My mane and tail was tugged at constantly, they washed me with water that could feed so many ponies. I felt naked, although we walk around naked, this was different, the ponies rubbed every dirt off me, after every wash they would complain about one particular scent that they didn't like, the timberwolf scent. They gave up and cast a scent spell on me so that I'd smell nice for the tributes parade. I waited in a room, they said they would send for a stylist to get me ready.

I waited. I could sense the agony in the place, many ponies from around Equestria are being forced into this, and now, I am one of them. I trotted around the room, pacing, knowing that every second is a second closer to death in the arena.

The door opened, a unicorn, she was white with a purple mane, her cutiemark was of three blue diamonds. She was awfully familiar.

"Oh my," she reared back, "the ponies were right about your stink." Her horn glowed blue, I felt a little funny. The glowing went away. "That should rid the smell for a long time." She smiled. "I am Rarity, I'm going to help you get some sponsors, AppleJack."

"Rarity..." I repeated, I knew I've met this pony before.

"Yes, that's quite right." Rarity replied.

"So, uh, how exactly do you plan to get me sponsors?" I asked her

"Well, the parade is a show to the ponies of Canterlot, you and Caramel are going to show off a little dazzle."

"What do ya mean dazzle?" I didn't like the idea of wearing sparkles at all.

"In the parade, you're going to show off what your district is most known for."

"What? Apples?"

"Normally yes, but that never got us any sponsors." She shook her head.

"Oh? Then what do you suppose our district is known for?"

She ignored the question.

"You, are going to ignite the light and wear some fire."

"What? I'll die before the games even begin!"

"No, silly, fake fire."

"Magic?"

"Oh, of course."