It has been a year since the death of my beautiful sister, Primrose Everdeen, and every day feels worse than the one before. I stare out the window in the direction of Peeta Mellark's house in Victor's Village, seeing a glimpse of him in the window. I haven't left this house properly in over seven months. The longest I go outside for is an hour, the majority of the time I just sit in the lounge, staring at pictures of Prim. Greasy Sae has told me multiple times that I need to get out the house. That I should do volunteer work or even just go to the forest. But I can't. I have tried so many times but every time I bring myself to the fence my body just locks. I physically can't move.

I hear the front door open, indicating that Greasy Sae has finished her shift and is returning back home. The house falls silent once more, apart from the gentle drip of the tap in the background from the kitchen. I return my attention back to the window and I notice Peeta staring out of his house. Staring at me. I blink before turning my head away quickly. I feel my heart rate increase rapidly, afraid that Peeta would view that eye contact as a form of invitation for him to come round. To socialise with me.

Part of me does still Peeta but someone like me does not deserve love. I have inflicted too much pain and suffering on too many people. So many people have died all in the name of the 'mockingjay', but what did I actually achieve? Nothing. I feel my fingers begin to tremble at the thought of the lives lost because of me. It is bad enough that their faces haunt me every night in my dreams. Peeta attempted a form of friendship with me during the brief months following after the collapse of the Capitol but it was short lived. I began to become more and more enclosed, shutting Peeta out. He has attempted a few times previously to speak to me but I never answer the phone nor door. On my birthday I was greeted by the pleasant surprise of a birthday cake left on my door step, however, I had to throw it away for I remembered how much Prim loved the way in which Peeta would decorate cakes.

I hear the phone ring in the hall way but I ignore it. I've worked out that between each ring is a time gap of two seconds. The phone also rings seven times before the caller is sent to voicemail. I count the rings just like I counted the cannons in the arena. The phone finally stops ringing and I release a sigh of relief before running my fingers through my tangled hair. Five minutes later, however, I hear a knock at the door. It must be Peeta. My stomach plummets. I knew he viewed the eye contact as an invitation. I remain silent, hoping that Peeta thinks I have fallen asleep. However, I hear another knock on the door, this time much louder than before. I lift myself up out the armchair and open the door.

"Go away," I mutter before registering who is at the door.

"I know that you are living by yourself but that is not a valid excuse for the lack of manners!' I hear a familiar voice exclaim.

"Effie?" I question in disbelief, opening the door completely.

"Katniss, it is so good to see you. I would say you look well but we both know that would be a lie,' Effie states.

"It's good to see you as well," I reply.

I invite Effie into the house as I know she would criticise me on my manners, otherwise. I can see her judging the state of it, although she chooses not to comment. Effie sits on the edge of the armchair in the lounge, her vibrant green hair being the brightest thing in the room. I sit across from Effie, taking in her appearance, she hasn't changed much. She has a lot a little bit of weight but nothing drastic. Effie is draped in lilac silk, wrapped tightly around her body, as if it was a snake inflicting its grasp on her.

"How have you been, Katniss?" Effie asks me whilst placing her hands gently in her lap. How am I? What kind of question is that to ask someone? I haven't been able to have a peaceful night's sleep in over a year. My arms are covered in cuts from where I scratch myself in my sleep. Effie is the first person I have spoken to in over three months. How am I?

"I'm okay," I reply bluntly. Effie alters her body language slightly, clearly feeling uncomfortable by the presence of someone such as myself. Why wouldn't she? I am not like the people you find in the Capitol. I am a savage.

"Well I am here to present you with a fantastic opportunity," Effie chirps.

"The last time you said that I was sent into the hunger games," I scoff. Effie's smile fades from her face quickly and I instantly regret what I have said. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay Katniss. You have the right to be angry, of course you do. This opportunity, however, I believe will benefit you greatly. I have already spoken to Peeta-"

"Peeta? What has he got to do with this?"

"Well, I was just thinking that-"

"This is exactly like before. What? You want me to put on a show once again? That me and Peeta are in love? Well forget it. I have already given enough!" I scream. Effie's eyes widen in disbelief and I can see her shaking her head.

"I am not asking that of you. I will never ask anything like that from you again. You have given far too much and I am forever sorry," Effie replies with sincerity. I can see tears filling in her eyes before she shakes her head once more and regains composure. "It is clear to see how much you are struggling here, Katniss. There are too many memories. The same goes for Peeta. That is where this fantastic opportunity comes in for you two. Since the fall of President Snow we have been able to communicate with other countries outside that of Panem, forming new connections. This has resulted in Panem having richer products and materials through trading with various countries, such as Cloyden located just south of here. The country of Larp has opened its doors to all people involved within the rebellion, offering them a new home, a fresh start."

"Larp?" I question, never hearing of this country before.

"Yes. The country was originally founded as Spain centuries ago. I don't want you to feel like I am putting pressure on you but I really think that this is the start you and Peeta need," Effie states. She glances down at her watch before releasing a heavy sigh, "I must leave. Katniss, please consider this opportunity. And for god sake, answer your phone! This is the first time we have spoken in over a year!" She raises herself up from the arm chair and embraces me in a tight hug. I have almost forgotten what human contact feels like. Her sickly invades my nostril but my body almost welcomes the feeling. She kisses me gently on the cheek before leaving my house, leaving me alone.

I return back to my armchair, my mind racing with thoughts. It almost seems surreal. I have always wondered what lay further past Panem and now I have been given the opportunity to explore it. But how can I leave District 12? So many people have already abandoned this district, so many of the citizens have died. I can't leave it. Its home. It was because of me that District 12 was blown up by the Capitol. It was because of me that so many people died. I cannot abandon this district. I cannot abandon my home.

But this isn't my home anymore. It's just a town full of ghosts.