Chapter 19: Portrayed

Joe tries to put on a pleasant face. "What a nice suit you are wearing, Joseph!"

"Thank you." Joe is wearing a black tuxedo with a blood red shirt and black tie.

"So a nine! Tell us, what did you do in there?"

"I don't think I can say that" Winking in the game makers general direction.

"Oh can't we have just a little sneak peak?"

"Sorry, Davis"- Tapping his nose- "Rules are rules."

"What of home then? What do you think you family would be thinking?"

"I think they would be proud… at least I hope." The bell sounds.

"We have run out of time! Everyone JOSEPH NIGHTON!" Clapping and wooing comes from the crowd. OH GOD it's my turn. I walk up to Davis. He gives my hand a kiss. "Evanjaline Everdeen, Ten!"

I give an astounded sigh "Yes, I know"

"How did you do it?"

"Sorry I can't… but I can say… I bet I gave them a bit of a kick onto the Everdeen team."

"I'm sure you did. Oh and what a beautiful dress you're wearing!"

"Thank you but don't go staring. Taken!" I can tell Diana has gone for the look of sexy. It's surprising but works.

"Ha ha! I wouldn't dare!" The crowd starts whistling and laughing. Hey, I'm going pretty well. "So do you love him?"

"Of course I do," I turn to Joe's general direction, "I love him with all of me." I stretch my arm out and he does the same. The crowd sighs. Ha! The crowd totally bought it! I mean yeah I do love him but we are not that dramatic.

"Maybe we should bring him up here."

"Rules are rules, Davis."

"Of course, what about your family? Who is in your family?"

"Well I have 2 brothers, Ack my oldest he is 22 and Ses my other younger brother he's 17. And I have my dad."

"What about your mother?"

"She died on my birthday when I was turning two." My eyes avert to my lap with the thought of my mother.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." The audience is absolutely quiet. A tear runs down my cheek for extra effect. Joe runs up to the stage. Funnily enough no-one goes to catch him. He comes and hugs me, tight. "You ok?" he asks.

I just nod. "Well, he's up here now, so why don't you take a seat, Joe." The audience is either in shock or just sighing in love. Joe sits next to me arm around me holding my hand.

"It's ok, darling." He acts.

"Mmhmm" I respond. Sniffling to add effect. The bell sounds. Well that was a waste of time.

"Everyone! Evanjaline Everdeen! And Joe Nighton?"