By Kayla Dixon
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Kayla Dixon wrote such a moving story on cosplay for our #MyTHGStory Week that we wanted to share it with everyone! Here she talks about finding much more than just a new skill in creating a costume from Catching Fire.
If it wasn’t for the Hunger Games franchise I never would have gotten into cosplay or rediscovered the community in which I belong. I had been feeling quite lost after a medical discharge from the Navy. In the 10 years I was in, I had lost who I was and didn’t know how to define myself. Prior to the Navy there were no real "fandoms" or cosplay, just kids in school that liked shows, and were considered ‘weird’ for wearing costumes any time other than Halloween. I didn’t like the other students making fun of me, but I was determined to stay true to myself because that is what my other ‘weird’ friends had taught me to do. They were a massive support system to me that said ‘hey, you are awesome the way you are.’ The Navy didn’t have that kind of community. I tried to bring up my favorite show when I was in, and I was laughed at for being a ‘dork and a loser’.
So I hid that part of myself away until after I had gotten out, and someone mentioned a series called The Hunger Games. The books had already been out and the first movie had made its rounds in the theatre. I quickly read the books (in 3 days) and then watched the first movie. I was hooked immediately.
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What really blew me away was the costuming. Catching Fire is what really started to spark my interest in cosplay and led me back to being who I was. I started out with probably one of the hardest costumes to replicate, the beautiful wedding dress Katniss wears. I had never created a costume before but for some reason knew exactly where to start. At the same time, I was filled with doubt when it came to completing the costume; what if it didn’t come out the way I had envisioned it? What if I didn’t have the money to complete it? How would I even create something so extravagant? I worked hard, gluing foil to pipe cleaners, shaping the metal work on the bust, adding 50 yards of tulle. Three months later I was finished. It wasn’t exactly like the dress in the movie (since the film wasn't out yet), but I worked within my budget and was blown away by what I was able to make.
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I was excited about what I created but hesitant to share it because the internet can be a cruel place. I decided to do it anyways to push my comfort level. The first page I submitted it to I was relentlessly torn apart. I figured it was the just that page though and decided to keep sending it out there. I submitted the final product to The Official Hunger Games Halloween costume contest in 2013 and was chosen as one of the eight winners. I got compliments from everyone anytime I wore it. I couldn't walk a few feet at Comic-Con without getting my photo taken. I had never felt more at home in my life. These people understood me and supported me and encouraged my creative processes. I wasn’t made fun of nor was I alienated because I had a passion for my chosen fandom. It was an absolutely amazing feeling. I honestly wish that kind of encouragement would have been around when I was younger. ;)
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I love the Hunger Games fandom and am sad to see the movies come to an end. But I am so thankful that there was even a Hunger Games to speak of. It has introduced me to so many amazing people that I now consider my friends and brought me back to where I belonged.
Be sure to say hello to Kayla on her facebook page The Girl On Fire Cosplay.
This week in our 100 Days of Mockingjay celebration we're talking about Hunger Games cosplay, tattoos, make-up, hair and nail art. Find out how you can participate on social media and enter our giveaway for a Katniss cowl and black Mockingjay pin HERE.