DISCLAIMER: I do not own THG and anything you think that aren't mine.

Katniss' POV

"Oh. My. God," Madge says in disbelief as she looks around the gym. "I can't believe they're all actually here to watch the tryout."

I give the place a once-over before agreeing with my bestfriend. "I know right. Let's go home?" I give her a small smile hoping that she'll agree with me.

But Madge just looks at me like as if I had just suggested the lamest suggestion on earth. "Katniss, I just want to be in the squad so badly. That means I want you there, too. So please try your very best and remember the things I taught you. We're doing this to spend time together. That's not gonna happen if I'm on the team and you're not. And think about Finnick! When you get into the squad, you're not just gonna cheer for him in your simplest t-shirt and jeans in the bleachers anymore. Cos you'll be one of those cool chics wearing that cute maroon cheerleading uniform!" She giggles in excitement.

I fake a smile and try to look interested. You see, the MAIN reason why Madge decided to try out in this whole cheerleading thing is because of the uniform. She just likes it so much that she worships anyone who wears it. I know. She's crazy.

So how did she get me into this? Simple. She just mentioned Finnick Odair, the A-High Academy's basketball team starplayer who just happens to be the same guy I have a massive crush on, and began babbling about the possibilities that for four long years, he'd finally lay his beautiful sea-green eyes on me and acknowledge my existence for the very first time since I'd be like, wearing that "head-turner" cheerleading outfit. So maybe that explains it all. Why I'm here, standing in the sidelines as I await for the tryout to begin though I'm still not fully convinced that this is a good idea. Sure, maybe Madge is right. Maybe Finnick will finally notice me. But you see, cheerleading is just not my thing.

Anyways, I allow my eyes to survey the place. A number of students are occupying the bleachers, others just stand around in the corners talking and laughing. The room is sure noisy. As I continue scanning the gym, my eyes suddenly land on Gale and Peeta standing in the sidelines just opposite from us, offering smiles of encouragement. Gale gives me a thumbs-up while Peeta cups his mouth with both hands and mouths the words "Good luck".

I can't help but let out a carefree chuckle. Peeta and Gale, our closest guy friends. They're always there to cheer us up. And Madge must have traced my gaze for she is now grinning and waving her hand at them.

I glance over, smile still apparent on my face, when I catch sight of a certain color.

Bronze.

I freeze. My heart begins to pound fast. There's no other person who owns a bronze hair in this school but Finnick Odair. He's casually standing just a couple of meters away from Peeta and Gale. He has his hands shoved inside his varsity jacket's pockets and is staring to nothing in particular.

I immediately turn to Madge, feeling the panic rising up. "Madge, I can't do this. Finnick is here! I don't want him to see me making a fool of myself!"

But it seems like Madge only hears the "Finnick is here" part for her face brightens up and her eyes really gone wide. "Really? Where?" She deliriously whips her head around and only stops when she spots who she is looking for. Her mouth opens wide in what I suppose in awe as she looks at the incredibly gorgeous lad across us. "Jesus, he's really, really hot." Frantic, she then turns back to me and says, "Katniss, this is your chance. Show him what you got!"

"What?!" I automatically snap, like I just heard the most ridiculous thing, ever.

"Come on!" she urges. "Don't be such a scaredy-cat!"

"What are you talking about? No way! I'm backing out!" I try to walk away but Madge only holds me back.

"What are you doing?! Are you insane?! We're about to start," she chastises.

"I just don't wanna get embarrassed with Finnick around!"

Madge throws a quick glance at Finnick and opens her mouth for a reply, but automatically looks back at his direction. "Who," she drawls admiringly, "is that?"

I huffily glance around and follow her gaze. She's definitely looking at the guys next to Finnick. But I'm confused. It's just Marvel and Thresh talking to some blond who's holding a basketball. I furrow my eyebrows at Madge. "Marvel?"

"No, silly," she says, still staring.

"Thresh?"

"No! I'm talking about the good-looking blond whom Marvel and Thresh are talking to. The one holding a basketball."

I look back at them. "Good-looking?" I query, more confused this time. "How can you tell?" I demand, glancing at Madge. "All I can see is his back."

"That's my point!" she snaps. "How can anyone look so good from the back?!"