The next three days were the worst. People were talking about it everywhere and no matter where I went I couldn't get away from the constant talk of Madge and Greg. The kids name was Greg; he looked terrified standing up there on that stage. He didn't stand a chance, I was putting all my hopes and prayers and good luck and whatever else would help into Madge. I barely talked to anyone, I barely even looked up. Katniss pestered me on not being rude to people but I didn't really listen.

Sleepless nights, tossing and turning, mornings with only my own thoughts to keep me company while I hunted, I'd never felt so uncomfortable in the woods before, but being there, with my rambling thoughts… I couldn't find any peace.

Katniss showed up at some point, wondering why I'd been in such a bad mood, and I actually told her. I told her I'd kissed Madge, that I really wanted her to come home. I couldn't lie to my best friend, but her reaction was something I didn't expect.

"You KISSED HER?" she jumps up and screams at me.

"Huh?"

Then, she smacked me hard right across the cheek, turned on her heel and stomped off.

"Ok then," I say to myself. Shaking my head I walk away, back towards home, so I could pick up my kids and mom and take them to the square to watch the opening ceremonies. I was really confused on whether to be excited or terrified of these ceremonies. District 12 never looked good in them, but I got to see Madge for the first time since she was yanked away from me in the Justice building.

Arriving home, I open the door and a tiny girl throws herself at me. I catch her easily cooing to my baby girl as I rock her in my arms. I know they're really my siblings, but after taking care of them for so long… I kind of felt like a parent. Especially for Posy, who was born just days after my dad died, she never knew him, but I give her absolutely all the love I can give her and she's MY baby girl.

"Everybody ready to go?" I shout into the house.

Soon my mother steps out from the kitchen, and the boys follow. Rory must have grown since the last time I saw him, which was this morning because I swear he's taller, he'd just turned 15 and was beginning to beef up.

Vick was still in his young and awkward stage, where his limbs were too long for his body so he walked kind of like a gorilla. Where I'd seen a gorilla walk, I don't know, but I was sure he did kind of walk like one.

Gathering my family was quick, the walk to town slow, but we finally got there, taking seats somewhere in the middle and turning our faces to the screen.

It began quickly, with the Mayor giving an unfelt speech, his eyes are brimmed in red and his face, white as a ghost and I feel bad for him. I can see her mother, sitting in the front row, clutching hands with Mrs. Everdeen. What a blast from the past that must be for both of them. I'm told Madge looks a lot like her aunt Maysilee, who died in the Quell. Katniss told me once that the one day they, meaning Mrs. Everdeen and Mrs. Undersee get together is Mrs. Undersee's birthday, which of course she shared with Maysilee. Instead of singing happy birthday to Mrs. Undersee, they always sang happy birthday to Maysilee. It was heartbreaking, really it was.

The chariots start to roll out, one by one, District one in front, dressed to impress, the girls dress practically see through and falling off her, the boy, dressed like a god. District two was impressive as well, thought I couldn't really decide what they were supposed to be dressed as. I watch with intensity, waiting for her turn up, but barely notice the rest of the chariots. Finally, the District 11 chariot pulls out, and I knew Madge is next. 11 shocks me with their incredibly big boy and tiny little girl. She couldn't have been much bigger than Prim. I see Katniss clutching Prim close to her side, and when she catches me looking at her she scowls at me and turns away.

Finally, Madge's chariot makes its entrance, and there's a collective gasp. Another one, just for Madge. She was standing in fire. She was standing in fire. SHE WAS STANDING IN FIRE! A few seconds of panic cross over me, until I realize she's smiling and waving at the crowd, blowing kisses and catching roses. Once I get over my initial intense fear, I can really see her. She looks amazing, subtle make up, though her eyes are brightly painted with soft blue flames. Her hair is up in an intricate braided pattern around the back and piled on top of her head in beautiful curls. God I wanted to run my fingers through those girls.

She was in a full length body suit, black as coal. The flames she was standing in seemed to grow from her feet up, licking her body in indecent ways. She looked phenomenal. Cheers erupted all across the square and I felt my mouth moving into a grin, staring up at her. I don't know how long the Capital audience has been screaming her name, but it grows more deafening by the second.

Her chariot came to a stop in front of President Snow's balcony view and he make a quick speech then dismissed them. They chariots pulled away and one by one disappeared into the training center. Effectively closing her off to me until the interviews, which was almost a week away.

Bouncing and yelling about how incredible that was mom and I took the kids home, tucking them into bed and I quickly found myself walking towards town, sitting under the tree under her window, and falling asleep.