I'm so sorry this took so long. It's completely my fault, not Batmarcus'.

The next day, having agreed to do training together, Clove and Cato headed in for manners and presentation practice with Accalia not really sure what to expect from this and a bit nervous because of that. They found her waiting in a large mostly empty black room. She smiled slightly when they came in and motioned to two comfy chairs.

They both took their seats just waiting for whatever was going to happen to happen. "Alright, so since you have chosen to stay together I figured we start with what is easy and work our way up. No you may not like or agree with what I tell you, but it's for your own good and to improve your odds okay?" ahe asked, and Clove could see a look of genuine concern for them on her face.

Though surprised and confused as to why Accalia would care enough to be concerned for them, Clove nodded and asked, "What's first then?"

"First is the way you both sit, you can't lean back in chairs at the start of the interview at least it gives the impression that you don't care, and you both are using your relationship so you have to care," she said.

"So, sit up straight?" Clove asked, subconsciously straightening her own spine as they talked.

"Yes, back at ninety degrees." They both sat up as straight as they could. "Now, you need to also try and look comfortable at the same time which will depend more on facial expressions."

"That's doesn't sound very easy."

"It's not going to be."

"How is it done?" Clove asked, noticing her back muscles were already starting to complain a bit. Not enough to cause worry but too much to appear comfortable.

"Think of something that doesn't scare you."

"What good will that do?"

"It will keep you calm."

"You can take a second now to figure something out. Most need it." Accalia said, indirectly reminding Cato and Clove how long she's been the escort for their district, not to mention how long it must have took to work her way up to 2.

"Okay." Clove sighed trying to think of something. She thought of Cato not really having any other ideas. It worked thinking about him kept her calm and very relaxed. By coincidence or true love, Cato tried the same with her, having the same effect.

"There you are you both seem relaxed." She said smiling a little bit more.

"Enough?" Clove asked, unsure.

"Yes, it should be just enough."

"Anything else on that."

"Yes turn to the audience every now and then when you answer questions it helps to identify you more. Just remember that even though Caesar will be asking the questions, it's really them you're talking to."

"So they matter a little more than he does then?" Cato asked.

"Yes, exactly," she said, nodding glad they were getting it. She went on, "After all, he's not going to be sponsoring you. I'm pretty sure he's not allowed to."

"Really? I wondered about that," Clove said.

"Well, now you know."

"Got it," she said.

"Now, there a few things that just need to be covered with Clove."

"Like what?" she asked.

"Like high heels."

"What now?" Clove asked. Accalia just took out a pair of very high and uncomfortable looking high heels. "You want me to walk in those?!"

"Yes, I do."

"That's insane you can't possibly walk in those."

"I can assure you it is completely possible. Though they are intentionally worse than what you'll likely be wearing for the interview."

"Why are they worse?!"

"Because I don't know what exactly Annia will put you in and if you learn to walk in these then what you do end up wearing shouldn't be a problem."

"That sounds like an excuse to make me uncomfortable."

"A bit but it's a necessary one, I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't know what I'm doing."

"Fine, but I don't like it."

"No one ever does."

"You do though?" she asked.

"I don't think I would even wear these."

"Yet you force others to do it," Clove said pulling the shoes on and trying to stand. It didn't work out well.

Accalia caught her from hitting the ground. "It's not me. Every female tribute in every district has to do it."

"You have more than one pair of these crazy things?!"

"I don't but they do."

"I knew they were all crazy," she said, trying to walk. She actually got about two steps before falling. "These things suck so much!"

"That they do but I know you'll get it," she said, helping Clove back to her feet.

"Can you do it?" Clove asked carefully.

"I haven't tried in those things but the tributes always get it eventually."

"Maybe you should try some time and give tips."

"I'll think about that."

"I want to see it," Clove added.

"Fine," Accalia sighed and held out her hand.

Clove smirked handing her the dreaded objects. Accalia sighed put them on and getting up, steadier than Clove being used to walking in normal high heels but still bad. She made it an impressive five steps before falling over. "These things really do suck," Accalia muttered.

"See, I told you so," Clove said, somewhat smugly.

"I never denied it."

"You didn't know just how bad it was though did you?"

"I suspected so."

"Well, now you know so do you have any tips?"

"Well, it's pretty much like balancing on anything else," Accalia said, taking the heels off and putting back on her less demonic ones.

"So, I have to adjust is what you're saying?" Clove asked.

"Exactly, and take smaller, more careful steps, even if you watch us running around in our own, you'd noticed that's the case."

