Sorry it took so long to update guys!!! We appreciate our reviewers so much so please continue to do so! This chapter is leading up to the 1st lemon so…yay! We do go straight from training to getting ready for interviews so we don't indulge in what we call "the snooze factor" so please enjoy, review, favorite, etc.

Tala POV:

I'm not really sure how they could dress me like this and keep a clear conscience. My dress was completely translucent, only the fact that water tends to blur images kept my body from complete exposure. My dress was like a very short, clear toga with one strap encircling one shoulder with the other left bare and inviting, and the hem line could make the pros blush. I was in shock when they began to fill my dress with water, however it was truly just enough of the substance to muffle the shape of my breasts and keep the younger viewers eyes semi innocent. I was thankful they had at least given me panties, no matter how skimpy they were.

"Just one more little addition," Kadence promised as she opened the top of my dress.

"Wh—" I began just before I saw the small red fish she slipped into my dress. He struggled to move through the water deprived suit and slowly made its way to the part harboring my breast. He swam more freely in this region since my prep team had been forced to add more water here as to comply with Finnick's earlier demands.

"Are you kidding?" I demanded as I glared at my reflection. My hair had been put into an intricate bun which succeeded in revealing all the skin of my neck. My nails were painted the same powerful blue that copied the ocean and my lips were coated a luscious dark red, my eyes were dark and devastating as always. My deep tan skin was visible practically anywhere you looked and the ridiculously high heels added to the seductive vibe.

"Nope. Knock 'em dead," she chirped. I stared daggers at the mirror for another moment and then turned abruptly. "And where exactly are you going?" Kadence trilled.

"To wait with the other tributes," I snapped, daring her to protest. I knew the only person to console me now would be Thresh. I had tried to stay away from him—really, and boy had he tried to steer clear of me. But when it came down to it we both failed epically and the time we'd lost we made up for by meeting hours before training and even staying an hour or so later if we could. We'd become exceptionally close, knowing what each other was going to say before it was spoken, and remaining on the brink of flirtation but never giving in to the unsustainable lust.

I stormed down the stairs and onto the plateau area where we were supposed to wait. As soon as the wide doors swung open my eyes found him. Thresh sat in the corner, next to Rue as he scanned the crowd of tributes, undoubtedly looking for me.

"Thresh!" I called loudly, drawing more attention to myself then I intended as I ran towards him. All eyes were on me as my heels scraped the stone floor. I knew to them I looked stunning but I also knew I looked unimaginably provocative. I ran to him uncaringly, throwing my arms around his neck. He caught me effortlessly, not even stumbling as he engulfed me in his warmth.

I watched the cold mask that had since been on his face crumple, and be replaced by blazing anger as his eyes took in my dress. He himself wore a plain brown suit. His designer must realize his natural magnificence would bring him sponsors.

"Look at me! Just look at me. All Panem…" I couldn't finish the thought as dry sobs racked my body.

"I can't believe they put you in that," his endearing voice was trembling with searing rage.

"They are parading us around and sending all but one of us to our deaths but you can't believe they put me in this?"

"Here," Thresh said, ignoring my comment and shrugging off his jacket. I let him settle it over my shoulders but rolled my eyes.

"What's the point? I'll just have to take it off in a minute," I grumbled in dismay.

"No! No matter what Tala keep it on," he hissed sharply. I met his piercing eyes and I knew that I couldn't deny him. I fumbled aimlessly with the buttons on his jacket and then let them fasten.

"Good. Now keep it that way!" Thresh barked, not entirely unkindly.

"Thanks," I breathed, smiling up at him.

"You're welcome," he whispered modestly, turning his head to scan the small mob of tributes once again, as if to pretend the one he was looking for was not standing before him. I watched as his eyes glazed over and the emotionless cover reappeared.

"Don't do that…don't…" My words trailed off as I brought my hands to his face and let my fingertips trace the outline of his scowling lips. I was carefully oblivious to the fact that everyone was watching me as I leaned forward, and pressed my mouth to his. Thresh seemed startled but pleased just the same as his hands secured themselves around my waist to pull me closer.

I wish our first kiss could have been a more private affair but as his warm lips moved in sync with mine I couldn't make regret one of my many emotions. When our need for air forced us apart I was shaking with desire.

"All right then," he murmured his eyes were alive with joy but that was the only clue of his sufficient happiness.

