Caesar Flickerman, once again, looked ridiculous. Bright orange hair and lips with a sparkling orange suit to match. He began the interviews with his usual "Welcome! Welcome! Tonight we have 24 outstanding young people who I'm sure everyone is excited to meet!" He yelled almost everything he said and his smile was always unnatural. But, in District One, we all but worshipped Caesar Flickerman. His interviews and commentary often decided the tribute's fate.
Aurelia had selected a stunning emerald green dress that shimmered in the light and my hair was left long flowing down my back. She said that Caesar wanted to interview Gloss and me together. So, Gloss was in an emerald suit with a golden tie. His blonde hair was slicked back and he looked extremely uncomfortable. His demeanor had slowly begun to change as the Games crept closer.
We all stood backstage District One through District Twelve. No one was talking. I could tell almost everyone was quietly rehearsing what they wanted to tell Caesar and the sponsors from the Capitol. "Remember to keep smiling when we're onstage," Gloss whispered in my ear.
I listened to Caesar continue to talk on stage and then he said, "Last year we all fell in love with Gloss. This year we are in for a truly special treat. His sister is here to compete. Please give a warm welcome to, Cashmere!"
I stepped confidently onstage. Gloss walked closely behind me. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt. I kissed Caesar on the cheek and told him how great it was to finally meet him.
"Please sit, sit, I'm sure everyone here is dying to meet you." We sat down. "Now, Cashmere, we loved your brother last year but what would you say makes you different? What can we expect from you?"
"Caesar, it was so wonderful watching Gloss last year, I just couldn't help but volunteer this year. But, we are very, very different and I don't want to give too much away but I know that the lovely people of the Capitol will not be disappointed when I step into the arena."
"Wonderful!" he said, "Gloss, what were your thoughts when your sister volunteered? Did it surprise you?"
Gloss shifted in his seat, "I always had a feeling that she might want to follow in my footsteps and love that we're both in the Capitol together. I think we both can say that the Capitol citizens have begun to feel like our extended family. I am just as excited as all of you to watch Cashmere compete."
"Are you at all nervous for her?"
"Cashmere is probably more prepared that I was," he kissed my cheek, "I expect her to easily win."
"How absolutely sweet," Caesar said, "Cashmere is there anything that you would like to say everyone who is watching?"
"Only that I can't wait to compete, I've looked forward to this every day for the past year," I tried to muster up a few fake tears, "And I know just how much everyone loved my brother and I, I'm sorry," I brushed a tear off of my cheek, "I just hope that I can become a victor half as wonderful as him and that his fans won't be disappointed in my performance." I turned my head to Gloss and smiled. He warmly smiled back.
"I think many citizens love you already," Caesar said and we all stood up, "and we all anxiously await tomorrow. Ladies and gentleman, Cashmere!" Gloss and I quickly waved to the audience and exited.
"You were fantastic," Gloss said, "Do you want to watch the other interviews?"
"I just want to get into something a little more comfortable," I said. I looked at the screen, Sterling was also telling Caesar everything he thought the audience wanted to hear. He was wearing a midnight blue suit. He was so handsome, so confident, so perfect.
I laid awake, staring at the window, my mind racing. I turned to look at Gloss who was peacefully sleeping. How could someone possibly sleep right now? Tomorrow morning I would leave for the Games.
I crawled out of bed and crept softly into the living room. Sterling was standing at the window, staring up at the sky, searching for the stars that were dimmed by the bright lights of the Capitol.
"Can't sleep?" he asked without turning to me.
"No, how could I, tomorrow is the big day," I said.
"Your big day," he softly said.
"What do you mean?"
"Have you not realized it yet? Are you really that blind?" he stared at me, his cheeks were tear stained, "they love you. And not just because you're pretty and strong. They love you because of Gloss. You have a better chance of winning than anyone else. You don't need to earn sponsors. They're already lining up."
"You'll get sponsors too. You know that!"
"Whatever, I just wish… I just wish…" he stopped.
"What?"
"I wish that you hadn't won the pre-Games. I wish that it had been anyone but you."
"What do you mean?"
"Because I can't kill. If it comes down to you and me, I can't choose me." And without another word he walked out of the room. Leaving me there, alone and confused.