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THE WHOLE TEAM of district 9 sits together before the television, waiting for the scores. Felica and Wirt sit side by side. Their legs bounce a little and you can see them play with either their fingers or hair, it betrays how nervous they are. And Thana doesn't judge them on it, the score is a very important part of the games, it is an important thing to the sponsors. It shows you capabilities and if you are a threat, but most importantly it shows is you are worth being sponsored by rich Capitol civilians in their own opinion.
"District 9," Caesar announces, "Wirt Uriel with a score of 7."
"Congrats man," Latif pats Wirt on his back, "you did well."
"Good job yeah," Thana smiles at the young boy who looks at his mentors with pride.
"Felica Gort," Caesar continues, "with a score of 5." Felica smiles at Thana.
"I am proud of you," Thana smiles at the frail girl, words between Finnick, Johanna and herself spooking through her head. Their alliance truly has barely a chance to meet up once the games start. But it is what Felica needs to hear.
"Thank you," the soft voice of the young girl reaches just above the voice of Caesar on the television who is still announcing scores.
...
"Just answer the questions, okay?" Thana holds Felica's hand before letting her go into the queue of tributes. "You will do great."
Wirt stands behind Felica, both are wearing innocent looking clothing and colours. Thana smiles as she notices her brother at her side. "You are doing great," Thana bumps into Latif, "but you need to try to keep your distance. It gets harder and harder to lose them how closer you are to the tribute."
"You look pretty close to Felica though," Latif says laying his arm around her shoulder.
"I have already accepted the fact that she won't make it out," Thana looks up at her brother, "chances are small Felica will make it through the first minutes. I am only trying to make her last moments as pleasant as they can be with what waits for her."
"I don't care for Wirt," Latif sneers at Thana who just raises her eyebrows.
"I am going to look for Johanna," Thana gives a quick smile, "you want to come?"
"No," Latif nods his head, "I am going to talk to Olivia and Peter from 10."
"I'll see you after the interviews then?" Thana waits for his conformation which she gets in the form of a nod. "Have fun with them."
Thana sneaks towards the victors of district 7, both look intently at the screen showing the girl tribute for district 2. Thana must say that the girl, Clove, does have a pretty good change of survival, but that doesn't mean anything as everything can change within the arena.
"Boo!" Thana lays her hand on Johanna's shoulders, the victor in question jumps around and has her fist ready to hit.
"Jesus Christ, Thana," Johanna slowly lets her fist relax and slaps the girl softly, "don't ever do that again".
"I won't," Thana smiles laughing softly while her hands are raised in surrender.
Blight smiles at the young victors before rolling his eyes. "I am way too old to be around you two," the man laughs while he stays put.
"We love you too Blight," Johanna lays her arm around Thana's shoulder smiling.
...
"District nines Felica Gort!" As Caesar announces the young girl that Thana mentors, she gives the screen all her attention. "Doesn't she just look like a beautiful flower?" the capitol cheers for the little girl that stumbles to get to Caesar. She takes his hand and lets him guide her to the chairs where they sit down. Felica looks around the crowd in wonder before returning her attention at Caesar.
"How are you doing tonight?" the man asks the frail girl.
"I am doing quite alright, just missing my family," Felica tries to smile as tears brim in her eyes. "I wish I could see them one last time."
"That is understandable Felica," Ceasar tries to comfort her, "and I am sure you will see them soon."
...
"And now onto district 12," Caesar announces, "And from district 12 you know her as the girl on fire!" the capitol civilians cheer for the young girl, "and we know her as the lovely Katniss Everdeen!" there is more cheering as Katniss enters the stage in a red dress. She looks around confused and dazed as she takes Caesar's hand.
"Johanna," Thana nudges the victor for her attention, "think of the irony if you were called the girl on fire," Thana tries not to laugh, "I can only see a burning forest." By now the girl from 9 is laughing out loud and Johanna tries to muffle hers.
"That is funny," Blight agrees with Thana as he laughs without a care in the world. Many victors their attention has switched to them instead of 'the girl on fire'. And Johanna softly lets out a smile that turns into laughing as well.
The three victors turn to the screen to see Katniss twirl with fire around her, Thana nudges Johanna again and giggles.
"Thana, it is not funny," Johanna says trying not to laugh, but fails miserably again.
"District twelves Peeta Mellark!" the crowd cheer again and Thana must agree that the boy from twelve did clean up nicely. The blond oozes confidence with ever step he sets.
"Now that is what you call good preparation for your interview and not being a career," Blight says as Peeta makes small talk and jokes with Caesar.
"Very charming indeed," Thana nods in agreement, "Haymitch did well."
"Tell me, is there a special girl back home?" Johanna grunts at the question from Caesar.
"No, no, not really," the boy says unconvincingly.
"No? I don't believe it for one second, look at that face, handsome man like you." Caesar looks right at the tribute. "Peeta, tell me."
"Well, uh --- there is this one girl that I've had a crush on forever," Caesar plays the crowd as Peeta tells where his heart lies. "But I don't think she actually recognized me until the reaping." The boy looks sadly at Caesar.
"Well," Caesar looks unsure what to do. "I'll tell you what Peeta. You go out there, and you win this thing. And when you get home, she'll have to go out with you, right folks?" they all cheer for Peeta's sad love story.
"Thanks, but I – I don't think winning is going to help me at all." Peeta remarks.
"And why not?" as Caesar says it, Johanna looks up tired of life. I hate this she mouths to Thana, who smiles softly back, already expecting the answer the boy will give.
