Cinna assured us that it wasn't real flame. I wasn't so sure. I look at Gale, and we're in identical outfits. One thing that might help me get sponsors is that we don't have horrible costumes. All the previous ones have been dreadful. We might actually have a chance of impressing people. That is, if we don't burn alive.
We're about to start and Cinna lights the match. I take a deep breath and get ready for pain. But it never comes. I try to ask Cinna something, but we're already out.
I look at all of the Capitol people staring at us. They aren't glares or looks of disgust... they're excited! They're cheering for us and throwing us flowers. I don't know what to do so I just cling onto Gale's arm. They seem to like that, but I don't get it.
We get to the end of the path and President Snow gives a quick speech.
Once that's over, I see everyone rushing over here to tell us what a good job we did. Except Haymitch, who looks ready to pass out.
Training was hard. I don't know any of this stuff. I ignore the knots because Gale can teach me that in the games and Katniss has already shown me a few simple ones.
I can't imagine doing this. I can't kill people. I get upset when Katniss brings home game, and I'm not even the one killing.
I don't really know what to do.
But, eventually I decide to meet Rue. She could be a good ally. She's my age and we could bond. It just couldn't last.
I sit down next to her at the fire station.
"Hi," I say.
"Hello," she says, looking up. She sees me and smiles.
We talk a little and it seems she's as scared as I am, but she actually has skill. We agree to become allies for a little while at least.
We go to a few of the stations like archery, knife throwing, herbs, and climbing. Rue is like a little monkey, like Katniss. She's an excellent climber. I'm okay, but nothing compared to her. We both know herbs well, though. Neither of us can do archery because the bows are too big for us. But, it turns out that I have pretty good aim with the knives. I can't throw as far as that girl... Clove, I think, but I'm alright. Better than nothing. I practice at that station for awhile. Rue is pretty good, also.
It's the last day before the interviews. We get time with our mentors. Haymitch is absolutely no help, obviously, but Effie seems just cruel.
I have to sit right, walk right, stand in heels (ow!), talk right, curtsey right, etc. It just goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and... well you get the point. I guess it helps, though.
Well, time for the interviews...