Annie Cresta- Beyond the Sea

Chapter 14

Darcy helped me into the dress. It fit perfectly and wasn't itchy like most dresses. Plus, it felt good. Snug and confidence-boosting.
"You look gorgeous," said Darcy, after zipping it up and evening out the ruffles. "Now, let's go show your prep team! They also have to fix you up a little bit, since it's almost time for the interviews".
Wait, it was? I knew we spent hours practicing, but already?
Darcy took my hand and lead me out of her room and to the table. It still felt weird to be taller than her, maybe taller than my prep team as well with the giant heels, which were starting to make my feet ache.
My prep team was on the couch watching tv, Dime eating a sandwich. Finnick was creeping up behind her, then he saw me. He smiled then put a finger to his lips, and I knew he was about to scare her. Dime had no idea, she just took another bite of her sandwich. I pitied her, knowing what it was like to be the victim in one of Finnick's pranks.
"WHAA!!" Finnick screamed behind her, gripping her shoulders tightly. Dime screamed and accidentally launched her sandwich into his face. I couldn't help it- I fell to my knees, laughing as Finn struggled to wipe the peanut butter off his nose.
"Up, Annie! I don't want your dress getting dirty!" Darcy yelled. Finnick smiled at me, then came over and lifted me off the floor. He set me down on two feet, and with the heels, I was equally as tall as him. I almost wished I could see the rest of the world from his point of view.
He took a strand if my hair and twisted it in his finger tips.
"You look amazing," he stated. I brushed the dirt off my dress. "Thank you," I replied. I turned to look at Dime. She was pale and not happy.
"Can you pick up my sandwich, too, bitch?"
Finnick chuckled. "Yeah, don't worry. I'll replace it."
Uridecee and Siren squealed and screeched at the sight of me though, after they finished laughing at the incident.
"O. M. G! I cannot wait to do your hair! You. Look. Fabulous!" Siren squealed. "Your face will look perfect with this new make up I bought! Oh my gosh, Annie, you're going to look beautiful!" Uridecee sang cheerfully, her spiky blue hair ruffling up as she sang. I laughed.
Dime still looked upset. Finnick smiled. "Sorry, Dime. You just looked so tempting to scare while eating your delicious sandwhich".
Dime crossed her arms. "Forget the replacement. I lost my appetite," she sputtered. Finnick began to braid her bright hair playfully. "Alright. But I'll be eating this". He took her sandwich off the floor and took a bite, leaving her bright purple hair in a saggy braid.
Dime rolled her eyes and walked up to me. She looked up at Darcy.
"Sorry, Darcy, but we're gonna have to take her away for a second."
My prep team took me to my bedroom and began to fix my hair, make up, and nails all at once. I didn't know what to do, so I just stared down at the lacing of my dress until Siren tilted my head so she could curl or braid another part of my hair.
After a while, they finished, and stood back so I could see. In a mirror stood the most beautiful I've been in, well, ever. It was different than the chariot ride, that was a whole new person. This was me. It looked like me, it was my style, and it was comfy. Plus, thankfully, Uridecee made my make up look natural, but also evident, at the same time. Then something around my neck shone into my eyes, and my hand flew to my neck. I felt the gold seashell Finnick gave me.
"It goes perfectly," said Darcy. I turned to see her standing in the doorway, watching us. I smiled.
"You guys are incredible," I breathed, glancing back to the mirror. It was amazing to think that these four girls could transform me into something completely new. Like a sea lily. It barely ever blossoms, except when taken care of the right way.
"Well, hey. It's our job. We want to do it well," said Darcy. Her red hair swished back an forth and she walked over to me. She put a strand of curly hair behind my ear. "We want to help you get home," she smiled. I returned an excited grin.
"Now let's go rock tht interview! Dallas should be ready by now," chimed Uridecee. I walked out of my room, Darcy and my prep team following, and there Dallas was, dressed in an amazing baby blue tux. He looked nice. Giana was by his side.
"Well, if you're ready, let's go," said Giana. Darcy and Giana directed us to the door, but when my prep team followed, Giana turned around and snapped, "Only the stylists can escort!"
They all looked pretty sad. "Can we at least say goodbye?" Dime mused, seeming to forget about her long lost sandwich. Giana rolled her eyes. "Fine".
They all group hugged me, an I almost fell over, all wishing me luck. When they were done, which took a while, Finnick appeared and wrapped me in his arms.
"Don't forget to smile," he said softly. I hugged him back, thanked him, then Dallas and I were shoved down the hall by Giana. Darcy followed quietly.
Then we were all squished in an elevator, and began to slowly go down to the floor. It seemed to take slower than the usual Capitol racecar speed, almost like a normal elevator, if there was such a thing-
When suddenly, something outside the elevator snapped, and we went free falling down to the bottom floor.