Peeta was soon realizing why Haymitch's advice had the implied meaning that the former tributes weren't very forthcoming with their stylists or prep teams. Apparently even he wasn't prepared to get himself through the so many processes (some very painful like waxing) of getting himself to beauty level zero as his stylist wanted. If that wasn't all then to add to his humility, his all 3 members of prep team and his stylist were of the opposite sex, he was as dressed as the day he was born and all his prep team were so indulged in giggling and appreciating him that he was having serious trouble in controlling his emotions. Somehow he imagined that Rye would kill to get details of the treatment he was getting at the moment. Finally after about 4 hours of torture, the 3 giggling creatures left him to the mercy of his stylist who has yet to make herself known.

"I see my prep team has you already exhausted," said a voice from the doorway drawing Peeta's attention to the door where a lady, no older than 25, stood with blonde hair, fair skin, pretty face and devoid of capitol features – something that brought about a sense of relief in Peeta.

"Can't say I am more glad that I wasn't born in District 1," said Peeta in dry humor.

The lady giggled angelically and returned, "Your mentor was right when he said you got a tongue worthy of competing Caesar. Let me introduce myself first, I'm Portia and I along with Cinna, your co-Tribute's stylist, are assigned to your district this very year for the first time. Don't worry though, we still know our work," said Portia humorously.

"I'm Peeta and no, I trust you. They say one can judge another by their attire and I can say with no shame that the last years duo weren't very appealing for my tastes," said Peeta with a grimace.

Portia chuckled, "Quite a charmer you are Peeta. And can't say you aren't gifted in your looks either."

Bowing dramatically Peeta said, "I aim to please."

Portia giggled at his antiques before turning serious. "Now down to business. First question first though. It isn't highly likely for males to go down there with something like that mane of yours. So are you going to enter the games with that?"

Peeta replied cheekily, "One of the few parts of my body I'm proud of and no way in hell I am leaving it behind so yeah I'll."

Portia laughed softly at that and replied, "Yeah I gotta accept its looking great. How did you maintain it anyway? And do you want it to stay open or tied?"

"Well it was usually the diluted natural nutrient medium extracted from sap of a few assortment of trees in the woods back home and nothing special," said Peeta. "And open if you can help it."

"If you do wonders this year around, send me a sample of your hair-care kit will you?" asked Portia obviously trying to ease the atmosphere to which Peeta helped by agreeing eagerly. "Now onto your dress for the evening parade. You see Cinna and me started our career together and since then we are in the habit of designing everything together. So this year around we thought to step up a grade from the usual display of coal and rather use fire, i.e., what coal is used for. Don't worry as it won't be real and synthetic rather and here's a copy of the design of the dress you will be wearing in the parade," said Portia while spreading over the table a blueprint of the costume.

Before looking at it Peeta sighed in mock-disappointment saying, "Aww. And here I thought I will be riding my chariot in starkers covered in coal dust from head to down." Portia couldn't help but break down laughing at his humor quite un-lady likely soon to be joined by Peeta.

Finally after controlling their laughter both stylist and client looked at the blue-print. Portia was surprised though when instead of just giving a rough look like she expected the boy was studying every detail like an expert, and she had to say that with all his personality, behavior and inquisitiveness, she was impressed of her client and was quite saddened that she was playing a part in preparing him for a possible death at the same time. She was even more shocked though when after 10 minutes of careful attention Peeta asked if she could make some last minute arrangements and after hearing all of them and how he wanted to portray himself she had to say two things – first the boy could have a great future in designing and second Cinna and his "Mockingjay" were in for a very good surprise. However the last question from Peeta to compliment his theme made her quite giddy too.

"Does the flames come in black?"

Haymitch, Katniss and her stylist Cinna stood waiting for the other District 12 Tribute and his stylist as the others Tributes from the various districts stood near their carriages. Apart from Districts 3, 6, 11 and 12 every other districts were given 2 carriages each. Somehow with Cinna's working on her Katniss found that she is now getting the unwanted attention from a major part of the male Tributes assimilated in the waiting area, majority of which are coming from a Tribute of District 2 and another of District 4, and she could honestly say that she was getting irritated. Also the fact that glares were incoming from the female attendance wasn't helping the matters either. She was glad of the intimidate presence of the tall Cinna and the drunk mentor as it was what was keeping the fools at bay for whom she held no desire.

"Why is Portia taking this long? She got the male tribute after-all. The parade is going to start in 15 minutes," said Effie who came from… well wherever she was.

"I'm sure she has her reasons and its nothing with the aspect of her client being a male or female. Its waiting until the client looks perfect in her eyes. I say we wait 5 minutes more and if they are still not coming I'll go and check on them myself," said Cinna sincerely.

