Crystal plunged her machete deep into the dummy's chest.

"That's a firm thrust you've got there," Bronze praised.

"That's what she said," Ace chuckled, swinging his sword around like a toy.

"Please do not play with the weapons!" Atala cried, frowning at Ace.

"She said that too," Bronze chortled. Crystal rolled her eyes vigorously as Ace and Bronze sniggered.

"Do boys ever think of anything else?" she grumbled, throwing a malicious glare at the girl from District 6 who was eyeing up her knife.

"Get lost, urchin," Garnet hissed. The girl from 6 gulped and scurried away like a frightened insect.

As if to solidify her silent threat, Garnet launched a throwing blade and it lodged into the wall beside the girl's district partner.

"And no damaging the gymnasium!" Atala continued, beginning to lose her temper.

Garnet glowered in her direction. "Grumpy old hag," she snarled.

Crystal's eyes widened in surprise as Garnet stormed over to the fire-starting station, mumbling curses.

"What's up with her?" she asked.

"She's in character for the Interviews, I suppose," Ace replied. "Meredith and Garnet had a disagreement about the sly, elusive angle, so Garnet's going for the sadistic look instead."

"That'll suit her just fine," Bronze chuckled, eyes narrowing slightly as the boy from 6, Dallas, approached the axe-throwing station.

"Watch him," Ace warned, following Bronze's gaze. "He seems like a powerful opponent."

Crystal smirked. "He wouldn't last one second in a dual against me."

"Your beauty would surely captivate him," Ace purred, brushing his hand against her hip.

"Ugh," Bronze complained, wrinkling his nose. "Save it for later. I'm going to skewer some dummies, you know, as you do."

Bronze jogged over to his favourite section.

Crystal eyed the quiet red-head from District 8, whose name appeared to be Robyn.

"How pitiful. I can already picture one of my arrows piercing her throat," Crystal whispered darkly.

Ace grinned. "I promise I'll save her for you, beautiful."

Harper overheard their hushed conversation and grimaced with disgust.

"Problem, Fish Girl?" Crystal snapped, noticing Harper's expression.

Harper swallowed, and then shuffled towards the archery station.

"Oh, please!" Crystal laughed. "As if she thinks she actually has a chance with that weapon! It takes years of perfection."

"They make me sick," Ace growled. "Parading around the place, thinking they actually have a chance in the Games. We'll show them all."

"We most certainly will," Crystal confirmed, sharing Ace's deadly look of malice.

Training that morning was shorter than usual, for the tributes had to spend two hours with their mentors and escorts, preparing for the Interviews in the evening.

Crystal's hour with Velvet included practicing flirtatious things like her award-winning smile, giggling and lots of charming remarks. Fortunately for Velvet, Crystal was a natural.

"There is no angle which would suit you more," said Velvet. "It enhances your confidence."

"I suppose it does," Crystal agreed. "And sponsors always like the pretty ones."

Velvet smiled tightly. "Just don't give them the wrong impression."

Crystal was still pondering over Velvet's parting words as she spent the next hour walking in heels with Julius. Crystal was beginning to detest her escort.

"Strut!" Julius squealed in his ridiculous Capitol accent.

Crystal ground her teeth and performed a sultry strut down the aisle Julius had created in his suite.

"I'm having an interview, not modeling on a cat-walk," Crystal snapped, kicking off the outrageously high stilettos.

"Your angle requires a polished entrance. This is good practice!" Julius insisted, flustered. His mascara began to smudge.

Finally, Crystal escaped with Bronze who'd just had his session with Velvet. They went to the Dining Hall and sat at the usual Career table. Ace and Garnet hadn't arrived yet.

"How did it go?" Crystal enquired, picking at her salad.

"Not too bad," Bronze replied, slicing his steak furiously. "Velvet thinks I'll do a good job. Julius is less enthusiastic."

"I hate him," Crystal growled, eyes narrowing with anger. "Who does he think he is? He looks absolutely stupid in his get-up. They think they're so superior."

"Lower your voice," Garnet suddenly warned. "You never know who might be listening."

Crystal suppressed a blush as Ace leaned down and pecked her cheek. She was surprised by his public display of affection. Ace ignored the questioning glance she shot him and took a seat.

"Meredith is grinding on my last nerve," Garnet complained, her brown eyes hardening.

Crystal winced at her murderous expression. She reminded herself to stay in Garnet's good books.

"Beowulf is on a mission," Ace put in. "He's determined to have one of his tributes return home this year. He's thrilled about the alliance. He says it's one of the fiercest he's seen in decades."

"If Beowulf is pleased, then we certainly must be something," Bronze laughed.

.

I trembled as I waited in line.

The Interviews were about to begin, and I was a nervous wreck. My session with Maelstrom this morning had gone horribly. It seemed I was too shy and boring, and not a very good actress, either.

My stylist, Paris, had done a great job. I looked OK in a floor-sweeping, golden gown with a shimmering, silver starfish brooch attached above my heart. Linnet also looked dashing in a smart, cream-coloured suit and his usually untidy hair slicked back.

