“So basically we act all coupley in front of the Capitol’s camera’s, right?” Lukas asked, his other hand tapping nervously on the couch. He wanted to take this relationship slow, and not rush into it and ruin things.
"Pretty much. It'll start with the tribute parade tomorrow," Haymitch answered.
At this, Julia raised her head and looked up. "Tomorrow?"
"You heard me right, sweetheart. Tomorrow," he repeated.
Lukas groaned. He did not feel like going out in only coal dust in front of the Capital, especially on live TV. “Then the interviews, right?” He was practically dreading them.
Haymitch clapped. "Now you're getting it."
Julia cupped his face lovingly. "It'll be alright, I promise."
Lukas leaned into the hand, sighing softly. "If you say so, love," he said lightly, closing his eyes. Up there, in front of the Capitol, being interviewed about his personal life? He just hoped he didn't have a panic attack.
She kissed him lightly and mumbled incoherent words against his lips.
Haymitch rolled his eyes. "Do you want to meet with your stylists or not?"
A warm feeling erupted in Lukas’ chest when Julia kissed him. So this is what falling in love feels like. He pressed his lips against hers for a split second before pulling away, holding Julia close to him. “Whatever Julia wants,” he mumbled, pressing another kiss to her temple.
She blushed hotly and leaned against him as support. "I think we should. Unless you don't want to."
Haymitch sighed, getting slightly fed up with them. "Do you or don't you? If not, I'll tell them they're dismissed for today. No planning in before the tribute parade – wonderful."
“We’ll meet them,” Lukas said, catching Haymitch’s annoyed expression. Let him be. He started to stand up, gently pulling Julia with him.
Julia nuzzled her nose against Lukas's neck. "Do we have the same stylist? or different ones?"
(Is it Cinna and Portia?)
(yes i think so)
Lukas wrapped an arm around Julia’s waist, pulling her close. “Different ones, I think?” he said, looking to Haymitch for a correct answer.
(Wasn't sure! ;D)
"Yes different," Haymitch answered. "Sweetheart, you'll have Cinna. And, Lukas was it? You'll have Portia. They're both waiting for you now since you missed the prepping. I'll go inform them of the idea."
Julia looked up, turning slightly away from Lukas so she could see Haymitch a little better. "What idea?"
Haymitch looked them up and down briefly. "That idea…" He turned and walked away rather quickly.
Lukas didn’t really like the way Haymitch referred to them, but he didn’t comment on it, instead returning his attention to Julia. “Are we supposed to follow him, or…?” he trailed off awkwardly, unaware of any other options.
"Uh, maybe?" she replied, looking at him with a questioning gaze. "Do you want to?"
“Yeah, we wouldn’t want Haymitch to have a temper tantrum,” Lukas sighed, and began to walk after Haymitch, pulling Julia gently with him.
She matched his step and leaned her head against his shoulder.
Lukas smiled gently at Julia. She’s so pretty. Leaning down, he gently pressed a kiss on the top of her head before pushing open the doors, which led to the room where Haymitch and their stylists.
Julia was immediately enveloped in a strong artificial scent that gave her a headache. She found three pairs of eyes staring at her. Her grip on Lukas tightened slightly.
"Sweetheart, I'd like you to meet Cinna. He's going to be your stylist." A man with gold eyeliner waved. "Lukas, this is Portia." A woman with poofy hair smiled and waved as well. "She's going to be your stylist."
"Nice to meet you," Lukas said, holding out his free hand for her to shake. Bending down slightly, he murmured into Julia's ear. "You alright?"
She whispered, "Yes" quietly as Cinna approached.
"Hello, Julia," he said softly. "I'm Cinna."
"Hello," she replied politely
(Do you want me to be Portia?)
(Sure, unless you don't want to be)
(Okie)
Portia shook Lukas' hand with a blinding smile, and he wasn't sure that teeth could be that white. "Nice to meet you, Lukas,"
"And you as well," he replied politely, retracting his hand. Portia's outfit seemed senseless, bright colors and patterns thrown together with not even a second thought.
Julia looked from Portia to Cinna. Never had she seen two people who were more different standing side by side. Cinna smiled warmly at her. It was more of a reassuring smile than anything. A 'we're going to get through this, and it's going to be alright' smile.
“So, what’re your plans for us tomorrow?” Lukas asked somewhat nervously, hand tightening around Julia’s waist. He wasn’t too sure about wearing only coal dust in front of the whole Capitol.
Cinna looked between them. "What are your ideas?"
Julia was a bit stunned. Tributes didn't have a say in mostly anything their stylists did.
“We’d love to include the tributes’ opinion in the design of the clothes. We want it to be personable for your District, and not another outfit.” Portia stated, crossing her arms, which looked difficult in her extravagant outfit.”
“Could we possibly not wear only coal dust…?” Lukas’ voice trailed off as his cheeks flushed, vividly remembering that revealing year.
Julia nodded in shy agreement. Two of her sisters had done that…
Cinna smiled. "That was off the table from the start."
Lukas let out a breath. “Good. Then other than that, I don’t really care. I just want more than half my skin to be covered,” he turned towards Julia. “What about you?”
Portia nodded. “Noted. It is our top priority for our tributes to feel comfortable.”
Julia nodded quickly in agreement. "Yes. Thank you."
Cinna smiled. "Well we do have a few ideas."
