Chapter 11: Birthday Party part 1

Disclaimer: I do not own the hunger games

I get up, shower and dress in distressed skinny jeans and a "perfect girls aren't real" t-shirt, before Layla. I put all the cards that came for her over the week on the table, along with the one from our group. We all wrote separate messages, Daisy's idea, which I thought was really nice.

Finn seems to have softened towards me since that song, but the only words we exchange are "hi" "you alright?" or "see ya". It kills me inside, and I can't help but think I might have lost him forever. All because of one stupid game.

I seem to have been wearing this t-shirt a lot recently. It really expresses how I feel at this moment in time. Maybe it's what Finn's looking for, waiting for. A "perfect" girl. Even the prettiest, nicest, kindest, people have faults to them. Even Finn has faults.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAYLA!" I shout as she walks through the door, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Hey Lils. Is this all for me?" She yawns.
"Yeah. What do you want for breakfast?"
"Umm, can I have... some pancakes?"

-PAGE BREAK-

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Hey Cinna! Venia! Octavia! Flavious!"
"Happy Birthday!"
"What? Don't be silly, you don't have to get me a present!"
"Well, it's done now. And I wanted to get you a present, I've known you since you were born!" Laughter. I hear all this as I sit drinking coffee on the sofa, before Cinna, Octavia, Venia, Flavious and Layla come in, Cinna and Venia carrying bags and Layla a large present.
"Hey guys! Make yourselves at home, do you want some coffee?"
Everyone nods, so I go and make some more, topping up my own mug in the process.
"Cinna, I don't know what to say... it's breathtaking... thank you so much!" I hear Layla squeal from the lounge and I smile to myself, wondering what magic Cinna has worked this time.

"Thanks Lily" Everyone choruses as I hand them their tea.
"Lily, isn't this just beautiful?" Layla says, holding up a dark dress to her body. It was long and was pinned up at the side with a bow, creating ruffles. It was midnight blue, and had the occasional gem glittering like stars. In the folds, however, it was more of a grey colour, not unlike clouds. I smile, thinking of how great Cinna has interpreted "the sky".
"When you twirl, clouds should wrap around you" Cinna says, and you can just tell how proud he is by the tone of his voice.
"Thats amazing! Thanks so much!" Layla shrieks.
"Well you can try it out soon!"
"Yeah, because we are here to prep you guys!" Oh, well isn't that just great? Plus, preps equal cameras...

-PAGE BREAK-

After many waxes, pluckings, scrubs and other painful procedures, my prep team are finally done and leave me to torture Layla instead. Cinna came in my bedroom while I was recovering and started a light conversation on what refreshments he hopes will be at the party. When that dies down, I ask what I will be wearing.
"Well," he unzips the protective cover on the dress, revealing a glowing, red, gold and orangey gown, and it catches me of-guard. I recognise this dress from somewhere... "This is your mothers fire dress she wore for the interview. Seen as she would never wear it anyway, and wouldn't fit in it now either, we decided you could make good use of it..." He trails of, alternating anxious glances between me and the beautiful dress. So that's where it's from, I must know it from pictures or something. I can't quite believe it, I thought all mums dresses would have been destroyed or something, but no. My mum must have kept them all these years, probably not even looking at them. I wonder why, as Cinna said, she would and never wore them again. Not to mention how much they would sell for if you put them up for auction.
"It's gorgeous Cinna. I really don't know how you do these things," I sigh happily.
"Thank you" he murmurs. "Now let's get you into it and see if it fits!"

The girl looking back at me in the mirror, who moves at the same time I do, is not me. She is beautiful, like she doesn't belongs in this world. Her dark hair is braided up, but some left down at the side to frame her simply radiant face. Long, dark and curly eyelashes flutter across bright blue eyes, which contrast perfectly with her soft, pinky lips and pearly white teeth.
"You look just like your mother when she was your age, you know." Cinna says, smiling. I don't reply, just hug him as an answer, I'm speechless.

-PAGE BREAK-

"Lily, this is amazing, thanks so much!" Layla embraces me quickly before smiling widely at me.
"Well, you'll have to thank other people for the setting up, I was just keeping you out the way." I reply, looking around before I notice her gone, probably looking for someone else to thank. There is quite a large crowd now, but more people are arriving. Most are people I know, or at least recognise, but some are just complete strangers. There's a stage to my right, complete with a microphone in the middle. In front of the stage is a long table full of food and drinks, including millionaire shortbread, chocolate cheesecake, fanta and my cake in the center. Around the sides are tables piled high with presents of all colours.
"Lily!" Petal makes her way through the crowd, stumbling on hot pink high heels and looking a bit tipsy.
"Petal!" I rush to her before she hugs me sloppily.
"You look gorgeous, who you trying to impress? Oh, my brother... I wonder why..." She mumbles.
"Thanks, you too. Look, you really need to stop drinking!" I completely ignore her last comment, knocking the red, plastic out her hands instead.
"I really can't believe it, I've only just arrived and your drunk," I mutter to no-one in particular, not that anyones listening.
"But I like it, taste gooood" She says brightly. "Want more!" Ugh, she's not one of the ones that turn really childish when drunk, is she? Well, it's better than Lav, who becomes no. 1 slut.
"HELLO EVERYONE!" Johannas yell catches everyone by surprise and we all turn in the direction of her shout, to see her standing on the stage. She looks stunning for a women of 32, wearing some casual but stylish jeans and t-shirt.
"I'm gonna be your umm, I think they called it a host? Anyway, I'll just be here I guess. I hope all you guys enjoy your night at Miss Layla Mellarks party, and here is the birthday girl herself!" She announces. Poor Lavinia, how embarrassing would it be To have your mum doing this. However, mine us probably near. Maybe I should save myself the embarrassment and pretend to be ill.

"Hiya guys, I'm so glad you could all make it today! Thank you everyone who has helped out, or is helping out, and make sure that you have an extra big piece of the absolutely amazing cake Lily made! And an even bigger shout out to my dad and my best friend lily, who if they weren't here you wouldn't be enjoying yourselves tonight. And I want everyone to know that I really appreciate this, thank you so, so much!"

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