Author's note: Hi. Wrote this for a coursera course. The prompt was to introduce a new character to two characters from a book you've recently enjoyed, in 400 words or less. "Dimity" is supposed to be a particular tribute, but I figured this would be close enough to creating my own character.
Edit 10/10/18: Changed some awkward wording.
They weren't friendly, but they weren't aggressive. Dimity debated approaching them for days when at training, she saw them chatting. Peeta smiled. Katniss laughed. And Dimity thought, it might be a good time. She was so lonely.
"Hi."
Katniss and Peeta exchanged wary glances.
Katniss appraised her, scowling.
Peeta titled his head. "Hi?"
"I'm D-Dimity," she stammered. "I kn-know how to sew, do you want to practice with me? I just learned how to build fires."
Whatever bubble of camaraderie had enveloped the partners had snapped when Dimity tried to enter. Katniss tensed. Peeta wavered.
"I'm not looking for allies," said Katniss. She turned around and stormed up the stairs, stopping to thumb through some instructional display on the mezzanine. Peeta watched her go.
"We don't have to be allies," Dimity pleaded, regaining his attention. "I don't expect anyone to fight for me; I know I won't be any use. When the game starts, we can just pretend we don't know each other."
The confusion in his face softened, just enough to encourage her.
"What did you bring with you?" she asked. "I brought a book, Collected Fairy Tales. Do they have that book, in District 12? You can read it." She retrieved the worn volume from her bag. It had been her grandmother's, passed down. The tradition would end with her, probably. She didn't think the Capitol would send it back. Her mother and father had each written a good-bye note in the title page, as long as heartfelt as could be given the short notice.
She'd lost his attention again. He was looking up at Katniss. When Katniss turned to glower down at them, he averted his gaze. Stepped back, distancing himself. "I don't have time. I have to meet up with my mentor."
"Are you… you're playing?" Her voice was a faint squeak. She'd thought he was different. He hadn't seemed like a killer.
Peeta laughed bitterly. "I don't have a choice."
"But you're trying? To win?"
He glanced back up at Katniss. "Sorry. I have to go."
"Wait!" She clutched her book in front of her. "I'll help you train! I'll help you practice! I'm not playing! I just want a friend!"
He didn't even turn to look at her as he left. "I have enough friends to worry about."
Days later, when he killed her, he hoped she took it as an act of friendship.