Chapter 9

Gale's POV
Charlie's smiling as she comes out of the elevator, probably done something amazing, giving us sponsors and weapons at the cornucopia. I know though that she will be fuming when she finds out what I've done.
"You look happy, what happened?" I begin.

"After I did knives, they dismissed me, but I didn't go because I wasn't finished. I stuck to my plan and showed off with more weapons, and they all look really pleased and shocked. One couldn't stop writing down notes." I smile, she's done better than I predicted, and they actually paid attention to her.

"Don't get mad but, I threw a spear at the Gamemakers. They weren't looking, I was just trying to get their attention and show them although I'm from 12; I am relevant." I explain, waiting for a slap. When I think I'm safe I'm met with a hand, hit quite hard across my face.

"You had one job Gale! Just show off, don't do anything that might attract attention to you in the arena! Now they're gonna send whatever painful torture they can at us, I was gonna do the rebelling because they can't do anything to me that will hurt: I'll be dead by next week." She leaves to change and I do the same, then we walk together down to dinner in silence.

Haymitch is proud of what we both did, Effie, however, not so much. She screams something about manners and how bad I will be punished, but Haymitch buts in:
"They can't do anything to him now, it's too much trouble to get another tribute now, the worst they can do is give you some mutts in the arena." Charlie's stylist, Cinna and Portia join us, and Ceasar's face appears on our television, sparkling blue hair, eyebrows and suit. Why would you dress that way? It's weird.

Katniss's POV
Caesar's face lights up the square in twelve, where just a few days ago, we were sentencing my best friends to death. The air is pretty relaxed, even the peacekeepers are enjoying our little festivity: a few bits of food and some drinks. Caesar updates us on what's been going on, we've not had mandatory viewing since the parade.

He starts off with a reported fight between district 12's tributes and the female careers. I mentally applaud Gale and Charlie, and then Caesar talks about Gale and Charlie together. I see footage of them holding hands, and a million looks are directed my way.

Then Caesar moves on to the scores, and no surprise in the careers getting high scores. Glimmer gets a 7, Marvel an 8, and Cato and Clove 9's. The district 4 careers score both 6's, they must not have anybody good this year, and the non careers get 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s. Thresh from district 11 gets an 8, little Rue a 7, surprising good for outlying districts, Rue got a high score for her age. My heart pangs when I see Gale, and an 11 flashes below his score: and next is Charlie. Another 11.

The whole gathered district celebrates, dancing and singing. For the only the third time in 74 years, district 12 will have a victor.

Gale's POV
I wake up will a little headache, and next to my bed is a pill and a cup of water, with a note delicately written:
'Take these, and the pain will be gone. E'

Effie. She would cure my hangover, especially since today we've got to put up with her for about 3 hours. I drag myself out of bed, and Charlie stands talking to Haymitch and Effie, probably about sponsors. I take myself a light breakfast, and we all sit down at the table.

"Now, today are the interviews. You will train with Effie on performing, and me later with content. After that your prep teams will be here, and you will get ready. Any questions?" We both shake our heads. "Now, do you want to train together or apart? Any secrets you want hiding from the other?" Charlie and I exchange a glance and shake our heads.

"Good. Your training begins with Effie now, I'm going to get a drink." With that he leaves us. I sit while Effie begins with Charlie, first having her in heels: very big ones that I'm not sure how Effie handles it. Then a gown is put on her and she is lectured about having her skirt above the ankle, although it seems a little silly why it's wrong.

Then it's my turn and my posture is fixed many times. We are taught how to smile properly, and afterwards Effie tells me how much the Capitol love me and how amazing I am. She then dismisses us, and we walk to the roof, and meet with a more sober Haymitch.

"So kids, usually for the interviews a tribute goes with a particular trait, hostile, funny, sexy, charming etc. Do you have any thoughts on your personal angles?" I guess maybe I could be hostile, but Haymitch points at me.

"Sexy. Tall, dark haired and eyed. They eat that up here, especially because you're naturally like that. In your interview, I want you to be appealing: blow kisses to the audience, say something about beautiful ladies in the room, and mention how much you love it here. This has to be convincing, because I've noticed that Charlotte does an awful lot of the talking. Caesar will ask you about a special girl at home, say you do, the he will say win the games and go home, then say that Charlie's that girl. Got it?" I nod, and he moves onto Charlie.

"Charming, funny, maybe sexy. You two are both one of the most attractive tributes twelve has in a long time, and use that. Also, you'll be going after him, so be flattered and admit you're together, also talk about your parents, you won't have to do that much acting and lying Charlotte, just be yourself and they'll eat you up. Both of you." It weird to hear Charlie's full name, we've been calling her Charlie for about a year since we met.

Haymitch asks us each questions to do with our time in the Capitol, our skills going into the arena, and our personal lives. He says I do okay and Charlie takes my place on the bench I've been sitting on.

I'm so sorry I haven't been updating, I've had alot of school work and not enough free time to write, so here is a slightly longer chapter than usual. I'm going to try and keep updated, it's half term soon and I'm getting my hair permanently straightened (hypeeeee) so I'll have more time to write. Anyways thanks for reading as always and please review!

Abi :)