Edited: 2/7/2017

Warning: Language

His butt was falling asleep and it took all his will power not to squirm in his seat. He had no idea why it took so long for him to get ready for the interviews but he suspected his patience was being tested. At least five times now, he's had to talk himself out of it, saying 'fuck it' and walking out. They had scrubbed him, rubbed him with more oils, and sat him down in that damned metal chair for hair and make-up.

Dick sighed and shifted. "Feeling restless?" Lein commented.

"It's kind of hard to sit still when your butt is all pins and needles." Dick supplied and Lein chuckled.

"Well, you're in luck because we are done." Lein put down his comb and ignored Dick's muttered 'thank God'. Dick stood and brushed out a few small wrinkles in his suit. It was a tailored, black suit with red accents. The top two buttons of his blood red dress shirt were undone and his black shoes shone under the florescent lights. On the lapel of his jacket was a golden version of his stylized Robin 'R' on a black and red yin and yang style background. A red handkerchief peeked out of the pocket next to it.

"What do you think?" Lein asked as they stood in front of the full-length mirror.

"I think I look just like my dad," said Dick softly.

"It's time," Lein informed him smiling and Dick followed him out. They took a different route than the previous one and stopped just outside a room. They weren't waiting long when the door opened and Dick's breath left him. Standing before him was the most beautiful young woman he had ever seen. She was dressed in a dark green, mermaid style evening gown that sparkled and shimmered as she moved. Silk sleeves hung loosely off her cream-colored shoulders. Her red hair was pinned to the side and ended in soft curls over her left shoulder. A hair piece of diamonds held it in place at the back-right side of her head. A necklace of diamonds and emeralds drew attention to her slender neck with a matching pair of earrings daggling from her ears. Her make-up accented her ice blues eyes and ruby red lips. The urge to lean in and kiss those lips was nearly overpowering.

Barbara giggled. "Close your mouth, boy wonder. You'll attract flies."

Dick's jaw closed with a snap and a blush. "You look gorgeous Babs." He complemented.

It was Barbara's turn to blush. "Thanks Dick, you don't look too bad yourself."

Dick offered her his arm, "shall we?"

"Of course," Barbara said taking hold of his elbow.

They were escorted to a room that had the appearance of a backstage of a television studio. Love seats were lined up in two rows, enough for each pair of champions. A few of them were already here, talking and waiting for the interviews to begin. There were sharply dressed boys with visions of beauty hanging off their arms. He caught sight of Peeta and Katniss just as they were told to take a seat. He gave them a polite nod of greeting to which they both returned.

As he settled in to wait for their turn, he could feel Barbara shifting uncomfortably next to him. She was fidgeting with anything she could get her hands on, the sleeves of her dress, invisible lint, the arm of the couch, her hair. It was plainly obvious she was nervous. When she began wringing her hands, he felt it was time to intervene. He gently tugged on her hand and laced their fingers. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Calm down, you'll be just fine."

"I'm not as good at this as you are." She whispered back.

"I've had practice. Just do what feels right."

"I don't know if I can."

"Yes, you can. You're beautiful Babs, they're going to love you," Just like I do. He omitted the last part as he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. When her name was called, Barbara took a deep breath and stood. Dick gave her an encouraging smile as she walked onto the stage.