I wake up multiple times during the night. I even watch the sun rise over the tops of the distant hills and roll into the city that never sleeps. It casts shadows and glimmers off of the towers in the distance, slowly creeping closer towards hitting my eyes. I shut them tight; they feel puffy and swollen. Maybe I cried in my sleep. I check the clock once more and see that it reads late in the morning. Almost mid-day even. Silently, I thank whoever it was who convinced Talika to let me sleep it off. Even though she's probably going crazy thinking that I won't have enough time to prepare for the interview tonight. Fuck the interview.

During my drifting, I swear I felt someone else's body behind me at times, but when I finally do decide to get up, no one is there. The sun is high in the sky, yet my room remains untouched by Capitol freaks and quiet as a mouse. I'm not wearing my green dress anymore. Just an oversized shirt that oddly smells of salt water and Finnick. Thankfully I'm still wearing my panties too.

The thought creeps up on me and makes me shiver. Jem was in my room. He was on top of me. He was going to hurt me. Everything would have been ruined. I can't be in an alliance with him now. I can't even look at him. The thought of even seeing him today makes my knees weak, my blood freeze and my stomach drop. He was so close to getting what he wanted; me. If Finnick hadn't been there…

Oh God Finnick… what must he be thinking right now. Probably that I'm a slut. That I let Jem in. That I wanted him there. I can't face Finnick either. He won't think of me the same anymore. He won't want to be around me. This thought makes me feel even weaker. It trumps the feeling I have about Jem for sure. I'd rather see Jem than Finnick shunning me. I take a step, but fall to my knees. How am I even going to walk out of here today? Let alone get through the interview.

I end up crawling to the shower. Good thing I don't feel like eating, because the thought of food makes me nauseous. I sit in the hot water as it cascades down on me. Though I don't sit in it like I did yesterday. Yesterday I sat there with no intention of ever moving again. But today, I know I just have to get clean and face the music.

Stepping out of the shower, my stomach growls. But I still don't feel like eating. I'm able to walk to my closet and pull out a fresh white top and a pair of dark blue pants. I actually manage to find some not so hideous slippers in the back of the closet too. Good thing, because I need all the comfort I can get.

Softly, I pad out of my room, and find the hallway quiet. Walking down to the dining room, everyone is gone. There's a note on the table.

Annie,

There's food waiting for you, just ask the Avox. Mags and I have managed to get Talika to leave you alone until 2pm. We have taken Tyler down to a private room to talk about strategy. I'll be up later with Mags to talk to you about your interview.

See you soon.

Finnick

His eyes flash in front of me when I read his name. Calming sea green eyes, like the calm before the storm.

I check the clock on the wall. 12:45. I have less than two hours. Great.

The Avox is standing near the door where the food is brought out. She doesn't look up at me the entire time she brings out the food. I say thanks but she doesn't respond. I know she wouldn't. I just thought she'd like that I'm not completely ignoring her like some.

I eat slowly, seeing as the Capitol food tends to be very rich, and I'm still not that hungry, despite my stomach's argument. I settle on some oatmeal, dried seaweed, and some plain brown rice. Bit of an odd combination I know, but it's what my stomach wants.

After I'm done, I sit in the living room, in the same seat I sat in when Jem entered the floor; with my back to the elevator, me facing the window. I like watching the skyline rather than the elevator anyway. But I don't dare look down at the street. Too many colors and people for my liking right now. I'm glad the glass is somewhat soundproof. It's bullet proof for sure. They had it installed the year before Finnick's games. Some mad Capitol citizen managed to shoot, injure a stylist and kill one of the tributes from District 8; apparently they were jealous of the stylist, accused them of stealing their designs and mad at the tribute for wearing it. President Snow made a formal address about how this poor citizen was a victim of a terrible childhood and should be taken care of rather than blamed. Now they live in one of the penthouses of one of these skylines; richer than ever. And District 8 was punished. Go figure.

I close my eyes and just let the sun hit me through the glass. It's warm and comforting. But I must have dosed off because the next thing I now, someone is poking my in the shoulder. I open my eyes and see Mags standing before me. She smiles kindly at me, and offers me her hand. I smile back at her and take it.

