Hey guys, sorry, there was a bit of a mix up with our editing but we obviously have the chapter here so read it.

A while later it was time to see the scores and the first one to come up was quite a shock for one reason to the tributes, two to must random viewers. "Cato got a five?" Ermela asked in surprise. That was completely unheard of for a Career to score so low.

"No way!" Gale said.

"...I'm not sure what to think of that. It's never happened before, at least not that I know of." Ermela said in shocked as some of the unimportant tribute scores were showed.

"It's incredible," Gale said.

"There must be some explanation though." Ermela said before turning to Haymitch to see if he had any clue what this could mean.

"The Johanna strategy," Haymitch said.

"Oh yeah, I remember seeing rerun clips of those games a few times, but that worked for her since she was from District… 7, right? It wouldn't work for a Career, besides, if you saw him in training, he's definitely not doing that." Ermela said.

"He's off focus," Haymitch said.

"Maybe," She said watching the scores as it reached Foxface.

"An eight," Gale said.

"Impressive," Ermela nodded watching through more pointless tributes.

Then came Thresh, he came up with a solid 10. "Very nice!" Gale said. They showed Rue with a seven then…

"Yeah," Ermela said and held her breath as Rue came up with a seven, "Our turns now."

Gale picture came up with an 11 beside it. Gale was shocked to say the least but let out a smile and said, "Still some room for improvement there."

"Very well done!" Haymitch said.

"I think that might be a record." Ermela noted and barely managed to detach herself enough to see her own picture come up with an 8.

"Not bad," Haymitch said.

"Gale's is way better though." Ermela corrected.

"You both did great" He said

"Thank you," Ermela said with a smile, "That'll definitely help get sponsors."

"Yes it will," Haymitch said.

"Gale Hawthorne, the boy who was on FIRE!" Cinna said making a toast.

"Thanks," Gale said.

"I still give him a twelve." Ermela added.

"Not really," Gale said.

Ermela nodded, "You deserve it."

"You think so?" He asked.

Ermela nodded, "I know so."

"Thank you," Gale said.

"It's my pleasure." Ermela smiled. Gale just smiled. "Then just couching, interviews, and the arena." Ermela reminded, "Feels WAY too soon."

"I know," Gale sighed.

"Then again, late enough would be never."

"Also, known" Gale said simply.

"Sorry, I guess I'm just rambling." Ermela said blushing.

"A little," He said.

"Maybe we should go to bed?" Ermela suggested.

"Yeah we should," Gale yawned.

"Good night everyone," Ermela said heading back to her room.

"Good night!" They all said. Gale got up and headed for bed, too leaving Haymitch and Effie alone.

"So..." Haymitch said awkwardly.

Effie blushed a little, "What now?"

"Well...I'm not sure," Haymitch said.

"Well… this is awkward."

"Yeah it is," He said standing beside her.

"Did you enjoy it?" She asked suddenly.

"Did I like what?" He asked.

"The kisses?" She said.

Haymitch turned red, "Well, yeah, I did."

"Well, I did as well" She said stepping closer to him. "You want to do it again then?" She offered.

"I do..." Haymitch admitted. So she leaned in and kissed him and he kissed her back wrapping his arms around her waist.

The next day, Gale woke up at a good time looking at Ermela at the foot. This time they actually split it in half though so she did get some sleep. "Good morning," She said smiling.

"Good morning," Gale smiled back.

"We better get going we have interviews tonight," She said.

"Did I take too much syrup? I thought they were tomorrow night."

"Oh! Right Haymitch wanted to practice with us," She said

"Yeah," Gale nodded sitting up.

"Ready?" She asked.

"Yes," Gale said getting out of bed and they headed to the dining room.

They shockingly found an awake and sober Haymitch waiting there for them with Effie who was leaning on him slightly. Ermela chucked, "You guys really are a nice couple."

"Oh! Shut up and sit down," Haymitch said as they both blushed. They shrugged and took their seats. "So, we need to figure out what you two should go for in your interviews," Haymitch said.

"Right, any suggestions?" Ermela asked.

"For you likeable, maybe even sexy," Haymitch said.

"Alright, I guess I could do that."