I felt my breath catch as the music blared out from the stage and Caesar Flickerman started the show. He wore his traditional starry suit and this year, his hair was dyed magenta. I'd learned from Topaz that Caesar had been medically treated so that he would age a lot slower. The very thought stunned me. How could the Capitol have so much intelligence? They acted like fools most of the time.

Caesar rose to his feet and beamed at the audience.

"Well, I've heard great stories about this young lady, and it appears she has dazzled our Gamemakers. Let's have a round of applause for the stunning, fabulous Crystal Onyx-Platinum!" he roared.

I watched, awe-struck, as Crystal strutted onto the stage. She wore a glimmering, gorgeous, fuchsia mini-dress. It hugged to her curves and displayed her flawless legs. Her hair was loose and flowing, like a curtain of dark silk. I was utterly gob-smacked. How could anyone expect to get sponsors with a girl like Crystal to compete with?

"So, Crystal," Caesar began once Crystal had taken her seat and the crowd had piped down. "What do you make of this year's competition?"

Crystal giggled. "Honestly? What competition?"

The audience burst into fits of laughter, and Caesar had to silence them before continuing.

"Do you think your alliance will be the greatest in history? That's what everyone's been talking about!"

"I do," Crystal agreed without hesitation. "We're fierce. And of course, they have me."

Caesar smiled brightly. "That they do. What do you think is your greatest quality for the Games?"

Crystal beamed, and I swear the crowd caught their breath at her radiance. "My archery skills are brilliant. And of course, I have this gorgeous face to win me sponsors."

The audience chuckled as Crystal gave them a cheeky wink.

The buzzer rang signaling the end of Crystal's interview.

I almost went deaf as the crowd roared with applause as Crystal departed. She'd completely mesmerized them. I almost turned green with envy.

Crystal high-fived Bronze and grinned at Ace before she left. It was almost my turn.

Bronze had the crowd's sides splitting as he went for the funny, laid-back angle. He also did a great job, and he bantered easily back and forth with Caesar. Why did all District 1 tributes have to be so good-looking?

Garnet was next, and she had the audience's jaws dropping as she was sadistic but sweet. The angle was perfect for her.

Ace was brutal and ferocious. I swear Caesar almost gulped at some points.

"So, Ace, who do you think will be your fiercest opponent?" Caesar asked.

Ace smirked. "Caesar, that would have to be Little Miss Crystal. I mean, come on, look at her."

"She is rather delightful, isn't she?" Caesar replied, and the crowd cheered in agreement.

The District 3 tributes were rather blunt and plain. They clearly weren't getting any sponsors. But I was hardly one to talk.

I'd taken Linnet's advice and showed the Gamemakers a variety of knowledge, and I'd earned myself a decent score of 6. But the Interviews were different. I was terrible with crowds, and I certainly wasn't beautiful like Crystal, or blood-thirsty like Ace.

I was just timid old Harper. Unfortunately, it was then my turn.

"Now let's meet the lovely girl from Four who earned herself an impressive score of six in her Private Session. Give it up for Harper!" Caesar boomed.

I gulped, wiped my clammy hands on my dress and walked up onto stage. The marble was cold under my bare feet. I forced myself to smile sweetly as I shook Caesar's hand.

"Welcome, Harper. Do sit down," he said gently, sensing my nerves.

I nodded and sat, smoothing down my skirt as I did so.

"Tell us, Harper. How did you recover after your incident in Training?" Caesar wondered.

I swallowed, remembering my first conversation with Crystal, and how it had ended.

"Well, Caesar, I was eager to get back into training again, and just completely forgot about the ordeal. Every minute counts, right?" I replied, sounding braver than I felt.

"True, true," Caesar agreed. "And what weapons would you say you excelled in the most?"

I gulped. Uh oh.

"Uh, I'm better with food knowledge and survival skills, you know? I'd say I was decent with a bow, if I had to choose a weapon, though," I said, surprised by my honest answer.

Caesar nodded. "Survival skills are always useful to have in the Games, right, folks?"

The crowd cheered enthusiastically, many laughed. Once they'd piped down, Caesar turned to ask the final question.

"And, Harper, what do you fear the most?" he asked gravely.

"Losing Linnet," I blurted.

The audience gasped in shock. Caesar's eyes widened. I felt my heart-rate increase rapidly.

Oh, no. What had I done?

"Your district partner, am I correct?" Caesar asked, recovering his composure.

"Y-yes," I stammered. "We've been friends for many years."

"And it seems you would like to be more than that?"

"No!" I squeaked. "It isn't like that, I swear!"

I could feel a cold sweat creeping onto my skin. This had become torture.

The buzzer rang, and whilst I gasped with relief, the audience groaned in disappointment.

"Sorry, folks, but it's time to meet Harper's partner!" Caesar announced, trying to calm them.

I practically sprang from my seat; my face flushed red with embarrassment, and ran from the stage.

Linnet's expression was stony and rigid, and I knew I'd annoyed him. Oh dear.

I raced to the elevator, basically flew into my suite, undressed, showered and then leapt into bed.

The Games were tomorrow, and I was far from prepared.