The Winner Takes it All

Interviews

The following day, Tinsel and Sereia taught me how to walk in heels while coaching Zale on improving his charm. "You're walking like a newborn giraffe," Tinsel sighs when I stumble for the umpteenth time.

"I know, I feel so awkward," I admit. "But thank you both for your help. Maybe with more practice, I'll be able not to embarrass myself in front of all of Panem."

I carefully take several more tentative steps, trying to make some progress, but suddenly, my foot twists, and I almost lose my balance. In a fraction of a second, Zale's arm catches my arm, preventing me from falling. "Thanks," I say, my heart beating faster from the sudden scare. Zale nods at me, but then he returns to Tinsel's tips. I frown, feeling puzzled by Zale's brief and distant response.

"Thank you, Tinsel; I can help them with their strategies for their interviews from here," Sereia says with a smile.

"It was my pleasure. Eros and Aurora will be up in an hour with their outfits," Tinsel said with a comforting smile.

We watch Tinsel go back to her bedroom, and once we hear the door close, Sereia laughs when she sees me struggling to walk.

"Here, walk like this." She demonstrates as she struts down the hall and back with perfect posture and balance. "Walk with a straight posture. Our escort before Tinsel taught me a trick to remember how to walk in heels."

I take several more steps and almost fall again until Zale catches me. I slump, defeated. 'It's hopeless. I can't do this."

Zale helps me up and then guides me to the nearby sofa. "Here, just take small steps. I'll catch you."

"Keep most of your weight on your toes," Sereia began as she walked around me, analyzing what points to fix, "You have to walk with your legs straight but not stiff. Walk like you own the place. You have to be confident."

"How do you still remember this?" I ask, finally getting the hang of it.

"My hobby is modeling. Cashmere and I both model for the top designers in Panem." She smirks, "It's the only good thing that came out of winning."

"Zale will use his so-called charm while you should try to be the girl next door," Sereia says.

Sereia smiles and gets a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "When Caesar introduces and interacts with you, you should act sweet. I'd also suggest that you briefly talk about how honored you are to compete after Finnick and Annie. The crowd eats that up."

Zale clears his throat. "Do you have any other tips for me, or is this just the Marin show?"

Sereia and I shoot him an angry look as we head towards the elevator.

"First of all, lose the attitude." she growls, " I'd say you should make him feel amazing, then focus on him and the crowd and make sure you look comfortable and answer two seconds after his question."

"Happy now?" I  mutter. 'I need all the hope I can get; why are you complaining?'  "Anything else we should know?"

Sereia nods and visually thinks about what to say next, "The only other thing is that Tinsel informed me about District 12's female tribute."

"Oh yeah, that terrifying and surprising tribute you warned us about." Zale sneers.

"Well, she got the highest training score, and after what her designer created for the tribute parade, she's a threat and someone you should look out for," Sereia says. "I've also heard that her designer has something big planned tonight, so keep your guard up."

"How have I not noticed any of this?" I ask sheepishly.

"Marin, you've been so involved in your self-pity that you fail to notice ANYTHING else." Zale snickers as we step off the elevator and start going with our prep teams.

After what felt like an eternity, Eros finally finished the finishing touches on my interview look.

"Marin, you look so beautiful," Eros announces.

"Thanks, I feel beautiful. I'm just so nervous." I say honestly.

"Well, your family will be here, and they will be watching your interview!!!" he exclaims excitedly.

"Wait, what!?!"  I say with the same amount of excitement as him.

"Did you not know that? Oh well, it's time for you to join the others." he smiles.

As we go through the crowded corridors, Eros gently guides me towards a large room where the other tributes are gathered. Once we arrive, he waves as he leaves after informing me that Finn will be in the audience. My heart races with nerves at the thought of him here. I take a deep breath and steel myself for what's to come.

"Looking great, and it looks like you've gotten Cato's attention," Zale says quietly, nodding in Cato's direction.

Sure enough, Cato had stolen a glance at us before returning to his conversation with Clove.

"I guess it's okay, but all the attention will be on me tonight," said Glimmer., flaunting her beautiful dress. "So don't get jealous, Cato," she says sweetly, stroking Cato's cheek.

"Yeah, sure." He mutters as he looks down and removes her hand from his face.

Caesar begins the interviews with Glimmer, who, like Sereia predicted, responds to his questions coyly. Marvel jokes confidently with Caesar, Clove shows off an arrogant and sarcastic personality, and Cato casually and charismatically answers Caesar's questions. 'Wow, I can't believe how charming he is.'  Before I can push that thought out of my head, District 3's interviews end, and then it's my turn.

"Well, if it isn't the lady of the hour. Let's give a big round of applause to Marin Odair!!!"  Caesar excitedly greets me as I make my way over to him and shake his hand.

"The news of another Odair getting an opportunity to participate in the Hunger Games has generated excitement among many. It is a known fact that the Capitol is quite different from the coastal District 4. Can you share your thoughts about your experience so far?" He inquired in a friendly manner.

"Hi Caesar, thank you so much for asking! I'm excited about being here in the Capitol and loving every moment. I can't wait to represent my District in the Hunger Games!" I replied, following Sereia's advice to come off as sweet.

After my response, I heard many awe from the audience. 'Suckers.'

"And we love you too, right, everyone?" Caesar smiles, riling up the crowd. "As you already know, your brother won his Games and became quite popular here. Do you have any thoughts?"

"Of course, it's intimidating, knowing I have some big shoes to fill. But I'm ready to show what I can do to make not only my District proud but also honor the Capitol's kindness." I gesture to the audience.

"How incredible," he says, "With a training score of 9, you're someone to look out for in the arena. Care to spill your strategy?"

"Caesar, you know I can't tell you that. it would ruin all the fun." I laugh sweetly.

The buzzer goes off and signals the end of my interview, earning a couple of groans from the crowd. 'Finally, this is over.'

"Unfortunately, our interview comes to a close; best of luck, Marin. Please stand by that corner while we do your partner's interview?" Caesar asks as I walk over to my spot.

As Zale walks out, I see Finnick sitting in the crowd. Eros was right. He came! I smile when he notices me and discreetly wave at him while Caesar interviews Zale. Once his interview came to a close, the two of us headed backstage with the other careers.

"Sugar and Spice have returned," Marvel smirked as I sat beside Glimmer.

"looks like you're not the only one that can play the crowd," I remark as I look at Glimmer.

Glimmer turns to me with a sly smile. "Oh, I know you can put on a show," she says, her eyes glinting mischievously. "But can you do it as well as me?" She leans back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. "I think we both know the answer to that."

 I rolled my eyes and turned to the screen, watching the girl from 12 spins in her dress with the illusion of fire.