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Chapter ten: Hot Favourite.

I was going to be the first tribute to be announced to go onto stage by Caesar Flickerman, the annual Hunger Games presenter. He was on stage now, dressed with bright green tied back hair, purple eyes and some green lipstick. He was talking about how excited he was for the games, and how he couldn't wait for these interviews to begin. The idea of going on stage, live in front of he whole Panem, made m sick. This was the first time, my family back home is going to see me in days. The last time before they see me fighting for my live in an arena full of children. I wondered what my Mother and Gloss would make of my interview. Would they be ashamed that their little girl has been overall sexualised for viewing purposes. I know they will know it was all forced apon me, that this isn't really the way I would like to be broadcasted. But I just hope they don't hate me too much for it.

"Please, let me introduce to you, our first hot favorite of this years games, Miss Cashmere Hazelgrey from District One", yelled Caesar excitedly.

This was my cue. I made my way up the steps and onto the stage, and waved as I walked over to the colourful presenter. I kissed his hand, before looking into the main camera and giving a cheeky wink, then sat down and gave caesar my full attention.

"Miss Cashmere, I must say, what a real honour it is to be interviewing you", he gaffs at me.
Inside I really want puke all over him, but instead I give a sweet flirty smile.

"Oh Caesar. How silly of you. Remember I am only a guest, and it is me who is really honoured. The capitol have been so kind to me this whole entire time, and when I am made victor, I just know I will be welcomed every year. Its truly beautiful here".

"Oh, so you expect to be a victor do you", he asked excitedly.

This time I gave a bit more of an arrogant edge. "Of course, I come from district one. That alone gives me a distinct advantage. We were born ready for these games. I wouldn't have volunteered if I thought I was just going to die like the rest of them".

The capitol citizens laughed and I knew my interview was working.

Caesar laughed. "Well of course I cannot be biased, but I wish you all the luck Cashmere. You know many of those in the capitol believe that you are the most beautiful person to emerge from the districts and take part as tribute in the Hunger Games history. How does that make you feel".

I put on a fake blush and gush lovingly, although the whole idea and thought behind it is enough to infuriate me.
I giggle girlishly. "Well I don't know about that. I must get it from my mother, she is also beautiful. But if you all think so, then thank you. It's really nice to be told.

"You don't get none from your father", Caesar chuckles making me want to stab him in the throat right here and now.
I shrug in response "Average. I've always said my mother could do so much better".

The capitol lapped it up, many of them wiping away tears of laughter from their eyes.

"Oh, he's not going to be pleased when you get back on", he jokes nudging me on my shoulder.

I giggle. "He'll be okay. Deep down he knows it himself anyways", I say waving my hand.

The buzzer went off indicating that my interview time was over and I was now free to leave the stage. I let out a sigh of relief. I couldn't have wanted that to be over any quicker. Caesar gave me a kiss on the cheek, as if though it was mandatory, but looking back I can't think of any tributes where he has done that before, and I made my way off the stage.

Lumo's was waiting for me, and she hugged me and told me I did brilliantly as Marble was being introduced to the stage. I decided I would hang about to see what he had to say for himself, but I wasn't surprised when he told Caesar he couldn't wait to get in the arena and start hunting down the weak and pathetic.

Obviously there were those would would love that kind of tribute, I could see from the audiences reaction to his bloodthirsty attitude that they weren't too keen on him. I actually think I will actually do better in sponsors then him.

Apparently Lumo's knew what I was thinking. "You know, the capitol citizens don't usually go for careers straight away. Not the gruesome one's anyways. They prefer the tributes with promise and personality. They only usually get sponsorship money after they have been more exciting in the arena itself, and have more promise of winning, do they become more interested.

"Does Marble not have any money lined up yet then?".

She licked her lips, as if though deciding whether or not this is something I should be told. "I shouldn't... well don't say nothing to him... but... he has very little compared to you. You really have been a favourite this year. I really wouldn't be surprised if you were coming home".

I gave a grunt, but inside I was happy. I was winning this battle. I know the war was yet to come, but so far I was in the lead.

"Who do you think my real competition is?", I ask out in interest.
"District two. They always stab us harshly in the back. Do not trust them. In any way".

I go to my room and take my clothes off and take a quick shower. Although I had one before the interview I couldn't help but think that this is probably the last one I am going to get before I go in the arena, and very much doubt they are going to have such luxury there.

I meet back downstairs and find everyone sat on the sofas. I was actually just in time for the recaps of the interviews. I get in between Lace and Lumo's but don't really pay much attention to my or Marble's interview.