We slowly walk back to my room and she sits me down on the bed. "Prep interview." She said.

"Okay. Where's Tyler?"

"With boy." Ah, with Finnick.

"Okay. What do I need to know?"

"Caesar. He ask questions about you. He ask questions about how you feel. He may ask about score. May ask about Tyler. May ask about home."

"I think I can do that."

She smiles. "Need to be kind. Smart. Funny. Or however want to play it."

"I think we decided on mysterious and innocent."

She nods her head. "Answer questions, but leave details out. Make them want more."

"I can do that."

"Will go before Tyler." Right, ladies first.

I look up at Mags with a concerned look. "What if they ask me about last night?"

She shakes her head. "Won't. He came to your floor. Illegal. Don't want citizens thinking tributes get away with breaking rules."

Well that's a bit of a relief. "And if they ask about Finnick?"

"Boy is mentor. Just mentor." She eyes me. "Yes?"

"I think so?" I shrug sheepishly at her.

She smiles to herself. "Knew this would happen. You and boy. Is good match."

My heart beats faster. "But I may never get to see him again after tonight."

"Tomorrow morning you see him. He take you to hovercraft."

"Okay. But if they ask, only say he's my mentor. Can I at least say that we've been best friends for a while? I mean, couldn't that get me some sponsors?"

Mags thinks about this for a moment. It could get me some attention, right? Being associated with the Famous Finnick Odair has to get me somewhere, doesn't it? "Can say this," Mags begins. "You and boy, good friends since little. Cheered on through boy's games. Now, you just happy you could be here with boy."

"Keep it simple and vague."

"Mystery girl." Mags smiles.

"And about my dad?"

Mags' smile dies a little. "Be honest. Sympathy from citizens. Want to redeem your father."

"Basically be vague, mysterious, play at the heart strings, and make them remember you. Got it."

"Good girl." Mags smiles brightly at me. Some voices sound from down the hall. Loud Capitol voices. "Stylists." Her voice sounds fearful, and she gives me a sorry look.

Just then they burst in, happy like clowns on drugs. Mags quietly slips out of the room as they pummel me.

"Annie darling!"

"You were so wonderful in the tribute parade!"

"Scoring an 8!"

"Such a talented girl!"

"Beauty base zero, chop chop!"

And with that, they toss me into the shower once again, taking all my clothes along with them. I try not to let it show how much their scrubbing hurts my skin, but I can't help and wince every now and then. They don't seem to notice anyway. They just go about their talking about random shit.

They finally finish their scrubbing and shampooing and toss me in the human sized dryer. I don't like this part. I try to use it as little as possible. Air rushes at me, and in an instant, I'm dry, my hair is puffy and my skin is shiny. They look over me once more and make little adjustments here and there; clipping my nails, and painting them; combing through my hair; sanding the heels of my feet; swiping loads of mascara on the fake eyelashes they just put on me; it's horrific.

Once they look over me and squeal, I know they must be done. My nails are white and shimmery, and that's about as much as I can see of myself, since they covered the mirror in my bathroom.

"Ready for tonight?" Ezzré's voice asks calmly. I look up at him. He hasn't changed a bit. I don't even think he's wearing a different outfit from yesterday. Until he looks me in the eyes. His eyes are deep green. Mesmerizingly green.

"Your eyes?" I stare at him.

He smiles. "Do you like them? I had them modeled after yours." Beg your pardon?

"But my eyes aren't that green."

"They are Annie. They're the greenest eyes I've ever seen. I had someone take your exact eye color and make myself a pair. It's actually becoming quite popular out there." He gestures to the streets. "Many have your haunting eyes. Saturation 90, Value 30."

"What does that mean?"

"That's the exact shade of your eyes."

"Look Ezzré I'm flattered, but there is no way that my eyes are that green."

Ezzré laughs a hardy laugh. "That's not what your mentor said. He saw me come out of the elevator and said 'why do you have Annie's eyes?' Quite a good laugh I had with him." Finnick's here. Of course Finnick's here, what did I think he would be gone all day or something. He's going to want to see me. Ask me how I'm doing. "Why are you blushing?" His question catches me off guard."

"It's nothing. I'm just a little nervous for the interview." I lie quickly. He seems to buy it.

