A/N: Woah, positive feedback! =D Let's get to it, right away, ya'll probably don't want to hear me ramble about my problems…=P

I don't own The Hunger Games. But I wish I did.

Glimmer's P.O.V.

Somehow, a grin finds its way onto my face. I shoulder a few other girls out of the way, sauntering up towards the stage.

It's complete silence in the square. It's like everyone drew in a collective breath, and is holding it, just waiting to see my reaction.

As if they don't already know.

The sound of my footsteps echoes in the still air. I stop right in front of the stage, shoulders rolled back, chin up. I see myself on the screen behind Fabio, and there's no denying it: I look like a winner.

It's ironic, really. I sure as hell don't feel like a winner.

I feel like a dead girl walking.

My reflection shows me grinning fit to bust. Suddenly, my mouth opens and I say, "Bring it on." With more confidence than I really feel. There's no way my brain authorized my mouth to say that, but the damage is done, and the crowd's roar is deafening.

A couple of Peacekeepers guide me up to the stage, abandoning me next to the girl's glass ball.

"Well, you two shake hands!" Fabio chirps with inappropriate pep.

As my cold, clammy hand connects with Marvel's rough, dry hand, Fabio spreads his arms wide behind us and shouts:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give to you: The courageous tributes of District 1 in the 74th annual Hunger Games: Marvel Windhill and Glimmer Moran!"

~*~FIRE~*~IS~*~CATCHING~*~

Fabio pounds on my door, rousing me from my deep, dreamless sleep. "Good morning, Sugar Plum! Today's the Day!" He trills. I flop my head back down to my pillow and listen to the sound of his retreating footsteps. I roll over to face the ceiling, rub the crusty gunk from the corner of my eyes, and look over at the digital calendar on the opposite wall to confirm what, exactly, "The Day" is.

The calendar blinks the following message in bright red lights:

OPENING CEREMONY; TRIBUTES INTRODUCED

Great. Just perfect. I spring up out of bed, locate the bathroom, and jump into the shower. I press a few buttons, select my desired temperature, and let out a breath that feels as if it's been pent up for days.

As the jets surrounding me shoot out foaming, minty-scented bubbles I allow my mind to wander back to yesterday evening.

Three Peacekeepers guide me into the Justice Building and down a long, dark corridor. One of them grips my elbow and steer me into a room branching off to the left. There was a single window, the sunlight streaming into the room, lighting it up and warming it. I rip my elbow away from the Peacekeepers and shoot a dirty glare at their retreating back. As the door clicks shut, I let out one, small, pitiful sob. I regained my composure just in time for the door to fly open, revealing my brother, my kid sister trailing after him.

"Glim!" Smolder chokes out pulling me into his arms, squeezing me tight. I allow myself to be smothered; he smells like home, sunshine, and the Earth.

Besides, if I die of lack of oxygen now, I won't have to worry about the Games.

"Glimmer, you're going to win, right?" My little sister asked. Tears were pooling in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

I pulled out of Smolder's embrace and catch her around her waist, pulling her to me. "Saphira, I will win. I swear I will." I say. And I mean it.

My mom and dad come in, too. My mom looks slightly pained, but my dad's face is emotionless. My mom comes forward an extracts Saphira from my grasp, then pulls me in for a quick, tight hug. My dad comes forward and places a hand on my shoulder.

"As soon as that gong goes off, Glimmer, you go straight for the goods. There's no use in drawing out the deaths during that bloodbath. Pick up the first weapon you find, and get to the mouth of the damn Cornucopia, you hear me? You don't even have to kill 'em; either disarm or wound them, so that they can't hurt you or kill you. Once you get your luxury pickings, you can pick 'em off. Form an alliance, but don't get too attached. They all have to die, in the end."

And with that, my dad pushes my brother and my mother out of the door, and grabs my sister. With a curt nod, he too sweeps out of the room.

Nobody even got to tell me goodbye. I never got to tell them I loved them. I mighty not ever get the chance too ever again.