"Now Gale, you are harder to work with here," Haymitch said thinking.

"I know," Gale sighed knowing how hard this will be for him.

"However we can do it," He said.

"So, what's the plan then?" Gale asked.

"Strong," Haymitch said.

"Alright, I think I could do that."

"Good, now do you want to do this together?" Haymitch asked.

"Well, since the strategies are so different it might be best to do them separately."

"Oh, okay," Gale said.

"Alright, then it's agreed, who would like to start with who?" Haymitch asked.

"I'll go with Effie," Ermela said.

"Alright, I guess I'm with Haymitch, let's eat first though." Gale agreed.

"Right," Haymitch said digging in. They ate in pretty much silence before breaking off into the pairs.

Haymitch lead Gale to a room with just a comfortable chair and couch inside. Gale took a seat on the couch, "So, what exactly do you mean by 'strong'?"

"You need to come off as confident maybe even arrogant," He said.

"Alright, I'll try to do that." Gale promised.

"You can do it," Haymitch said

"Let's run a practice run." Haymitch said, "I'll be Caesar."

"Okay," Gale said.

Meanwhile in another room, Ermela was working with Effie. "Okay put these on," Effie said handing her high heels. Ermela was hesitant but knew they were pretty much inevitable for the actual interview and put them on. "Now walk to me," Effie said stand on the other side of the room. Ermela got up and barely even took a step before losing her balance and falling on her face. Effie sighed. "Try again," Ermela sighed getting back up. She tried again made it five steps and fell again.

"How do you avoid that?" Ermela sighed.

"Keep your toes straight," Effie said. Ermela got up and tried again following that advice. She made it almost across the room before stumbling. She tried to catch her balance back only to fall the other direction. "Balance," Effie said.

"I know." Ermela sighed standing back up.

"Well then, you're not very good at it," She said.

"It's my first time."

"Really?" She asked genuinely surprised.

"Yeah, besides from you they're pretty much unheard of in District 12."

"Oh! Sorry then," She said.

"It's okay, can you just help me get used to them, I'll still probably have to wear some in the interview either way."

"Okay, then take it slow," Effie said.

Ermela took a deep breath and walked slowly focusing on her balance.

It took a few minutes, but she made it. "I did it!" Ermela said actually feeling rather accomplished at that.

"Good work!" Effie said

"Now I just need to get faster because that will use up all my interview time before I even get there."

"Right, let's work on that," Effie said. "A little bit at a time?" Effie suggested. "We have plenty."

"Right!" Ermela said. She turned around and tried walking a little bit faster still focusing on balance.

This went on for the rest of her time with Effie as well as posture and speaking lessons. "Time to switch," Effie said looking at the clock.

"Okay," Ermela said taking off the shoes.

She put her own shoes on and said, "I know it's your job but thank you, Effie."

"Any time dear," She said. Ermela smiled and left the room over to Haymitch's.

"Hello," Haymitch said as she arrived.

"Hello Haymitch, so I'm supposed to be likable and sexy?"

"Yes you are," He said.

"Alright, then how exactly do you want that to look?" Ermela asked.

"Confidence and you start by accepting you are good looking," He said.

"Well, I can at least seem like I do." Ermela said still not buying it.

"No except that you do," He said.

"But I don't."

"Well you need to!" He said.

"What's wrong with just acting?" Ermela asked, "I'm clearly good enough to convince them."

"Fine, but acting only MIGHT work," he sighed.

"You saw me arriving at the Capitol and at the parade. I have it down to a science."

"Fine," He said still skeptical.

Ermela sighed, "Fine, I'll try it your way."

"Thank you," He said.

"Anything else?"

"Just like the boy, confidence is key." Haymitch said.

"Were you in your interview?" Ermela asked.

"Yes I was, even called all forty-seven other tributes idiots."

"Really?" She asked.

Haymitch nodded, "Caesar asked me what I thought about there being a hundred percent more tributes that year and I said, 'Well, they'll still be a hundred percent as stupid so my odds are about the same.'"

She laughed at that. "Haymitch, you just reached a whole new level of respect from me."

"Thank you," he said bowing slightly

"I'm not even kidding right now, that has to be the coolest thing I've ever heard."