"Not to worry. You will be wonderful!" Then he pulls out a garment bag from my closet. He must have hid it there while the freaks were bathing me. "This, is you interview dress!"

"Am I a warrior water goddess again?"

"Close." He smiles. "We have to stick to the same theme. Now, close your eyes, and lift up your arms."

I do as he says. Only then realizing that I'm still stark naked. But oddly, it's not as embarrassing as the first time around.

He slides the silky fabric over my body. It's light and flowing, yet it hugs my body to a tee. He zips up the side of the dress after adjusting the one side sleeve. And fixes my hair accordingly. Then, with my eyes still closed he slides what feels like a head band on to my head, but keeps in on my forehead so that it would be level with my eyes. Its not the most comfortable feeling in the world.

"Feet." He says. Slowly, I pick my left foot up, and he slides on a shoe. I set it down and realize it has no heel. I sigh in relief, smiling gratefully. He seems to sense my gratitude. "I figured this look didn't need a heel."

"Thank you." I smile. He slides the other one on and then places a belt around my waist. Touches up my makeup and then steps back.

"Alright. You can look."

I open my eyes and see I'm in a white dress. Solid white, with shimmering pearly scales clustered near the bottom that slowly fade away towards the top. It hugs my body quite nicely. Around my waist is an elegant golden looped chain with a knot in the middle that hangs down my legs. It's a diagonal neck lane, so that one arm is strapless, and one has a flowing white sleeve that comes down to my elbow. He has gold arm bands around my wrists, and another around my neck. The sandals are gladiator once again, bright shiny gold. Maybe it will match Caesar's hair.

My hair on the other hand, is in long dark curly waves down one shoulder and the rest down my back. Small gold dots on my earlobes, meant to look like earrings I'm sure. The body glitter is back, but it only creeps up certain areas of my arms and up the sides of my neck, connecting to my eyes. My lips are a soft, yet noticeable pink. My cheeks nice and natural. The headband around my forehead is gold as well, but with little clear and green jewels incrusted in it. My eyes were natural for the most part, except my extremely dark eyelashes that make my eyes stand out, have a little blue mascara at the tips. And white stuff on the inner lining of my eye, making them appear wet.

The overall look is soft, yet striking. It has a low back and the dress seems to shimmer when I move.

"Very lovely Annie Cresta." He says as he watches me turn.

"It's beautiful." My words come out as a whisper. I almost hear Finnick's cheesy remark in my head: you're beautiful. But I push it away. Don't think that way. I can't afford it.

"Come. It's time to move along." He ushers me towards the door. Ezzré has made me a soft mysterious goddess. I like it much better than the warrior costume. It's more me, but not quite.

We walk down the hall, I'm able to walk down flat ground without picking up the dress. But I think I'll need help on the stairs. We meet Tyler walking out of his room verses at the elevator this time. I must say, he looks very handsome. He wears a dark blue suite that complements his eyes very nicely. He has white shoes and a white undershirt, with what looks like clear scales on his pants. He actually has makeup on as well, just to enhance his features, and it actually makes him look older. His hair is flipped back in the front, and it reminds me of Finnick. There is some gold detailing on his suite as well that makes him shine and shimmer.

"You look nice Tyler." I smile at him before he notices me.

"Thanks Annie." Then he actually sees me. His eyes nearly bug out of his head. "You're hot Annie!" I blush and falter. What happened to the shy little boy who came here not that long ago? He's a man now and not afraid to speak his mind, quite clearly I might add.

"Thanks…?"

Tyler smiles. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just, you're really beautiful. I can see why Finnick can't stop staring at you." I gawk.

"Wha…"

"Annie, anyone who knows you two can see it."

"No one is allowed to think that though! It could be really bad for Finnick if they think he has a girl… interest back home." I'm not Finnick's girlfriend. He has clients. Not girlfriends. Remember that.

"Don't worry Annie. I know. I won't say anything."

"Thank you Tyler." We smile at each other. Then he offers me his arm. I take it. And we walk down to the elevator together. Our stylists say something to each other and giggle.

