A/N- Right then, so I managed to finish chapter 8 and edited it last night so it's all ready!

Now, this chapter reveals some jazz so you'll be able to know a bit more about Zinny's background, enjoy!

I don't own the Hunger Games...sadly... but on a positive, I do own Zinny. x

I have good news and bad news... Good news: Peeta has made the final 8. Bad news: Finnick has disappeared.

When I say disappeared, I mean he's avoiding me. We haven't spoken, or seen each other. I haven't even seen him from a distance. Not a hair or hide of him. Nothing. And I guess that's my fault.

Now, I can really feel the emptiness inside and it's slowly killing me. These last few days, I've been alone. All day and all night. No one to keep me smiling. No one here to comfort or distract me when I need them most.

It's been hard to cope lately, so I've been spending the days sitting in my own bubble of depression. Watching Peeta survive each day, but watching myself slowly fade away. I'm breaking down.

Through all this, the only thing keeping me from giving up completely, is Peeta. He might be in constant danger, but he's still breathing. And as long as his heart beats, mine will too. Knowing that he hasn't given up yet gives me the hope I need to carry on. If he can make the final eight, then I can keep praying for him. Only, praying won't help him for long. The competition is getting worse and it will be hard for him to last much longer. What he needs, is for me to provide a miracle, but seeing that I don't wear a fancy pink dress and equip a sparkling wand, that's not gonna happen.

But, there is one thing I can do. He might not be able to see or hear me, but everyone else can. I'm going to give my all for Peeta and do my best for him tonight. I'm going to do what he would do for me. Pour out my heart to the people of Panem. It's the final eight family interviews and I'm going to be there for Peeta. And this time, I'm not going to mess up.

The rest of the day goes by fairly quickly. I've switched my mind off Finnick and concentrated on what I'm going to say in the interview and what I'm going to say to my family. They'll be there for the interviews as well, so at last I'll be able to speak to them and tell them I'm alright. I know I'm not, but they don't need to know that; they have enough on their plates at the moment.

A few hours before the interviews begin, I'm called into a private dressing room. I'm seated in a large, leather swivel chair and I'm told to sit and wait. Wait for what exactly?

I do as I'm told and sit in the middle of the room, surrounded by reflective mirrors, dressing tables stained with make up and an extensive wardrobe that takes up a whole quarter of the room. It's pretty packed in here and I except that when I leave this room, I'll look entirely different to the vulnerable girl that's wasting away and sitting, curled up on the chair. It'll take a lot of make up to cover up that.

Five minutes of waiting and the door finally opens. A tall, thin woman strides in, heels clinking on the wooden floor. She pauses for a moment, assessing my appearance I suppose. While she's inspecting me, I inspect her.

She stands about half a foot taller than me, but that's probably the stupidly high heels she's wearing on her skinny feet that adds to her height. She doesn't have much of a figure, as she's mostly just skin and bone. Her skin is decorated in black tattoos of flowers, similar to the designs on the walls, except not gold and fancy, but dark and mysterious. Her face is plastered in make up, mainly black, with the exception of her bright crimson lipstick. Obviously a stylist. Nothing else could explain her look.

She stands, leaning slightly to her left with her hand on her pointed hip. "Stand up, dear"

I nod and stand up, revealing my whole, crippled body. A small gasp escapes her tight lips as I look away from her, feeling ashamed with how I look. I can tell she's feeling the same, although she doesn't show it outside, she must be feeling sick inside. I do look terrible.

"It's alright, dearie. Auntie Queenie will sort you out" She smiles at me, trying to lift my spirits. "Now be a good girl and go sit on that chair in front of the mirror"

I follow her pointing finger over to a large stool that stands in front of a large mirror and dressing table. I take one look at my reflection and quickly turn away. I don't recognise myself at all. My small curves have shrunk, replaced with a pale, bony waist, with matching skinny arms and legs. Under my eyes the skin is saggy and dark and my lips are chapped and pressed together tightly. I won't even get started on my straggled locks. I'm a poor sight

Queenie sees the sadness in my eyes and crouches beside me, resting her thin fingers on my shoulders. "Don't worry, dearest. I'll have you looking gorgeous in no time! The boys will be queuing up outside the doors for you"

I sniff and smile warmly at her. It sounds like an almost impossible job to get me looking half-decent, never mind 'gorgeous', but I sort of believe her. It's just her positive attitude and the determined look in her eyes that make me feel hopeful for the change.