"Well, thank you," He said.

"That being said, I'll listen to you."

"Smart girl," He said smiling.

"Looks like you still have the confidence down but with every right."

"Thank you," I said.

"So, confidence, accept that I'm good looking, what else?"

"A touch of arrogance," He said.

"Alright, got it," Ermela nodded.

"Good," He said.

"And still don't anger the Capitol."

"Right!" Ermela said. "Is that all?" She asked.

"Yes, let's practice," he said.

"Alright, from the beginning?" She asked getting up. He nodded and told her to start.

The next day, Gale and Ermela headed into prepping. Well, it was more like Effie dragged them there. "We get it, we're going." Ermela said not liking being dragged like that.

"Sorry," She said. She laid off a little bit and they got to prepping.

This one was the longest prep yet but once they were deemed to be perfect, they were left to the stylists.

"Hello Cinna," Gale said as the man walked in.

"Hello Gale," Cinna said with a smile.

"So plans?" Gale asked.

"Well, I was thinking of building off of your parade outfit but with a different approach."

"Okay," Gale said carefully.

"It would just be a little bit on the cuff though." Cinna added.

"Okay," Gale said. He went over and took out a covered suit.

"Can I see it?"

Cinna unzipped it revealing the suit. It was red and black and Gale could see where the fire would come out on the cuffs and pant legs. "Nice!" Gale said looking it over.

"Glad you like it," He said.

"How could anyone not?" Gale asked looking it over. "And it's not even lite yet but still amazing."

"Thank you," He said. Cinna gave him the suit to put on. "What about Ermela?"

"You'll see when you get there." Cinna said.

"Okay," Gale said getting dressed.

"You really like her?" Cinna asked.

Gale hesitated but sighed and said, "I actually have a girlfriend waiting back home."

"Oh! Is that so?" Cinna asked.

Gale nodded and told him all about Katniss.

"Wow, well you are in an interesting position then," He said

"Yeah, but Ermela, Effie, and Haymitch are convince that being in love were Ermela could get me sponsors which could save my life or hers."

"It probably would," Cinna conceded.

Gale nodded, "Exactly, that's why I have to go through with this. Hopefully, if I win and explain the situation to Katniss she'll understand why I had to do it."

"I'm sure she would," Cinna said.

"I hope you're right." Gale sighed.

"I do too," Cinna said.

"So, you think I should go through with this?"

"I do," Cinna said nodding.

"Then I still will."

"Okay good," Cinna said.

Meanwhile, Ermela was in with Portia. "Are you alright?" She asked.

"As someone could be in this situation," Ermela shrugged.

"Good, now you are ready for your outfit," Portia said

Ermela nodded and Portia took out a red dress with a circular sparkly pattern on one side, a slit going up to her upper thigh and a thin cape like trail in the back as well as some silver heals. "That looks incredible!" She said.

"Glad you like it!" Portia smiled.

"I love it!" She said.

"It will look even better on you." Portia said helping Ermela in the dress.

"Ready?" Portia asked once Ermela was all made up.

"As I'll ever be," Ermela said.

"Let's go then," She said.

Ermela nodded and they headed to the stables. Gale was there waiting for them with Cinna who was clearly about to leave. "Hey Gale," Ermela smiled trying not to fall grateful for all the lesions from Effie.

"Ermela! You look amazing!" He said.

"Thank you," Ermela said blushing, "So do you."

"Thanks," He said nervously.

"This is so nerve racking." Ermela sighed.

"This whole thing is," Gale said.

"No way, I thought a fight to the death would be relaxing." Ermela joked.

"Me too," Gale chuckled.

"So, when do these start?" Ermela asked.

"Now," Gale said as Cato went out to the chair.

"So, Cato," Caesar said awkwardly, "Why are you here?"

"To compete in the games why else Caesar?" Cato asked.

"But, all the over illegally trained tributes were taken out and arrested for further digression, why weren't you?"

"Oh! That, well my father is the Mayor of my district," Cato said.

"Oh, do you think you being here is unfair though?"

"No, none of you have heard our side of the story," Cato said defensively.

"Really? Well then by all means, share it." Caesar insisted.