Mags is in the living room with Talika. She smiles kindly when she sees us, and Talika squeals. She's dressed up for the event herself. A blue and yellow poke-a-dot skirt, a shimmering gold blouse and hot pink platform shoes. Her hair is down in multiple purple curls today, but her eyes are deep green. Just like Ezzré's, and just like mine. Mags is in a simple gray top with dark blue pants. It looks so comfortable, I actually scowl for a moment in jealousy. But shake it off when I remember that at least I don't have to wear heels this time.

"Come come! It's time!" Talika says as she moves us all in the waiting elevator. We all get in and take it down to the lobby. I didn't notice how the sun was already beginning to set outside.

Finnick is not with us. I knew he wouldn't be. Somehow, I just knew. I look at Mags, and she seems to know exactly what I'm asking. Why? She looks at me sadly and makes an "S" in sign language. Whenever she does that, she means Snow.

The lobby is completely empty when we get there. Talika makes the comment that they only bring one district down at a time when they line up. We walk through a door I've never been through, walk through a small maze, down a flight of stairs; everyone except Talika is patient with me and my skirt. And then through a small carpeted tunnel, where the sound of applause is growing louder. We enter into a darkened room with red and blue lighting. Districts 1, 2, and 3 are already lined up. Their stylists putting finishing touches on their outfits. I don't dare look at Jem, but I feel like he's looking at me.

Slowly but surely, everyone piles in line until all twelve districts are here. Then, the stylists and escorts leave, and the television screen to our left comes to life. There are a handful of Avox's in the room to help with anything, and a few peacekeepers as well. An announcer sounds out and the crowd loses it when the one and only Caesar Flickerman comes on to the stage. His hair sparkling gold and his smile brighter than ever.

He says a few short sweet words to the crowd that gets them standing in applause until finally he gets to the chase. "Now, I know why you're all here tonight, and it's not just to see my new hair…. Hahaha. No. You're here, to meet this year's tributes, for the 70th, annual Hunger Games!" Another roar of the crowd. "You've learned a bit about them, you've watched them in the tribute parade and you've seen their scores, now, let's get to the good stuff. Please, welcome out our first guest, from District 1, Dominique Silver!" The crowd cheers as Dominique makes her way onto the stage. Her blonde hair is in some kind of pig-tail up-do that really doesn't look flattering. She wears a long dark purple gown with a slit up her thigh. It has some colored feathers at the top creating a collar of sorts. And her hands are coated in jewels.

Caesar comments on her gown and asks her a few questions about home. She has four older siblings and none of them have ever volunteered, so she hopes to make her family proud. Soon enough, her three minutes are up and she's strutting off the stage.

"Now, from District 1, please give it up for Jem Morane!" Jem walks on the stage with a smug grin. His hair is slicked back. He has a black shirt and dark purple pants. Colored feathers line his wrists and the base of his pants. He wears jewels rather than buttons on his shirt; they look like rubies. "Jem welcome!"

"Thank you Caesar. Happy to be here."

"Tell us Jem, why did you volunteer. Everyone has their reasons, what was yours?" Caesar leans in close like he's actually interested.

"Well Caesar, I wanted to make a name for myself. You see, I'm an orphan." The crowd gasps. It's certainly something I didn't know, but I don't feel bad for him. Not one bit. "My father died when I was very young, in a house fire. And my mother, giving birth to me and my twin brother; she and my twin didn't make it. I've grown up with my cousins but I've always been the odd one out. I've never had a real father figure, except for President Snow." Oh please. The crowd sighs. "He has been the one I look to when I need help. And when the games rolled around this year, I knew it was time. I had to get out there, and show my appreciation. Let President Snow know, that I'm here, because of his inspiration. And that I will win, to show my gratitude." The crowd goes wild.

"Kiss ass." The boy from District 6 says under his breathe.

The girl from seven elbows him. "Like you wouldn't do the same." They quickly get hushed by the Peacekeepers on staff.

I don't pay attention to the next little bit that Jem goes on about, not really giving Caesar a chance to speak, until he says one thing. "I know I'll win Caesar, because one way or another, I always get what I want." He looks at the camera and I freeze. "Always." I know it couldn't be possible, but I feel like he was referring to me and me alone. That couldn't be what he meant. Could it?

