p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4a60d61eabbcdea8a2cbea26dec047e6"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Rosemary/em/span/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="57ad3c73fd29d83319cf8c55c1c0871e"With a half-hour until the televised interviews began, Rosemary found herself backstage in Caesar Flickerman's filming studio. Rye, Larkin, and Effie hadn't shown up yet but Cinna, Vina, and Haymitch were with her, surrounding her so other Tributes couldn't see her and she couldn't see them, either. Haymitch thought it was a good idea to help her nerves but honestly, there was no way to stop them. In minutes, she would be onstage in front of the whole Capitol, not to mention the cameras that would broadcast her face to all twelve districts. She wasn't ready for this!/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5ccbe19e39a52cd8322fa8a048932e30"There was a firm slap on her hands. "Hey," Haymitch snapped at her. "Cut it out with the hands."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f7bc1ddbaac7abb1e362304b7124dc3a""Sorry," Rosemary exhaled heavily. She flexed her fingers, trying to figure out what to do with them. "What am I supposed to do with my hands?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="95bfb844f9dae340224c00ee7a73cb9a""How the hell am I supposed to know, Pipsqueak? Just keep them still."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d5ee6b67d9c090b49745225289a24664""I can't." her words almost came out as a whine./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0ece76bb73c47a84a5ad5b5943fd4487""Here," Cinna interrupted them both before they started full-blown arguing. He passed her a ring, taken from his own finger and without question, Rosemary put it on. "Just fidget with the beads. You can keep it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7f3dcbe89803374b9e674907dbddadea"Rosemary frowned. "Are you sure?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="715f296177c41eed24a7226f6d819e1c""Of course," Cinna nodded. "I have a few hundred of them at home."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f6ed9acf276521dfa515c250a0b9daaa""Unfortunately, he's not joking," Vina laughed. He reached up and picked some invisible lint off of his partner's shoulder. Rosemary smiled at the domestic gesture. "And we'd rather you play with that ring than injure your hands again."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3f94a935ceae2abb2921aad4ce6f286c"Rosemary looked down at her hands, ashamed. "I don't do it on purpose," she whispered. Instead of clenching her fists, even though she wanted so badly to give into the urge, she played with the ring, mulling over the metal beads with the pad of her thumb. She sighed. "I'm nervous."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7538f344432a2e0210a11d0de4a5dee5""You're as prepared as you can be," Haymitch reminded her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c03b5a4e497a0ff6c45422d8ca349e25"She supposed that did help. She and Haymitch practiced the interview too many times to count and if she just put her head into that mindset from the night before, she knew she could do it. She just had to focus./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f72de6303d8715a7f4c44961e3f8ea22"Rosemary nodded and Haymitch returned the favor before turning his attention to Rye, who had just walked in with Larkin and Effie. He looked amazing in his red silk suit that had glittery orange accents that danced in the lights. His blonde hair was stylishly gelled back and his eyes were once again lined with eyeliner, this time a dark red instead of black./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="78705472e15febdc36bdcd6d064fc07e""You look amazing!" Rye called out once he saw her, speaking at the same time she said, "Wow, you look great, Rye!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c358c5a13cb0a30ec504365607ae3bdc"They were able to share a quick hug before they were wrangled into taking a picture. Vina and Larkin positioned them so they stood side-by-side, holding hands, and told them to smile and act like they liked each other. After Effie swept in with her mobile to take pictures, they were able to separate. Vina, Cinna, Larkin, and Haymitch told them to break a leg and then left the backstage area to take a seat in the front row with the other Mentors and stylists./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="18b54219639744aa31d4816390752cd3""You look stunning, Rosemary," Effie said as she led them to where the stage manager wanted all the Tributes to line up. "Larkin and Vina did such a great job making your outfits match. You two are the best dressed here."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a0131f29a41309a5bb282b4eab9942d2"Rosemary glanced around at the other Tributes who were all lined up in front of her and Rye. Everyone looked good, especially the Careers. Once her eyes landed on Kyler, she had a hard time looking away. He was dressed impeccably, but really it was the smile on his face as he spoke to the 12-year-old boy from Three that really made her stare. She blushed when his dark brown eyes flickered over to her and caught her as she stared but thankfully he just grinned at her and waved his fingers at her in hello before going back to his conversation with Benji./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="62fa65a4a477fa76935bfb6a4717d1fb"Rosemary looked back at Rye and Effie to see if they noticed the exchange. Effie was oblivious, giving them little tips to help them during the interview, but she knew that Rye saw. He smirked at her and chuckled; she would have stomped on his foot had she not been wearing sharp heels. She couldn't maim him before the Games, unfortunately./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c150610293e4babfb32784de44f2f4de""They'll be putting you on stage soon," Effie stated, earning Rosemary's attention again. "Just sit like I taught you. Rye, keep your back straight. Rosemary, keep your ankles crossed and your nails away from your palms."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2f245750707966eab85c4758b976407b""We know, Effie," Rye covered for Rosemary when she sighed shakily, smiling at their Escort. "You should go sit with Haymitch. We'll be okay."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dd60f04367924c593cfa3bd81dcf8d33"Effie beamed at him. "Yes, you will. Good luck, you two!