"Now then, let's get started and before you know it, you'll be a walking goddess!"

Only a few hours later and I've completely transformed. The depressed, bag of bones I was before, has been changed into a natural beauty. Well, that's what Queenie says.

My once hairy, dwindling legs have been replaced by a pair of toned, golden ones that make me look elegant and classy. The rest of my skin is no longer pale and ghostly, but a golden colour that almost shimmers in the light. As for my bitten and broken nails, they have been topped with false ones that are coated in a twinkling polish. My hair has been pampered too, and sits comfortably next to my chest line, glossy and loosely curled. The biggest shock I see, is my face. Before, it was a discoloured frown of depression, but now, my skin is radiant and glowing with a smile. All the dark circles have faded and a pale dusting of green eye shadow has taken their place. My cheeks are tinted to give a rosy cheeked effect and my lips are a smooth but vivid shade of red. To match all of this, I wear a smile. Something I haven't seen in a while.

"Oh my gosh dear! You look almost perfect!" Queenie squeals in delight, clapping her hands together, "All that's left is the perfect dress and I have that right here"

She pulls back a loose hanging, velvet curtain and reveals the most stunning dress I have ever lied eyes on. An off-the-shoulder jade green dress, complete with delicate silver detail along the one strap. It's gorgeous.

Queenie makes me put it on straight away, giggling with happiness as it makes the perfect fit. A loose, darker shade of green ribbon cuts across my waist, resting comfortably on my hips. The rest of the dress swishes around my legs and my feet are sitting in a matching pair of emerald heels, finished off with a little sparkle by the toe.

When I twirl in front of the mirror, I almost join Queenie in squealing. I look nothing like my former self, but I look a lot better. Almost attractive. Queenie says I'm being modest, but I think that's just her exaggerating. She's done a fantastic job and I look amazing, but I'm not the sort of person that boasts about appearance. Probably because I've never been pretty like other girls and not had much to boast about.

"Oh come on, give me another twirl dearie!" Queenie requests for about the seventh billion time.

Reluctantly, I give her what she wants and yet again, she squeals in delight. Although the squealing is getting a little repetitive and annoying, I can't help loving her so much. What she's done for me is truly amazing and she deserves a lot in life.

So, to show my appreciation, I go up to her and give her a huge hug, squeezing her thin body tightly and whispering in her ear.

"Thank you so much, Queenie. I love it so so much and you're just the best"

She replies by smiling and patting my shoulder, telling me it's time. Time for the interviews.

I'm ushered into a large room, filled with loungers, refreshments and above all, many people. I feel a bit nervous as I walk around the room, weaving between people and avoiding Avoxes balancing trays of drinks and snacks. I haven't seen my parents yet, but I'm stopped by someone.

I look behind me and I can see that it was Gale that tapped my shoulder. He's dressed fairly plain in a slightly creased white shirt and black trousers, but he looks very smart. And handsome. His thick, dark hair is in it's usual ruffled style and his eyes are the same, mesmerising deep pools of chocolate brown that I once used to gaze into.

I haven't properly spoken to Gale in a few years. We've said hi and occasionally traded in the Hob, but not had a full conversation since we were about sixteen. Those two years ago, seeming a lifetime ago, we were in love. Well, I thought we were.

Throughout my early high school years, I had always fancied Gale, but with him already popular and me, well not, I never thought he would notice me. And he didn't seem to, until one day when I was on my weekend deliveries...