But Jem's time is up. He struts off the stage like a peacock. Athena is next. She's fierce, but it looks like she'd rather be anywhere else but here at the moment. She looks bored really. But she leaves an impression when she rolls up her smoky red dress to reveal that the heels on her shoes, are actually knives. Wonderful.

Maverick comes and goes. He's just a big brute who loves the Capitol and how generous they are. District 3 is nothing memorable unfortunately. They were both timid and shy. I don't even remember their names.

"And now, from District 4" My palms are sweaty and my heart is pounding. "Please join me in welcoming, the lovely and mysterious Annie Cresta!" Oh God that me. My legs shake intensely, thankfully I have the long skirt on the dress to cover it up. I walk up the small steps off the side of the stage and am instantly blinded by flashing lights and deafened by the screams of all the people.

I search the crowd for familiar faces of Finnick, Mags, or Ezzré but all I see are Capitol citizens.

"Yes yes wonderful!" Caesar says loudly as he helps me sit down. Once the crowd settles down, he begins. "My my Annie you are a gorgeous young woman."

I pause for a moment. "Thank you Caesar." Then I smile. "I'd say the same to you, but…" I gesture to him. He and the crowd laughs.

"Yes, if I were a gorgeous young woman such as yourself, then I sure wouldn't be here would I?!" He jokes. "Now Annie seriously, you must be the hit of District 4. Such a pretty thing like you must have a fellow back home."

"No actually I don't. I'm free as the ocean." Free as the ocean? Why did I say that?! But the crowd seems to like it.

Caesar smiles. "Well I know a few young citizens who certainly may be interested, am I right folks? Hahaha." A few men shout out compliments and one throws flowers. "Now now." Caesar calms the crowd. "Annie, when your name was called, what was the first thing that went through your head?"

Play it up to the Capitol. "How jealous my younger sister must be that I didn't even have to volunteer." The crowd laughs.

"Really?" Caesar looks intrigued. "Your sister wants to be in the games?"

"Oh yes. It's her first year this year and she wants to volunteer when she's older." I hope I'm not setting her up.

"Fascinating. Now Annie, do my ears deceive me when I hear your last name? Cresta. It sounds very much like we've had a Cresta from District 4 in the past. Is that true?"

I gulp. "Yes." My throat feels dry. "My father, Sebastian Cresta, was in the 52nd Hunger Games."

Caesar claps his hands together and smiles. Some of the crowd gasps. "Ah yes! Sebastian I remember him. So I take it the mystery lady he had back home was your mother."

"Yes she was." The crowd gasps like it was a huge mystery.

"Now Annie, one more question for you, how is it preparing for the games, with a mentor as famous and as capable as Finnick Odair?" Some of the women in the crowd scream and cheer at his name.

I smile. "It's definitely interesting."

"How so?"

"He's so famous, that he knows the ins and outs of the games Caesar. He's given me all the advice I could ever need and he's definitely helped my counterpart Tyler as well."

Caesar smiles leaning in. "I hear Finnick and yourself were very close before the games, is that true Annie?"

"Depends what you mean by close Caesar." I smile leaning in towards him. Everyone laughs.

The buzzer sounds. Some people complain that they didn't get to hear the end of that story. Sorry people. Have Finnick answer it for you when you interview him about my death.

"And that is all the time we have with this beautiful young woman. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Annie Cresta." He helps me off the couch. And the crowd cheers as I walk by them. I give them a wave as I do. It makes me shimmer, and the crowd goes nuts. It's so easy to please these people. I walk off stage and finally take the smile off my face. My cheeks actually hurt. And it feel suddenly very cold. It was really hot on stage under those lights. I wonder how Caesar managed to keep cool under his sparkly gold jacket.

Mags greats me on the other side. She smiles. "Good." She takes my hand and leads me down to a waiting room to watch Tyler. He walks on stage smile and waving to everyone like he owns the place.

Caesar asks him a few questions about home and what he loves most about the Capitol. They ask him a little about me, though I'd wish he'd stick to learning more about Tyler. He asks Tyler about his family finally. Tyler says that the only family he has is his sister and his mother, seeing as he lost his father in the same boating accident that took Finnick's mother. He makes that part very clear. The entire crowd gasps.

