After finding out that Peeta has asked to be coached separately, Katniss feels overwhelmingly betrayed. However, she acknowledges that it makes sense for him to look out for himself, particularly because she has not always seemed very friendly toward him. Katniss considers their relationship severed and resolves to do the best she can.

Katniss’s preparations for the televised interview start with four hours of presentation work with Effie. Effie tries to train Katniss to walk in high heels and to wear a dress properly. More than anything else, she trains Katniss to smile. This is not Katniss’s strength, and by the end of the session the two women are happy to be finished aggravating each other. Effie’s final advice is for Katniss to focus on getting the audience to like her.

If Katniss’s lessons with Effie were a waste, Haymitch does not fare much better. Haymitch explains to Katniss that the interview is her last chance to attract sponsors, and to do that she needs to make an impression. Up to this point, she has done very well by volunteering to save Prim and by how Cinna has dressed her. However, no matter what angle Katniss and Haymitch come up with, Katniss cannot fake feeling anything but spite for the Capitol. Afterward, Katniss tries on the latest dress Cinna has made for her. Haymitch then advises her to try to be herself as much as possible.

Finally, the interview arrives. The host of the show is Caesar Flickerman; this year he has blue hair, blue eye shadow, and blue lips. Caesar is a natural showman and makes jokes that warm up the audience. More importantly, he knows how to help his guests warm up to the audience and the camera. District 12 goes last, as usual. Katniss watches how the other contestants worked to come across as sexy or aggressive or detached. Rue’s angle seems to be that she is adorable and innocent—her dress even has wings.

When Caesar interviews Katniss, he asks her about what she likes best about the Capitol, to which she replies the “lamb stew.” Caesar makes a joke in response and Katniss begins to warm up. Caesar also asks Katniss about her evaluation with the Gamemasters, but she is not allowed to reveal how she got such a high score. She shares her admiration of Cinna’s dresses and movingly speaks about her last words with Prim. She may not be as much a star as when she was the “girl on fire,” but at least she does not seem hostile.

When Caesar interviews Peeta, the two quickly begin joking with each other. As per usual, Peeta is a natural showman. By the time Katniss is listening closely, Caesar is asking Peeta whether he has a girlfriend back in District 12. Peeta replies that there is a girl he always had a crush on but who never noticed him. Caesar suggests that he win the Hunger Games and the girl will notice him then. Unfortunately, Peeta replies, the girl is Katniss.