"Oh, okay, I can try that." Accalia gave the heel back to Clove. Clove slipped them back on and set to works once again. Clove got a bit farther but started to fall again and tried to catch herself but just fell the other way, getting an idea on the ground. "Would it be allowed to try with your normal heels first?"

"My heels?" she asked confused.

"Yeah, you know, start small and work my way up," Clove said carefully.

"Well, I don't see why not," Accalia agreed, taking off her heels. Clove slid those on and it was a bit easier. She was able to get quite a few steps remembering what she was told. She made it to the opposite wall. "There we go. You got it, and you can pull off heels," she said.

"Um, thank you."

"It was a compliment, not everyone has the legs for it."

"Okay, thank you."

"Good."

After a while, they headed back to Kawino and Enobaria. They found them waiting in the living room. They both took a seat. "So the couching might be one of the easiest things to do." Kawino started carefully.

"Good because the first part sucked."

"Heels?" Enobaria asked. Clove nodded trying to rub the feeling back into her foot. "I feel your pain." Enobaria chuckled slightly.

"They had those things back when you were a tribute?"

"Yes, they did and they were terrifying then too."

"Did you get your escort to try them?"

"No, I never tried to."

"Well, I did. It was funny."

"That is very impressive!"

"It actually wasn't that hard."

"I had a different escort."

"I figured as much."

"Well, still impressive."

"Thank you."

"Now, back to the couching," Kawino said.

"Right, so we're selling up the relationship, right?"

"Yes, that is the idea."

"Okay, so what do we do?"

"Well, you have to play it as likeable and a threatening to others as possible," Kawino said.

"Interesting combination."

"Yes it is but possible."

"So, how do we do it?"

"One of you does the most threatening the other brings the likability."

"Oh, okay, well, I think it would be better for me to do the likability," Clove suggested.

"Probably the best idea, no offense Cato."

"Well, I was actually thinking that it would be safest for his family."

"Too true," Kawino said, after some thought on the matter.

"That okay, Cato?"

"Yeah, I have no real problem with that."

"Good, then who wants to go first?"

"I will," Clove offered.

"Okay, want an explanation first or right into a trial and we'll just cut in on any problems?" Enobaria offered.

"Explanation might help."

"Well, likeable is the easiest persona to pull off. First you need to be kind."

"Okay, shouldn't be a problem."

"For you no, the second step is using sir every now and then with Caesar."

"Why Sir?"

"It comes off as polite here," Kawino said.

"Okay, got it."

"Good, also, smiling is key."

"No problem there, is that all."

"Try not to swear."

"Okay, that makes sense."

"It's an easy part of things."

"Is that all?"

"Watch the tone of your voice."

"So, keep it sounding nice?"

"Yes, no matter what is said."

"I will."

"I'm serious that may be hard at times."

"I understand but I will."

"Okay, then ready?"

"Ready." Clove nodded.

Once she had it down, they moved on to Cato. "Now Cato, would you like an explanation?"

"Yes, I would."

"Okay first off, no smiling outside of mentions of Clove."

"Okay."

"I would say try to work threats in."

"General or specifically directed?"

"Either/or really."

"Sounds good."

"Think you've got that?"

"Yes, I do."

"Okay, next choose your words carefully."

"Like what?"

"Try not to be too...polite."

"To anyone?"

"Other than Clove yes."

"Understood."

"Good."

"Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of."

"So a run through then?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I'm ready." Kawino nodded and they set to work.

The next day it was time for prep, then the actually interview. Kawino couldn't help them during prep so he was sitting and staring out the window. He trusted the stylists, especially Annia but he was still nervous. "Coin for your thoughts?" Sabina asked coming up behind him

"I'm just scared."

"I can understand why," she said, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind and resting her chin on his shoulder.

"It's pretty much harder than last year."

"Why?"

"I just worry about her and with them both in there…"

"Of course you do, they are important to you."

"What do I do?"

"You need to trust them."

"I do but I'm still scared."

"It's normal to be scared," she said. "I'm here for you though."

"I know and that really does help," he said.

"I'm glad I can."

"So am I."

"And I won't be leaving."

"I hope not," he said, kissing her cheek.

"I couldn't even if I wanted to."

"What do you mean?"

"Leave."

"You don't want to do you?" he asked, his paranoid side coming through.

"No I don't. Not at all."

"Okay, thank goodness."

"You really are a special boy, Kawino, in a great way."

"I am?" he said confused.

"Yes, you are."

"You're an amazing girl," he admitted.

"Well, thank you."

"You don't need to thank me."

