They are adored.
They are ruthless and gold in their chariots - Twelve might be on literal fire but they are gladiators, symbols of death and strength. In their interviews she is sweet and arrogant and stunning in her orange dress, and he is cocky and flirty and casual and attractive. After they leave the stage their names are still being called, and they leave an imprint on minds. A weepy love confession and a twelve year old hold nothing to them.
They bicker about who's loved more by the Capitol, and when she claims its her -
"You're crazy."