The Girl Of War

Five

         I plopped down on the couch beside Cole and Effie to my right. Sahara came in late, just as they were announcing the score for Sara McCoy of district four.

"What'd I miss?"She sits on a chair.

"The first four districts, where were you?" Coles stylist, Evan, says.

"Oh, not much. Chatting with the game makers."She smiled, I noticed a silvery ring on her finger.

"Are you married, Sahara?"I laughed at myself for saying that.

"Engaged."She replied, admiring the ring.

"To who?"Effie politely asked.

"Oliver Trinket."Effie gasped at her reply.

"My son? Well now, why'd he never say anything."She shrugged,"Oh well, I'm happy for you. When's the wedding?"

"Interview night, just before the games. "

Our conversation was interrupted by the rankings. Cole's picture flashed across the screen, Caesar looked down at his paper, "Cole Taylor, with a score of... ten." Everyone cheered and patted him on the back. It grew silent,

"Katherine Hawthorne, with a score of... oh my gosh..."I held my breath, "Eleven."

I jumped up, dancing around. I stopped with everyone staring at me. Awkward. I sat down and cleared my throat.

"Nice. What'd you do?"Sahara questioned. I looked at Effie, oh she's gonna hate this.

"Archery."I said.

"Well, you must've done amazing! "Effie clapped. That night, I went to bed. But when I woke, there was an envelope on my bed. I read,
                    Dear, Katherine!
                                                 I know that you have heard about my wedding, interview night. I would very much appreciate it if you attend the wedding. Straight after the wedding, would you like to be my bridesmaid? If so, please let me know. If not, then please just attend. Thank you. Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favour!
                                                                                                Sincerely, Sahara

          I tucked the envelope in a drawer and headed for breakfast. I found Sahara,

"Oh, Sahara, thank you so much for inviting me to your wedding. May I be a bridesmaid?"I said.

"Oh, yes, of course. I sent a dress design to Erin, she'll make it for you to wear. Effie will show you to the wedding. Thank you, Katherine." She gave me a tight hug and walked away.

"Alright, today is Interview preparation. I'll work with Erin and Katherine first. Come along."I followed Effie into a room with mirrors and cushions to sit on. Nice. There were shelves, drawers, and closets. Much space to walk around.

"How you walk."Effie noted. We'd went onto how to sit. Ankles crossed, sit straight, chin up, hands in lap. Don't forget to smile! After multiple attempts, I got it. Then I was done for the day. The next day rolled around fast. Cole and I hung out the whole day, just talking. I like Cole. A lot. His blue eyes awkwardly kept off mine as he blushed for hours. I smiled,

"I think you're definitely going to live, Cole."I said.

"Nah, I'll get us both out."He looked away again, his blushing never stopped. He smiled at the floor, I sighed.

"I will too. I'll stick by you, no matter what."I muttered, he finally looked at me and nodded. Then Effie trotted in, ruining our conversation. I could tell Cole was annoyed by her, so was I.