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2d789487acfb82120082d9c90087d96c""Thanks," Rosemary whispered as Effie walked away. "They've been bugging me all day about it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea46fb9fd876f6075a775ee8ce149ebe""They don't understand that it's a compulsion," Rye patted her back sympathetically. Rosemary had taught him about compulsions and knew that she couldn't help giving in to the urges that her brain craved./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2cadcaa98d491edf4b40f0d58bbce34b""We're on in five!" the stage manager called a few feet away. "Tributes, get ready!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f39c0a5f928df25c48b0c91da7f6d201""Good luck," Rosemary whispered to her brother./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e1af31da73f3ba83de28cb96c1855f0b"Rye grinned. "Ditto."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="71ba76b069308e123ac7e82caf8f15b3"In the next five seconds, District 1's Tributes were leading all the others out onto the stage where they were required to sit and watch each Tribute's five-minute interview with Caesar Flickerman. Rosemary made sure to maintain good posture as she followed Mars from District 11 until they reached their assigned seats. The chairs were upstage, back behind where Caesar was pumping up the crowd, and arranged in two curved rows. She crossed her ankles and adjusted her dress as she sat down, allowing the fabric to hang prettily over her legs. Rye sat on her left, unbuttoning his suit jacket and sitting up straight like Effie told him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="faee1e8835a8a90d04114be22e9f19ff"The lights throughout the studio, but especially on the stage were so bright they hurt Rosemary's eyes. Once she adjusted to it, she was able to see the crowd. The rows of seats that held the audience seemed to go on for miles, but she could hardly see any of their faces. She could, however, see the more prestigious guests that were sitting in the front. People like Haymitch and Vina and other Mentors sat there. The cameras would be on them almost as much as the Tributes, catching their reaction to the work they put into their mentees. In the a separate stage to the side sat the Gamemakers./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="814c20c7d48f51a4fa910577032b7eaa"The faceless Capitolites in the audience were screaming and cheering and waving at the stage enthusiastically. The sheer volume of their cries made her ears ache and when the director started counting down into his microphone, signaling the start of the show, they grew louder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="21702e86d7dbb4d0223593936879ea2f"The main camera focused on Caesar, but he did not act any differently than he did off camera. He gave the crowd and the camera a charming smile as his signature intro music played throughout the studio./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3158428390aa496acb3549f86d5ab446"Caesar Flickerman came from a family of hologram stars. His grandfather, who had been a weatherman, was the first announcer for the Hunger Games. Years later and now Caesar was the Master of Ceremonies throughout the span of time that the Hunger Games lasted during the summer. He, along with Claudius Templesmith, announced and commented on what was happening throughout the beginning phase, the Games in the arena, and the Victor's triumphant return to the Capitol. He had been hosting many kinds of interviews for over fourty years and yet his appearance hadn't changed much, still looking in his mid-forties due to plastic surgery./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="23170ce386031e67e70767c31df01021"Rosemary had to admit, Caesar was very entertaining but she much preferred his off-season shows compared to the Games. He was a great talker and was able to create banter with everyone he met. He always dressed eccentrically–this year, he wore a pale green suit with a shiny lapel and neon pink shoes that matched his eyeliner–and changed his hair color once a year when the Hunger Games season started. This year, his hair was seaweed green and it was pulled back into its usual style, a short ponytail at the back of his head./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea7b2ee7c67168c642df5d60aa46aec7"Once his intro music finished, Caesar opened the night with a quick monologue, wooing the crowd with a couple of jokes and anecdotes. Once the audience was warmed up and receptive, he got down to business and called on Shimmer from District 1./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6b25925d40e152c7e01831f12edec3f0"Shimmer knew how to put on a show, that was for sure. Dressed in a jewel embedded mermaid gown that showed off her best assets, she had the audience eating from the palm of her hand within the five minutes that her interview lasted. Biff, her district partner, was a little less comfortable on stage, but his cockiness made up for it as he boasted about his score from his private session with the Gamemakers./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="38b83c43bc6dace1c490aba9bbfd8d9c"Cleo, the girl Tribute from Two, didn't wow Rosemary, but the audience loved her as well. There was nothing really special about her, but she was a Career and the Capitolites knew that she would be one of the frontrunners in the Games. Kyler took to Caesar like they were old friends and made everyone feel like he was speaking right to them and only them. He spoke about his hopes for the Games and mentioned his family at home, earning him coos from the audience./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="830c802afd5dadc0ce4862c602b2cd03"More interviews passed and like every year, some of them stood out and some of them didn't. Benji, the youngest Tribute in the Games, had the crowd almost crying from his cuteness but the girl from Five made it feel like Caesar was pulling teeth to get a good answer from her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cf524fee7f679dee32c4195100b40f2b"As the show went on, Caesar made every single Tribute shine throughout their interview. He was always a friend, set the nervous Tributes at ease, laughed at lame jokes, and turned weak responses into memorable ones that ended up being the crowds' favorite. He really had to work during Xavier's interview to make him likable. Xavier clearly didn't like to talk and disapproved of Caesar completely. Rosemary saw his Mentor, Blight, shaking his head in exasperation in the front row of the audience./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="06db5cfcccec11a6795b88779ca6e7ba"District 10 passed, followed by District 11, and then it was finally Rosemary's turn./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="311488d46b1a6084f1c1b137e509a7eb""All right," Caesar grinned at the crowd once Mars was back in his chair. "Now we have one half of our sibling duo! From District 12, let's meet Rosemary Mellark!