The Spark

Practicing

"It might help to have someone up there with me." I muttered so quietly that I didn't even know if he heard me.

His face slowly turned into a small smile. "Alright," he said. "I can ask Trilly, though I don't know if she'd even listen."

I thought for a moment. "Maybe I can ask Azul."

"Who's that?"

"My stylist. He seems to have the charisma to charm the Gamemakers."

He scoffed amusedly. "Will they even listen to him?"

"Maybe, maybe not," I said. "But I think it's worth the shot."

"So you do that tomorrow then. Now we should focus on preparing you for the questions they're going to ask you."

"Woo."

"You really don't like being interviewed, don't you?"

"Nope!"

"Well, let's—"

Terrek was interrupted by the door opening. I glanced over quickly, alert and tense, and was surprised to see Azul standing there.

The stylist adjusted the rose-tinted glasses he was wearing and glanced between the two of us. "I heard my name?"

"Were you listening the entire time?" Terrek asked, narrowing his gaze.

"Maybe, maybe not," he said with a sly smile. "You'll never know."

"You are one creepy guy," I said, unable to contain my own smile.

He grinned.

Terrek looked uncomfortable and was growing a bit embarrassed.

"I don't know if the Gamemakers will allow you two to go on together, but..." A pen appeared in Azul's hand. He tapped the top against his bottom lip and studied them thoughtfully. "I may have an idea..."

"That's concerning," Terrek said.

Azul leaned against the doorway and pointed at me with the pen. "How do you feel about lying to the media?"

"I could care less," I said, growing nervous.

He looked over at Terrek. He nodded.

"Wonderful!" Azul said, walking over to us and grinning. "This is my idea. You two. Together."

Terrek was rather slow to come to the conclusion. I immediately felt like slapping Azul.

"Whoa now," he said, glancing over at me. "Hold your horses! I didn't mean permanently!"

Terrek glared at him. "Absolutely not."

"Where's the harm in it? Everyone loves young love..."

I grabbed a pillow and screamed into it. Love. GROSS.

Azul grabbed Terrek's hand, then grabbed mine. He had a strangely powerful grip. "The only thing you need to do is kiss on camera, and then the entire country will be sold!"

Terrek slapped him.

"I will run to the dining room and grab the dullest knife I can find!" I threatened him.

Azul rubbed his cheek. "Ow," he muttered.

Terrek wiped off the powder on his hand and frowned at Azul. "We're not doing that."

"Then how else do you expect to get on-stage together?" he asked, crossing his arms. "Unless I can convince the Gamemakers that—"

I raced off to the kitchen.