Today is the day of the interviews and our last day of training before we head into the arena.

I walk out my room already dressed in my training clothes and grab some fruit from the breakfast table. I want to have one last training session with Fu before I begin on my interview preparation. Nadja will be helping me construct possible answers for questions. Apparently it's not wise for me to head out without prepared answers.

"Good morning sweetheart," Fu enters the room, his usual hip flask finding its way to his lips.

"Isn't it a bit too early to be drinking?" I question. Everyday has began exactly the same since we arrived at the Capitol nine days ago.

He takes a bow and holds his arm out, signalling me to sit at the table.

"Because of your ranking, sweetheart, you're going to be the one the careers want to kill first."

"I'll be ready for them."

"That's only possible if you get a good Miraculous. If you've been accepted by the bee, fox or dragon you'll be fine."

"What about the Ladybug?" I'd found out after our first training session the red Kwami and the black Kwami were the ladybug and the cat. I was intrigued as I'd caught them numerous times looking between myself and Adrien.

"No ones getting the Ladybug darling," he takes another swig of his hip flask. "You need to be fighting along side your soul mate ... and with your personality it's very unlikely you have one at all."

I choked on my water. I know I'm not the most orthodox of girls but I must have a soul mate somewhere. Someone like ... Luka. Luka. That's the first time since I'd arrived at the Capitol I'd thought about him. I hope he's taking care of Mama and Manon.

"Right. Marinette, lets go."

"Wait, where's Adrien?" Adrien was always first ready and waiting.

"He's decided to train on his own today so it's just me and you, sweetheart." I nod and look in the direction of Adrien's room. He's obviously thinking the same as me. No more time for friendships and allies.

With that last thought I follow Fu to the elevator and we commence, travelling down to the basement and the training room.

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"Will you hold still! I need to get this pinned correctly."

Audrey was pushing and pulling me to the left then the right, forwards and then backwards. Apparently this dress was one of her most amazing creations ... when on. Getting it on was not so amazing.

Training had been a disaster. It's a good job the Kwami's had already selected their tribute because I would of been akumatized from my complete lack of competence. I couldn't get Adrien out my head. He had been there every step of the way encouraging and supporting me.

I missed seeing his smile when something went well, and his squeak as he'd fall from a 5 foot obstacle onto his back. Training with just Fu was boring. I felt like half of my effort was missing. Like I was only half.

When I arrived back in the penthouse Adrien was still not around. I ate alone and then had time with Nadja to help with my interview. This took surprisingly long than I would have hoped.

"Marinette, stop slouching!" I felt Audrey slap my back to get me to stand up straighter.

"Almost ... there!" She pulled the last thread through the bottom layer of the skirt and stepped back. "Beautiful!"

Next I was guided into a chair for my hair and make up. The stylists got to work on me but this time with only basic make up. My eyes were shaded with different browns and golds, my cheeks a light shade of pink, and my lips a deep red. It almost looked purple.

My hair was left to hang loose and straight over my shoulders. I was directed to stand in front of a mirror, when I stood on the podium placed in front I slowly lifted my eye-line from the floor. I can't believe what, or should I say who, was staring back at me.

This girl was beautiful. I can't believe this reflection is actually of me. My dress was the same colour as my hair, midnight blue, with light blue sparkles gathered around the bottom which then ran up and scattered around the bust. The cap sleeves hung over my shoulders and went into a sweetheart neckline. The bodice fitted tightly to my small frame and flowed into a slightly puffed out skirt. My favourite part being the slit up one leg. This was completed with the most glittery blue shoes I'd ever seen. They match my eyes perfecting.

"My instructions were to make you look desirable. I can honestly say I've done a great job here." I smirk at Audrey's confidence. She's right though, I no longer look like a sweet and innocent 16 year old. I can tell this was Fu's idea. Making all the disgusting old men, who pray on the tributes, to sponsor me.

"Oh my! Marinette. You look so beautiful!" Nadja had came in to collect me. We'd had a talk earlier about how I'm to present myself to the Capitol. It seems selling myself was the way I'd be playing in. I was directed into how I should sit, which makes perfect sense now due to the almost hip height split that was in my skirt.

Nadja and Audrey help me down to the ground and I make my way out into the living area. Fu and Adrien are in a heated discussion as I walk in. Nadja coughs and they both look up at me.

"I suppose that'll do." Fu gives me a quick glance up and down. I suddenly feel very self conscious and nervous. Wrapping my arms around my body I walk over to where the boys are waiting. I notice Adrien's mouth is gaping open.

"Flies, Mr Agreste." I give him a smirk and he seems to shake himself out of his zombie'd impression.

"By the way," electric green turns towards my soft blue before I continue. "You look very handsome." I move my eyes from the top of his finely combed hair down passed his slightly undone black shirt and dress pants, to his black boots. Black really was his colour. I bit my bottom lip and a flash of something went through his eyes.