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7e4e4446d2f2dab172bf8caf730a8083"Rosemary carefully stood from her seat and walked up to center stage, waving and smiling at the crowd just like Haymitch had taught her. Caesar greeted her very enthusiastically with a shake of a hand, and she familiarized herself further with him by politely kissing his cheek. The crowd went wild and Caesar blushed at the action, batting her away with a huge grin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f484592b420e5fd051fc6bc7ee6f0f45""Sorry, I had to Caesar," she laughed out an apology as they both sat down. "You see, em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Baking with Caesar Flickerman/em is one of my favorite shows. I'm a huge fan."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c56afd588bca9ab8fc3ad0e41910d5d7"Caesar smiled at her. "Well, I am sure glad to hear that I've got such a talented fan. Now, Rosemary, from what I understand you're a talented baker yourself?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0f5bdec31567ccea8a0fac9acf5e290c"Rosemary nodded. "My family has a bakery back in District 12. My specialty is cake decorating but I will never be able to not look at bread and tell you all about it, from what kind it is down to what district it's from."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="122d1398bef2906faff9e2b0aa78617c""That em style="box-sizing: border-box;"is /emquite the talent," Caesar's green eyebrow raised. "Do you think that knowledge could help you in the arena?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9f391e06dcd05655a1e89592fa152aca""Probably not, no," Rosemary giggled, making the crowd laugh along with her. "But the decorating skills do come in handy with camouflaging."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eeb83be3b8c373dd34b6b6e0612f7dc9""I imagine it would!" Caesar nodded and segwayed into another subject. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Rosemary. Tell me, do you like the dress?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="efb1fa8e00d1b2fe8339d16a6763e70a""Thank you, and yes! I love it," Rosemary looked out to the row where Vina sat and grinned at her stylist. "Vina is a genius. He's been my favorite person I've met since I arrived in the Capitol."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="79ad6a0ad0c6fdea86c0007a3b58c227""That is so sweet. Speaking of the Capitol? How do you like it? I'm sure it's different from your home in District 12, but surely you've found something to love about it?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3238bc94ecbfc1e8db96fc7afb2f58a2""Oh, yes. I love the apple juice," after the crowd laughed along with Caesar, she continued with a lie, "But actually, the people in the Capitol are amazing. You're all so talented and welcoming and beautiful. At first it was intimidating, but now I feel so comfortable here with you all."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d0df0a7c3c7284340995a3bf488b7326"She hit the nail right on the head. The audience squealed happily at her, several of them whistling appreciatively, and even Caesar pressed his hand to his heart as if she had made him so emotional that he was experiencing chest pains./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2172636f95edec64011a9080626f895c""You're too sweet, Rosemary," Caesar patted her shoulder affectionately before turning to the audience. "Isn't she sweet?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3f2eeca585a2665ac75a7db44bcc90ef"Rosemary smiled as the crowd cheered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c4d1a79411b0998cb7e47e355aa94d78""So," Caesar became serious now, voice lowering. "You received a training score of eight in your private session. Are you ready for the Games? Do you have a strategy?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c69fc051ae61f46f2a9441c0ef394bf4""Well, yes, but I can't give it away," she answered easily. "Rye and I have spoken about what we want to do, but it really depends on what the arena is like. And to answer your question about being ready for the Games, can I be honest?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a066b0e2e58f402ac0b1b88e2fb831ac""Of course, of course."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e1f6024955b03d8b927ac75d954db51d""I'm terrified," she admitted; she and Haymitch agreed that she should be honest and let the audience trust her. "I think I could train for a year and still not feel all-the-way ready. Having my brother in the arena with me does not help, Caesar."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c3538526b4b8a8c94f62d012f7ced646""No, I imagine not," Caesar nodded. "Speaking of your brother, how did you feel when Rye was Reaped?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e63e4e1837253e7d006391b6c3149a6f""First, because my brain is always wanting to work, I calculated the exact odds of both of us having our names pulled in the same year. It's low, Caesar. Would you like the exact number?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3f2e576c8beb966a8d02c58e21357eac"The audience laughed as Caesar shook his head with a grin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8632f7058f2f1cd49bab66f0d15907e4""I thought not," her smile died down as she thought about what the Reaping was like. "When I heard Rye's name, I felt...numb? All I could think about was what it would take to get him home and how much I was willing to lose to make that happen."