THE TRAINING days were spent with Finnick and Francesca practicing with their trident. Finnick's advise from the 72nd Games didn't seem to matter anymore, since the siblings spent the entire time showing off their skills to show they were strong. However, Francesca did have to sit down when her prosthetic leg became uncomfortable; she was trying her best to keep up with her brother, but she hadn't trained since winning her last Games. Even touching a trident seemed disrespectful to the dead Tributes she had once killed using it.

Assessment days became a blur, almost moving too quickly and making Francesca overwhelmed because her impending death was awaiting her a day away. But, for now, her biggest worry was getting through the interviews. She wished her interview was with her brother; Francesca wasn't sure how she would survive alone, with Caesar pushing her buttons on her past.

The Darlings of The Capitol were, of course, dressed in the most revealing outfits compared to the rest of the Tributes. Glimmer and Gloss were a close second place in the leaderboard of most-exposing outfit. Francesca still hadn't gotten used to be being so revealed on stage, even in a fancy dress.

"You look exactly like him."

Francesca turned around, "What?"

"You look like Finnick." A dark-haired girl walked towards her. She introduced, at Frankie's confusion, "Johanna Mason."

"Right," Frankie nodded, "Finnick told me about you."

Johanna mused, "All good things I hope."

Francesca was too focused on the pit of anxiety in her stomach to finish the conversation. She stared into the distance, unable to shake the horror film that was constantly playing in her mind.

"You'll be great out there." Johanna must've noticed the girl's sudden change in expression. The older girl lifted her chin confidently, a gesture for Francesca to copy, "Make them pay for it."

Frankie lifted her chin bravely.

By the time Finnick's interview was done, Frankie was being called onto the stage. She had completely dissociated during the previous interviews. She walked onto the stage, performing her act of confidence even though she was dying inside, and caught a glimpse of her brother stood with the previous Tributes who were interviewed before her.

Finnick gave her a smile, and the camera zoomed into his face; the crowd cheered. Frankie was convinced she was going to throw up.

"Francesca Lou." Caesar's booming voice snapped her out of her trance, as he stood next to her holding a microphone, "You look fabulous, as usual. Isn't that right, everybody?!"

The crowd cheered once more, throwing roses onto the front of the stage. Caesar laughed loudly,

"So, tell me, Francesca Lou," He nodded, "How does it feel to be back in the Capitol? I'm sure you didn't expect to be back so soon."

Frankie cleared her throat, as Caesar placed the microphone under her chin, "Uh, no. No, but it is such a pleasure to be back here. I mean, the Capitol has treated me like family. I can also speak for my brother when I say this, we truly owe you for your kindness."

"Isn't that sweet?" Caesar asked the audience, who were all clapping and making a collective 'awh' at the girl's words. Frankie wanted them all dead, but they had no idea. Caesar added, "You have grown so much, since your last Games. Now, can I ask, how do you feel after suffering that great loss? I don't only speak for myself, but everyone, when I say how devastating your last moments in the arena were. Let me ask you— what made you trust the girl from District 12?"

"Uh..." Francesca looked at the floor, trying to control her tears. All of the Tributes were angry, and each one of their Interviews were an attempt to stop the games. Francesca spoke into the microphone, "I never questioned our trust, Mr Flickerman. Cherry Artichoke was kind and she saved my life." She gently wiped her tears, "I would not be alive if it wasn't for her bravery."

And Francesca hated him for asking about Cherry. Nobody in the Capitol had the right to speak of her name. And Francesca couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks.

Caesar looked at her curiously, "Are you alright, my dear?"

Francesca felt the eyes of the thousands of people watching this interview. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't focus. She couldn't live without Cherry.

Frankie nodded, trying to pull herself together; she spoke into the microphone with a shaky voice, "Yes, Mr Flickerman. I just... I loved her. I don't want to lose anymore people." Please stop the fucking Games.

The crowd were crying, too. But Francesca didn't feel bad for them. They watched the Games every year from the comfort of their mansions.

Caesar announced, "Well, let's hear it for Francesca Lou Odair!"

The crowd cheered and Francesca began to walk towards the podium for the Tributes to stand on at the back. Finnick met her half way, the crowd cheering even louder, to help her to her position beside him.

He whispered secretly, as he took extra long wiping the tears from her face. Luckily, the audience's focus eas distracted by the next Tribute's arrival on stage. He asked quietly, "You okay?"

Francesca just nodded, her body trembling as she tried to fight back her tears. Finnick placed his hand in hers.

The rest of the Interviews were a blur and Francesca snapped back into reality when Katniss Everdeen was showing off her supposed wedding dress, which surprisingly burnt up into flames and transformed into a black-winged dress. Francesca was impressed, she couldn't deny that, though she was still unconvinced of their love story.

The final Interview was Peeta Mellark, and Francesca was intrigued with what the boy had to say.

Caesar continued, "But, Peeta, the wedding, the marriage, never to be?"

"Well, actually, we got married." Peeta nodded. Frankie called bullshit. He explained, "In secret. We... we want our love to he eternal. You know, Katniss and I, we've been luckier than most. And I wouldn't have any regrets at all if it weren't..." he paused, "If..."

"If it weren't for what?" Caesar prompted, sharing glancing with the audience, "What?"

"If it weren't for the baby."

And, just like that, the audience erupted into protests of shock to cancel the Games. Francesca's eyes widened, as she shared a look with Finnick; she had to admit, Peeta and Katniss were really into the whole fake love story for them to pull the baby-card. And Frankie still didn't believe them, though she found herself shocked with the news.

Peeta might've just been able to cancel the Games. Francesca would always resent their love story because of her love for Cherry, though couldn't help but like Peeta for this act. Seeing Caesar trying to calm down the audience was very entertaining.

The Tributes all joined hands, raising them above their heads.

"Cancel the Games!"

"Stop the Games!"

The screen abruptly turned black, leaving them in darkness.

But, deep down, Francesca knew that no attempt would be big enough to stop President Snow. She knew the Games were still on, and Frankie would be stuck in that arena tomorrow.