When it was time to switch stations, Niles felt conflicted. He still wanted to lie low and stay at the easy, more logical sort of stations, but it might also be useful to learn some of the tougher stuff.
He found that Daphne was suddenly standing next to him. "Well, go on Niles, pick one. I'll just follow wherever you go. Listen, I know sports really isn't your thing, but it's such a shame when people let fear stop them from trying new things."
Niles froze. He felt that same feeling of apparent familiarity. It was as if the answer to why it seemed so close was right there in front of him, but for some reason he could not see it. Something would not let him see it.
Perhaps Frasier would know. He suddenly wished that his older brother were here to discuss it with him.
"Niles?" Daphne touched him on the arm and Niles sprung out of his daydream. "Let's go over to the knives, Daphne," he told her, remembering what she had said to him just seconds ago.
When they had reached that particular station, they were properly educated on what sort of knives did what, and then they were taught the best way to throw knives.
While Niles and Daphne were waiting in line for the target, they noticed Jack from District 9 flirting very obviously with Emilyann, the District 7 girl. Emilyann pressed her eyes down at the ground, and as Jack touched her shoulder lightly, she brushed it away.
Niles was relieved that his relationship was Daphne wasn't anything like that. He tried to imagine if she ignored him or shrugged him off in any sort of way. He would be heartbroken if this was the case. This made him want to school Jack in the proper way to treat one the heart longs for.
When it was Daphne's turn, he watched as she threw the knife and it hit towards the middle of the target. "My brothers taught me," she told Niles, smiling. He himself was relieved to hit the target, though missing the center by a large gap.
The rest of training slipped by in much the same way, until the time when they were to be scored on their athletic performance. Niles was relieved to even receive a three, and Daphne was given a seven, which Winter said was good. "Not too high, not to low, but balanced," she had told her.
Before the tributes knew it, the day of the five-minute interviews with Caesar Flickerman had arrived.
Thalia gave Niles his outfit and he was relieved to see that it looked practical and smart. "It looks like it suits you," she said with a small smile on her face. "I know you weren't a fan of the one you wore during the parade. This is more your speed, isn't it? Well, that's what the interviews are all about, getting to know you! Oh, gosh, I just love the interviews! They're so much fun and everyone gets to really meet the tributes…"
Niles tuned Thalia out and more carefully examined his outfit.
It was a navy blue jacket and pants, with a lavender colored shirt underneath. Niles wished that he had a tie to accompany it, but other than that he was pleased with it.
The rest of the preparations were the same as before, with all of the makeup and hairdressing. When finally he was released, he found Daphne already waiting for him in the living area.
Niles suddenly could not breathe.
"You look lovely, Niles!" she exclaimed upon seeing him.
"I look lovely? Daphne, if anyone looks lovely, it's you!" He honestly knew nothing else to say to her.
Her dress, unlike the one she wore to the parade, stopped at her knees. It was a dark shade of sheer purple, and the sleeves were tight and went all the way down to her wrists. Around her neck was a string of pearls, a lot like the ones Niles' mother used to wear.
Daphne thanked him for his compliment, and they began to walk to the stage where soon Panem would learn just a little more about Daphne Moon and Niles Crane.
The interviews moved slowly for both of them. Career interviews were routine. Maris looked like she usually did, as if she was better than everyone else in the entire room, and the other District 1 tribute, Wren, was almost the same way.
Silver and Ruse left their faces almost blank save for the occasional sliver of a smile. Again, this scared Daphne slightly.
Three, four, five, and even six ran together. Seven had their hearts racing with nerves. Finally, it was Daphne's turn to be interviewed.
Winter had advised them to smile and try to be themselves. "Be comfortable," she had said. "They'll pick up on it if you do, I guarantee it. It doesn't matter if what you say is a lie; lie if you have to. Just be positive."
"Ladies and gentlemen," Caesar Flickerman began, "please welcome the luminous, enchanting Daphne Moon!"
Daphne smiled, stood up straight, and began to walk to the center of the stage. Everyone was applauding her, and she felt dizzy, quite like she had during the parade.
When she had sat down, she heard herself emit a very shaky sigh.
"So Daphne," Caesar began, "how are you this fine evening?"
"Very well, thanks! This is quite a lot to take in, though."
"Yes, I suppose it would be. Now, about the games, do you have any special skills or talents you might like to tell us about?"
"I'm not bad at running, and I have experience in finding things to eat. And…I'm a bit psychic."
The audience gasped and it made her jump. "Are you? That's amazing!" Caesar said the words with an excited tone, and Daphne wondered if it was real. "Have you received any premonitions about this year's games?" he continued.
"No, unfortunately. It's not too late, though!"
"Well, Daphne, have you enjoyed your stay at the Capitol so far?"
"Oh yes! It's lovely here."
"What do you suppose your favorite part has been?"
"The beds are very comfortable, I've noticed. Better than what I've got at home, at least."
"Well, thank you, Daphne. You are truly an unforgettable girl. Everyone give it up for Miss Moon!"
The roar she received from the audience was very unexpected to Daphne, and she found herself curtsying to them without even thinking about it first.
As she walked off, Winter grabbed her and pulled her aside, away from the earshot of the other tributes. "Excellent job, Daphne! It couldn't have gone better. Right now, you are the most desirable tribute in my opinion. You got the perfect score and now they know who you are! I'm just hoping Niles does the same way. Honestly, I'm a little worried."
The two looked over at Niles as he stared at the floor, just waiting for his name to be called.