Mentors

18

I sit with Talisa as we look at the screen, waiting for these interviews to be over. Raina walks onstage after being introduced by Caesar Flickerman.

"My oh my! You look lovely tonight! Your stylist really has outdone himself tonight, am I right folks?"

The crowd screams, cheering. It takes a while for the audience to calm down as Raina takes a seat across from Caesar. He welcomes her to the world of the Capitol, and asks her some questions;

"How old are you, might I ask?"

"Fourteen." She answers.

Caesar acts fascinated.

"A fourteen year old girl who scored a wonderful 10 in training. How excited were you? Did you celebrate?"

"Thank you. I did celebrate with my mentors and allies. It was a very proud night for us all."

"Let's discuss that topic! How is it having the star crossed lovers be your mentors?"

"Oh. They're wonderful. Having people that finally care about my well being makes me very fortunate."

"What do you mean by finally, Miss Raina Belle?"

"It is as you said with other tributes, my family has chosen me for these games, so coming home would not concern them."

"But you will try and make it home now won't you? There must be loved ones cheering you on!"
  Raina pauses as if she was thinking. Of course she has someone to come home to! Me!

She then speaks,

"I have believed to try my hardest to come home. Although I will help Talisa and my allies the best to my ability." she gives Caesar a sad smile.

"And try you will. Can we talk about this stunning dress you have on tonight?"

"Yes," she stands and poofs her dress outward towards the crowd,
"Isn't it just beautiful?" she smiles at Cinna in the audience, and he gives her a nod.
Not long after the nod, the dress has special effects that are way different than when I was in flames. Cinna says that I will always be the girl on fire, so he altered her dress this time. The dress rises in smoke, and it fits well with her black dress. Caesar encourages her to take a spin and she does. As she spins, her dress seems to grow wings. Not any type of wings, but I know them for sure as Mockingjay wings.
The crowd is hurdling with sounds and cheers.

"Now what do we have here!" Caesar gasps.

"It's my mentor's token. She's like a Mockingjay."
The audience is out of control with the shouts and claps.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's say a farewell and good luck to Raina Belle!"

Little did I know, that this would be the spark that sets Snow's flame.

She is let off stage and everyone prepares for Kolton's interview, as they congratulate Raina.

I wrap my arms around her for a moment.

"I'm so proud of you." I say, she gives me a smile. Only I am afraid Snow will take his anger out on Raina in the arena.
My face narrows into concentration as Kolton is introduced by Caesar.

"Our last and final tribute for tonight, please give a warm welcome to Kolton Helia!"

He asks Kolton how he likes the Capitol lifestyle, and I know he had to stretch the truth on what he actually thinks.

They talk about training, and the skills he has to fight in the arena. One of them occasionally crack a joke. I believe the interview is going merely well.

"So, it is rumored that you have volunteered for the games. Please, tell us about it."

Kolton arranges himself in the seat and sits up straight.

"You see, my family is always there for me. I know my mother and father would never be able to reap one of my siblings. I volunteered so they didn't have to choose. I promised my twin sister I would come back for her and our family."

The crowed awes, and Kolton looks down.

"Isn't that just touching, folks?"

"What would be touching, is letting me go home." he mutters, under his breath.

I slap my hand against my forehead.

"Shit! God damn it!" Peeta shouts from behind me, aggravated.

We were so close to it being successful.

The audience gives a confused chuckle, and Caesar pretends not to hear.
They talk about his family more, and what he plans to do after the games, if he were crowned victor. His answer was sappy, maybe even clever. They wrap up the interviews and Caesar Flickerman says goodnight, and good luck for the games tomorrow.

As Kolton walks backstage, I smack him upside the head.

"Way to be filtered!" Is all I say, not wanting to say anymore.

"Listen..!" he starts,

"Do not want to hear it! You have dinner to eat, and rest to get."

I grab both of my tribute's arms and head back to the training center.