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="56843a47e7bfd1e84e57257a3ae50d2f"A few tears spilled from her eyes and Caesar clicked his tongue in sympathy, pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to her. She took it with a whispered thank you and dabbed her eyes. She could hear sobbing coming from the audience, so she knew that she was truly playing on their emotions./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="040ea5268e96a4a23f2fcd1e068e027d""Well, Rosemary, I hope you know that Panem is rooting for both you and your brother." the crowd cheered, echoing Caesar's sentiments. "I wish you luck in the games."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="40b7100009426bc50832b4873cfe4e71""Thank you, Caesar."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b1522ff207957c89abfeedcc438ba90d""No, thank you," he smiled and took her hand, helping her stand from the chair. "And that's all the time we have with Miss Rosemary, unfortunately. It was a pleasure talking to you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a69ea7181204e9dde4a679fbfcf99d1f""You as well."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8f5f84dedb84b16be4ccedcf7d2654ec""Give it up for Rosemary Mellark!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4b62403a7a2eba8916933b95bc8dda48"Rosemary smiled once more and waved at the audience as they screamed and cheered for her. With Caesar's handkerchief still in her hands, she sat back down next to Rye and took the outstretched hand he offered her. It made the crowd go wild./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d441aa03a481a7f07faab3d9bd400bc5"Looking for reassurance, Rosemary searched for Haymitch. As soon as she locked eyes with him, he raised his flask at her, silently congratulating her for winning the crowd over./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="70bbd96eedb911831413dfc80b695491""And now, let's meet our favorite older brother, District 12's Rye Mellark!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f86b3bf183ee3ee9c48c12bc56bc7fed"Rye let go of her hand and skipped down to Caesar, waving and winking at the audience. Once he greeted Caesar, he pouted. "Do you happen to have another handkerchief? It's about to get weepy in here."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9927e3db7829a20ab24061fe44233f68"The crowd roared with laughter and even Rosemary giggled at his joke, shaking her head at his antics. Throughout his interview he worked the crowd, charming his way through every question that Caesar threw at him. With a few winks and some silly jokes, he earned squeals from the audience and Rosemary was pretty sure she saw someone actually pass out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c33f52bdab4ef6037e4dfb1cc4ec8673"Capitolites were very hysterical people, it seemed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2925654357be2ef877c20c18a617b2d3"Just like in Rosemary's interview, Caesar's questions turned solemn territory. "Now, Rye, we heard from Rosemary how she felt about your Reaping and I think we'd like to hear from you as well. What was your mindset like the moment her name was called?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="046372ee8f1b331f4ef0f2f1c84092b2""It kind of felt like a dream, like I was asleep and if I opened my eyes, I'd be up on the roof of our apartment, watching the stars with Rose and Peeta. And then I saw her with the Peacekeepers and it was em style="box-sizing: border-box;"real/em. It's an honor to win the Hunger Games, of course, but there are still twenty-three people who don't get to go home."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e69c357bc34dc3d9a289326550a6c100""Did you think Rosemary would be one of those people?" Caesar asked, causing the audience and even Rosemary to hold their breath./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="48ca6a16667d40bfa5b08966dee9bee7""Yes, but not because I don't believe in her ability to survive," Rye proclaimed firmly. "Rosemary is the smartest person I know and if anyone is going to win the Games, it will be her. But at that moment, all I could think about was how life would be without her and I really didn't like it. She's my rock and my brother's protector and life is just better with her in it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="afe4e35861b887b08bc170ec9a04a78c"The audience was crying again and so was Rosemary. She used Caesar's handkerchief again to dry her eyes so she missed the sight of Caesar patting Rye's knee comfortingly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b939f829e6e732dd37bcaa4bc7ffeb96""That is beautiful, Rye," Caesar said seriously. "I wish I had another handkerchief now. I need to use one myself."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="14e7c141fc5f02b95ad99e2343ea857f"Rye chuckled and so did the audience, though some still wept and choked on their tears./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1909db177b6150d8c78c3c6327d3769b""I have to end this interview on a positive note!" Caesar perked up with a bright smile. "Work with me, will you, Rye?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1fb3292f4dcdb4a187d3a3dcb300b22f"Rye clapped his hands. "Of course! Let me have it, Caesar."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="76e4427c6f75d30c6f0dc751a4987505""What to ask, what to ask," Caesar acted like he was thinking, his index finger tapping against his lips. "Ah, I've got it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f3b7c832d9ef4591d9041881819b666d""You're killing me here, Flickerman."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d33dce1337f1536391e0daa12adf8ead""Patience!" Caesar and Rye played off each other, hyping up the audience. "Rye, a handsome lad like you must have everyone falling over their feet for you back at home. My question is, are you falling over your feet for someone?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bc3adf65e008641074f47f96f0648cae"Rye smiled mysteriously. "I have a person in mind."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1cc0b5068b4aa37d39500089cd88a82d""I wish I could ask about this mysterious person, but I'm afraid that's all the time we have left!" Caesar and Rye stood up simultaneously and shook hands. "Ladies and gentlemen, Rye Mellark!