I get no other visitors, as I am close to no one else.

It kind of stings.

Soon, Fabio comes and collects me, guiding me out onto the train. I smile and wave out the window, bidding goodbye to my fellow, beloved District. Before I know it, the train shoots off, 250 miles per hour before I can so much as blink.

As we are the closest District to the Capitol, the ride takes less than 10 minutes, just long enough for me to meet Topaz, my mentor. Fabio, Topaz, and Wen (Marvel's mentor) check us in at the capitol, then guide us into glass tubes, to avoid the massive crowd waiting around the station. Even inside the train I can hear the cheering. Before I know it, we're standing in the Lobby of the main building. As soon as we get to our floor, I skip the tour and immediately crash in my room.

With a sigh, I press a small red button, stopping the water. I step out of the shower and allow myself to be blow dried but surrounding jets, the toasty hot air tousling my hair. I slip on a robe and drag a brush through my blonde hair. I'm about to step out of the bathroom when I stop.

I slowly back up, then turn to face the one person who is my best friend and worst enemy all rolled into one; the person I want to be, but hate being; the one who knows me best, but doesn't know a thing:

Me.

I know I'm attractive. I've always known; when you grow up in a household like mine, in a district like mine, being semi-attractive is crucial. I wouldn't have made it to Tribute training, even. I'm a far cry from the prettiest girl in the District, but that's okay, because nearly every girl who is super-pretty in my District is also a stuck-up, prissy bitch.

But looking into this mirror, I decide that I like the way I look. Even if my ears stick out a bit, and I have a slight spray of freckles, something my Mother strongly disapproves of. My long, blonde hair seems intent to tangle back up into soft waves, dropping past my shoulders. My blue eyes are nothing special, though. They don't naturally sparkle, and they definitely don't glitter with excitement. I wonder if this is how I really look, all the time.

I tear myself away from the mirror and pad out to the tall dresser. A soft, baby blue shirt and khaki pants are laying on top of it, along with a pair of shoes unlike any I've ever seen. They have springy soles and lace up, and are extremely squishy as I slid my feet into them. Gel, I decide.

After I am dressed, I scurry out of the door and down to the dining room, where it seems that Topaz, Wen, and Fabio have all already scarfed down their breakfast. Marvel sits next to the head of the table, a piece of bacon hanging out of his mouth, buttering a roll. I quickly join the group, sitting down across from Marvel.

I load my plate with scrambled eggs, pieces of bacon, and biscuits covered in lumpy, yet delicious-smelling sauce. As long as I'm here and have access to it, why not try the Capitol foods?

As I pour myself a tall glass of some blue liquid, Fabio clears his throat and prods my mentor in her knee.

"Oh, right." Topaz says sheepishly, looking up from a little phone-like thing in her hand. "Today is essential, you two. If you screw this up, it'll take a miracle to keep you alive. You're gonna get hurt, kids. And when you do, and can't heal yourself with wildlife and herbs or whatever you manage to scrounge up, you're going to need some help from the sponsors." She says. Now, she's all business, that phone-thing tucked away into her pocket, and her hands folded together on the table.

I nod, letting her know that I'm aware of how crucial today is. Marvel only polishes off his green-tinted drink.

Wen clears his throat and steps in. "Glimmer, you are at a disadvantage right now. You went to bed before the recap of all the Reapings, so you haven't seen the competition, or those you'll need to form alliances with. I'd try to get my hands on a copy of them, but it'd be pointless, as you're about to go see them all in person."

Damn, I hadn't thought of that last night. I mentally slap myself for being so stupid; he's right, I'm at a huge disadvantage. Everyone who's volunteered is definitely competition. Those with mass and muscle are as well. And those who are frightening, well, it would've been better if I'd gotten my first glimpse of them through a TV screen, where no one would be recording my reaction. It's concerning how Marvel is failing at hiding his delighted grin at my obvious disadvantage.

