Chapter 8

Thank you all so much for continuing to read my story! I know there are a lot better ones you could be reading right now and I appreciate you choosing mine. THANKS SO MUCH! And Happy Reading!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own the Hunger Games.

On my last day in the Capitol before the Games, I eat the best breakfast yet. Hot chocolate, bacon, eggs, cinnamon rolls, muffins, pancakes, yogurt, and other delicious Capitol delicacies. After cleaning up and changing into comfortable clothes, Marvel and I meet Katella in the lounging area to practice answering questions. Today we are mostly just learning about manners and proper behavior for the interviews. By lunch, my mouth is dry and feet are sore from walking around in five-inch heels.

We are then ushered off into our rooms to prep for the interviews. Rena joins me and my prep team, after I spend an hour in the tub of some colorful mixes and lots of bubbles. We make small talk about what Katella taught me, and how Marvel and I are going to portray ourselves. A half an hour later, my prep team finishes up and I look at myself in the mirror. The makeup isn't too extravagant this time because I'm on stage, instead of a poorly lit chariot. They have simply highlighted my natural features and added some gold eyelashes that glitter every time I blink. They have let hair be, keeping the natural waves. When Aryan walks in with the same black bag, I'm a little confused, because no one wears the same outfit for the interviews and the opening ceremonies.

"I'm not wearing the same dress right?" I ask hopefully, "Don't get me wrong I loved that dress b-"

"OH GOD NO," Aryan answers quickly, "I would NEVER put someone through that misery."

I let out a sigh of relief. But, I was also kind of offended knowing that back home I usually wore an outfit thirty to forty times before it got too small or old. We didn't have the money to buy new clothes everyday…

Out of the mysterious black bag, he pulls out a stunning strapless gold gown. The fabric is cinched at the waist making it look tiny. The rest of the dress drapes down to the floor like an unending waterfall. The top is lined with gold beads and beautiful emerald accents to match my eyes. I'm so excited to put it on that I grab the dress from him and run into the bathroom. I walk out into my prep area and look at myself in the full body mirror. My first reaction is shocked to see that I am the girl standing in front of the mirror. Then I realize something strange with the fabric. When the bright makeup lights hit the dress, you can see through the material. I step closer to the light until my whole leg is visible. I spin on my heel looking at Aryan with a concerned face.

"Um, I think there might be something wrong with the dress… its see-through."

Aryan gives an amused chuckle. " No darling, that's not a mistake. But don't worry, I only added that 'special' fabric around your legs and stomach."

I shine the light down at my stomach and sure enough, the cloth simmers and disappears slightly revealing my abdomen. I look to Rena for help but she doesn't say anything. She just smiles and nods her head in approval. I feel betrayed. Rena told me I wouldn't have to be so provocative, and then she comes and gives me this dress?

"Why are you doing this to me? You said I had to have substance! Who would be concentrating I what I am saying in this dress? All the old perverts will just be staring at my legs, trying to get a look up my ass!"

I quickly switch off the bright lights and the dress returns to its "regular" glimmering gold fabric. I stand there, waiting for Rena's answer, for her to explain herself to me, but she only says this.

"You want to win, don't you? I told you in the beginning that would help you get sponsors."

I can't argue with her. It's true it do want to win, but to be so slutty to do it, that's not what I wanted. Unfortunately, it's too late now. So I suck it up, but on 5-inch gold sparkle heels and walk out the door with my head held high but my insides wanting revenge.

All the tributes are all lined up in boy girl order from each district so I am the first person up for the interviews. We hear Caesar warm up the crowd and a man in a black suit escorts me to the stage. I hear "Glimmer Delray!"

I strut onto the stage and the crowd goes wild. I know the lights on the stage must me five times brighter than those in my dressing room so I can only imagine what I look like right now. I take a seat next to Caesar who is wearing a navy blue suit with hair and makeup to match. These Capitol people's appearances still surprise me even though I've been here or almost a week now. Then the interview starts.

"Welcome Glimmer!"

"Hello Caesar," I say with a wide smile.

"Well may I say you look stunning today! "

The crowd agrees with massive applause and cheers so I thank them by nodding my head and giving them an award-winning smile.

"Thank you Caesar. But, I really owe it all to my stylist, Aryan. He created so many beautiful outfits for me, I couldn't have asked for anyone better."

I gesture for Aryan to stand up in the crowd and he does so, creating another deafening wave of applause. This audience is too enthusiastic. After they quiet down somewhat, Caesar asks me the next question.

"So Glimmer," Caesar continues, "are you ready for the games?"

"Yes, Caesar, I am very prepared."

"And are you going to form an alliance or strategy?"

I wasn't sure what the others would say about it so I just tried to avoid the subject.

"Well, I think I'm going to keep that secret for now," I say giving Caesar a wink and innocent look.

The audience goes wild once again and I'm beginning to think even if I just sat there, they'd still cheer. These people are just so stupid…

"So Glimmer, I have one more question. How are you with the boys back home?"

The audience ohs and ahs at this question. They always like hearing about other people's personal lives. So I give them something to remember me by.

"Well, Caesar, back in District One, there were MANY boys after me."

"I'm sure there were, I mean look at her!"

I once again thank them and to give the crowd ANOTHER chance to clam down.

"But, I never really liked any of them. I must've had at least ten suitors however none of them were up to my standards."

In my head I sound like a real bitch, but I am playing a heartbreaker.

"Well, Glimmer I'm sure if you come back, you will find a suitable man! Not only ten of them, but hundreds will be throwing themselves at you! Right folks?"

"Thank you Caesar!"

"Ladies and Gentlemen from District One, Glimmer!"

I take a small curtsey and stride off the stage. After I am out of the audience's view, my shoulders immediately slump and my face drops from holding the exhausting smile. I walk over to the small television screen, taking off my heels on the way. It is showing the interviews live and I see Marvel having a great time with Caesar, talking together like they are old friends. I hate how he is such a natural. After Marvel is done, we stay to watch Cato and Clove's interviews and head upstairs as a group clearly showing our dominance in front of the other tributes.

We gathered in our apartment to watch the rest of the interviews. I sit in the crook of Cato's arm and I see Marvel with his arm draped around Clove. I give him a wink and me returns it with a smirk. However, we all are glued to the screen when Katniss comes on stage. After that eleven in training, we all are paying very close attention. The result is pretty bad. All she does is twirl around in that flaming dress. We all laugh at how stupid she looks and relax because the odds are back into our favor. Then Peeta came up and his interview reminded me of Marvel's. Peeta and Caesar act like childhood friends with friendly banter and such. Then we all listen, interested in Peeta's love life. He said there's girl, which he's liked for a really long time but she didn't really notice him until the reaping. You can tell the audience feels sorry for him. He is playing them so well. There is a dramatic pause and Peeta says,

"Because she came here with me"

We all realize at the same time that he means Katniss. And the odds are back in her favor.