Fast promotion will surely anger coworkers. How do I deal with it?

I started a new job last week in what was supposed to be a temporary 5 month gig. But now I have good reason to believe I am about to be appointed to a new, permanent position that is one step above. The problem is that is the same position that another temp (who holds my same classification) interviewed for. I've heard comments made by a number of colleagues on the "team" about how they cannot believe that he wasn't chosen. And I just know the crap-storm that will surely follow if I'm the one. How do I deal with them? I don't want to be the center of controversy but I also need the job for the sake of my family.