7
***

Cockiness will get me no where. States my mentor as he drills into my head how stupid i was too turn down a career alliance, especially in such a crude way. Cockiness was definitely what i was going for, what i was doing never processed through my mind, just the fact that i was too angry to think straight, but there is no use fighting about it now. Ill probably get it in the neck from Liza as soon as she returns too.
But this doesn't concern me right now. I was more focused on the sudden surge of strength and combat knowledge that seeped through me when i picked up that sword in the arena. It came from no where and hit me like lightening. Lightening...

Liza comes back a few hours later, just as we prepare for dinner. I take the first seat and await the others, who arrive shortly after getting the Avox's to collect their plates. Conversation is flowing and for some reason they all seem too completely leaving me out of it. This doesn't phase me, if i had it my own way i wouldn't talk to any other them, but i need them for my survival. I finish my plate of lamb and thick gravy soup and leave the table, silencing the table at my decent. I feel Lizas eyes following me out the room. She is either really furious or really happy about my conflict with the career.

The next two days go by quicker than expected. I began training with sword in my training sessions, working with my new found skill. I was never this good back at home. I manage to even complete the top wave on the computer, which only 1 tribute has manage to do since the beginning, a district 1 tribute. I also equipped my knowledge in camouflage and snares, updating my tactics and designs. If in all honesty, I believe i pretty prepared for the games.

Today is the hard bit. The interviews. Each tribute will face a individual 3 minute interview with Cornelius Flickerman, the most widely popular television presenter. Your only hope for sponsors. 3 minutes doesn't seem awfully long but if you play your cards right, you could end up with a couple 100 sponsors supporting your back.

Cresta and the prep team have prisoned me in the their treatment room, where they have removed any facial hair that has grown between the tribute parades and now. Then fitting me with what i could make out, a very expensive tux. I watch as Cresta returns into the room, walking into the light holding a body length suit bag. As she unzips it i see the purity and innocence steam off of the perfect white tux, fitted with a solid gold plated collar and, from what i can make out, is plated with diamond lightening strikes. The shirt beneath the blazer with covered in silver strikes, that glisten all around it, accompanied by a burgundy bow tie. Topping off the perfect suit.

I still cant make out my prep teams obsessions with matching me with lightening but i go with it. I trust them, they must see a slight shard of faith in me. No prep team goes too this kind of effort of they didn't. I place on the suit, that fits perfect, tight around my broad shoulders and a slim fitting shirt that retracts around my waist making the silver lightening bend all around my body.

The stewards begin to line me up, Liza first then myself just after. I gaze as each tribute makes their way on stage, putting on fake persona's with every word. I'm not scared, I'm curious. What will the crowd think of me? So what if they don't like me, i cant please everything. That thought sinks deeper into my mind as the line disintegrates. Really i should be thinking positive, as if i'm a completely different person but i cant. Act desirable Jasper, act like the one thing everyone wants in their possession but cant afford to posses.

Liza retreats off the stage with a slight smirk, Her interview must of went well. I begin to get ushered to the wings of the stage, when i hear loud strikes of lightening, coming from the stage.

''Ladies and Gentlemen, May I present the boy you have all been waiting too meet... Jasper Rowan.'' Cornelius hands hold out, pulling me theoretically onto the stage. With every stride i take on the stage the lightening gets louder and the crowds begin too roar. What is going on? I don't understand. I need to get out of her.
Too late.

''District 10 tributes never usually get that much of a welcome by the residents here in the capitol'' He smiles widely, grasping on my arm and sitting me on the velvet chair opposite his. ''What's your secret?'' He points the microphone towards me now.

''My secret?'' I say regaining confidence. I look out to the crown. ''I think it has something to do with this lightening'' I say with a smirk, the crowd go crazy. So crazy Cornelius couldn't even calm them down. I don't know how im doing this, but right now i don't care. This is amazing.

''Now now settle down ladies... So Jasper tell me how are you settling into the capitol? do you like it?'' He speaks with projection whilst giving my knee a pat.

I lean over towards the microphone.''Well for starters.. What a beautiful place... And i don't just mean the people in it...'' I smirk again this time sending a wink towards the audience sending the female audience to swoon.
The interview continues with the reason i volunteer and everyone wishing me luck in the games. You can get much more of a interview than that.

See that doesn't just cover my life now, but Liza's too.