Demetria Milford (15)

D9 F

As I step out of the shower, the cold, crisp, air hits my skin. I wrap myself in a soft towel quickly. Today is interview day, the last day before I die. It's breaking dawn, and I'm not a morning person. I forced myself to wake up and see the Capitol before everyone has woken up. It's so quiet, peaceful, and endearing. I wonder what Panem was like centuries ago. I would never admit it, but the Capitol is actually a pretty enjoyable place. It's luxurious, somewhere I think Millie would've enjoyed exploring. No. I can't think this way. The Capitol tore me away from home. It deserves my hate. Thinking about them hurts. It pains me to know I'll never see them again. It isn't my low self-confidence; it's called acceptance. I'm not a rebel. I know this is how it works. I honestly don't think I'll even make it past the bloodbath. If I do, I'll consider myself unlucky to have to suffer longer.

My thoughts trailed further, and I fell asleep again. I wake up an about hour later feeling quite imprudent. I have the weirdest thoughts early in the morning. I remember that I have Emmer and Rosalie as allies, and I feel a lot better. I won't let my guard down on Rosalie, but I'll give her a chance, for Emmer. The time is approaching breakfast, so I dress quickly and head to the table. Luckily, I'm not late. Emmer isn't there yet, and neither is Valencia. I decide to eat quickly before anyone arrives, so I can have the rest of the free time to myself. As I'm attempting to shovel food into my mouth, Valencia seats herself at the table. Emmer follows not long after. So much for eating quickly.

"Demetria! Today's the big day! We're going to make you so pretty. You're going to flatter the audience! Remember, be polite and lovable! You need sponsors and all the love you can get." Valencia gushes.

"Do I have to be fake like everyone else?" I ask.

"Fake? How? Everyone is not fake!" she insists.

"Well, you can count on me to slip up." I retort.

Her face softens, "Demetria it's okay, you don't have to if you don't want. I'm just trying to help."

Valencia looks down. She really liked me apparently, and doesn't want to see me leave. Or, should I say die. I'm scared of dying. I fear death. I don't know what to do. The worst part is, if I die, I also hurt the ones who love me. I hate Snow. I don't care how many times I have to clarify that. He ruined my life. I finish breakfast and head back up to my room. I flip the TV on and start watching whatever's on. I'm not exactly paying any attention. Instead, I'm fumbling around with my bracelet from Millie and thinking about all the tips Zea gave me. As my mentor, I don't think she did the best job, but she was really caring. She just didn't have much experience, that's all. My thoughts are interrupted when the prep team bursts into my room. I don't even think the word "privacy" is in their vocabulary here in the Capitol. Edelwyse and her assistants tell me to get out of bed so they can start preparing me for the interviews.

Hours of screwing around with my face, hair, and dress later, I was finally good enough to be presented. It's almost time for the interviews. Presently, Valencia is doing practice interviewing with me, in hopes that I won't mess up. I'm doing fine now, but I know I won't be able to contain myself on stage. Though I've never been on a stage, I'm 99% sure I have stage fright. Emmer isn't ready yet. He stumbles down the stairs in a grey tuxedo. I'm wearing a metallic golden dress that falls just below my knees. My eyeshadow is a dark green, to bring out my hazel green eyes. My hair is swept into an intricate braid; I insisted it to be done the way I had it back home when Millie did my hair. Emmer looks at me with a slightly nervous expression. We step into the line-up for interviews. Emmer's look of anxiety freaks me out. I suddenly remember that today is my last day. The last day before my doom. I'm extremely nervous now, more than ever. This could screw up my chances of living to an even smaller percentage. Hyperventilating, I see Angelica step onto stage as the first to be interviewed. D1 female, of course she's wearing a frilly pink dress. She appears as the flirty, sweet girl everyone loves immediately. Even Caesar is captivated. His hair is dyed pine green this year, and he's as cheerful as always. I can't calm myself down. The D5 male turns around and stares at me, which elevates my emotions even higher. The D2 female, Lucretia, is particularly friendly and well liked. Everyone loves her; she's definitely a favorite. She manages to make the audience laugh after almost everything she says. They love her confidence and bravery. You can tell everyone is head over heels for her.

After no time at all, it's Emmer's turn. Timidly, he steps up on stage. He's so amiable and funny. Doesn't slip up once. How does he manage to remain so calm? I wish for nothing but to be him at this moment.

"Hey, it's our last night at the Capitol."

"Yes, I realized, haha. What's wrong? You seem tense."

"Um, I just really need to apologize. You know, for being so inconsiderate towards you. I shouldn't have insisted on having Rosalie as an ally." He says.

"Oh! Absolutely no problem, I thought it was going to be a huge deal! You scared me. I really don't mind having her anymore. I guess she deserves her chance." I reply with a smile.

His face lightens as he responds, "Phew, I finally got that off my back. Alright, so I'll see you tomorrow then. The big day."

"Don't remind me."

AN: Final chapter before the games begin! Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed. Please leave a review if you can! :)