Glimmer sighed, examining herself closely in the full length mirror that hung on her wall. Smoothing out her shirt, she jumped at the creak of the door which opened to her left. Her brother, walking in like he owned the place. She made a noise of disgust. "Platinum, didn't anyone ever teach you to knock, or are you that thick skulled?" she asked, half serious. Her tall, muscular brother sauntered past her and flopped down on her bed. "I dunno, Glim. The latter, I think." He gave her a charming look, like he always did when he made her angry. She rolled her eyes, and turned her attention back to the mirror. She had always admired her older brother. When she was young, he was a role model to her. More so than her older sister, anyway. But her older sister hated the Academy and secretly hated the Games. She thought nothing of bringing pride to your District and to your family, so Glimmer had trouble seeing eye to eye with her. "Is there a reason you're in here?" She asked pointedly, crossing to her vanity. "As a matter of fact, little girl, there is. Dad told me to send you down to his study." She pursed her lips at the use of his pet name for her. After her younger sister was born, Glimmer had hoped that her brother would cease to use it. She had been wrong.

Together they descended the staircase. She was about to take the sharp left that would take her to her father's study, when her brother caught her by the elbow. She spun around, and he gave her a meaningful look, as if sizing her up. He gave a curt nod and released her, headed toward the kitchen where she could hear her little sister, Amethyst, whining to their mother about something that had occurred at school. Amethyst should be beginning training soon, seeing as she had just turned ten. Glimmer secretly worried that her parents weren't going to send her to the Academy, because of how bitter Sapphire had become. They could wait one more year, at most. For now though, the little girl's biggest worries still included who had gotten the most time on the swings at recess. As Glimmer approached the door to her father's study, she overheard her sister's voice.

"…just don't think it's a good idea."

"Well, Sapphire, I didn't exactly expect you to understand. I needed your help, and I sought it."

Was that a bitter edge to her Father's voice? Getting nervous, she knocked softly on the door and then pushed it open. Her older sister was perched on her Father's desk, her long golden hair clipped into a twist. She was filing her nails. When she saw Glimmer walk in, she hopped gently off of the desk and headed toward the door, making sure to hit Glimmer with her shoulder on the way out. For someone who detested the Games, she would have made a fierce tribute. Glimmer didn't retaliate, because of the presence of her Father. She sat in the ornate chair across from him, and spoke in the soft voice she reserved only for her Father- her biggest supporter and closest confidant. Until recently, Glimmer had come into this very room and sat up on the desk and told her Father everything. About the Academy, about Marvel…but recently she had started to become more secretive, something he could easily sense.

"Daddy, Platinum said you wanted to see me."

"Glim, I have something for you." Glimmer couldn't see why this had to be done in the study; as the premier perfumer for the Capitol, Onyx often brought gifts home for his daughter. She remained silent as he reached into his drawer and pulled out a black velvet box. "Glimmer," he began seriously, "you know that the crest of our family contains an Emerald. It is the trademark of our family line, and we hold it very dearly." Their deep green eyes met across the table; though Glimmer couldn't help but let hers wander to the little box. "You're on your way to eighteen now, and I thought it was time to give you this."

Glimmer furrowed her brow. She was a good seven months from turning eighteen. But she said nothing, reaching her hand out and opening the box. Inside was the most beautiful ring she'd ever seen: ornate and white gold, with a huge Emerald sitting in the center of a circle of small round diamonds. "Oh." She gasped aloud. "Daddy it's…it's beautiful."

"Use it well, Glimmer."

"Use it well, what does that even mean?" Glimmer was lying on her stomach in the grass, kicking her feet behind her. She was nose to nose with Marvel, her… well… she didn't know what to call him these days, and it was probably better that she didn't think about it.

"I don't know, Glim." He replied; patient with her as always, though they had been over this a hundred times this afternoon. "I doubt he intends it to be a fashion statement though. And he had your sister make it, which must have been costly."

"What makes you think Sapphire made it?"

"Look at it Glimmer. It has your sister written all over it." He rolled his eyes at her, but laced his fingers through hers. Glimmer allowed a fraction of a smile.

"I guess you're right."

"I'm always right." Glimmer rolled her eyes, but didn't respond. She couldn't argue that point, Marvel was right about many things, which was a source of annoyance for Glimmer. When she didn't respond, he continued. "Who do you think is going to volunteer this year?"

Glimmer wasn't surprised to hear the question, with Reaping Day quickly approaching. She just didn't want to give an answer. She began to pick the grass around her, unwinding her fingers from his. "I don't know. I guess we'll have to wait and see. There's always someone who surprises us."

"Final Rankings will be posted soon. Wonder how I'll do…" Marvel let his voice trail off. Glimmer knew that Marvel longed to be one of the fiercest competitors in their District. He was decent, but not the best. He wouldn't be ranked at the top. However, Glimmer would be. She remained focused on the grass. Too focused. "Glimmer…" She looked up at him, her green eyes bore into his clear blue ones. At the last second he lost his nerve. This is why he wouldn't be ranked at the top. He continued quickly to cover up his change of mind. "Why didn't Platinum volunteer? He was top of the class."

"Oh… well…He wanted to. He just wasn't quick enough." This was true, but only part of the story. Platinum wasn't quick enough because he wavered on his decision. This was partially Sapphire's fault. He was still bitter about not getting the chance to compete, more so than he let on.

Marvel sensed Glimmer's wandering thoughts. She used to tell him everything she was thinking. He tried not to let it bother him. "Come on, golden girl. Lunch break is almost over."

Glimmer got up with him. She didn't react to the nickname he had chosen for her. It was kind of cute, in a sickening way. As long as he didn't use it in public, she'd allow it. He kissed her quickly on the forehead before they headed back into the training center. Glimmer pretended to be focused on her combat exercises, but her mind really wandered to the ring, and the bits of conversation she had overheard between her Father and her sister.