CHAPTER 1
I sat in the train on the way back to the capitol. Peeta was at my side. The nights had been long and the nightmares endless, not even Peeta helped much as this day had drawn closer. I regretted my decision profusely but there was no going back. The reapings of the cruel capitol politician's children was due to start tomorrow. I felt bad. Most of these politicians weren't even alive now and yet we were still punishing their children for their crimes, just as the capitol had done because of our ancestors crimes.
Haymitch stumbled in clutching Effie's arm as support. I allowed myself a smile. Some things never change. Effie shook herself free of the liquor infused, middle aged man and begun to babble about the schedule of the next couple of days; All my live appearances and most importantly the organisation of the last hunger games. She was thrilled to be in charge of the timing of the whole affair, to be just as important, if not more important than Haymitch.
Peeta smiled sadly at me and helped Haymitch into a chair before leaving the compartment to get changed. I knew Peeta was angry at me and Haymitch for agreeing to the games. Haymitch and I were angry at ourselves! Hence Haymitch`s state. My prep team gathered me off to get me ready, as possibly the most famous person in the whole of panem; the mockingjay must look her best. She mustn't look like the mad person who left there after having killed president Coin in an attempt to avenge her sister's death.
Octavia, Venia and Flavius carried in yet another flawless gown of Cinna`s that I didn't know existed. It was a red flowing dress with glittering gems all over it. The beauty of it carried a wave of sadness and I wondered how many of these wondrous gowns existed and if I will ever stop feeling this crushing pain that threatens to bubble over when I see a piece of Cinnas work. Flavius put my hair in an exquisite braid that wrapped round my head just like in my first games and Venia did my make up with a palette of swirling smoky grey colours. Octavia painted my nails a smoky grey with fire climbing up the sides. I knew who they were turning me into. I was going back to the days where I was known as… The girl on fire!
