A burly, horned male nudged his friend with an elbow. "I heard the ceremony's going to be different this time!"
"Different? Ha! They say that every year. What's next? The females will finally get a say in things?" The other male cackled before dodging a playful slap from a passing female.
Two young males, both barely past their first shift, whispered excitedly. "What if the Capitol chooses one of us for the celestial awakening?"
"Dream on! You'd trip over your own tail before even standing before the elders!"
Thalina watched, amused, as vendors pushed through the crowd, selling sweet roasted nuts and spiced meat skewers.
Somewhere to her left, a group of fluffy-tailed children bounced eagerly, climbing over their parents' shoulders for a better view. The energy was contagious, making even her heart race in anticipation.
Zeriah smirked. "It's been a long time since I've seen the city this alive. The last time was when a male challenged another over a female."