I'd had my hands full with several large sacks of breads and rolls and couldn't quite manage a few yards without having to pause for a rest. This one day, I had almost given up with the whole lot as the weight had gotten too much for me. (That was when I wasn't as strong, bearing in mind.) So, I remember sitting down on the floor, sweat dripping from my head from the sweltering heat of the summer's day and putting my head in my hands. And when I lifted my head up again, there was Gale, as gorgeous as ever, holding half my load. I had smiled back at him, just managing not to blush and stood up, grabbing the other half of the goods. He then helped me through the whole delivery and when we'd finished, he took me out of the district and to a little lake in the forest beyond. This area was supposed to be out of bounds, but it was clear to me then, that Gale had been there a lot. As of the boiling heat from the sun, we swam in the lake, cooling ourselves down after our hard day's work. It was what happened after, that changed things.

I had just sat down on a log, ringing out my soaked hair and Gale joined me. We sat there for several moments, in silence, when he broke our thoughts by leaning over and kissing me right on the lips. I can still remember it well now; our faces still damp from the lake, his warm hand cupping my chin and his moist lips on mine. It was the best moment of my life. I had finally got my guy. Or so I thought I had.

After that kiss, we started dating and in every spare minute we had, we were together. I was the happiest girl alive. But, as good things never last long for me, our love affair was short lasting. One afternoon, we'd decided to go back to the lake. But, when we arrived, we weren't alone. Gale's new hunting friend, Katniss was there, waiting for him. When she saw me, holding hands with Gale, she thought that I was replacing her role as Gale's best friend. Come to think of it now, I probably was. Anyways, so she just let jealousy take over and basically told Gale it was me or her.

He chose her.

I was heartbroken and I really thought that he loved me. It brings a small tear to my eye now, remembering that he didn't love me at all. He needed Katniss more than he needed me. And I hated him for it. Although, not as much as I hated Katniss. In a few moments, she had taken the best thing I had.

And now, I'm standing with him, two years later. Him seeming the same person he was, but me, an entirely new girl.

"So, you here for Peeta, I presume?" Gale asks me.

"Yup, and you, Katniss?" I reply, a hint of bitterness in my tone when I say her name.

"Yeah" He nods his head, chewing the top of his lip.

A small, uncomfortable silence echoes between us.

"You ok then?" I ask, breaking the silence ad trying to distract myself from flowing thoughts.

"Alright I suppose. What about you?" He says.

"Same really..." I reply.

Fortunately, the awkward conversation between us is cut off, as an announcer calls my name.

"That's me" I turn back to face Gale. "See you round"

"Sure and good luck" He smiles at me.

I nod and walk across the room to the stage door. I pass many weeping parents and friends and I know how they must feel. But, I'm determined not to cry tonight, even if it kills me.

I'm directed through the back of the stage and as I tread over wires, I walk past my parents. My father is holding my mothers hand tightly, whispering something in her ear as they walk straight past me. They don't even pay me any attention, not even a smile. They don't recognise me.

Well, they will after my interview, that's for sure.

The spotlights on the stage almost blind me as I step onto the shiny, wooden surface. I blink a few times and adjust to them, concentrating on looking confident. I sit down on a long couch opposite Caesar and smile at the audience. This is live, don't mess up. You have one shot at this...

"So, Zinnia, you're Peeta's sister, am I correct?" Caesar asks me, glancing towards the audience.

"Yes, I'm his older sister" I reply, confidently. So far, so good.

"Ok then, so let's begin with a simple question first, then we'll dig a little deeper" He says, turning his full attention to me, "How well do you and Peeta get on?"

Phew, an easy question to ease me into this interview stuff...

"Me and Peeta are very close, I'd like to think. We're only two years apart, so we get on really well. We seem to have a lot in common and he's easy to talk to. I would say that we're as close as siblings can get" I add a little smile to keep friendly with the audience.

"That's always good, except when he gets reaped. Tell us how you felt that day, Zinnia"

"Um, well, let's see. I remember being relieved at first, when I wasn't chosen, but then when Peeta's name was called out, I felt it bad. It was as if I had been chosen and it was a truly awful feeling"

"What did you do when he walked up on that stage to present himself to the rest of the district?"