The 'ding' of the elevator pulled us out of our trance and we all descended towards the television studio.

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Ten Districts have been interviewed so far. Again District 12 are last. All tributes are seated in a green room waiting for their turn to go on stage. Like the rankings, the order is tribute girl then tribute boy from each of the districts. I look around the room and see a lot of beautiful clothing. Everyone's stylists have made sure we look appealing for the Capitol. The thought makes my stomach churn.

I feel someone's eyes on me. I look in the direction I feel them from and give a small grin. Adrien quickly looks at the floor and rubs at the back of his neck before lifting his eyes to meet mine again. I've notice he rubs his neck whenever he gets nervous or stressed. We both suppress giggles as we look away from each other.

The male tribute from District 11 is called, meaning we are next. I look up to catch Adrien staring again, this time he adverts his gaze to the wall. Looking at a picture from last years games. He rubs his chin like he's thinking. I shake my head, he really can't act, and turn my attention back to the television screen playing the interviews. Before I know it I am called to take my place backstage.

"We are now heading onto District 12. Please welcome Marinette Dupain-Cheng." Alec announces and the doors in front of me open letting out a cloud of smoke.

I walk out to a large audience all clapping and shouting my name. I give a small wave and a smile before making my way to the seat opposite Alec. He says something to me but I completely miss it. I'm too busy being traumatised by the crowd in front of me.

"Pardon?" I say to Alec.

He laughs with everyone in the audience following his lead. I wrap my hands together nervously and look down towards Audrey. She gives me a gesture which I believe means calm down and breathe.

"So you're the first tribute to volunteer for District 12. I'm guessing that the young lady chosen was your sister?"

"She's more of an adopted sister," I answer calmly. "We take care of her whilst her mother is away working." A small smile pulls at the corners of my mouth as I think of Manon.

"You must care about her very much?"

"Oh a do," I look at my hands, "she makes me a better person. I just hope I can make her proud during the games."

"I'm sure you will," he places one of his hands over the top of mine.

He continues "Now being our highest scorer means you'll be having people wanting to sponsor you all over the Capitol. What type of luxury would you like them to send you in?"

"Well since being at the Capitol, Alec, I've taken quite a liking to the macaroons."

"Oh, the lady has a sweet tooth." Alec turns to the audience and they all laugh and give her a clap.

"Our final question is ... can we please have a spin of your beautiful dress?"

"Of course." I giggle. I stand up and start to twirl around, as I do blue stars lift from the bottom of the dress and make their way to surround me. Audrey had done it again. The blue stars twirled, dipped and dived before heading back to my dress as I sat down. I put my hand to my head, dizzy from all the spinning.

The crowd are cheering and standing up clapping. I feel giddy.

"We wish you all the best for the games Marinette. Big round of applause for Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

I wave to the crowd one last time before heading down the stairs and back to the green room to wait for Adrien to complete his interview. Everyone else has headed off leaving just myself, Fu and Nadja in the room. I look up at the screen and see Adrien's charm in full swing. It looks like him and Alec are smelling each other. The crowd are laughing and obviously adoring him.

"Now Adrien, you are such a handsome young man."

"-thanks Alec."

"And polite too I see" Alec gives Adrien a wink. "So the question on every girls, woman's and some males," he turns raising his eyebrows at the audience who burst out laughing, "what everyone wants to know is, is there a special someone at home?"

Wolf whistles come from the audience and Adrien rubs his neck.

"No, no, no"

A lot of 'awwww's make their way through the room as Alec tries to regain control and shhh's them. Adrien really is turning them wild.

"Well if there's not one on the scene at the moment perhaps you can tell her now. Declare your love and ask her to wait for you."

Adrien starts shifting around in his seat as the audience wait in silence for his answer. He slowly exhales before lifting his eyes to Alec.

"Well there is this someone who I've liked for ... well forever. I don't think she knew I existed until these games."

"Tell her then now Adrien, let it out. Get her cheering you on, tell her your going to win!" Alec gets the crowd going again with cheers and applause. I begin to feel a bit nervous. Who is this girl? Adrien went to her school and even though they didn't really speak or spend time together, she would of surely heard something.

"Well it wouldn't really help because ... because ..."

"Because?" Alec encouraged.

Adrien looked directly into his eyes.

"Because she came here with me!"

The audience went wild with gasps and applause, and my heart increased in speed. The boy I could never forgot, the boy that saved me, the boy I thought would never give me a second thought announced on television he liked me. My mind was a whirl of activity, I didn't know where to look, I couldn't hear anything ...

Next thing I know Adrien is in front of me.

"I'm so sorry Mari," I look up into his emerald eyes, eyes that made my dreams and made me cry in my nightmares.

"I should have told you before but I spoke to Fu and thought it would be best for you to know last minute so it didn't effect your interview. Mari, please look at me. I am so ... "

I leapt towards him and wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my body into his and his lips latched against mine.