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="554414849ded12492d06926ef62f3a32"It was clear who the audience favorite was, and Rosemary couldn't have been happier that it turned out to be Rye. There was no telling how many sponsors would line up to help him win the Games. This had been their goal since the beginning, to win over the Capitol, and it seemed with a little teamwork, a handful of smiles, and a few little white lies, they managed to do so./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="57ad3c73fd29d83319cf8c55c1c0871e"With a half-hour until the televised interviews began, Rosemary found herself backstage in Caesar Flickerman's filming studio. Rye, Larkin, and Effie hadn't shown up yet but Cinna, Vina, and Haymitch were with her, surrounding her so other Tributes couldn't see her and she couldn't see them, either. Haymitch thought it was a good idea to help her nerves but honestly, there was no way to stop them. In minutes, she would be onstage in front of the whole Capitol, not to mention the cameras that would broadcast her face to all twelve districts. She wasn't ready for this!/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5ccbe19e39a52cd8322fa8a048932e30"There was a firm slap on her hands. "Hey," Haymitch snapped at her. "Cut it out with the hands."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f7bc1ddbaac7abb1e362304b7124dc3a""Sorry," Rosemary exhaled heavily. She flexed her fingers, trying to figure out what to do with them. "What am I supposed to do with my hands?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="95bfb844f9dae340224c00ee7a73cb9a""How the hell am I supposed to know, Pipsqueak? Just keep them still."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d5ee6b67d9c090b49745225289a24664""I can't." her words almost came out as a whine./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0ece76bb73c47a84a5ad5b5943fd4487""Here," Cinna interrupted them both before they started full-blown arguing. He passed her a ring, taken from his own finger and without question, Rosemary put it on. "Just fidget with the beads. You can keep it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7f3dcbe89803374b9e674907dbddadea"Rosemary frowned. "Are you sure?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="715f296177c41eed24a7226f6d819e1c""Of course," Cinna nodded. "I have a few hundred of them at home."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f6ed9acf276521dfa515c250a0b9daaa""Unfortunately, he's not joking," Vina laughed. He reached up and picked some invisible lint off of his partner's shoulder. Rosemary smiled at the domestic gesture. "And we'd rather you play with that ring than injure your hands again."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3f94a935ceae2abb2921aad4ce6f286c"Rosemary looked down at her hands, ashamed. "I don't do it on purpose," she whispered. Instead of clenching her fists, even though she wanted so badly to give into the urge, she played with the ring, mulling over the metal beads with the pad of her thumb. She sighed. "I'm nervous."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7538f344432a2e0210a11d0de4a5dee5""You're as prepared as you can be," Haymitch reminded her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c03b5a4e497a0ff6c45422d8ca349e25"She supposed that did help. She and Haymitch practiced the interview too many times to count and if she just put her head into that mindset from the night before, she knew she could do it. She just had to focus./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f72de6303d8715a7f4c44961e3f8ea22"Rosemary nodded and Haymitch returned the favor before turning his attention to Rye, who had just walked in with Larkin and Effie. He looked amazing in his red silk suit that had glittery orange accents that danced in the lights. His blonde hair was stylishly gelled back and his eyes were once again lined with eyeliner, this time a dark red instead of black./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="78705472e15febdc36bdcd6d064fc07e""You look amazing!" Rye called out once he saw her, speaking at the same time she said, "Wow, you look great, Rye!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c358c5a13cb0a30ec504365607ae3bdc"They were able to share a quick hug before they were wrangled into taking a picture. Vina and Larkin positioned them so they stood side-by-side, holding hands, and told them to smile and act like they liked each other. After Effie swept in with her mobile to take pictures, they were able to separate. Vina, Cinna, Larkin, and Haymitch told them to break a leg and then left the backstage area to take a seat in the front row with the other Mentors and stylists./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="18b54219639744aa31d4816390752cd3""You look stunning, Rosemary," Effie said as she led them to where the stage manager wanted all the Tributes to line up. "Larkin and Vina did such a great job making your outfits match. You two are the best dressed here."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a0131f29a41309a5bb282b4eab9942d2"Rosemary glanced around at the other Tributes who were all lined up in front of her and Rye. Everyone looked good, especially the Careers. Once her eyes landed on Kyler, she had a hard time looking away. He was dressed impeccably, but really it was the smile on his face as he spoke to the 12-year-old boy from Three that really made her stare. She blushed when his dark brown eyes flickered over to her and caught her as she stared but thankfully he just grinned at her and waved his fingers at her in hello before going back to his conversation with Benji./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="62fa65a4a477fa76935bfb6a4717d1fb"Rosemary looked back at Rye and Effie to see if they noticed the exchange. Effie was oblivious, giving them little tips to help them during the interview, but she knew that Rye saw. He smirked at her and chuckled; she would have stomped on his foot had she not been wearing sharp heels. She couldn't maim him before the Games, unfortunately./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c150610293e4babfb32784de44f2f4de""They'll be putting you on stage soon," Effie stated, earning Rosemary's attention again. "Just sit like I taught you. Rye, keep your back straight. Rosemary, keep your ankles crossed and your nails away from your palms."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2f245750707966eab85c4758b976407b""We know, Effie," Rye covered for Rosemary when she sighed shakily, smiling at their Escort. "You should go sit with Haymitch. We'll be okay."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dd60f04367924c593cfa3bd81dcf8d33"Effie beamed at him. "Yes, you will. Good luck, you two!