The Fighter

Interview pt. 2

As the boy from three, Xavier, goes up, I'm called to the stage entrance.
  "Ariel Castel on stage" the guard says, and I walk up the steps. My heart is racing and I put on a fake, but believable, smile. I strut onto to stage and the crowd goes wild. I smile again and Caesar laughs.

"And here's our Sea Princess, Ariel!" Caesar beams and I sit down.
"Hi Caesar, glad to be here" I say, smiling. I'm repulsed by the people.
"Glad to have you here. Now tell me, how did you get a 12 in your private session?" Caesar asks.
"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you" I say, laughing.
"I know. Now, in all seriousness. Do you have anyone back home?" Caesar asks. I start blushing. Hard.
"M-maybe" I say, and giggle. Play nice girl. That's what this is. I think. It's all this is. I don't actually like Finnick. Yes you do. No. No I don't. I argue with my mind.
"Do tell us. Wait. Is it your partner? Julius? Maybe the dashing young man from 2?" Caesar guesses.
"No. No. I-It is Finnick Odair" I say, and blush.
"Finnick Odair you say? Well, he is a good looking young man, isn't he?" Caesar says, and I laugh.
"Yeah. I don't think I have a chance though. He's good looking, adorable, and talented" I say, dreamily. No. You don't like Finnick. I mentally scold myself.
"You're pretty, talented, and from what I know, you're pretty adorable too" Caesar says, "So go out there and win" he finishes.
"Thank you Caesar" I say and the buzzer goes off.
"There you have it! Ariel Castel the Sea Princess!" Caesar yells and I walk off of the stage.

I walk to the elevator and push the number 4 button. Someone walks in the elevator with me and pushes me against the wall.
"So, you like me?" Someone whispers in my ear and I look up to see Finnick.
"I did what I had to for the camera" I say, and instantly regret it because he looks heartbroken.
"Oh. I see" Finnick says, "But I am actually in love with you. My best friend. The Sea Princess. You."
"I-I didn't mean it like that. I just-"
"Save it Ariel. I get that you don't feel the same way" Finnick says and walks away. I grab his arm.
"Wait. It's just, I can't sort my feelings out right now" I say, and mentally slap myself. Then Finnick grabs my face and kisses me.
"Tell me when you figure your feelings out, I'll be there" Finnick says and walks off. Then the rest of the team comes in.

"There you are! Go to bed. You have a big big day tomorrow!" Petunia says and I walk to my room. I put on a pair of shorts and a hoodie and lay in the soft bed the Capitol so graciously provided me, tomorrow is the day I die. I can't tell Finnick how I really feel. I can't tell Eric that he's the best brother ever. I can't tell Crystal how good of a friend she is. I can't do any of this. But I promised Crystal I would come back. I have to. I can.