--» 𝔡𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰 «--

Chapter Seventeen

A woman with a bright yellow wig enters the room.

"Hello Peeta, I'm Portia. I'll be your stylist while you stay at the Capitol," she says quietly. I nod and smile; because I can hear the sorrow in her voice. Most of the stylists for the other Districts don't care about their tributes, but I feel that Portia is different and that she does care for me.

"Nice to meet you," I reply, outstretching my hand. Portia gladly accepts it and gives mine a slight shake; but pulls away quickly.

"Why don't you take off the robe for a minute and let me get a good look at you," she says. I do what she says; slightly more comfortable with her than I had been with Dawn and Cliff. She walks in a circle around me, inspecting.

"Well, it looks like Dawn and Cliff did a fantastic job!" she says eventually, clapping her hands gleefully, then motioning to my robe. I throw it on graciously and sit in a cushioned chair across from hers.

"Cinna, Katniss's designer, and I have discussed your parade outfit. We believe it will have a lasting impact on Panem, considering it's never been done before," she says mischievously. This statement makes me rethink the trust I've placed in Portia. I look at her apprehensively, which she sees, and immediately addresses.

"There's no need to worry. If anything, it'll boost your reputation immensely and earn you more sponsors if all goes as planned," she says. I sigh in relief, reestablishing my trust in her. We discuss the plan, but only everything about the costumes because Effie and Haymitch will instruct us for the rest of the night's events.