Rianne POV:

God did I hate green, but here I was in a hunter green sweater dress with knee brown boots. I had begged my design team to color a lock of my hair blue, and with Johanna's permission they had consented despite its clash with green. My designer was going for an earthly look, after all what the hell was more earthly than a damn tree. I walked down the hallway; the "click clack" of my boots announced my arrival, each step sounding like the echo of a gun shut. I saw Mallard ahead of me in a jumpsuit that matched the color of my outfit. I was beginning to see a theme here…

"Hey kid sorry to tell you this but green really isn't your color," I joked as I punched his arm playfully. He rubbed the spot where I smacked him and smirked. Despite my effort to remain indifferent towards him, me and the kid had bonded. I grabbed his hand and pulled him down the hall my boots clacking all the way.

I saw Peeta and he smiled at me, slyly moving in my direction as Mallard moved away.

"I'm beginning to see a theme here," He laughed, studying my dress.

"I said the same thing," I huffed angrily.

"I gotta admit though green is gradually becoming my favorite color," he winked.

"Oh really?" I glanced at him; his face was composed, with a genuine smile gracing his lips. Then I looked over at his district counterpart Katniss. She was glaring at me with hatred…bitch. I was contemplating kicking her ass when I saw the girl from District 4 fling herself into the arms of the intimidating, bronzed contestant from 11. She was wearing a see through dress that had everyone in a daze and her natural beauty was magnified with the more skin you could see peeking out from under her barely there clothing. I watched in wonder as she exchanged a few words with him. He studied her apparel with a look of disgust before he slung his jacket around her shoulders.

She hastened to close the buttons and when she was done the strangest thing took place. She moved her elegantly painted fingernails to his face and when he looked down she kissed him. He met her lips with eagerness and it seemed such a private moment, containing more than just meaningless want, but real love. I turned away quickly and noticed Peeta, gawking at the pair with a raised eyebrow. I smacked the back of his head.

"Ow what was that—?"

"They probably would appreciate some privacy. Besides staring is impolite."

"Says the girl who swears like a sailor…" I shot him a glare but he held up his hands and crouched under my gaze. "Just saying," he amended.

Secretly I actually was angry. The girl had guts. I only wished I could express my feelings to Peeta as simply. I took a deep breath and slowly slipped my hand into his. He looked down at me questioningly but I acted like I didn't seem him. With his hand in mine I could take on the world or at least the other tributes.

Tala POV

(Interviews)

"Tala District 4's uh…nicest tribute," Ceaser addressed me. I raised my eyebrow, giving him my silent permission to continue; the brown jacket draped around my shoulders empowering me.

"Now a little birdy told me that you and another tribute have grown rather close over this time. Is this information accurate?" I wasn't surprised that Ceaser has been briefed on my antics backstage. I chanced a glance at Thresh and noted how at ease he looked. He radiated calm as he ran a hand through his short black hair. I took a deep breath and drew strength from his powerful, chill demeanor.

"Well can you blame me? I mean he's gorgeous," I said breezily, brushing my bangs from my eyes. I let a feline smile creep over my face. Instead of applause from the audience silence met my statement. It wasn't a hostile silence but the type that indicated that every person in the Capitol was glued to the very edge of their seats awaiting the big reveal. I giggled a little; knowing that all Panem, or at least the Capitol was hanging on my every word.

"And when you say 'he' to whom are you referring?" Ceaser prodded. He seemed determined to make me say it even though he must have known it was Thresh.

"You mean you don't know?" Two can play that game.

"Not a clue!" He exclaimed. I laughed in my newly acquired, fake, girly way and bit my finger lightly.

"Well then you'll have to really work for the facts." I refused to fall into the trap he was laying out. This interview wouldn't get half the reaction it otherwise would if Ceaser coughed up Thresh's name instead of me. The crowd groaned at my words in an agonized fashion and I began to toy with a loose string on my borrowed jacket.

My eyes darted once again to Thresh and I savored the look of amusement captivating his face as he watched Ceaser and I participate in this complex little dance. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't watching the clock. Two minutes left. My sweaty pants reinforced what I already knew: No way can I keep this up for two more minutes.