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2d789487acfb82120082d9c90087d96c""Thanks," Rosemary whispered as Effie walked away. "They've been bugging me all day about it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea46fb9fd876f6075a775ee8ce149ebe""They don't understand that it's a compulsion," Rye patted her back sympathetically. Rosemary had taught him about compulsions and knew that she couldn't help giving in to the urges that her brain craved./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2cadcaa98d491edf4b40f0d58bbce34b""We're on in five!" the stage manager called a few feet away. "Tributes, get ready!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f39c0a5f928df25c48b0c91da7f6d201""Good luck," Rosemary whispered to her brother./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e1af31da73f3ba83de28cb96c1855f0b"Rye grinned. "Ditto."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="71ba76b069308e123ac7e82caf8f15b3"In the next five seconds, District 1's Tributes were leading all the others out onto the stage where they were required to sit and watch each Tribute's five-minute interview with Caesar Flickerman. Rosemary made sure to maintain good posture as she followed Mars from District 11 until they reached their assigned seats. The chairs were upstage, back behind where Caesar was pumping up the crowd, and arranged in two curved rows. She crossed her ankles and adjusted her dress as she sat down, allowing the fabric to hang prettily over her legs. Rye sat on her left, unbuttoning his suit jacket and sitting up straight like Effie told him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="faee1e8835a8a90d04114be22e9f19ff"The lights throughout the studio, but especially on the stage were so bright they hurt Rosemary's eyes. Once she adjusted to it, she was able to see the crowd. The rows of seats that held the audience seemed to go on for miles, but she could hardly see any of their faces. She could, however, see the more prestigious guests that were sitting in the front. People like Haymitch and Vina and other Mentors sat there. The cameras would be on them almost as much as the Tributes, catching their reaction to the work they put into their mentees. In the a separate stage to the side sat the Gamemakers./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="814c20c7d48f51a4fa910577032b7eaa"The faceless Capitolites in the audience were screaming and cheering and waving at the stage enthusiastically. The sheer volume of their cries made her ears ache and when the director started counting down into his microphone, signaling the start of the show, they grew louder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="21702e86d7dbb4d0223593936879ea2f"The main camera focused on Caesar, but he did not act any differently than he did off camera. He gave the crowd and the camera a charming smile as his signature intro music played throughout the studio./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3158428390aa496acb3549f86d5ab446"Caesar Flickerman came from a family of hologram stars. His grandfather, who had been a weatherman, was the first announcer for the Hunger Games. Years later and now Caesar was the Master of Ceremonies throughout the span of time that the Hunger Games lasted during the summer. He, along with Claudius Templesmith, announced and commented on what was happening throughout the beginning phase, the Games in the arena, and the Victor's triumphant return to the Capitol. He had been hosting many kinds of interviews for over fourty years and yet his appearance hadn't changed much, still looking in his mid-forties due to plastic surgery./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="23170ce386031e67e70767c31df01021"Rosemary had to admit, Caesar was very entertaining but she much preferred his off-season shows compared to the Games. He was a great talker and was able to create banter with everyone he met. He always dressed eccentrically–this year, he wore a pale green suit with a shiny lapel and neon pink shoes that matched his eyeliner–and changed his hair color once a year when the Hunger Games season started. This year, his hair was seaweed green and it was pulled back into its usual style, a short ponytail at the back of his head./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea7b2ee7c67168c642df5d60aa46aec7"Once his intro music finished, Caesar opened the night with a quick monologue, wooing the crowd with a couple of jokes and anecdotes. Once the audience was warmed up and receptive, he got down to business and called on Shimmer from District 1./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6b25925d40e152c7e01831f12edec3f0"Shimmer knew how to put on a show, that was for sure. Dressed in a jewel embedded mermaid gown that showed off her best assets, she had the audience eating from the palm of her hand within the five minutes that her interview lasted. Biff, her district partner, was a little less comfortable on stage, but his cockiness made up for it as he boasted about his score from his private session with the Gamemakers./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="38b83c43bc6dace1c490aba9bbfd8d9c"Cleo, the girl Tribute from Two, didn't wow Rosemary, but the audience loved her as well. There was nothing really special about her, but she was a Career and the Capitolites knew that she would be one of the frontrunners in the Games. Kyler took to Caesar like they were old friends and made everyone feel like he was speaking right to them and only them. He spoke about his hopes for the Games and mentioned his family at home, earning him coos from the audience./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="830c802afd5dadc0ce4862c602b2cd03"More interviews passed and like every year, some of them stood out and some of them didn't. Benji, the youngest Tribute in the Games, had the crowd almost crying from his cuteness but the girl from Five made it feel like Caesar was pulling teeth to get a good answer from her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cf524fee7f679dee32c4195100b40f2b"As the show went on, Caesar made every single Tribute shine throughout their interview. He was always a friend, set the nervous Tributes at ease, laughed at lame jokes, and turned weak responses into memorable ones that ended up being the crowds' favorite. He really had to work during Xavier's interview to make him likable. Xavier clearly didn't like to talk and disapproved of Caesar completely. Rosemary saw his Mentor, Blight, shaking his head in exasperation in the front row of the audience./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="06db5cfcccec11a6795b88779ca6e7ba"District 10 passed, followed by District 11, and then it was finally Rosemary's turn./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="311488d46b1a6084f1c1b137e509a7eb""All right," Caesar grinned at the crowd once Mars was back in his chair. "Now we have one half of our sibling duo! From District 12, let's meet Rosemary Mellark!