Finally Delia the girl from two comes on stage, and she is actually being quite sweet, talking about how hard she had to work back home in the mountains, which is why she was so dirty on the day of reaping. She actually gives a very touching and convincing story. Jaret however, goes down the same route as Marble, and says how he will take down anyone who gets in his way, and how he knows he is the leader of the alliance he has formed?

"He formed?", I mocked to the room. "Everyone knows there is a career alliance every year", I laughed at his stupidity. Lumo's agreed with me, and Granite shrugged. "Has to try and make himself look slightly better".
I roll my eyes and find he is gone and is replaced with the girl from 3. She seems smaller on screen for some reason, something can surly only be somewhat of a disadvantage when trying to gain sponsors. Caesar brought up her reaping and asked how she gained her self so much respect in the district. "I don't think it is my place to say so", she replies, her eyes still bearing the same coldness they have always done. "Why heavens not?", asked Caesar.

The girl shrugged. "Because it involves illegal activities. Having said that, I already going to the Hunger Games, so it can't make much of a difference edge ways?".

Caesar looked shocked, but tried to press on the subject. "Please do tell me", he prompted.

I shook my head at the girls obvious mistake. "Shut up girl", I hissed at the TV, with everyone murmuring their agreements, including Lace.

"All I can say is District 3 is somewhat off a poor district. If I someone can find a way to feed everyone in the district, they should. Well I had, and so I did.

I closed my eyes. Lace shook her head in disbelieve. "Snow isn't going to let that go. He will punish the whole district for what that girl just confessed too on national TV. She just made the capitol look like one big joke". I looked over to here. Never have I heard an escort talk such things directed at the capitol. But I suppose even an escort knows how the capitol works.
"She won't last long in the arena. The game-makers will sought her out if she isn't taken down by a tribute quick enough".

Marty soon took to the stage, and he talked about how he had always desired to be a volunteer since he was young, when his cousin became a victor the games 15 years ago. The cousin in fact wasn't lined up to be a mentor, but on the announcement of his nephews volunteering stepped forward.
It wasn't a very interesting interview, and the only thing that really made me a desirable candidate to sponsor would be the fact that he should know how to put on a good show, having a victor in the family. Having said that, I can't really have an opinion, only being a tribute and not a eccentric capitolion.

The rest of the interveiws were boring. Some talked about their loved ones at home and one girl even went so far to cry over having to leave her beloved cat behind. I rolled my eyes at agitation. Even the boy from 7, who we felt was our only outside threat in the games gave a really bullshit interview about how he volunteered for his granddad who is dying of an incurable illness and he would like to get money to try and heal him.

"Hello, the hint is in the name... INCURABLE illness... why risk your own life, for someone who is inevitably going to die", I scowl just getting annoyed at how pathetic all these tributes are. At least give me a challenge.

"You don't think they whole interview is a ploy? One big fat lie?", Granite growled at me.
"Why would he lie? He's supposed to be getting sponsors?", I frowned turning to him.

"Exactly", he snapped. "The capitol will love that story. He's probably lining sponsors up while we speak".

I didn't respond. Not because he was most likely right, but because the whole damn capitol are fucking stupid.

Finally the girl from 12 admitted that she doesn't understand how she got such a high score, but it prooves that she shouldn't be underestimated just because she is from district 12 with a drunk for a mentor. I laughed as I realised she is talking about district 12's only victor Haymitch Abernathy, who was the Quarter Quell victor, and since gone on to become the joke of Panem.

"I don't think he have to worry about this one", Guffaws Marble. "With Haymitch as a mentor, she won't live past the bloodbath".

I smirk and have to agree with him. She can count out any hope of getting any sponsorship send to her. He would have probably passed out drunk at his station.

Lumo's pursed her lips. "Don't be so hard on any of the mentors", she snaps at us both as we laugh making us both stop laughing instantly. "You have no idea what we have to endure as victors".

"Enlighten us please", I urge, "After all, I will be one soon", I add with a pout.

"No. if you win. Then you shall be filled in with all the need to knows. But never mock a mentor. I don't know Haymitch that well, if I am honest. Our tributes normally slaughter his, so he tends to stay out of one and two's way. But from what I can tell, he is a very caring man, who turns up every year and watches as his tributes normally die within the first 10 minutes. Usually its because his trubutes didn't listen to him".

I blink as I take in what she says and then shrug. "Quite frankly I really don't care. Doesn't have much to do with me. I am going to bed. And shall the games be ever in my favor", I mock as I head away from the sofa.

I don't know why I feel so chirpy. Maybe its knowing that I am doing so well in the games and the arena hasn't even started yet. I feel like I am already the winner, and that makes me one step quicker to home. To Gloss and my Mother.