imperfect fit ; an everlark au based off of 'the selection' series

f o r t y

My maids are gifts. They don't ask about the puffy eyes or the tear-stained pillows. They merely help me pull myself together. I allow myself to be pampered, grateful for the attention. Will they be this nice to Delly or Glimmer as they manage to win and take them away?

I watch them as I debate, and am surprised to notice the tension among them. Stacy seems mostly fine, maybe a little worried. But Annie and Tig look like they are deliberately avoiding eye contact with each other and they don't speak unless they absolutely have to.

I can't begin to guess what is happening, and I don't know if it's my place to ask. They never intrude on my sadness or anger. I suppose it's only right that I do the same for them.

I try not to let the silence bother me as they do my hair and dress me for a long day in the Women's Room. I ache to put on one of the luxurious pants Peeta had given me for Saturday use, but this seems like a bad time for that. If I'm heading down, I should probably be a lady about it. Points to me for effort.

As I settle in for another day of tea and books, the others chat about the night before. Well, all of them except Glimmer, who has another gossip magazine waiting to be read.

I debate ripping it out of her hands when Effie comes in with a thick pile of paper in her arms. "Good morning, ladies!" Effie croons. "We have a very special assignment for you today! I know this is short notice, but we have visitors coming next week. They will be touring the country and stopping by the palace to meet you all."

"The visitors we have are coming from the German Federation and Italy, which is even more important than when the queen and king from Swendway came. We thought this visit would be an excellent exercise for you all. You will work in teams to prepare a reception for your respective guests, including a meal, entertainment, and gifts," Effie explains.

I gulp as she continues.

"It is very important for us to maintain the relationship we have as well as to forge new ones with other countries. We have outlines of proper etiquette for interacting with these guests, as well as guides for what's typically frowned on when hosting events for them. However, the actual execution is in your hands.

"We want to make this as fair as possible. I think we've done a good job of putting you all on the same field. Glimmer, Nina, and Esim, you will be organizing one reception. Delly and Katniss, you will take care of the other. And since you have one less person, you will have one more day. Our visitors from the German Federation will be coming on Wednesday, and we'll be receiving our guests from Italy on Thursday."

There's a short moment of silence as we take it in.

"You mean we have four days?" Glimmer screeches.

"Yes," Effie says.

The panic is palpable.

"Can we have our papers, please?" Delly asks, holding our her hand. Instinctively, I put out mine as well. Within seconds we're devouring the pages. "This is going to be tough," Delly says. "Even with the extra day."

"Don't worry," I assure her. "We're going to win."

She laughs nervously. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because," I say decisively, "there's no way I'm letting Glimmer do better than me."

-

It takes two hours to read through the packet and one more to digest everything it says. There's so much to consider, so many details to plan. Effie claims she will be at our disposal, but I have a feeling asking for help will make her think we can't do a good enough job on her own, so that's out.