Effie looked reluctant but agreed at the end. At about the end of five minutes, by which time Effie was getting restless, Katniss and Haymitch irritated (due to Effie) and Cinna getting ready to check on Peeta and and Portia, the doors to the waiting room opened for admitting the last occupant of the waiting room. A gasp from one of the female District 1 Tribute, who was standing near the door drew the attention of every other occupant in the room to the source of her reaction and an instant hush fell over the room.

Standing at an intimidating height of his normal 6' Peeta wore a sleeveless embroidered vest and trunks similar to Katniss's but unlike her red and ash color with golden embroidery, Peeta's was midnight blue and black with silver embroidery that made out the impression of his abs and other chest and stomach muscles. Behind him was a deep purple cape hanging from his shoulder through pins and his hands were covered in sleeve-less gloves. His muscles were quite prominent with hi sleeveless vest unlike Katniss's sleeve-on ones. His golden blonde hair were spread around his shoulders like a mane and his sapphire blue eyes sparkled from under his bangs. From his neck was hanging in a golden sling Peeta's phoenix token just like Katniss's Mockingjay-pin one. A crown like band was resting over his dark emerald bandanna that Katniss recognized was similar to hers — the one which was meant to issue fire.

Katniss, Effie, Haymitch and Cinna couldn't believe what they were seeing as a now remodeled Peeta Mellark made his way to them with Portia in his arms with a grace that would make a ramp-walker envious. They were still unfazed of the reactions they were getting throughout the room and one look around made Katniss realize that almost all females around, stylists included, were practically drooling over the sight of Peeta. It made her somewhat comfortable that she wasn't alone to get such annoying attentions but at the same time somewhere deep an emotion of jealousy and protectiveness sprang in her. Looking back at her male Tribute with a critical eye this time she couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach as well.

Soon Peeta reached them and did the unexpected – taking Katniss's hand he brushed his lips against her knuckles in front of everyone and at that time Katniss too did something unexpected – she blushed!

And that was all the incentive Haymitch needed to break the terse silence by breaking down into a hysterical laughter. "You made the girl blush boy," he shouted for the clarity of everyone. "Tell you what? There's still some hope around." Katniss's resulting glare could have melted ice but unfortunately Haymitch wasn't that and remained unfazed, so she resorted to glowering in all her glory.

"You are looking awesome Peeta! You could give anyone from District 1 a run for their money," said Effie now quite excited at the rating the Tributes from her district are going to get.

"Thanks Effie. Tell you what you are looking quite lovely this evening as well," though he said this Peeta's eyes betrayed his emotions which Haymitch and Katniss noticed, and being the tactless persons they are, began snickering.

"Oh such a gentleman you are Peeta. You have great manners to go with your looks too unlike some people I know," the last was said by Effie to the still snickering pair after which she marched off to the stand. As soon as she was out of hearing range Haymitch and Katniss broke down laughing/giggling despite Katniss's earlier nervousness. Gasping a good luck Haymitch too marched off to the stands, still laughing hysterically.

By now Cinna had finally managed to gather all his bearings and said with unveiled awe, "You did a masterpiece there Portia. I wouldn't be surprised if you are offered a promotion very soon."

Chuckling Portia replied, "An offer I'm quite ready to decline as for I'd love to work with my client as long as I can and if he is any representative of his District than with his District Tributes as well. And then there is the fact that the additions to our plan were last minute recommendations on Peeta's part rather than mine so the credit goes to him and not me." While Cinna and Katniss stood dumbstruck at the revelation Peeta looked ready to argue so Portia cut him off before he could have a chance. "Oh hush you. It's a credit you are worthy of and its entirely true." Then to a now recovered Cinna she said, "I better be off now to submit our District's Tributes' themes to the commentators. You better explain them the function and basics as you have got less than minutes to yourself." And with a good luck to the both she walked off with papers to submit at the commentators.

Shaking his head Cinna turned to Peeta and shook his head and after some short introductions he started explaining what will happen and all those. He gave some necessary last minute tips to the both of them about presentation before walking them off to their carriages where they stood at the end of the queue of 20 carriages.

Amidst the noises as the ceremony began Peeta leaned closer to Katniss and said, "You might have heard it in plenty already by now, but you are looking divinely beautiful."

Katniss could feel heat radiating in her face but still managed to say, "You are looking quite the looker yourself. But for the record, you are the first beside my stylist to actually say how I'm looking. Rest preferred simple ogling."

Chuckling Peeta said, "Well then I'm honored. But tell you what, out there the people are waiting for a show. The better which we give, the more sponsors we get. So how about we give them a good one?"

After realizing the truth behind his words, even though she wasn't happy that the capitol folk would be the decider of her fate, determination seeped through her very being and she gave a confident nod to the proposal. Just before their carriage could live Cinna motioned for the both of them to hold their hands and they did so without wasting much time.

