Midnight ✔️ ||Peeta Mallark x OC|| ( A Hunger Games Short story)

They strung up a man

"Welcome welcome welcome to the 74th Hunger Games!!!" I hear from the stage outside the dressing room.

I let out a breath as the final touches are added onto my dress.

"Are you sure about this?" I ask my Stylist

"Well, honey, we don't exactly have much choice. I'm not making another gown with in the five minutes we've got spare"

"You're right, sorry" I say, looking away awkwardly

I hear him sigh as he stops messing with my dress and he places his hands on my shoulders

"You'll be fine" he comforts "you look amazing"

He steps back and shows me what I look like in the full body mirror.

I touch the front of my gown.

"Green really is your colour" he compliments

I ignore the compliment, not sure how to respond to it.

"Isn't the point of the interview to look intimidating?" I ask

He laughs "the point is to win over the people and dressed like that you'll have no problem! I mean look how georgous you look"

"Thank you. I guess I shouldn't be worried"

"Of cause not!" He replies "besides, we will win people's support by having you look as innocent as possible"

I nod as I take a breath just as my name is called through the speaker.

I smile at him one last time as the guards come and take me to my place in the queue to join the stage.

I nervously bite my finger.

"You look amazing" I hear in my ear

I go to turn around. But they place a hand on my back. It springs goosebumps to life on the area.

"Don't turn or we could get told off" Peeta says and I nod, knowing he will see the movement from behind.

"Thank you" I say with a smile, knowing he won't see it anyway, but I can't help it. "I'm sure you look great as well" I whisper

I hear a low chuckle in my ear and I smile just as Caesar starts to speak again.

————————

After a while I notice the line of people start to shrink.

Suddenly I start to grow nervous for the people in front and before I know it they call Thresh.

I watch as he effortlessly talks to Cesar as if it's nothing.

The questions he gets asked are about his skill set and I mentally prepare myself to talk about my Katana.

I fold my arms behind my back as I wait.

I silently feel a hand slip into mine, but I know not to react, I simply smile to myself and squeeze it in thanks.

My name gets spoken and it makes me unleash the hand in mine.

"Please welcome Grace Hawks!" He says, as he turns a hand out in my direction.

I put on my best smile as I step out of the wings, making sure to hold up my dress.

I walk over to him and he gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and we sit.

"Welcome Grace! Oh I feel like I don't know much about you" he says, gaining a laugh from the audience.

I note how he's good at engaging the crowd.

"Let's start with your score" he says "an 8! You must be pretty happy with that"

"I am, Cesar, I'm grateful that the judges recognise my talents" I say

"Oh would you look at that! Thanking the judges when she should be focusing on feeling so proud of herself! You are the sweetest" he says as the audience Awwws and I blush, looking down for a second.

"Now, I think the second question I MUST ask you is if you've got anyone special back at home that you're trying to survive for"

The topic change is a quick one and I'm shocked by how quick the tone changes.

"Well, I have a little brother" I start "he's only five and I would give anything to get back with him"

"Awww now we can all agree that that is absolutely inspiring" he says

I smile, sadly

"Buttttt" he adds " I was wondering if you had anyone special at home? Perhaps a boyfriend?" He asks

I blush, looking down again. I did not prepare myself for a question like this.

"Ah! I notice the little glance down you do when your nervous! Come on spill the beans we're all friends here" he says as the audience laughs "we won't tell anyone will we ladies and gents" they all shout different responses until Cesar shushes them, urging me to speak

"Well, no. There's no one at home I've got any sort of romantic connection with, unfortunately" I say as the audience boo playfully

I laugh

"Any chance of a romance starting while in the arena?" He pries.

I blush, looking down and stumbling over my words a bit.

"I guess I hope not, I mean in the end there can only be one of us that wins. But I could see it being a possibility" I say trying to be as vague as possible, but still entertain the crowd while being interesting for any sponsors.

"Never say never, I see" he says. He suddenly gets a smirk on his face. "Well, ladies and gents I have a special surprise for you as I'm sure you'll be excited to know"

I grow confused

"I'm sure Grace doesn't mind if I put it out there that maybe there might be a little romance between you a certain Peeta Mallark from district 12?"

I laugh, awkwardly

"And what would give you that impression Cesar?" I ask playfully until my smile fades.

"Well, this might have something to do with it" he says as a picture of Peeta whispering in my ear in the line is flashed onto the screen

At first I'm angry at the lack of privacy, but then I look closer. Not only am I blushing and smiling, Peeta is also.

"What do you have to say about this Miss Hawks" he says

"Never say never?" I say with a smile

He chuckles

"Ladies and gents that has been Grace Hawks from district 11. Thank you so much"

I stand up with a smile and a wave. I then make my way off the stage.

I guess it goes to show how little privacy I have now. Cameras are everywhere.