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7e4e4446d2f2dab172bf8caf730a8083"Rosemary carefully stood from her seat and walked up to center stage, waving and smiling at the crowd just like Haymitch had taught her. Caesar greeted her very enthusiastically with a shake of a hand, and she familiarized herself further with him by politely kissing his cheek. The crowd went wild and Caesar blushed at the action, batting her away with a huge grin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f484592b420e5fd051fc6bc7ee6f0f45""Sorry, I had to Caesar," she laughed out an apology as they both sat down. "You see, em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Baking with Caesar Flickerman/em is one of my favorite shows. I'm a huge fan."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c56afd588bca9ab8fc3ad0e41910d5d7"Caesar smiled at her. "Well, I am sure glad to hear that I've got such a talented fan. Now, Rosemary, from what I understand you're a talented baker yourself?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0f5bdec31567ccea8a0fac9acf5e290c"Rosemary nodded. "My family has a bakery back in District 12. My specialty is cake decorating but I will never be able to not look at bread and tell you all about it, from what kind it is down to what district it's from."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="122d1398bef2906faff9e2b0aa78617c""That em style="box-sizing: border-box;"is /emquite the talent," Caesar's green eyebrow raised. "Do you think that knowledge could help you in the arena?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9f391e06dcd05655a1e89592fa152aca""Probably not, no," Rosemary giggled, making the crowd laugh along with her. "But the decorating skills do come in handy with camouflaging."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eeb83be3b8c373dd34b6b6e0612f7dc9""I imagine it would!" Caesar nodded and segwayed into another subject. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Rosemary. Tell me, do you like the dress?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="efb1fa8e00d1b2fe8339d16a6763e70a""Thank you, and yes! I love it," Rosemary looked out to the row where Vina sat and grinned at her stylist. "Vina is a genius. He's been my favorite person I've met since I arrived in the Capitol."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="79ad6a0ad0c6fdea86c0007a3b58c227""That is so sweet. Speaking of the Capitol? How do you like it? I'm sure it's different from your home in District 12, but surely you've found something to love about it?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3238bc94ecbfc1e8db96fc7afb2f58a2""Oh, yes. I love the apple juice," after the crowd laughed along with Caesar, she continued with a lie, "But actually, the people in the Capitol are amazing. You're all so talented and welcoming and beautiful. At first it was intimidating, but now I feel so comfortable here with you all."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d0df0a7c3c7284340995a3bf488b7326"She hit the nail right on the head. The audience squealed happily at her, several of them whistling appreciatively, and even Caesar pressed his hand to his heart as if she had made him so emotional that he was experiencing chest pains./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2172636f95edec64011a9080626f895c""You're too sweet, Rosemary," Caesar patted her shoulder affectionately before turning to the audience. "Isn't she sweet?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3f2eeca585a2665ac75a7db44bcc90ef"Rosemary smiled as the crowd cheered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c4d1a79411b0998cb7e47e355aa94d78""So," Caesar became serious now, voice lowering. "You received a training score of eight in your private session. Are you ready for the Games? Do you have a strategy?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c69fc051ae61f46f2a9441c0ef394bf4""Well, yes, but I can't give it away," she answered easily. "Rye and I have spoken about what we want to do, but it really depends on what the arena is like. And to answer your question about being ready for the Games, can I be honest?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a066b0e2e58f402ac0b1b88e2fb831ac""Of course, of course."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e1f6024955b03d8b927ac75d954db51d""I'm terrified," she admitted; she and Haymitch agreed that she should be honest and let the audience trust her. "I think I could train for a year and still not feel all-the-way ready. Having my brother in the arena with me does not help, Caesar."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c3538526b4b8a8c94f62d012f7ced646""No, I imagine not," Caesar nodded. "Speaking of your brother, how did you feel when Rye was Reaped?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e63e4e1837253e7d006391b6c3149a6f""First, because my brain is always wanting to work, I calculated the exact odds of both of us having our names pulled in the same year. It's low, Caesar. Would you like the exact number?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3f2e576c8beb966a8d02c58e21357eac"The audience laughed as Caesar shook his head with a grin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8632f7058f2f1cd49bab66f0d15907e4""I thought not," her smile died down as she thought about what the Reaping was like. "When I heard Rye's name, I felt...numb? All I could think about was what it would take to get him home and how much I was willing to lose to make that happen."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="56843a47e7bfd1e84e57257a3ae50d2f"A few tears spilled from her eyes and Caesar clicked his tongue in sympathy, pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to her. She took it with a whispered thank you and dabbed her eyes. She could hear sobbing coming from the audience, so she knew that she was truly playing on their emotions./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="040ea5268e96a4a23f2fcd1e068e027d""Well, Rosemary, I hope you know that Panem is rooting for both you and your brother." the crowd cheered, echoing Caesar's sentiments. "I wish you luck in the games."