Fabio looks at his wristwatch and squeals. "We're going to be late! You need primped! Go! Now!"

At this, Topaz and Wen jump up, and motion for us to do the same. We do, and are promptly guided into the glass elevator.

Wen pushes a few buttons and soon we are speeding off, the elevator jerking in all directions. Suddenly, the elevator halts and opens, revealing a pristine white hallway, tons of doors lining each side for the corridor.

Topaz guides me to the first door on the left. She takes out a card and swipes it into this slot next to the doorknob. A light turns green and Topaz flings the door open, shoving me inside.

"I'll be back soon, kid. Let them do their job."

"I'm not a kid." I snarl. But it's to no avail, as she's already slamming the door.

At once, three bubbling people surround me, their shrill voices piercing the air and perfumes choking me.

"She's beautiful!" One with pink hair squeals. "I'm Americ." She squeals again, for emphasis I guess.

"Simply stunning!" Another throws their hands into the air with excitement. "I'm Loyola." She beams, flipping her shoulder-length blue hair.

The last jumps up and down with excitement. "Amazing! I can't wait for Cynthi to see you! I'm Junix."

"Glimmer." I announce coolly. With excited nods, they guide me to a table and lie me down.

I'm immediately stripped of my clothes, and Junix starts smearing waxy paste onto my legs. There isn't much to rip off, though, because I make sure to keep my legs shaved as best I can with my favorite hunting knife.

Loyola immediately starts parting my hair and pining pieces with pins, while Americ starts putting powders on my face.

~*~FIRE~*~IS~*~CATCHING~*~

By the time they're done, my face is made-up, my hair is pinned in an elaborated, braided updo, and my legs are smooth and soft, and my nails are painted and dotted with colorful gems.

Americ, Loyola, and Junix are still fawning over me when my main stylist, Cynthi, struts in. She's got a dark burgundy hair cut into a sleek bob, and her eyelids are heavily shadowed with green.

I instantly like her.

"Be gone." She demands, waving the ditzy girls off. They scuttle away instantly. Cynthi produces a dress bag from behind a closed door on the opposite side of the room. "Sit." She barks. I obey as she unzips the bag, pulling out the dress. My breath catches in my throat.

It's beautiful. It's a one-strapped, white gown that flows freely and ends at about ankle length. However, it's softly stained rainbow colors at random intervals, and multicolored gems are woven into some threads, and the hem is made of mirrored silk. She hands it to me and I slip it on; it fits like a glove, hugging every curve.

Cynthi steers me around to face a floor-length mirror, and I admit: I am absolutely stunning. Wispy curls of my hair frame my face, giving me an innocent look, while my high cheekbones are complemented with a light blush. My lids are covered with a soft rose color, my lashes dark with mascara, I believe. Cynthi smiles and slides a clip-on white flower into my hair. "There." She whispers. "You are beautiful."

She's barely spoken five words, but may have just saved my life. They've all done wonderful jobs, the four of them. I'll admit.

The look is simple, yet perfect.

I may just get sponsors yet.

~*~FIRE~*~IS~*~CATCHING~*~

I'm in the glass elevator again, and Marvel is in a white suit with a sparkling tie and sparkling cuffs, but the white fabric on his suit seems to shimmer. He gives me a lazy grin as I join him, barefoot.

Topaz whispers, "You look beautiful." in my ear, and Wen winks when he sees me. I ignore them all, my head high.

The elevator slows to a stop and the doors open again, to reveal a whole crowd of people, rushing around. I see a few Tributes, here and there as my mentor leads me forward, to Marvel and I's chariot. It's at the very front, and it feels like everyone is staring, when in reality, hardly any even glance at us, because they are to preoccupied with their own affairs.

I'm at the side of District 4's chariot and still moving forward when I first see him. The boy from District Two. Back in the elevator, Wen read me a list of names of the Tributes from the Districts, trying to prepare me. I can recall his name.

Cato.

A/N: Review, please?

Read on and Rock out,

NinjaNakkiOfCabin11