Chapter 3

The fifteen minutes that are allocated for Katniss and Peeta’s goodbyes are the longest minutes I’ve experienced. If I have to spend another minute in this rotten, smelly, run down place, I will rip off my eyebrows. No, they’re far too pretty; I’ve just had them dyed. I think. Maybe, my ears. But then I wouldn’t be able to wear my collection of earrings I have back at The Capitol. Whilst I was arguing with myself, Katniss and Peeta had appeared from their doorways and were moving towards me. Peeta has tears stained on his cheek and his whole face is covered in red blotches, he isn’t trying to cover his emotions. Perhaps this is his game plan, he is apparently thinking things through early- I like an organised person. Katniss’ expression hasn’t changed since I last saw her, still avoiding eye contact with both Peeta and myself.

“Hello, it’s just a short car journey to the train station, then about a day to get to The Capitol” I say, taking their hands and leading them outside and into the car. “The time will fly. You will get to use the luxury facilities on the train and trial The Capitol’s food dishes before you experience them in the City.” Both Katniss and Peeta are gazing out of the car windows, their thoughts occupied by things other than my conversation, I let out a small cough to get their attention, but only Peeta notices. I roll my eyes at the obtuse Katniss, manners. Then continue. “Once we arrive in The Capitol your prep team will begin to make you look more like a human being, which will be easier for Peeta than you, Katniss. Then your head stylist will dress you for the opening ceremony. Very Exciting”

The car pulls up outside the train station and neither of them rouses to open the door. I nudge Peeta’s arm and he startles.

“Come on then, time to go, we don’t want to be late” I say, smiling at him.

I straighten out my pink ensemble and make my way towards the train. I am so eager to leave District 12, I hop onto the train and leap into the compartment.

“This is the sitting room and also where you shall dine tonight and tomorrow morning.” I take Peeta’s hand and point down the corridor. “Your bedroom is down the corridor, love. On your right” I stare at Katniss disgustedly as she still hasn't made an effort to look at me. “Katniss, yours is on the left. You might want to wash before dinner.” This comment makes her look up into my eye line and smirk.

“Why would I want to wash here? I’d smell just like you” She replies, throwing off her shoes as she walks down the corridor.

“Manners, young lady” I bellow down the corridor after her. I turn around, offended by her comment. “Off you go Peeta; there are lots of lovely clothes for you to wear. I doubt Haymitch will be joining us tonight”

I continue to make polite conversation at dinner. Asking about family, friends, game plans and I admire Peeta’s choice of clothing he is wearing to dinner.

“Grey is your colour Peeta, it really brings out the blue in your eyes” I compliment him whilst fixing the collar on his shirt. I turn to face both of them. “At least you aren’t eating your dinner with your hands like last year’s tributes. It was disgusting.” I shudder at the memory and go to the drinks cabinet to refill my wine glass. To my horror, when I return, Katniss and Peeta are making an effort to eat their dinner with their hands, whilst laughing with each other. “How rude” I walk out of the room, and continue towards my room to finish my dinner alone.

The next morning, I wake up early as usual and dress myself in a lilac dress and a more obedient lilac wig to the pink one I was wearing yesterday. I leave myself ten minutes to organise my schedule before waking Katniss, Peeta and a heavily hungover Haymitch and remind them of the ‘big, big, big day’ that lies ahead.

I arrive at breakfast just before 9am, and sit patientently for the others to arrive. By 9:02am, I am sick of waiting for them (as I do not tolerate lateness) so I start on my breakfast of wholemeal toast with pink grapefruit marmalade, accompanied with a cup of black coffee. I hear all three approaches the door and walk into the room. I dramatically look at my watch and sigh before relocating to the royal blue loveseat to work out schedules. Tension seems to be rising at the breakfast table between the three, but I manage to block it out as I have far more important things to be dealing with than their petty arguments. However, when I hear a knife being slammed into the table, I have to become involved.

“That is MAHOGANY” I glare at Katniss who is still clutching the knife which is millimetres from Haymitch’s hand and give her a knowing look. Some people do not appreciate the beauty of certain furniture.

Peeta rises from his seat, without excusing himself, which I roll my eyes at angrily. Until I notice that we have finally arrived. I gather my belongings and place them into my purple, leather briefcase with the letter ‘E’ made with diamantes on the front and proceed towards the train door. I turn to face them, and take each of their hands.

“I will not see you until later, so be polite to your prep team and stylist and do not disappoint me.” I pinch their cheeks and look at Haymitch. “Stay sober, Mr Abernathy. We wouldn’t you to fall again and for it to be fatal now, would we”? I wish. I let the automatic door slide open and take in a much appreciated gasp of The Capitol’s fresh air. I’m home.