Chapter 3

"You two are our best tributes. I can tell that this year we will have a winner," Effie kept going on, but I didn't care.

I knew she wasn't talking about me. Gale looked like a Career and he was a hunter. He could make a complex snare out of nothing, while I could heal.

I was sitting with Gale on the couch. The scenery changed quickly from dense forest to tall buildings of the Capitol quickly. I turned and looked out the window behind us. Gale chuckled at me and turned his head looking also. We pulled into the station and oddly dressed people swarmed to the train. I smiled and waved at them.

"You two might be the most loved tributes ever," Haymitch said behind us.

We were escorted off the train by peacekeepers and taken into a tall building. They separated Gale and me and I was scared.

"Do not worry sweetie they are just giving you a makeover," Effie said.

===12

I'm laying on a table waiting for my stylist. I've been washed, waxed and plucked and it hurt. I wish Gale was here with me. I hate that they took my ring; I said it was my token, so they'll give it back…eventually. I heard the door open and sat up.

"I'm Cinna your stylist, I'm sorry this happened to you," he said.

"Thanks, when everyone congratulates me I don't answer."

"Why'd you volunteer?"

"Because Katniss is basically my sister. Her family depends on her to stay alive, so I couldn't let this happen to her."

"So brave, now let's make you shine. Someone so brave should be shown to the world, like the diamond you're named after, don't you think?" he asked I nodded. "I hope you're not scared of fire."

===12

"Remember hit the button in your sleeve half way down," Cinna said on our way to the chariots.

We walked through the doors and there were a lot of people running around. I followed Cinna through the maze of people and chariots. I saw Gale standing with a woman, Haymitch and Effie by a chariot with coal black horses. When we were close enough Gale wrapped his arms around me. I smiled up at him and he lowered his head to kiss me. We were dressed in the same black suits. I looked around and saw the different districts outfits, I saw fish and knew it was District 4; trees were District 7 and so on.

Trumpets started to play as Gale and I were shoved on the chariot. After some of the districts went out Cinna and Portia lit us on fire. It was scary, but Cinna said that we'd be fine. Gale wrapped his arm around my waist pulling me close to him. Our chariot rolled out and the screams of the Capitol people only grew louder, I could barely hear anything. I looked at Gale and he turned to me. He leaned down and kissed me, I couldn't believe it, but the screams got louder. I knew now was the time for Cinna's adjustments. I put my hand on his chest, which pushed the button in my sleeve. I felt the suit start peeling off of me revealing the shiny white outfit underneath. Gale and I pulled away and he smiled at me. The white tank top and tight jeans were shining like a million diamonds.

"My diamond in the rough," he said as we pulled into the circle.

Snow started his speech and like I care what he's saying. Gale shook me slightly making me pay attention.

"This year has been a very productive year in Panem. So there will be a reward that will be announced after the blood bath. Good luck tributes and may the odds be ever in your favor," he said as we started rolling back to the room we came out of.

"Diamond you were amazing, same goes for you Gale, they loved the two of you," Effie said excitedly.

"The boy on fire and the girl that shines," Haymitch smirked walking up to us.

Gale hopped down and helped me down. Everyone was around talking very excitedly. I just smiled and nodded along not paying attention. I could feel someone staring at me, so I looked around and saw the brute from District 2 staring at me. He licked his lips, before smirking at me. I felt an arm on my waist pulling me away. I snapped out of the spell I was in. Gale was chatting with the others as we walked down a hallway. My mind fell back on the guy from 2 and made me scared.

"We are in the penthouse you two will love it," Effie said smiling at us.

We got in the thing they call an elevator and went to the top according to Effie. I walked out and was amazed it was beautiful.

"How about you two go change and we will have dinner," she said smiling, I looked at Gale and he smiled pulling me with him down the hallway.

Sadly we had to separate rooms, so I had to leave him long enough to change. I put on a light blue long sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans. I put socks on my feet and went to the bathroom. I found a hair tie and put my hair back. After I thought I looked ok I went back to the living room. Everyone was seated as I sat beside Gale. He kissed my temple, before we started filling our plates. Haymitch was going over our game plan for tomorrow. Gale had to stay away from the bow and arrows along with snares. Me on the other hand needed to keep to the plants, so I learned there effects.

"Are you two going to watch the parade?" Effie asked as they sat around the TV after dinner.

"Dia's tired we're going to bed," Gale said as he picked me up, but he was right I was exhausted.

Once in his room he stripped to his boxers and went to his closet hiding a long sleeve shirt to wear. I pulled off the shirt and jeans I had on, before slipping his shirt on. It came to mid-thigh and made me laugh. He chuckled and got into bed, before pulling me down with him.

"Time to sleep, it's been a long," he said.

"That it has and it won't be any easier," I said.

"True, good night I love you."

"I love you."