"From District 12. You know her as thegirl on fire, but we know her as the lovely Katniss Everdeen." I hear Caesar's animated voice call me to the stage and I take a hesitant step and I see his hand outstretched to greet me.

I take it and I'm amazed when he holds onto my hand instead of pulling away and wiping his on his jacket. We sit and I hear him ask a question but all my mind can focus on is the fact that I am sitting in front of all of Panem covered in paint and a thin layer of something sheer.

I hear Caesar speak but my brain doesn't register his words. "What?" I say and I hear his laugh, followed by the crowds.

"Someone's a little nervous I see."

"That was quite an entrance you made at the Tribute Parade the other day. Tell us about it."

Be honest. Tell the truth. "I was just hopeing I wouldn't burn to death." I saw this and the crowd bursts out in laughs and sighs.

"When I saw you come out of those doors, my heart stopped. Tell me Katniss, where the flames real?" I let out a nervous laugh.

"Yes they where, but my dress today is amazing." I give Caesar what I hope is an alluring smile. "Do you want to know why?"

Cinna had told me that they're was a surprise to my dress, that would reveal the artist touch but I would have to spin so they could see it. I stand and start to twirl. When I do I see the flicker of flames and when I look down. I am standing in Peeta's painted silk dress but my whole body seems to glow with the embers of flames. I hear the crowd gasp and cheer.

I feel dizzy and Cesar helps me back into my seat. I feel him take my hands in his and give them a squeeze.

"One last question...about your sister. I'm sure everyone will agree that we where touched and moved when you took her place at the Reaping. Tell me did she come to say goodbye to you?"

I feel my mouth go dry and my words sound small. "Yes she did."

Caesar pats my hands and asks me what I told her and for a moment I look to Cinna and answer. "I told her that I would try to win, for her."

He kisses my hand. "And try you shall." He raises me out of the chair.

"Ladies and gentlemen Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire." The crowd cheers as I walk to my seat and sit down.

Last they call Peeta and I watch as he takes his seat and Cesar asks, "So Peeta how are you finding the Capitol and don't say with a map."

He gives a response that makes everyone laugh and I realize that he is a natural. His good natured manner wins the crowd over instantly.

"So tell me Peeta, handsome young man like yourself. Is there a special girl back home?"

I try to keep my face neutral as I wait for his answer. "No not really." Caesar presses and then I hear it.

"Well there is this girl but she didn't notice me until the Reaping."

I hear the crowd make sounds that tell me that Peeta has give them something they can relate to...unrequited love. With one sentence he has captured their minds and hearts. And my heart sinks because I know I am that girl.

I hear Caesar try to cheer him up by giving him advice and then my heart almost stops. "Because...because...she came here with me."

I feel my face turn hot and I try to hide but I know that every camera will be on me. I look up and in the monitor I see myself. Face a flushed red and an almost shocked look my face.

He's won the game by making me look like a fool. Is the only thought my mind can produce.

"Oh, that is a piece of bad luck." I can hear the edge of pain, real pain, in his voice. The crowd murmuring in agreement, a few cry out in agonized screams.

"Well, I don't think any of us can blame you. It'd be hard not to fall for that young lady. Wouldn't you love to pull her back out and get a response?" The crowd breaks out in screams of assent but Cesar says that rules are rules.

When Peeta leaves the stage the crowds roar is deafening. Peeta has absolutely wiped the rest of us off the map with his declaration of love for me. Even though I promised him my love for the short time we have left I am still angry and hurt.