"I still did." He shrugged but smiled. "So, do you believe me?" she asked.

"Yeah it's hard for me not to believe you," he said, smiling.

"Good." She smiled hugging him tightly.

He turned and wrapped his arms around her as well. "I really am glad to have you, Sabina."

"I'm glad to have you too, and to be here for you," she said.

"Okay, I trust you."

"Good," she said simply, before kissing him. He immediately returned it.

Meanwhile Clove was waiting for Annia. It wasn't very long until she came in. "Clove, how are you feeling?"

"Nervous, but fairly confident."

"That seems about right."

"So, what do you have planned?"

"I have this," she said, opening the nearby closet to reveal a light orange strapless dress that let out gently from the waist down. "What do you think?" Annia asked.

"I love it." Clove said.

Annia smiled getting it out and helping her into it. "Glad you do."

"How could I not?"

"Just like to make sure," Annia said, zipping her up and getting out the makeup.

"Now, just final touches."

"What's your angle?"

"Likeable." Clove said.

"Okay, I can work with that," Annia said, and applied a bit of soft orange eye shadow and black mascara with peach lipstick.

"There we are." She said smiling.

She gave Clove a mirror. "You did wonderful." Clove said

"Thank you, being a stylist is more than making you guys look pretty after all."

"I can see that...Annia can I tell you something?" Clove asked.

"You can tell me anything."

"I'm scared," she admitted sadly.

"If you weren't, I'd wonder what was wrong with you."

"I mean more than I was."

"Alright, talk to me."

"It's just we have so much riding on these games." Clove sighed.

"I know but there shouldn't be many problems with it."

"I have to get out so does Cato, and we have to do it right."

"And I'm sure you'll be able to."

"You think so?"

"Yes, the Capitol's already all about you two and will be even more after tonight."

"Maybe."

"I'm sorry they will."

"What if they don't believe us?"

"They'd be stupid not to, more than usual."

"You think so?"

"Yes I do. The kind of love you two share can't be faked."

"You think that they will see it."

"Yes, I do."

"What if they don't?"

"I'm sure you can find a way to make them."

"I hope so."

"Well, I have faith in you."

"Thanks, you don't know how much that helps."

"Well, I'm glad to."

Clove hugged her. Annia immediately returned it. "I get why Kawino likes you so much." Clove said. "If only more in the Capitol were like you."

"Thank you, I am glad you both like me."

"It's hard not to."

"I could disagree."

"How so?"

"My husband came to hate me."

Clove sighed remembering finding out about that before the parade, "Well, he was insane."

"You think so?"

"Certainly, from what I've heard."

"I suppose so."

"Just trust me on that."

"Okay, I will."

"Good, there's not really anything to hate otherwise."

"You're a good girl."

"Well, thank you but it's only true."

"As is everything I said."

"Okay… I believe you."

"Good, so we trust each other

"That's a great thing."

"We need that."

"Kawino needed it more than I do."

"Yeah, he did, still does at times."

"I can tell." Clove gulped. "At least now."

"You know, you got him through his games."

"I figured as much."

"I mean right before though...did he ever tell you?" she asked. "I'm not sure you understand how much he won for you, before the arena he told me he wasn't going to try at all and was considering just stepping off the platform before the gong."

"He did?" Clove asked, having not expected it to be quite that bad.

"Yes, he did...and then I reminded him of you, Cato, and the Cady girl he had told me about. It brought back his fight right before he entered the arena."

"Then I can't thank you enough for that."

"You three were the inspiration," she said.

"You still saved him."

"No, I just reminded him of who to fight for."

"Which saved him."

"Let's say we are about even?"

"I still disagree."

"Clove, you know that you'll get through this right?"

"Y-yeah… I think so."

"I know so though."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

A while later, it was time for the interviews to start and Clove was feeling more nervous than ever. She tried to hide it being in front of all the other tributes and soon the whole country but it was hard. Having Cato nearby was a huge help though. "Don't worry, Clove. You'll do great," Cato promised.

"I hope so."

"I know so."

"Annia said something similar."

"So would Kawino and Enobaria if you ask them."

"Well, I only got to see then for like four minutes." She sighed.

"I wish I could have asked."

"It's not too late."

"It's not?" Clove asked hopefully.

"No, it's not."

"Where are they then?"

"They are right over to the left."

"Come on, let's go talk to them."

Clove nodded carefully. "Yes, let's."

He gently led her over to them. "Kawino, Enobaria."

"Yeah what's up?"

"I'm… nervous about the interview…" Clove admitted carefully.

"You shouldn't be." Kawino said gently. "I know you'll do great," he promised.