"I'm not sure you could handle it," Cato said.

"Well, how bad could it really be?"

"We are forced to train even if we don't want to," Cato said.

"Really, and what happened if you refused then?"

"The other tributes tried to hit us with their weapons, and we had to dodge," Cato said

Caesar didn't know what to say to that comment so he tried move on, "Well, do you think it's fair to the others who got arrested that you didn't?"

"Maybe not, but I can't save them and it's not my fault that they ended up there," Cato said.

"Of course it isn't."

"Was that sarcasm Caesar?" Cato asked.

"No, it was not."

"It seemed like it," Cato said glaring.

"Well, that certainly was not my intention."

"It's fine Caesar I am just on edge, but I'm ready," Cato said.

"Is there anyone in particular that should watch their backs?"

"District 12," Cato said simply.

"Really? Why District 12?" Caesar asked surprised.

"Simple it's their fault," He said.

"Really? Are you sure about this assumption?"

"Yes I am," Cato said.

"Well, that's all the time we have, Cato Harring of District 2 everybody!" Caesar dismissed taking him up. No one clapped.

"Well, that was interesting," Gale said.

"Very," Ermela nodded.

"We'll be careful though," Gale said.

"Of course we will." Ermela said trying to practice being confident as the other interviews went on boringly.

"Ready?" Gale asked her.

"As I'll ever be." Ermela said.

"Ladies and gentlemen please welcome Ermela!" Caesar said. Ermela came on to the stage without falling while waving and smiling at the crowd and took her seat. "Well Ermela first let me say what a lovely dress," He said.

"Thank you. My stylist did a great job though she does have a lovely slate to work with."

"Yes indeed she does, does she not?" Caesar asked the crowd who cheered and some even wolf whistled. Ermela smiled at that. "So how do you feel about your odds?" He asked when the crowd calmed.

"Well, despite my district's track record, I say there's no chance I'm not going to win this."

"Oh is that so? You seem awfully confident."

"I am, and I'm certainly not afraid of a boy with a five."

"Oh! So you do not see Cato as a threat?" He asked.

Ermela shook his head, "Definitely not, Gale and I have a plan for him."

"Ah yes your district partner what is the story there?" He asked.

"I love him. I have for about as long as I can remember."

There was a great collective "Aw..." at that.

"That is sweet," Caesar said.

"Only one could win though."

"Yes that is unfortunate," Caesar said.

"What do you think I should do?"

"I'm not sure," He said sadly.

"Let's change the subject then." Ermela said blushing.

"Of course, madam just one final question, if not Cato then who do you see as the biggest threat?" He asked.

"Definitely Gale," Ermela said strategically.

"You think you could beat him if you had to?" Caesar asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure I could." Ermela lied convincingly.

"Well, hopefully you will not have to find o. Now though your time is up," Caeser said kissing her hand.

"Thank you, Caesar." Ermela said getting up.

She went and took the seat near the other tributes. "You're up," She said to Gale feeling like she failed that.

"You did great," Gale said as Caesar called his name. Gale headed on to the stage trying to look confident just in how he walks and took his seat. "So, Gale how do you feel about Cato's comments from earlier?"

"I think he's the one who needs to watch his back. I mean, you saw my score. Elevens don't grow on trees. However, fives do."

"Very true, so you don't consider him a threat at all?" Caesar asked.

"Not at all," Gale said with a confident smirk.

"What do you think about the cut down in tribute numbers?" He asked.

"Well, it certainly raises everyone's odds but I'm going to win either way."

"You seem confident," He said.

"Under every right," Gale smirked.

"Well, confidence is key,"

"Just one more reason I'll win then."

"What about your district partner?"

"Well, she certainly a threat."

"How do you feel about her?" He asked.

"I love her." Gale said trying not to think about how Katniss is bound to respond.

"Is that so?" Caesar asked.

"Yes it is." Gale nodded.

"Well then, this is bad for both of you,"

"Yes it is, but we'll figure it out."

"I certainly hope so," He said.

"Hopefully it won't come down to the two of us." Gale said.

"We can only hope," Caesar said.

And that's it so review and I hope you don't hate me now.