When I woke, I could tell instantly that I was someone else. My body ached and I felt tired. Sitting up, I looked around and saw that I was in a spacious bedroom. I got out of bed carefully, trying to not cause my body too much pain. Slowly, I went to the bathroom and got a good look in the mirror. I saw dark hair and grey eyes. Thinking hard, I tried to figure out who I was. Then, I heard someone yelling a name.
"Katniss!" A man called.
I was Katniss Everdeen. The girl on fire. I started to freak out. I couldn't do this. I didn't know where I was. I can't be in a war again. Was this before the first Hunger Games? Before the second? After the book series ended. I really hope it was after the book series ended.
"Katniss!" They called again.
"In here!" I yelled back, cringing.
I took deep breaths and tried to calm myself down. The man calling came into view. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. Peeta Mellark. I tried to look calm.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Nightmare," I replied.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright," I shrugged.
"Are you almost ready? We were supposed to meet Effie an hour ago."
"What?" I played into it. "Why did you let me oversleep?"
"You needed it. It's alright. We are just making a stupid promo."
"A stupid promo?" I wondered.
"Yeah. People are still interested in seeing us. And after that, Effie wants to do wedding planning with you."
I groaned, but I was secretly pleased. I wasn't in any war, but having to be a pretty face for freedom. Hopefully I could do that, but that felt too easy. Why am I here? Surely I wasn't here to make promos and talk to people. What could I gain here?
"Katniss?" Peeta asked, concerned.
"Sorry. Just lost in thought. It is still hard to believe that it's over."
"I know."
Peeta held out his arms and I ran into them. I hugged him tightly. When we parted, he smiled down at me.
"Ready to go?"
"Just a few more minutes."
"Alright. I'll be waiting."
Quickly, I got ready and meet him in the hallway.
"Come on," he said, holding out an arm.
I put my arm through his and we went to meet others. It was nervous the entire way there and I knew Peeta noticed. He held my hand and rubbed my back. It was strange to be here. These were getting harder and more confusing. And more dangerous.
We made it there and an annoyed Effie was waiting on the porch.
"Where have you two been?" She demanded.
"Sleeping," I said, lamely.
"Sleeping?!" She shrieked.
"Yeah…so that I look well rested today. Would you rather I show up with bags under my eyes," I smarted off.
"No. I guess not." She sighed. "Come in. We don't have much time. We are meeting the crew in District 12's square in four hours. No time to waste."
"Okay."
People came in and dragged Peeta off. I looked at me with mock fear and I just shrugged. He put a hand to his chest, pretending to be offended. Then, he smiled at me. I smiled back.
People were running around me and I failed to remember their names. No of them talked to me too much so that was nice. My face ended up covered in makeup, my hair was twisted into ways different braids, and I was shoved into a dress. They dragged me off to a mirror.
Katniss did looked beautiful. Her dress was of course in warm colors and the makeup matched. Her hair was put into a complicated braid with a rose. I thought roses were associated with President Snow. Wait, was President Snow the enemy I was going to have to face.
Effie noticed the horror in my expression.
"We thought the rose needed a new association. We can change it if you want."
"No. You're right," I shoved away the feelings. "Thank you. I look amazing…as always."
"Thank you. Now, it's time to go."