"What if I don't?"

"You will. I have faith in you."

"You do?"

"Of course I do, Clover."

"How?"

"I've seen what you can do. I saw you in the couching."

"That was practice though."

"It's not that different."

"What if I make a mistake?"

"You won't."

"You seem so sure."

"I'm very sure."

"How can you be?"

"I trust you."

"You do?"

"Of course I do."

"How?"

"How do you believe in me so much?"

"You never gave me any reason not to."

"You mean that."

"Of course I do."

"Thanks, Kawino," she said, wanting to hug him.

"Does that help?"

"Yeah, I just wish I could hug you."

"Wouldn't be smart here."

"I know, but later?" she asked.

"I promise." She smiled a little at that.

"Up next ladies and gentlemen from District 2 Clove Yetter!" Knowing she had no other choice, Clove headed onto the stage smiling and waving at the audience before sitting next to Caesar. "Welcome Ms. Yetter how are you feeling?" He asked.

"I'm actually a bit sad, Caesar."

"Sad, why you had such a good score, and the people seem to like you."

"I know and I wouldn't be, if I wasn't going in with my boyfriend." There was a collective gasp. "We've been together for a little over two years."

"Oh my goodness, that is a spot of bad luck," he said.

"Yeah, if only there was a way for us both to win."

"I can't imagine what this must be like for you dear."

"It's really hard to say the least."

"Of course, how have you been dealing with it?"

"Mostly just enjoying my time with him while I can. I had just always thought that we'd get married some day and be together forever."

"Of course you would who would ever leave you?"

"Certainly not Cato, at least. We love each other too much for that. Oh, Caesar, I could never kill him."

"I can't imagine why you would ever want to, but then do you intend to win the games at all?"

"I don't know. I just wish there was a way to have two winners, just this once."

"Are you at least enjoying your time?"

"Yes I am," Clove smiled.

"I'm glad to know that, so you feel there are threats?"

"Well, as surprising as it is, the girl from 12."

"Really? Due to her high score I take it."

"Exactly, it's the highest in history."

"Yes, I can see why that would concern you."

"So, I'd have to say her but I'm pretty confident in my own abilities."

"Good then confidence is key after all, and having your brother as a mentor must help?"

"Yes it does actually and he is quite a great mentor even though it's only his first year."

"So he has a talent for it then?"

"That he does."

"Has he helped?"

"He's helped a lot."

"Last question who do you feel will win these games?"

"Well, Caesar, I guess only time will tell."

"Yes, any parting words?"

"Just that it's been great to talk to you all."

"It's been great speaking to you as well. Clove Yetter of District 2, everyone!" Caesar announced, as Clove headed off the stage. She curtsied and left.

"Up next our other tribute from District 2 Cato Harring. He went on stage with a serious face remembering not to smile as he took his seat. "Welcome Cato how are you feeling tonight?"

"Pretty confident, Caesar."

"That's good, do you feel that you are threatened in these games."

"Only by the Gamemakers."

"Really you only see them as threats no tributes?"

"No, I can handle them."

"You seem confident, even with Clove in the arena."

"Well, I'm here to protect her. She's more than capable of protecting herself but I wanna make sure nothing happens to her. I'd rather die than let anything happen to her and will kill anyone that tries to challenge that."

"Why volunteer then?"

"Well, I tried to talk her out of volunteering but she wouldn't listen and I couldn't protect her very well in 2."

"So, you did it to save her."

"Yes, I did."

"That is very sweet of you."

"As I said, I'd rather die than let something happen to her."

"We all wish that you didn't have to."

"Trust me, I do to," Cato said, hoping this all from them both is enough.

"You're both so determined."

"We've always been determined."

"That's good."

"Yeah, it'll make us unbeatable."

"Hopefully, but then what?"

"Then I guess I'll have to die so she wins."

There was silence at that statement. "That's incredible."

"I just love her that much."

A large "Aww" rang through the audience.

"Don't get me wrong though, we're both major threats to the other tributes though."

"Right, of course."

"The rest of them stand no chance."

"If you had come without Clove you feel you would win?"

"Undeniably."

"Alright, any final words?"

"Just that everyone needs to watch their backs."

"Alright that finishes your time, thank you, Cato." With that, Cato just headed off stage.

Nothing of note happened until 12 stepped up. First was the girl with a surprisingly unimpressive display besides her dress. Wasn't anything particularly bad but nothing good either? This did give Kawino some sense of relief.

Then there was the boy who's suit was noting special it was his words though that had a bit of an impact. Exactly as canon, he had confessed to loving Katniss and once again this infuriated her.

