Introduction
x.x
I hear a soft voice whispering into my ear, as every other night. I try to sleep, but my mind is blocked. I still see Rue, Cato and Clove as vividly as the first day back from the Arena, and still Peeta and my new friends — I reckon that's what I'm meant to call the Odairs, who have always been there for me since the Quarter Quell — don't seem capable of filling the great gape the Games have left inside me. Nothing would be, I think.
"We'd better rest, Katniss," Peeta whispers again, his chin against my pate. "Tomorrow's the big day."
I snort ever so lightly. The big day. Reapings Day. The Capitol, of course, is hugely expecting the Games to come, as every other year. We will be sent back to them with a pair of two scared, unprepared and very possibly undernourished who will die within the first three days of the Games. That's what has been happening for the last six years, anyway – the furthest one of our tributes got was eighth position two years ago, but not even that is good enough. I've seen their mothers in the streets, their siblings, their friends — their boyfriends and girlfriends, even. They didn't blame me for what happened to their children, but deep inside I know they sort of do. The girl on fire, the symbol of the rebellion! How come she's now too scared to begin the quietest of stirrings in the Capitol?
I unconsciously gulp and a second later I feel how Peeta presses a kiss to the back of my head. It's not that I don't love him — because I do — but I hate being weak around him. Although I suppose after the last six years he really has seen me in all of my ups and lows.
"Rest, love."
I nod quietly and close my eyes. I have no idea of what will happen tomorrow, but at least I'll have Peeta by my side.