One Last Game -Haymitch Abernathy-

Chapter 7

Amelia's leg nervously bounced as she stood in front of the screen. Tonight was the night of the interviews, as she called them. The tributes lined up in overly fancy clothing to be interviewed by Ceasar Flickerman. The interviews could help get sponsors if done correctly. But they mostly show the Capitol who is playing in the games and a little bit about them. 

Amelia smoothed out her dress, feeling a little ridiculous. Effie had come by early to make sure she looked presentable. Because if she didn't, Amelia would have shown up in jeans. Effie would go on and on about how Amelia gave her the worst stress because she never listened. And that was true. She didn't. Putting on a nice dress to stand in front of people who once bet she would die wasn't her thing. "Wow," a voice spoke. Amelia glanced over her shoulder at Haymitch, who was walking down the steps. "You look absolutely," he stopped in front of her. "Ravishing."

She smiled at him, a hint of red tinting her cheeks. "Thank you." Her eyes went to his suit, and her smile grew at the sight of his untied tie. "You didn't even bother to try?"

"What can I say," he shrugged. "I like it better when you do it." Amelia rolled her eyes and grabbed each side. Without much thought, she began fixing his tie. The close proximity of the two didn't bother her. In fact, she always felt a sense of comfort around Haymitch. "You really do look beautiful."

"Haymitch," she blushed again. "What am I going to do with you?"

"I have a few ideas."

Amelia looked up at him, a confused look on her face. But she never had the chance to question him. "There she goes," Effie rushed towards the screen. Amelia let go of his tie and turned to the monitor.

Katniss was walking out in a large orange dress but had an almost fearful expression on her face. "Welcome! Welcome," Ceasar grabbed her hand. He moved the two to sit down. "That was an interesting entrance you made the other day." However, Katniss didn't seem to hear him. Her eyes were scanning the audience.

After a moment, she turned to him. "What?"

Everyone in the crowd began to laugh, but Amelia didn't. She knew how it felt to sit in that chair, to be interviewed by Ceasar. It was terrifying and overwhelming. "I think someone might be nervous." The laughing started to die down. "I said that was an interesting entrance you made at the Tribute Parade the other day. Care to tell us about it?"

Katniss nodded, still nervous. Amelia bit her bottom lip, feeling the girl's anxiety from the screen. "Well," she began. "I just hoped that I wouldn't burn to death." The crow laughed again, which was a good sign. It meant they liked her.

"When you came out on that chariot. I have to admit, my heart stopped." Ceaser turned toward the crowd. "Did anyone else feel that?" A few people cheered.

"So did mine." Amelia chuckled, shaking her head at Katniss. The girl wasn't trying to be funny. She was being herself, for the most part.

Ceasar laughed at her comment. "Tell me about the flames. Are they real?"

"Yes." Katniss glanced at the audience, "I'm actually wearing them tonight. Would you like to see?"

Amelia didn't know that, but it shouldn't have surprised her. Cinna was an excellent designer, and The Girl on Fire was all anyone was talking about. "Wait, wait," Ceasar stopped the crowd. "Is it safe?"

Katniss smiled at him, and Amelia knew now it was an act. "Yes."

"What does everyone think?" The crowd cheered, and Katniss smiled again. "I think that's a yes!" Katniss pushed up from the chair and walked a few feet towards the edge of the stage. Amelia observed her, and soon, the girl began twirling. The bottom part of the dress danced with flames, and the audience went wild.