Disclaimer: We do not own The Hunger Games.

Alyssa's POV

I twirl in front of the mirror.

"Beautiful!" Aylau says, coming into the room. I shriek, stepping back, until my back touches the wall.

"Thanks," I say once I take a deep breath.

"Sorry, um, they said to come get you," he says, motioning to my prep team cowering by the door.

"It's fine," I say, giving him a bright smile and following him over to the door. Aylau places a hand on the small of my back, gently pushing me towards the
stage.

"Shine like a star," he whispers in my ear, pushing me onto the stage after Cascadio screams my name. I whip around, my eyes landing on Tasi's. He gives
me a thumbs up and a encouraging smile. My heart speeds up as I turn back around and walk over to Cascadio.

"Welcome, Alyssa," he says. I smooth down my strapless white dress. "Please take a seat," he says waving me over to my chair. I gently plop
down in it and stare at him expectantly.

"Thank you," I giggle. He flashes me a toothy smile that I return.

"Don't think you have to answer," Cacadio says. "Okay, who am I kidding, of course you have to answer," he says, chuckling. I smile. "So, are you
intimidated by any of the hunks here?"

"Yes, in fact I am." I giggle, making Cascadio chuckle.

"Who?"

"Oh…" I say, leaning forward in my seat. "That...is a secret." I say, throwing my hands over my mouth. The timer rings and I jump off of my chair. Cascadio
grabs my hand.

"Alyssa Samrua, everybody!" he shrieks.

Aylau's POV

"Good job," I say, giving Alyssa a high five.

"Good luck," she clucks as she passes me. She gives me a gentle push and I approach Cascadio.
Once I'm seated, Cascadio gets down to business.

"So Aylau. Why so yellow?" Cascadio asks, giving a slight chuckle. I take a deep breath.

"Well, I have liver disease," I say sniffling. Cascadio claps me on the back causing me to wince in pain.

"That sounds painful," he says. I nod.

"It is," I add.

"Well, on a happier note, what was your strategy for training?"

"It was to look strong."