Soon at the sound of Caesar Flickerman's announcement of District 12, their carriage sped off on its own accord, and at the moment of exiting the tunnel, synthetic fires burst at their back covering their bodies with it. However she was momentarily mesmerized by Peeta's black flames which unlike her regular ones was leaving behind a dark mist at their wake. She was soon brought out of her musings by Peeta's squeeze of her hand which made her focus back on the performance just a few moments before they exited the tunnel to face the crowd.

To say the crowd went super-crazy at their ethereal appearance of dark and red flames complemented with the beautiful mix of dark mist, would be an understatement. Katniss was smiling her best smile and when she threw the rose she was given by Cinna at the crowd, the people – mainly males, burst into fight to collect as many as possible. Peeta's smirk, that could be categorized somewhere between vicious and seductive had an equal effect on the female folk in the crowd, all of whom were fighting to get the best position to gain his attention. His single wink to a teenager though rendered her unconscious, and Peeta suppressed the urge to repeat the stunt again. Their names, by now, were getting chanted so loud that the commentators had to audibly raise their volume of sound.

"Can you just believe it Caesar, these 2 tributes from District 12 are causing riots among the crowds, and just look at the boy. He could easily put Aphrodite to shame," said the female commentator quite dreamily.

"And let's not forget that the female is no slouch either. Theses 2 are the first volunteers from their District in the 74 years of the game's history. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you the Girl-on-Fire, the Mockingjay, KATNISS EVERDEEN," shouted Caesar as a burst of applause and cheers followed his announcement.

"And with her is her fellow Tribute from District 12, the Foínikas Thánato, the Satanás or the Latin for the Prince of Darkness, PEETA MELLARK," shouted Claudius Templesmith as another wave of even louder cheers and applause followed. "Any louder and I believe that people back at District 12 could hear the crowd's appreciation too."

Finally the long ride to the front of the President's mansion was covered where all the carriages aligned themselves to each other with District 12 carriage holding the center directly facing the President who now stood to address them.

Throughout his speech though Katniss and Peeta found it strange, but the President kept throwing lingering gazes at them as if they are part of some mystery begging him to be solved. Finally the anthem was sung and the Districts' carriages started making the return trip with District 12 Carriage bringing the rear but still leaving behind the same amount of appreciation from the capitol citizens at their wake.

When they finally reached the waiting station, a smiling Haymitch, Portia and Cinna and a bouncing Effie were waiting for them. No sooner had Peeta helped Katniss board the carriage they were engulfed in a hug by a very ecstatic Effie. Though awkward they still returned it. Seems after all these years she finally got some recognition as the escort of the District 12 Tributes of Hunger Games.

After they were released Haymitch came forward clapping all the while. "A show you both gave there! Mind blowing kids. I gotta say this I never expected this from the both of you, but now that you have given me some incentive to work upon, I'll try my damnest to make sure your surviving possibilities are high."

Cinna, after congratulating Katniss on a job well done, couldn't let the awe from coming out any longer though, "If the attire was extraordinary than the dark flames were marvelous. I have to say Peeta you work better with my friend, and this in fact is making me quite jealous of you."

Portia, after finishing her hug with Peeta, said with a pompous tone, with an arm sling around the boy's shoulder, "Stop being a git and learn from us gods you mere mortal." Everyone burst out laughing at that statement, and even Katniss cracked a grin at the humor. They were still laughing as they reached the elevator, when a cough made all 6 turn about to find it being one of the 2 District 1 females.

She wasted no time though and even with Portia hanging off from Peeta shoulders she leaned closer to him than the comforting space – much closer to infuriate Katniss. In a highly seductive whisper she said, "So looks like District 12 has catches too. Tell you what come with me to my room and –" while everyone were getting irritated by the girls audacity and the way she was leaning too closer to Peeta with every whispering word, they didn't expect Peeta to suddenly hold the girls advancing face with his right hand, and give a quick peer inside while tilting it side by side.

Investigation done, ha said to the startled girl, "I don't know about your district though Portia may educate me later, but in our district people introduce themselves first before striking a conversation, or in your case seduction." Now grimacing he continued, "And you have last night's dinner sticking in your teeth so the next time you try pulling off this stunt, please remember to rinse your mouth properly so that the stinking smell remains inside. Now finally, nah, I'm not interested at all to fall for your advances, so find someone else to tend your scratch," and with that he gently shoved off the girl's face who was too embarrassed now as everyone had watched (and heard) this sudden development. Peeta turned about and with Portia, entered their designated elevator. Hardly had the door closed when everyone, even Effie, broke down laughing. Haymitch and Cinna were howling with laughter.

Through gasps Haymitch said, "If in the arena you find nothing, start insulting your enemy kid. Your words surely will make a suicide tempting to the one you bash with humiliation." Much to Peeta's chagrin everyone, even Katniss, nodded in agreement – the first time Katniss agreed with the drunk on something.

Cinna said, "I'm glad you aren't my enemy."