Though frustrated, Clove had noticed that. 'Interesting,' she thought. "Notice the girl?" she asked Cato.

"She seems less than pleased."

"Hopefully the Capitol will notice in the Games."

"I hope they do."

"They are the Capitol though."

"So there is a chance they won't."

"Exactly."

"Well, let's hope they know better."

"If not ours is still bigger."

"Yeah our being in together and actually in a relationship is a bigger deal."

"So either way, we don't have to worry about them stealing any sponsors that way."

"Yeah, but some people are buying it."

"They can't see her."

"I wish they could."

"They will tomorrow."

"Yeah, that's true."

"So there's not really much to worry about there."

"Yeah... we should kill him first," Clove said after a pause.

"No complaints there."

"Good, so we have a target."

"That's important."

"Always."

"Anyone else?"

"Elevens male."

"He'll be tougher," she said so only Cato can hear.

"Yeah and that is why that one is my fight."

"Think you can take him alone?"

"Maybe, if done carefully."

"Maybe isn't good enough."

"What do you mean?"

"You need to know or you're not doing it."

"Okay."

"Promise me that?"

"I promise you."

"Good, now it time to head back though."

"Right."

So they headed back to their floor along with Kawino and Enobaria. "How did we do?" Clove asked when they were alone.

"You both did perfect," Kawino answered confidently.

"You think so?"

"Yes I do. Should have been enough."

"Even with 12's male?"

"Yes."

"Good, we are going to kill him first though," Cato said.

"I'd say that's a smart move."

"Good."

"Anything else for tomorrow?" Clove asked.

"Try to get a good night's rest and always stay on guard."

"Okay."

"Eat as much as you can in the morning," he added.

"Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of."

"Okay, thank you, Kawino," Clove said, and hugged him.

"It's no trouble, Clover... I love you." He said hugging her back

"I love you, too, Kawino."

"You need to rest though." He sighed.

"Right, for as much as we can at least."

"Yeah, that."

"We will try though."

"Having someone to hold helps." Kawino added.

"So sleep together then?"

"Is that bad? It really does help."

"No, sounds like a good idea but how did you know that?"

"Enobaria sort of stayed with me and held me the night before my arena."

"Oh, okay, that makes sense."

"It really helped."

"Okay, we will."

"Good, I suggest you head in soon."

"Right, good night, Kawino."

"Good night, Clover," he said, hugging her again.

"You'll do great you know."

"I hope so," she said.

"I know so."

"Thanks, Kawino."

"It's no problem. I'll see you in the morning," he added.

"Yeah, see you then." She took Cato's hand and they headed out.

They both headed to her room. "You can shower first," she said.

"Okay," Cato said and headed to the bathroom and Clove headed over and lay on the bed.

Kawino meanwhile was more than a little worried. He did have complete faith in them and their abilities but that didn't really seem to help much. 'What if they get attacked by the pack and I can't help?' Things like that kept floating through his head until he was rocking in place

"Kawino," a gentle voice said. He turned his head to see Enobaria in the doorway of the living room.

"H...Hey." He said trying to calm down. Enobaria just went over and hugged him. "I'm so scared...more than I was for my own games," he said, blinking rapidly to prevent tears.

"I know. I understand. It's okay to cry though," she added, noticing from his voice how he was trying not to.

"No, I can't. I have no right to. I have to be strong for them."

"They're already to bed. You need it."

"I just...I don't..." He stammered before breaking down and crying. She just held him close letting him cry. "What if something happens!?" He cried.

"Then you need to trust them and us that it'll be okay."

"It's just there are so many unknowns this year."

"And we and they can handle it."

"You think so?"

"I do."

"I must look pathetic."

"No you don't, Kawino."

"I'm a mess instead of a mentor."

"Only right now, it's okay to sometime in private. Especially tonight."

"I never saw you cry," he said.

"The same reason they don't see you. I did cry though."

"You did?"

"Yes, I actually did."

"You're so strong though."

"Everyone has their limits."

"Even you?"

"Yes, even me."

"So what do we do then?" He asked cuddling to her like a small child to a good parent.

"Let it out but remind yourself why they'll be okay."

"Okay okay..." he said, starting to calm down

"And know I'll always be here."

"I know and that's great without you I would be in a much worse place right now," he said.

"Well, I'm always glad to help."

"Thank you...mom," he said.

Enobaria couldn't help but smile widely at that knowing it's what they both need. "It's my pleasure… Son." He smiled at that and really did start to calm down.