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="40b7100009426bc50832b4873cfe4e71""Thank you, Caesar."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b1522ff207957c89abfeedcc438ba90d""No, thank you," he smiled and took her hand, helping her stand from the chair. "And that's all the time we have with Miss Rosemary, unfortunately. It was a pleasure talking to you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a69ea7181204e9dde4a679fbfcf99d1f""You as well."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8f5f84dedb84b16be4ccedcf7d2654ec""Give it up for Rosemary Mellark!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4b62403a7a2eba8916933b95bc8dda48"Rosemary smiled once more and waved at the audience as they screamed and cheered for her. With Caesar's handkerchief still in her hands, she sat back down next to Rye and took the outstretched hand he offered her. It made the crowd go wild./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d441aa03a481a7f07faab3d9bd400bc5"Looking for reassurance, Rosemary searched for Haymitch. As soon as she locked eyes with him, he raised his flask at her, silently congratulating her for winning the crowd over./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="70bbd96eedb911831413dfc80b695491""And now, let's meet our favorite older brother, District 12's Rye Mellark!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f86b3bf183ee3ee9c48c12bc56bc7fed"Rye let go of her hand and skipped down to Caesar, waving and winking at the audience. Once he greeted Caesar, he pouted. "Do you happen to have another handkerchief? It's about to get weepy in here."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9927e3db7829a20ab24061fe44233f68"The crowd roared with laughter and even Rosemary giggled at his joke, shaking her head at his antics. Throughout his interview he worked the crowd, charming his way through every question that Caesar threw at him. With a few winks and some silly jokes, he earned squeals from the audience and Rosemary was pretty sure she saw someone actually pass out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c33f52bdab4ef6037e4dfb1cc4ec8673"Capitolites were very hysterical people, it seemed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2925654357be2ef877c20c18a617b2d3"Just like in Rosemary's interview, Caesar's questions turned solemn territory. "Now, Rye, we heard from Rosemary how she felt about your Reaping and I think we'd like to hear from you as well. What was your mindset like the moment her name was called?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="046372ee8f1b331f4ef0f2f1c84092b2""It kind of felt like a dream, like I was asleep and if I opened my eyes, I'd be up on the roof of our apartment, watching the stars with Rose and Peeta. And then I saw her with the Peacekeepers and it was em style="box-sizing: border-box;"real/em. It's an honor to win the Hunger Games, of course, but there are still twenty-three people who don't get to go home."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e69c357bc34dc3d9a289326550a6c100""Did you think Rosemary would be one of those people?" Caesar asked, causing the audience and even Rosemary to hold their breath./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="48ca6a16667d40bfa5b08966dee9bee7""Yes, but not because I don't believe in her ability to survive," Rye proclaimed firmly. "Rosemary is the smartest person I know and if anyone is going to win the Games, it will be her. But at that moment, all I could think about was how life would be without her and I really didn't like it. She's my rock and my brother's protector and life is just better with her in it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="afe4e35861b887b08bc170ec9a04a78c"The audience was crying again and so was Rosemary. She used Caesar's handkerchief again to dry her eyes so she missed the sight of Caesar patting Rye's knee comfortingly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b939f829e6e732dd37bcaa4bc7ffeb96""That is beautiful, Rye," Caesar said seriously. "I wish I had another handkerchief now. I need to use one myself."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="14e7c141fc5f02b95ad99e2343ea857f"Rye chuckled and so did the audience, though some still wept and choked on their tears./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1909db177b6150d8c78c3c6327d3769b""I have to end this interview on a positive note!" Caesar perked up with a bright smile. "Work with me, will you, Rye?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1fb3292f4dcdb4a187d3a3dcb300b22f"Rye clapped his hands. "Of course! Let me have it, Caesar."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="76e4427c6f75d30c6f0dc751a4987505""What to ask, what to ask," Caesar acted like he was thinking, his index finger tapping against his lips. "Ah, I've got it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f3b7c832d9ef4591d9041881819b666d""You're killing me here, Flickerman."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d33dce1337f1536391e0daa12adf8ead""Patience!" Caesar and Rye played off each other, hyping up the audience. "Rye, a handsome lad like you must have everyone falling over their feet for you back at home. My question is, are you falling over your feet for someone?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bc3adf65e008641074f47f96f0648cae"Rye smiled mysteriously. "I have a person in mind."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1cc0b5068b4aa37d39500089cd88a82d""I wish I could ask about this mysterious person, but I'm afraid that's all the time we have left!" Caesar and Rye stood up simultaneously and shook hands. "Ladies and gentlemen, Rye Mellark!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="554414849ded12492d06926ef62f3a32"It was clear who the audience favorite was, and Rosemary couldn't have been happier that it turned out to be Rye. There was no telling how many sponsors would line up to help him win the Games. This had been their goal since the beginning, to win over the Capitol, and it seemed with a little teamwork, a handful of smiles, and a few little white lies, they managed to do so./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p