hair, and the hair on his eyebrows that, in the stylists' opinion, didn't match his deep gaze. Although initially, no one believed that Jacob would be a standout for his beauty, everyone silently admired the result of their work.
"You're the best project I've had in five years. There wasn't much to work on since you have a good physique, and the imperfections we often have to address, you don't have."
Jacob felt a slight tingling in the areas where hair had been removed, but now, looking at himself in the mirror, he discovered a new version of himself that he had never paid much attention to.
His facial expression reflected a combination of intensity and vulnerability. The defined features of his jawline and high cheekbones added a certain toughness to his appearance, while his soft, slightly parted lips seemed to whisper words that never dared to escape.
All his imperfections highlighted his other dark side. Now, at seventeen years old, his appearance had matured due to exercise and the wear and tear on his body from training. But this was a good thing, as it seemed to enhance his charms even more.
After the stylists finished their work, Jacob sat in a chair wearing a robe that covered his entire body. His gaze was fixed on a glass table, imagining many things that were passing through his mind.
Just as Jacob was thinking that this would take much longer, a pleasant voice, hinting at charisma, was heard at the entrance of the door. "It seems like the work finished much earlier than expected. It's not usually like this."
Jacob looked up and saw a man who must be Cinna, the stylist assigned with Portia to dress the tributes from District Twelve.
"Though I didn't have time to take care of my nails in the mines, I suppose it wasn't so bad." Jacob responded, his expression slightly more serious.
"Hello, Jacob. I'm Cinna, and along with Portia, I'm your stylist." The man said softly, without the characteristic Capitol tone.
"Portia? A charming woman. I genuinely thought of my mother for a moment when she spoke to me." Jacob smiled amicably, making a joke.
"From what I've seen, you have a perfect profile and no imperfections on your face. It seems Portia didn't have to do much to make your features stand out," Cinna briefly examined Jacob's face and nodded in approval.
Jacob didn't have many words to share with Cinna, unlike Katniss, so he immediately got to the important topic. It was getting dark, and all he wanted was to consume his respective calories and carbohydrates before sleeping, having finished training for the day to not ruin any of the care he was receiving.
"This time I came explicitly because of the things you mentioned to Portia about your outfit that intrigued me." Cinna looked at Jacob's body, which indeed had much to show for being from a district that didn't train its tributes due to the conditions they lived in.
"As you suggested, we've opted for a dark and fitted suit that highlights your athletic figure. The modern cut and embossed details give it a futuristic touch, but we've modified a large part of the outfit to make it more in line with your district. As you know, it's customary for the costumes to reflect the spirit of each district."
"So, you want me to carry a pickaxe? Sorry, I didn't bring it in my suitcase before coming to the Capitol." Jacob sarcastically replied.
"Don't worry about that. You see, Portia and I believe that the miner theme is overdone. Nobody will remember you if you wear something directly related to mining like a pickaxe. We both think our job is to make the tributes from District Twelve unforgettable this year."
"Something like showing muscles?" Jacob thought it wasn't an exaggeration what he was hiding, and he listened in silence to see if the changes would generate something different than what happened in the real story.
"Coal, coal burns, and something sensational emerges from it." Cinna said with an excited expression.
"I hope you're not afraid of flames." At that moment, Portia entered followed by two stylists carrying a dark suit. Seeing Jacob, she smiled and then looked at Cinna, who nodded.
A few minutes later, Jacob was enveloped in an impeccable black velvet cape with broad lapels that opened downward and flowed majestically around him. The cape reached the floor, adding a touch of mystery and theatricality to his presence.
Underneath the cape, Jacob wore a tailored suit of fine dark fabric, like an elegant black tuxedo that had black raven feathers as dark as the night, with a perfect fit. The suit hugged his figure with precision and sophistication, enhancing his regal and aristocratic bearing while still staying true to the theme that Cinna and Portia were aiming for.
The silk shirt peeking out from under the vest was a radiant white, with subtle details of golden lace or embroidery that added a touch of delicacy and refinement. The tie or bow adorning his neck was elegantly knotted, providing a touch of formality and classic elegance.
As for the pants, they were a deep black and fell in perfect folds, giving a sense of grace and nobility. The polished leather shoes, with silver or golden accents, completed the ensemble, adding a touch of luxury and distinction to each step he took.
Jacob carried a cane, carved with exquisite details in ivory or noble wood, with a metallic tip that reflected, for the keen observer, the tip of a pickaxe. But the cane also reinforced his position of authority and elegance, adding a touch of mystery and nobility to his appearance.
The outfit was completed with subtle details such as rings and cufflinks adorned with black gemstones, finished in silver metals, enhancing the opulence and status of a precious coal stone.
Overall, Jacob's attire exuded an air of distinction and power, evoking classic and timeless elegance. Every detail had been carefully selected to complement the color of his skin, considering Cinna and Portia were playing with his sickly tone while also taking into account the specific requests he had made. When Jacob looked at himself in the mirror, he was impressed by his own figure.