When golden turns into rust

Acceptance

Chapter 5
TW:this mentions prostitution,Death and more!!

I let out a sigh from relief.I lean back.A 3.the tributes won't be surprised,i know that because im 12 and ofcourse they don't think im good with combat,but im alright,i'd say

"Well,your strategy is working."
Finnick says.I nod.

A few hours later im laying on my bed.Tomorrow are the interviews.

How long do i need to continue this strategy?I hope i can win.

I need to win...But what if me and Dean are the last ones left?What do we do?

Its unlikely,i know but its just a what if.I hope he makes it far though,but I need to choose for myself.

The next day,the prep team is cleaning me.Siberia arrives,and shows me the dress.

Its a golden dress with sparks,its pretty long,covers my legs and knees.Dean is dressed in a suit,its dark green,more sage though.

Im standing in line,wearing golden jewelry.Siberia really IS going for the nickname "golden girl" I've already claimed it too.

"Excited for the interview?"
Dean asks.I grin "Yeah,can't wait."

I look around.All the other tributes are talking to eachother.

I just fidget with the rings i was given.when the district 3 male is done,Caesar starts talking

"And now..The district 4 Female..Archer Odair!The golden girl!"

He says.And i walk up on the stage.The crowd cheers,and i take a seat

"Well,Archer that was a rough training score."
He says.I try to stay calm,I think about how Finnick dealt with his interviews.He stayed calm,charming,and funny

"Yeah,i guess you can say that."
I say.Ceasar nods.I appreciate him,most of the time he tries to reassure the tribute.

"Yeah,well,atleast its not a zero."
He says and the crowd laughs.I nod and laugh too,trying to make myself likeable.

"Yes,Otherwise there would be no chance of winning."

I say,and the crowd laughs
"Haha,yes.Now tell me,you're the sister of the youngest victor ever,Finnick Odair,how does it feel?To be reaped at 12 and be mentored by your brother?"

Ceasar asks.I think about this for a second.What response does he want from me?What response do they want from me?

"Its feels weird,sad almost.I didn't expect this,especially since my name was only in the bowl once.But,i'lll try to get home for Finnick"
I say,not even really lying.I look in the crowd,at the faces of empathy.

"Ah,yes.Now,at the reaping,when Dean got reaped,we all noticed he was the same age as you.Maybe a few months older.Now,do you know him?"

Ceasar asks.Okay,this is the time where i reveal that we were childhood friends.

"Yes.We used to be best friends when we were kids."

The crowd lets out a few gasps and "awh"s
I look at Ceasar,his surprised face filled with empathy

"Oh my,really?Tell us more."

I think about what more i can say
"Well,we used to be friends since we were toddlers.We were very close,but...But we got in a fight at 9 and he started to tell some things i did to the kids from our school,so yeah we became enemies."

I say.The crowd looks moved,its hard not to laugh at how pathetic they look.

"Oh,and now what?Have you forgiven him?"
Ceasar asks.I nod