Another chance for me to shine is just around the corner. Clove has just stepped out onto the platform to greet Flickerman – the blue wonder. He's going to make me look even more astonishing than I already am. Nothing can go wrong. No one can steal my light, not even precious 12.

Today had gone well, better than I thought. Everyone seemed on board about being in the 'Career' pack. Peeta didn't hesitate to say yes to be in our pack, which was unexpected - out of the three bystanders I'd invited, I thought I would have had a struggle on my hands with him – 12 never seem to turn their back on one another. Apollo (the boy from district 3) practically wept with relief when I'd asked him. Clearly the first one to go when not needed. The girl from District 5, Vixen (uncanny with her face slightly fox-ish), was the hardest: kept asking questions on strategy. I told her a few ideas I'd have because I didn't see the harm.

Turning back to nod at my fellow comrades, cool grey eyes stop me. They put me in a trance, as they so often do whenever my eyes fall upon hers. Everdeen's beautiful stern face, emotionlessly looks at mine like a piece of glass, something that does not affect her life but is just there. To her, I'm just a member of the Career's pack – nothing more, nothing less. Her underestimation of me is somewhat pleasurable. Tonight, her hair is up in a fancy braid pulling it off her sharp face to show off those stunning looks. Her dress is the red that is present in a flame; everyone will be in awe of her like they are a moth to a flame.

"Who are you ogling?" Wisteria snaps at her rhetorical question. She yanks down on my suit jacket making our eyes level. Her hair is tightly curled around her face giving her an afro which has a fishing net veil fall in front of one eye. A high necked sea green – puffy at the waist – dress is easily put onto her body. "Seriously, Cato? I thought you were all abou-"

I drag her out of the ears of my opponents before she can finish. "How can you be crushing on a fellow tribute? Especially one you've got to kill. President Snow gave you orders."

After the blonde boy left, last night, I'd invited Wisteria to come around because I trust her the most out of all these tributes. She needed to know what I've been told to do by the President: I know she will help some way or another. "I … Pfft, I'm …. Pfft." I couldn't manage anything like a lie or any sound that didn't sound like I was trying to think of a lie. Get it together, man!

Stand up straight. Shoulders back. Brush down jacket suit. "I'm not crushing on anyone, 4."

"Liar." Her delicate index finger points back as she angrily whispers. "Don't bullshit me, Stark. At the start, I thought you were just trying to figure out how to kill her or to see what she could do but not this time." Wisteria pulls down on my tie this time, our faces only a few centimetres away. "Listen here mister, Katniss is the enemy and let's hope that the little blonde will help us kill her. Got it?"

"Cue Cato Stark to the stage." The intercom voice fuzzes.

Stand up straight. Shoulders back. Brush down jacket suit. All I give her is a small nod. Never have I seen her so angry or demanding or in control. Slightly scary but that is what I need to stay focused. If she dies before the others in the pack, I think everything will just fall apart. Like me, her mind is set on a goal – even if that is the same goal as mine, we will help each other no matter what. I hope.

Cato, this girl has made you think she is your friend. Listen to yourself – you both want the same thing – to be Victor. Only one can. Remember that is you and you need to do it by yourself!

"Stark to stage. NOW!" The intercom orders loudly.

"Jeez, keep your purple toupee on." I glower, strolling up the stairs.

The big introduction begins for me to perform. Caesar Flickerman every year (somehow) makes the weakest contestant look impressive. But there is no need to make me look extraordinary – I already am.

The crowd's volume increases as I make my way over to my chair. Smile. Wave. Bow. Everything I can think of to make myself get the biggest reaction comes flowing through my mind like a charisma wave. Flex muscles. Wink. Blow Kisses. Even when I reach my seat, I still stand soaking in the atmosphere and their love. I haven't felt so reassured that I'm going to win these Games since being in District 2.

Flickerman joins me placing his hand on my shoulder, cheering along with everyone else. He points to my chair, knowing that he needs to get as much information out of me as possible in a short amount of time. As soon as I relax into the chair, everything goes silent. Thousands of eyes watching my every move telling themselves, I'm still the one to bet on. Let the interview begin.

"That was quite an entrance, Cato." Flickerman smiles massively, spreading to the side of his ears.

"What can I say, the Capitol has my back." I grin back, winking at a girl I see gazing at me in the crowd. Brutus earlier had said play the audience, make them part of the interview. Aim for the woman more than the men, use your charm – be funny, honest and strong. Swivelling in my chair, I turn to them and shout, "Do you not?"

The audience roars again. I'd seen Flickerman do it in previous interviews – getting the crowd overexcited and the reception you get is unexplainable. It just picks you up letting you be taken across the noise as if floating on water. It doesn't last long because Caesar's cheerful voice quietens them, "Not surprising when a tribute gets a 10. Tell us, what is your strength?"

"I've got to keep some things secret, Caesar. There's no anticipation or excitement when you know something already." I smirk, leaning back into the chair. "Don't worry though; you will see when that countdown stops tomorrow."

"You're very relaxed about the Games." Flickerman continues to smile as if there is no other emotion to him. Occasionally a nod, an arched brow or a shocked expression appears on his plastered Capitol face. Copying my actions, he too leans back very relaxed by all of this. Don't get too comfortable. "Already seeing the victor's crown then?"

A little chuckle escapes me as I lean forward – elbows resting on my knees -, "I wouldn't say I'm 100% about that. Maybe 99% sure." A laugh comes out of the crowd followed by everyone else. Nice to see I can still crack a joke. Wisteria is rubbing off on me. That's humour ticked off my list – what next?

Flickerman turns to the audience, points to me smiling, "It looks like we've got a very confident tribute here. How do we praise confidence?" Again the loud praise, cheer, applause fills my ears my heart races joining in with the sound giving everything a rhythm. I stand as if pulled towards the sound. Again I bow, kiss, wink, wave to my admirers – the people that will bring me gifts everyday so that I will win. "Thank you Cato. And we wish that the odds are in your favour."

The sound can still be heard after I leave. Even in the elevator. Beat that interview fellow Districts!

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A/N Bloody hell, it's been ages since I updated this. I'm sorry guys but with Crimbo and New Year's going on, I haven't had chance. And then I have to get my art portfolio ready for my University interviews which, I feel, is no where near ready. STRESSED! Writing this bit here has made it be even more stressful. Honestly, I think after this upload there may not be another until February. Totally Sucks! :(

Hope everyone had a good Christmas and a drunken New Year. :P