There was a note slipped under her door.
Hey Katniss!
I was just wondering if you wanted to go to the Stylist's Ball tonight. I'll be back at 8. I promise it won't disappoint you, girl on fire.
Love, Cinna
Katniss smiled at the note, which she slipped into her pocket. She looked into her closet, filled with some of the stylist's more conservative designs. She chose one of her personal favorites- a long red number with gems. Not the dress that she had worn during her interview with Caesar, but still had the fire that she was so famous for. She put on the dress and a small shawl and sat on her bed, awaiting the knock. She picked up the small remote control next to her bed and brought up the forest. It was at first difficult to look at, but she soon found herself staring at it, searching it for some sign of Gale, Prim, anyone. She thought she saw someone when she heard a soft knock at the door. She turned the television off and walked over to the door. She said, just as softly, "who is it?"
"Hey, girl on fire!" Cinna said good-naturedly, "Ready to go?"
"Yes, just a second." The tribute ran back into her room, pinning her mockingjay pin to her shawl, and fixing her braid. She ran back to the door, opening it, and running straight into her stylist.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." She said quietly, looking at Cinna, who was dressed in a tuxedo with gold trim and a tie the color of flames. "It's fine," Cinna replied, "I should be apologizing myself. It really should be Portia going with me today, but she's not feeling so great, so…"
"I'm happy to go with you… You're probably the nicest person I've met here. It's the least I could do." Katniss replied, smiling. Cinna smiled back and took her hand. He opened the door for her, leading her down the elevator and to the ballroom.
"This is it. Smiles, they're going to love you!" Cinna whispered, probably reassuring himself just as much as Katniss. The two walked through the doors. The room, with its high ceilings and multi-colored crystal chandeliers, was just as flamboyant as many of the stylists there. The ball quieted for a minute as the tribute and her stylist walked in together, but Cinna simply gave them a look that said, "Well, what's the problem?" before walking out into the room, still holding onto Katniss's hand. The dance went on, and the flames on her dress lit the room from below, casting dancing, flickering lights onto the walls. "You're beautiful. Just like those flames." Cinna said, smiling happily. "And they do love you."
"They love me because of your dress." Katniss replied, smiling despite herself. "I never would have thought of that. Seriously, I was scared we'd have to wear coal dust or something to the opening ceremonies."
"Coal dust?" He suppressed a laugh, failing at doing so. "I would never do that."
"Well I'm glad about that. And I'm getting pretty used to this fire."
"I'm glad you're glad."
The night continued on, and the clock struck twelve. "It's time for us to go, Katniss." Cinna said. "You need your sleep for tomorrow."
"Thanks…" Katniss said, rubbing her eyes. Time had gotten away from her, and it was pretty late. The stylist walked her to the elevator, then kneeled and softly kissed her hand. "Good night, girl on fire." He said sweetly, then stood and bowed lightly. "Have good dreams. I'll see you before your interview tomorrow, okay?" He started to walk back to his room when he was suddenly hugged by the tribute. She whispered three words, then walked back to her elevator and waved, blushing, from the crystal.
"Thank you." Cinna whispered back. "I… I think… I feel the same." He turned and walked away, ideas for a wedding dress already popping up in his head.