Caesar makes a comment that that's just bad luck. He actually looks stumped. But Tyler doesn't let it bother him. He stays strong. Caesar wishes him luck and sends him off. Mags goes over to greet him and bring him over. Once he's off camera, he's shaking. Much like me.

"Good job." I whisper to Tyler.

He smiles. "I wasn't as good as you though. You were so natural on stage. Even when he brought up your dad."

"I wasn't that good. I was shaking the whole time."

"So was I." He laughs.

"Well I couldn't tell." I nudge his shoulder. Talika enters then, with Ezzré and Tyler's stylist, they talk to Mags very enthusiastically at how wonderful both of us were, and asking where Finnick was. Where is he indeed?

Then Tyler leans over and says something only I can hear. "Finnick said sorry he couldn't be here." I look over at Tyler. A confused look on my face. He smiles kindly. "He said he'd be watching though."

"So he saw me dressed up in Capitol attire. So what?"

Tyler gives me a sad look as I try to brush him off. In truth, I felt bad about the way I just reacted. But Talika is shooing us back up to our floor for the night. We can watch the recaps of everyone else back in the living room while we celebrate with chocolate covered strawberries.

Xavier has a short brief interview. It looks like he doesn't like public speaking to put it lightly. He's flustered and embarrassed all the time. But the crowd easily accepts him for being a gentle soul. He tells them about his younger brothers, and older sister back home with another sibling on the way. He didn't tell me that part. He's the man of the house, makes most of the money in the factories for his mother who works an in-home seamstress for the poor section of District 8.

Everyone else goes through their interviews, a few shocks and surprises from various tributes. Sad family lives, harsh upbringings, and the girl from District 11 actually starts crying about how she misses her family back home and just wants to go back to them. Caesar comforts her in the best way he can and tells her that it will be alright. To which she slaps him and tells him that she's going to die, so no it won't be alright. The screen cuts black and then its back on. Caesar apologizes for her saying that she just didn't get enough sleep last night. The crowd easily accepts this excuse.

Then Rae is on. She has her dark hair in curls around her face, and the rest up in a high pony-tail, which is also curly. She wears a dark green dress that gradates into the color of coal at the bottom. No jewelry. But she does wear a small gold bracelet. She said it's her token for the games, and that it was her mother's. She looks very pretty in her dress, but she doesn't look very happy. She scowls most of the time and gives short quick answers.

William is on next, and he is much more charming, like Tyler. He wears black pants, work boots, a light blue shirt and a pair of coal colored suspenders. They even give him a coal mining hat for crying out loud. He's very easy going with Caesar and makes the crowd laugh easily. He talks about his life back home and how he misses them, but he knows being here is a great honor. Bull shit. Apparently he had a kind of internship at the local grocer back home, and how his cousins were the sons of the town baker, his uncle.

William doesn't look like he could kill a fly. Rae looked like she would smash it with a hammer without a second thought.

When it's finally over, Caesar is in a talk show himself with another announcer and he is asked questions about his first impressions about the different tributes when he met with them. Of course he praises everyone and makes everyone look good, but he comments specifically on three people; Jem, myself, and Rae. He said, "something about those three... You know, I can't quite place it, but those are the three that I cannot get out of my head."

Well great. Now I have an even bigger target on the back of my head. Thanks a lot.

"Alright everyone. We've got a big big day tomorrow!" Talika shrieks. Even Mags squints in pain. "Off to bed. You two need all the rest you can get." Right, the games. Happening tomorrow morning. Excellent. I walk off to bed and quickly take off the dress and scrub off all the makeup from my face and glitter from my arms.

I crawl into bed with just Finnick's oversized shirt and a pair of shorts. The Capitol is not sleeping tonight for sure. The betting tables in the square just across the street is lit up like the celebration of the New Year. I see my picture where it should be. But it's fuzzy from this far away. Numbers are changing in everyone's row. A separate screen shows a recap of the interviews, then my picture along with Jem and Rae's show up. Why me? I'm nothing special.

I turn the windows black with my handy-dandy Capitol window controller thing. And manage to get a few hours of sleep before someone wakes me. I open my eyes ready to smack the living Hell out of whoever woke me and stop when I'm met with those sea green eyes.

"Hey Annie."

"Hey Finn."