Gale's P.O.V
I looked over at Phoenix as we stood in our chariot, waiting for the Tribute parade to begin. Cinna and Portia both held torches of synthetic fire and Cinna said "As soon as they send out District 11 out; Portia and I will light you two on fire. Show them who you really are." Phoenix and I nodded and we watched the workers send District 10 out. "Let's light you two on fire" Portia said, seeing they were now signaling District 11 to go. We were lit and then sent on our way.
The music was blasting as we rode into the City Circle. I held Phoenix's hand the second we started out. She looked beautiful and when we stood closer together; the fire became bigger. That made the Capitol citizens go crazy and I decided to kiss her. The cheers picked up and red roses fell into our chariot. She picked up a couple and sniffed them. I could see that she was easily winning hearts so I knew I could learn a lot from her but apparently my kiss had been a big step in the right direction. As soon as we stopped; we were now in the colors of fire. Everyone was looking at us in awe so to win their support; Phoenix and I thought of ways to keep their attention. Inside though; I couldn't wait until all this was over and Phoenix and I would be wearing the last victor's crowns and would also get married.
Phoenix's P.O.V
Gale and I followed the other tributes into the training center and towards the apartments where we would live up until the games. Gale and I would live in the top floor penthouse suite. It was grander than all the apartments which was exciting. Still; I knew it was all an attempt to just remind us that our deaths were coming unless we won. I saw all of the other tributes watching me and Gale suspiciously though we still hadn't revealed our engagement to anyone else. After getting into our apartment; I got out of my fire dress and into some relaxing clothes before we sat down to a late dinner.
During dinner; we discussed the training schedule and the practice for the interviews. I was not looking forward to that. After dinner; I was eager to get some sleep so I headed into my room. I saw an Avox turning down my bed. She nodded to me as indication to see if I needed anything. I asked for a hot tea with honey and lemon. She bowed and left, returning a few minutes later with my cup of tea. I thanked her and dismissed her before sitting down on the bed to drink my tea.
While I was drinking my tea; I got lost in thought about tomorrow. I was terrified about the torturous pain that the training would bring. Hardly any tribute would leave the training center without bruises and cuts. I also knew that Gale would have to be careful what he said especially during the big interview. I was startled out of my thoughts when I heard a knock at the door. "Come in" I answered. I looked up and it was Dad. "Dad; I know that look of worry. What's wrong" I asked. "Just seeing you going into this battle and knowing what you'll face. I was told about the nightmares you used to have when you were little and the adoptive parents made you watch the Games. They wrote about how you'd cry in your sleep at night" Dad answered. "I know dad but I was raised to be a career tribute" I told him.
"I believe in you Phoenix. You are my daughter and you are very smart. I know you had to have gotten my smarts" Dad told me. "I bet I did. Now; how about letting me get some rest? I'm exhausted and I want to be at my best" I replied. "Okay fireball but can I ask you something? Why did I see Gale coming out of your compartment on the train on the first night" Dad asked, getting up.
I blushed deeply and asked "How did you find out?" "Early call of nature" Dad replied. I blushed even deeper and replied "Okay; I confess. Gale spent the night in my room. He was on his way back to his room. I promise that we didn't do anything we shouldn't. He was only comforting me because I was too scared to sleep." "It's okay sweetheart. I know you wouldn't do anything you shouldn't" Dad replied, hugging me. "Thanks dad and good night" I said, getting under my covers.
He tucked me in and said "Sleep well and I'm going to go meet with Caesar at lunch to talk about the double interview for you and Gale." I knew interviews wouldn't be until the night before the games but dad wanted the plan for the interview set in stone. I knew tomorrow would be a big step in gaining my strength. I had no choice but to be ready for what was coming and I had a feeling things were about to get extremely interesting.