"I wanted to scream his name and drag him away from it all. I couldn't bear it. I really wanted to volunteer for his place, but I couldn't, being a girl, and I felt like I couldn't be there for him anymore"

"That's understandable, of course. Let's move on to the night of his confession, did you already know about his feelings for Katniss Everdeen?"

"Honestly, no. I was as shocked as everyone else, probably even more than Katniss herself"

"Why so shocked? He must have mentioned her before"

"Nope, he didn't. I didn't even know that he'd noticed her, never mind fall in love with her. It's all a little odd to me"

"How so?"

"Well, he would have told me. I mean, we tell each other everything"

"Everything? You sure about that Zinnia?"

"Urm, yes. I did say that we were very close..."

"I know you're close, but seriously, would you have told Peeta if you were in the same position?"

"Urm, of course, we tell each other-"

"Would you?"

Would I? Is this question specifically aimed at... my experience? No, it can't be.

"I umm, I...I" I stutter, my body shaking slightly. Does he know about Gale? How did he find out? Is this some joke to break me down in front of Panem? Why is he bringing this up now... why?

I stand up, stumbling to my feet, shell-shocked with the realisation of what Caesar was hinting at. Caesar looks at me in confusion, but I know he's just covering up for the camera. Just like everyone else does here. Everything is for the camera and I've just had enough of it. That's why I pick my dress from dragging along the floor and run off the stage, kicking off my heels as I do so.

No one tries to stop me as I push through doors and jump over more wires and head as far away from the stage as possible. My heart is thumping violently, but no tears come this time. I'm too scared of people seeing me cry. That will only make things worse than they already are.

The door back to the waiting room makes a loud crash as I burst through. Only a few people are still in the room, including my parents, brothers and Gale. And I bet they saw my whole interview. Yay...

Gale's the first to approach me, frowning deeply, "What have you said, Zinny?"

"Nothing." I state firmly, walking past him.

But he grabs my arm and holds me still, "Then what was Caesar on about then?"

"I don't know how he found out. But it wasn't me" I say, struggling to get my arm free.

"You sure about that? Nothing slipped out while you've been living the life of luxury here?" He asks, sarcastically.

"No sorry, I'm quite sure about that. I had more important things to think about, like maybe, hmm... my brother's life?" I say back in his face, with the same sarcasm he used.

"Oh, Zinny. I didn't mean it like that" Gale attempts to apologise.

"Whatever, Gale. Just get off my arm and leave me alone" I shrug his grip off my arm and walk over to the sofa where my parents are.

My father is sitting, his arm across my mother's shoulders, comforting her. I can hear little whimpers come from her and I know she's crying about Peeta. Flynn and Freddie glance up at me as I walk over and sit next to mother. I smile at them, but I only receive half-hearted ones back.

I rest my hand on mother's knee, letting her know I'm here. Her head rises up and her clouded blue eyes filled with tears look up to mine.

"Zinny? Is that really you?" She asks, between sobs.

"It's really me, mother. I'm right here" I say softly, tapping her knee for extra proof for her.

"But, the guards... they, they took you away" She says, sniffing.

"I know, but I'm ok, honestly mother, I'm fine" I reply, smiling at her sad face that's damp with tears.

"I was so worried" She says, gripping my hand tightly.

"Well, you don't have to worry about me anymore, I'm taking care of myself. You need to focus on Peeta and yourself" I whisper to her.

She sniffs again and wipes some tears from her eyes, "I know now. Come here my darling, little girl"

I move into her arms and bury my head in her soft scarf. Breathing in her familiar scent reminds me of home and her general touch makes me realise how much I miss our little bakery. The way it always smells of freshly baked loaves and the way there's always floured footprints on the stone floors.

I cling on to her tighter, just like I did when I was younger.

"I love you, mother" I whisper in her ear, quiet so that no one else could hear, but loud enough for her to understand.

"I love you more, Zinnia"

A/N- So that was chapter 8... wooo that was exiting... well maybe...

Anyways, if you like the story so far, then please please please read more and REVIEWS are LOVED, :D
Chapter 9 will be up in the next few days, then part 1 is almost finished... gasp.

Thanks, FireflyLlama x