I wake up tucked into my bed, though I don't remember getting in. I suddenly remember last night. I must have fallen asleep in Peeta's arms. I wish that could have lasted forever. Me, hiding away in the arms of someone I trust. No, someone I wish I could trust. But I can't. Not with the games.
I linger in a bed for awhile, until Effie makes me get up. I spend four hours working with with Effie, making me walk in heels, and my attitude. She says I'm so sweet she thinks the crowd will love me. That's reassuring.
I spend the next four hours with Haymitch, who coaches me on what to say.
"Haymitch, I need to say something to get me more sponsors," I say. "I don't think my 'sweetness' will be enough."
"Sweetheart, you got a ten on your training session. I think you'll do fine."
"Please, Haymitch." I beg.
"Alright, alright." He sits up slightly. "Say something that reaches out to their hearts. Makes them feel something for you. That's it."
Reaches out to their heart... hmmm....
At dinnertime I feel sick and simply order some tea from the mouthpiece in my room. When the Avox girl enters, wondering why I'm not at dinner I tell her to tell them I'm not feeling well. With a wince, I realize she won't be telling anyone anything ever again.
"I'm sorry!" I exclaim. "I mean, can you just let them know?"
She nods, but doesn't look me in the eye. I hope they get her message. Maybe she will just shake her head when they ask if I'm coming, then make a face like she was sick.
Anyway, I don't feel awful, but my nose is a little runny, and I have a headache. Of course I'd get a cold right before the interviews and games.
I go to bed early, knowing that tomorrow I'd have to have the few hairs I've grown since the parade waxed. Then I'll be interviewed by Caesar Flickerman, and I'll have to decide what to say to "reach out to the hearts of the audience."
It's weird how much much hair can grow in a few days. The next day, my prep team, Venia, Octavia, and Flavius spend over an hour ripping hair from places I didn't even know had hair. Once they've finished they paint and file my nails and leave them to dry. Now I get into the dress Cinna designed for me, a gorgeous coal-black, flowy, knee-length dress.
"Thank you." I give him a hug before going backstage with Peeta. Each tribute goes up one at time, ladies first. I spend most of the time worrying about what I'll be saying, during Elm's turn, I get distracted.
"So, how are you liking the Capitol, Elm?" Caesar asks.
"It's alright, I suppose," he says slowly.
"Alright?" Caesar asks. "What do you think could be better?"
"The showers are so confusing!" He exclaims. "If they had labels maybe I'd understand it better!"
The crowd bursts into laughter, and Elm's time is up. Next comes Rue.
"So, Rue," Caesar asks, "what will be your greatest strengths in the arena? What can we look forward to?"
"I'm very hard to catch," she says. "And if they can't catch me, they can't kill me. So don't count me out."
That inspires me. She's no older than me, maybe a few months younger even, but she seems determined. Even if she does seem nervous.
At last it's my turn. I step out onto the stage, my legs wobbling. I've never seen so many people at once. I just stare at the crowd, whilst shuffling my feet, inching me closer to my seat.
"Come here, dear," Caesar says encouragingly.
I slowly sit in the seat across from him, trying not to look nervous, but I know I'm failing.
"So, Primrose," he starts.
"Call me Prim," I insist.
"Alright. Prim, what is your favorite part of the Capitol?"
"I love the clothes I've been able to wear. The bodysuit for the parade, and now this dress. I feel like a princess!"
Everyone laughs. Still not reaching out to their hearts. Come on, Prim. Come on.
"It is gorgeous. Now, Prim. Tell me, what do you think of your fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark? Is he a friend, or had you never met him till now?"
"Oh, Peeta?" I've got an idea. "Peeta is like a big brother to me. One day, my older sister was starving and he tossed her some bread. Even risked a beating for her. I got to eat two whole days in a row. After that, he came over every day. He's very protective of me. One time a man tried to steal my cheese as I brought it into town, and Peeta saw and protected me. That's why I think when it comes down to it, I won't be able to kill him. He's too amazing of a person."
I think Caesar is a little teared up because he brings a a handkerchief out and dabs his eyes. A few people in the audience do too. I think it may have worked.
After that the buzzer sounds and my time is up. Now it's Peeta's turn.
"So, Peeta, how much of Prim's story is true?" Caesar asks.
"Most of it." He looks uncomfortable. I know why, it's because it's not all true. In fact, most of it isn't.
"And what part isn't?"
"The part about how amazing I am." He says.
Caesar laughs and pats him on the back. More is said but I don't pay attention. What will Peeta say about it? I was just trying to reach out to the audience's hearts, like Haymitch said to do.
Once we get back into the Training Building, Peeta stops me. He doesn't look happy, I can tell you that.
"Why would you say that, Prim?" He asks.
"I-I," I swallow. "Haymitch told me to reach out to the hearts of the crowd. I just said the first thing that came to mind."
"Lying was the first thing that came to mind?!" His voice raises slightly.
"It wasn't all a lie." I take a step back.
"One part wasn't a lie. The rest was." He corrects me.
"I just--I'm sorry." I open my door and enter my room, throwing myself on my bed and sobbing.
I meant to help. I was trying to get myself more sponsors. I thought that by including Peeta I might get us both more. I didn't realize he'd be so upset.
I just wanted to help...
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