I Bet On Losing Dogs

Chapter 10

A/N: 

A bit of a long chapter but I figure people would want the interviews and I want to get into the nitty gritty of Dot and her first Games.

Dottifer returns to the first floor of living quarters later that eve, prepared in the most part for their final event before the Games. She strangely feels a sterile static throughout the eclectic environment. The style teams run around like headless chickens, while the murmurs of Flash and Ember interviewing the teens with Caesar's potential questions for Caesar are filled with faux laughter and choreographed wit.

"I can't! I can't!" The usual cries of frustration from Cashmere's stylists as they descend from the upstairs area, gawking in shock at whatever she's done most recently to upset their precious little egos. "Throw her to the wolves for all I care!" She finds herself morally obliged to go towards Cashmere's room although she's unsure whether it's to check on Cashmere or the fellow stylists.

Cashmere is dressed in a breathtaking silk gown covered from top to bottom in glistening ruby red jewels. Trill sits at the side table, frantically finishing off her various hair pieces.

"You can take a picture, it'll last longer." She playfully flicks her hair in awe of herself in the mirror, looking over her shoulder to beam at Dottie.

"Not entirely sure that's true with your perfect scores." Cashmere blushes with such pride and glee that even Trill's manhandling to finalise her accessory placement doesn't bother her in this moment. "Congratulations." Dot finds herself wishing well to Cashmere with ease, despite the nauseating dread that still washes over her like a fading wave every now and then.

"Thank you, Miss Cordially." Cashmere sings with a polite curtsey, her eyelashes bat and reflect the silver mascara that's been delicately painted on.

"Dot is plenty fine, Cashmere." She responds fondly.

"You barely let me call you Dot." Trill snips at her as he finishes the final touches on her ruby head piece.

"Cry me a river Hawkpetal." Dot takes it in her hand to admire, congratulating her classmate on his exquisite handiwork before moving towards Cashmere. Trill immediately exits the moment his duties have been clinically fulfilled, not wasting a moment longer with the tributes than he ever needs to. "May I?" Dottie asks, watching as the skylight reflects off her jewels.

"Oh." Cashmere says, blinking blankly. Dottie awaits for a response until Cashmere blurts out. "Oh yes, yes. Thank you." The Volunteer is blushing at herself and her stunning designs. "You suggested the red?" Cashmere asks as her hands gently run over the ruby necklace weighing on her chest. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could be this beautiful."

"I believe this is only the beginning." Dottie finds herself looking at Cashmere's blushing cheeks as she pins in the final crimson clip. "And it is a beautiful beginning, none the less."

A familiar voice starts bounding towards them with militant strides. "Has anyone seen my tie-" His eyes fall on the two blushing girls as they dazzle each other in the mirror with girlish glee. The mood shatters like broken glass.

Dot watches as Cashmere finds her hand clutching one of the rubies anxiously. "It's in your bottom draw. I had to finish sewing on some new embellishments."

Gloss' eyes scatter to take in the site, his arms crossed tightly in thought. "Penglass wants us out the door in five minutes." Gloss proclaims before slamming the door. The thud of the door is thick, taking up space in the air where conversation was previously flowed.

"You said I could win? With my score." She finds Cashmere asking her, twirling the pendants in her fingers.

"Not just me. You say it a lot yourself." Dottie quips back at her with delight, reapplying her lipstick before they are escorted to interviews.