Chapter 2

This is my time. I must shine in the moment. Big smiles Effie. Be a star!

“A volunteer”! I boom into the microphone, a big grin appears across my face and I lead her towards the centre of the stage. “Come on up darling. What is your name”?

The girl standing next to me is of average height. She is wearing black lace up shoes covered in the dust that is covering the ground and a blue dress which clings awkwardly to her figure; people from District 12 are truly deprived of fashion. The colour has been drained from her face and she is wearing a numb expression. She could be attractive, with a bit of Capitol magic.

“Katniss Everdeen” She replies, barely audible. She isn’t lifting her eyesight from the floor beneath her.

“I knew that was your sister! You wouldn’t want her stealing the spotlight, hm? Now, let’s give a round of applause for Miss Katniss Everdeen” I begin to clap excitedly, until I notice District 12’s silent gesture of honour, admiration and love being shown by every member of the saddened crowd. One by one, each person presses the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out towards her. Strange happenings do go on in District 12. I stand silently, amazed by the spectacle I am witnessing. I awkwardly re-adjust my wig, which has once again fallen off centre. This cannot be happening.

To make things even more interesting in ‘Hell’, Haymitch decides that this is the right moment  to stagger towards Katniss and press his alcohol-filled body against hers, shouting obscenities at the cameras that are covering the Reaping. I am the laughing stock of Panem. I think as Haymitch plummets off the stage and knocks himself unconscious. Come on Effie, pull yourself together. I let the peacekeepers haul Haymitch’s drunken body onto a stretcher and take him into the Justice Building before I continue.

“Well. What an exciting day, hm” I beam towards the crowd who seem to be losing interest in me. “Even more excitement is to come, because we are about to announce our boy tribute” I just want to get this day to be over. I hurry over to the second podium, grab a slip from the boy’s bowl, hold it towards the audience and clear my throat.

“Peeta Mellark”

Peeta emerges from the sixteen year olds with a gaunt expression on his face and begins to silently make his way up to the stage, accepting words of sympathy as he passes. He is stocky, medium height and has blonde hair that covers his forehead. He is fitter than most children in District 12 and I could imagine him being popular with sponsors. I impatiently tap my heel against the floor as he makes his way up to the stage.

“Congratulations Mr Mellark” I reach out my hand to help him up the wooden stairs as he becomes closer and move my way back to the microphone. “Ladies and Gentlemen, please give a round of applause for District 12’s tributes” I nudge Katniss, who seems to be staring unsurely at Peeta. “Shake hands” I hiss towards her. “Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favour”

“Come along” I press a hand on each of their backs and lead them towards the door, where peacekeepers take them into separate rooms to say their tearful goodbyes.

I spot Haymitch across the room, who has been left sprawled across the floor whilst he regains consciousness. Make him pay, Effie. I think. He embarrassed you in front of the whole of Panem. I strut over to him, holding my head high; I get distracted by my reflection in the mirror. Has my wig looked like that all day? I wince at the sight whilst re-adjusting it then continue towards him.

“How dare you embarrass me like that, all my hopes of being District 2’s escort have disappeared. Your relationship with liquor is affecting my career.” I hiss at him then I wait for an answer from the drunken mess, which is apparently non-existent. “Do you not have anything to say, Mr Abernathy? Not even an apology? You have extremely bad manners.”I turn on my heels and head to the sitting room; I stop and look over my shoulder towards Haymitch, who seems oblivious to my comments. “Oh, and I hope your head hurts” I snarl towards him before I flee out of the hallway.