I probably should not be posting this when I'm sick, but here I am. Hope you enjoy, and please review below.

Once I get to the Remake Center I quickly become acquainted with my prep team and stylist. There's Audrina, who does hair, Laurel, who specializes in nails, and Isabellica, who does my eyebrows. Then there's Phineas, my stylist. He just stands there, observing the prep team as they work. Occasionally he tuts, and they quickly make amends to whatever he doesn't like. I get no say in it, but since I can't see what they're doing, it's probably for the best.

I do get a good look at him when we break for lunch. His skin is very clear and seems very tight. Faintly, at the edges of his eyes, I can make out the smallest of wrinkles. And once I get a look at them, it's all I can see. Layer upon layer of wrinkles tucked away in his skin, protruding out when his face gets a little too expressive. I wonder if that is why he appears so serious, or if he already was that way, and the effects of de-aging don't bother him at all.

The Capitol itself, though I don't like admitting it, is magnificent. On the way in I couldn't help but gawk at the buildings. They're so colorful and detailed that it was hard to take in all at once. And the fashion people have here is a strange mix of confusing, extreme, beautiful, and gross. Laurel has her nails, eyebrows, and parts of her skin inlaid with what is probably real gold, Audra has seven piercings on each ear, not to mention the belly button piercing she was so proud to show me. And apparently, there's another one that's in a much more intimate part of her body as well. Isabellica has each lock of her hair dyed a different shade of pink, and has tattoos of hearts tattooed up and down her arms and neck. She says she got them done last year because of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark winning.

Phineas has hair the color of the sun and is wearing a suit of the same color. When he introduced himself, he mentioned it was his signature style. "If I want to retain my fame, I must be recognizable anywhere I go. Which means a memorable brand. Your aunt understands that very well.'

Unfortunately, he's right. Anya's all red wardrobe speaks for itself.

We break for lunch after a thorough washing, stripping off any hair that is not on my face or top of my head, and basic makeup. The prep team is sent away, leaving me alone with my stylist. Phineas just presses a button, and an entire feast appears in seconds. My mouth drops open. Everything else was one thing, but this? Food just coming at a push of a button? The smallest whim? The train ride here should have prepared me for this, but I'm still shocked by what I see.

These people don't know the meaning of hungry. They can't, living like this. Back home, I have three meals a day, but each meal is small, and I'm never really satisfied. I even eat lunch at school, and that's actually my tiniest meal of the day. I forgot the last time I was truly full. Even with the tesserae I took out, we still didn't have enough. Granted, I wanted to take more, but my parents didn't allow it. They were angry enough that I went behind their backs and took some in the first place. At the time I thought six slips would be enough, but it wasn't.

Phineas looks at me, slightly perplexed. "Aren't you going to eat?"

His question nudges me out of my stupor, and I speed walk to the table. As much as I'm disgusted by what the Capitol has at its disposal, it feels impossible for me to say no to this.

I end up taking a turkey leg that's dripping with some kind of tangy sauce, mashed potatoes with heaps of butter, and peas that are nicely salted. Once I take a bite, my stomach growls for more. Phineas looks perturbed. I look away and keep right on eating.

A few minutes later, he starts a conversation. "Gelsey, I watched your Reaping very attentively."

I swallow a pea. "Oh?"

He nods. "For my job, of course. When your name was called, you were at first hard to read, then once you were onstage, you started to smile. Why?"

I swallow nothing, just to stall for time. Phineas doesn't notice.

What should I say? I don't want to tell him about the Covey. They're so special to me, and somehow the Capitol knowing about them and what they mean to me isn't something I want. Which is probably silly, because the Capitol is bound to know about them already. But still, if they somehow don't, I won't be the one to tell them.

I clear my throat a little and force myself to say, "It's because I realized what it all meant. I'd be going to the Capitol, and getting to experience everything my aunt did."

Phineas's face perks with interest. "Oh, yes. Anya is a very special Victor. We don't get to see much of her, unfortunately."

I nod. That makes sense. Anya is even crazier than Annie Cresta. She goes deep into the dark side of crazy. I can't imagine the Capitol would want her face plastered everywhere, and her Games constantly replaying, given how that was what drove her crazy.

"Well, you'll be seeing me on screen soon enough." I say hollowly, even though that is the truest thing I've said in this whole conversation.

After lunch, I am dressed for the Tribute Parade. My outfit is a long evening gown the color of wheat, with a pattern of grain all over the dress, making it look like I'm actually wearing grain for clothes. On my head is a headdress of wheat. I can't help but feel ridiculous wearing the headdress.

The prep team coo over my appearance, and praise Phineas for the 'brilliance' of his design. They also say how fabulous it is that they got to prepare a Victor's niece for the Tribute Parade. I can only imagine their excitement to get me ready for my interview.

I am guided out of the Center and brought underground, where every tribute is sent before the parade. Once I get to the carriage I'll be riding, I start petting one of the horses, which is so well trained it doesn't give me a cent of attention. It's actually quite calming. I smile a little but frown when I see the district 2 tributes arrive.

Even in their costumes, they look intimidating. I see the boy, Cato, search the carriages with his eyes, and his gaze stops when he sees me. For a moment, he just stares, then he smirks, and turns to talk to his district partner, Clove.

Well, he is a Career. Maybe he was trained to know about other Victors, and any offspring or relatives they might have. That's probably pretty useful to know, actually. In other districts a Victor would probably train their Reaping-eligible relatives so they'd be ready for the Games, should their names be called. Well, when their name is called. Cato was probably wondering if I was a threat. I know I'm not, and now he knows it too.

Perhaps I can play the stealth card. Hideaway for the entirety of the Games while everyone else kills each other. Then I swoop in and win.

As I imagine what I can do in a cave to stay entertained during the duration of the Games, Jasper walks up wearing a similar outfit to mine, except it's a suit.

"I think we're supposed to get in," he says, pointing out the district 1 tributes already on and parade ready.

"Alright." I say, getting on and situated for our appearance. As we slowly roll out of the room and into the outside, Jasper quietly says, "I'm sorry for all the things I said on the train. It was unfair of me to say them."

I nod along. "You didn't know. And I can't really blame you for that."

He nods as well. "So, we're even?"

I shake my head. "No. And your grain bow tie looks ridiculous."

His smile falls. I grin. "Now we're even."

He laughs a little, and I do, too. And with that, we are being viewed by the Capitol audience as the parade is centered on us for a moment. I look at the crowd and wave, which many people shriek over. I even hear a few call my name.

The district 10 carriage comes, and we are moved on from our spot. But I continue to wave and hope that it will make a difference in sponsors. And perhaps those sponsors will keep me alive a little while longer in the arena.