The Quater Quell: 50th Hunger Games

Chapter 13

           I sleep in a little the next morning but am woken by Ali. "Good morning star shine! Time to rise up and embrace the day. We have the interviews today and we've got a lot of work to do!"

           After a few hours we take a break and I have brunch. Not long after that I am whisked away back into Ali's quarters to finish up. Six hours later and Ali squeals that I am finally done. "Oh my! I must say I have outdone myself!" Ali gleams. I stand and look at myself in the full body mirror.

           I looked gorgeous. I was in a floor length dark blue gown that made my strawberry blonde hair stand out. I had light blue crystals glued under my eyelids and around the left side of my cheek bones. My hair was curled and bounced at the slightest movement. My makeup was done in a smokey way that made my bright blue eyes pop. "Thank you!" I hug Ali and she giggles. "It is my pleasure. Now, off you go. Make us proud!" she says with a slight push to the door.

          The team and I make our way down to where the tribute parade was and wait in line to be called. Demetria giggled and awed the crowd while Apollo had the crowd roaring with laughter. When Apollo exited the stage and walked past me, he shot me a wink. I blushed and looked down at the floor. One by one each tribute was called. Since it was double the tributes this year, it took twice as long. My feet were beginning to feel like pins and needles were poking me from standing in the high heels for too long when Cesar Flickerman called my name. "All the way from District 10, let's give a big welcome to Raven Blaaaackmireee!"

         The crowd screamed my name and I took a seat next to Cesar. "So, Raven. You scored quite well yesterday for your private training session. Is there anything you would like to elaborate on to give us a hint at what it was?" I freeze. Ive never struggled with stage fright but this was different. "Well." I swallow. "I was a bit all over the place." "Is that a fact? Now, tell me Raven. If you win, what is the first thing you are going to do?" Cesar asks while leaning in. "I guess I will probably party." I smile and the crowd laughs hysterically. "Are you nervous for the games? Are you ready?" "Honestly Cesar. I am a little nervous, as anyone would be. I am ready. I have been waiting for this moment my entire life." I lie. The crowd cheers and I remember that they just want a good show. "I don't doubt you for a second! We all seen the tributes form District 10 leave that train already a little beaten up am I right! Am I right?" Cesar yells to the crowd and they go nuts hooting and hollering. The buzzer sounds signaling my interview is now over. I blow kisses to the crowd and give them a small curtsy.

        The rest of the interviews went by fast. Haymitch was called to the stage. He looked dazzling. He was in a red and black suit and had his hair slicked back. "So, Haymitch. With the games being how they are with twice as many competitors, does that worry you? "No, ha-ha no. Cesar, it doesn't worry. With there being twice as many competitors, that means they are twice more stupid. I think the odds are in my favor this year." The crowd erupts into bellows of laughter and they stay that way throughout Haymitch interview.

      We all head up to District 10's floor to prepare for tomorrows games. Tomorrow is the day we will go into the arena and begin the first day of the last days of our lives. I can't sleep so I talk to my family and friends out loud knowing that they can't hear me. I tell them of all the delicious food here in the capitol and how freaky they all look in person. I tell them to wish me luck. I have a hard time falling asleep so I hop in the shower and get dressed.

         I hit the dial pad on the endless closet so it will spit me out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I braid my hair and walk to the kitchen for a midnight snack. I decide cereal was as good as any food. I pour the colorful cereal with "marshmallows" into a clear glass bowl and add the milk. I eat about four bowls and eventually get full. "You know it's not smart to eat when you are full of emotions. Like the emotions you get the night before you're shoved into an arena? It'll go straight to your thighs." Dean jokes and pours himself a bowl as well.

      "I'm scared." I admit. After a long pause Dean admits he is scared too. "We got to stick together in there. So our District can at least a better chance of winning." We both nod and finish our cereal in silence.