I wasn't completely opposed to wasting my whole interview playing this cat and mouse game with the strangely dressed Capitol worker. I had no real talents to speak off. I mean I was quite skilled with knifes but that ability could be overlooked with careers as huge as Cato and as merciless as Glimmer.

"Well what kind of man do you prefer—young and scrawny or older and burly?" Ceaser asked teasingly. This earned a laugh from the crowd. I was glad he was playing along but then again he didn't have much of a choice.

"I definitely prefer the burly type." I said, flashing a smile.

"Oh well that eliminates about half of our options," he said. I winked at the small boy from District 7 and he blushed a deep pink, lowering his head—which also alighted chuckles from the audience. I wondered if Ceaser knew that regardless Thresh would be revealed as my love interest when he mounted the stage in brown pants that matched the jacket around my shoulders and a white top that was obviously meant to be an undershirt.

"Well if it means anything to you I like the strong, silent type." Of course this meant very little to him since most of the tributes hadn't had their interview yet. Most people were probably assuming Cato was my anonymous lover. A shiver went through me and I cringed at the mere thought.

"I think we'll all keep that in mind as the interviews continue. Now getting slightly off topic for a moment—I'd like to comment on your very intriguing attire. Did your dress originally come with that jacket?" the glint in his eye told me all I needed to know. Ceaser didn't think he was getting off topic at all. He knew: he had me.

"Uh no. Actually I'm sure my designer is furious right about now." Even though I have nothing against Kadence as a person I wouldn't feel badly for covering myself. It's my body I wouldn't show more than I wanted.

"So whose jacket is it?" Ceaser asked as if genuinely curious. Everyone knew that my answer would establish more than a light coat; and as a result you could have heard a pen drop in the packed stadium.

"District 11's male tribute," I said. My voice was so flirtatious I wasn't totally caught by surprise when I saw the light blush warming Thresh's cheeks when I looked over. Hoots and whistles along with applause and cries of denial spurred from the audience. It was so loud I almost missed the "ding" signifying the end of my interview.

As I stood to shake Ceaser's hand it couldn't help but bother me that all the audience had to do was take in Thresh's appearance to know who the man in question was. Their refusal to use their brains and analyze a situation astounded me. My legs were quivering as I walked back to my seat.

"Excellent job you are officially the promiscuous sex kitten of District 4," Channing whispered when I took my seat next to him. I gasped in shock as I turned my frosty glare on him. He was smiling as he said this to me, hardly moving his mouth. This coy move left me with two options. I could continue to wave to the audience and act as if he hadn't spoken or cuss him out right now which would make me look like a bitch. I made the quick decision to go with silent option three.

"At least I'm not the only 'Career' who already has to deflate gay rumors. Good luck Poseidon," I responded hotly in the same sneaky way he did. His face paled and he gulped. He didn't have time to collect himself before he was forced on stage.

The second Channing began to talk I found it quite easy to zone out. Most of the interviews actually went by quickly. The only one that managed to stick out in my mind was District 7. The girl seemed to be down playing herself in a very nonchalant fashion. I don't know what it was but something about her told me she wasn't the weakling she mimicked now. But I must admit it wasn't what she was saying that caught my attention; it was that horrendous green sweater. First the tree and now this? I'm beginning to see a theme here.

I closed my eyes and saw the awful color pulsing behind my eyelids. It was so unflattering and unpleasant, I felt bad for her. I lost myself in this simple thought until something terrifying snapped me back to the present—Thresh walking on stage. I held my breath as he sat down, praying my anxiety didn't show.

"Well Thresh it seems you've won the affection of one of the most captivating of our tributes," Ceaser began. The crowd laughed at what they thought to be an immense understatement.

"Yeah." Though he hadn't moved his shoulders it was as if he were shrugging it off entirely.

"But surely you are proud of this accomplishment?" Ceaser fumbled. I watched his face closely and since I had come to know he, had spent days trying to memorize the perfection of his face, I knew how angry Thresh was.

"I'm not sure I would use the word 'accomplishment' I mean she's not a trophy." The onlookers laughed though I knew he wasn't joking.

"Of course, of course, my apologies. But is it safe to say you will be protecting her in the games?"

"Is anything about the games safe?" Thresh's voice was so cold the array of people knew better than to laugh. A violent urge went through me as I felt the need to protect him, from anything, from everything. I knew it would be impossible to miss how bitter he was. I can't imagine President Snow letting him live now.