My mouth has gone completely dry; I think my heart may have stopped momentarily. But I have no choice, and I shake my head, tuck in my blouse, and walk up onto the stage. Effie seems to be a little surprised that I am so young. I pass Katniss on my slow, stiff walk up to the stage. The blood must be gone from my face. I had one slip, one in thousands! How is this possible?
My mind is reeling as I step onto the stairs to get onto the stage. All of a sudden, I hear Katniss, yelling my name, running up to grab my arm, to stop me.
"Katniss don't do anything stupid. Do not let mom die because you tried to save me." It is so hard to say these words, and she looks at me incredulously, but I keep walking up the stairs. Everyone is staring, and I'm sure they have heard what I said, as Katniss steps back, tears running down her face. Katniss never cries, ever. I feel horrible, but I can't let her do this. I walk onstage, feeling very small. Gale walks forward and pulls Katniss back, and she still strains against him.
Effie holds her microphone up and says, "Let's have a round of applause for our newest tribute, Primrose Everdeen!" Not one person claps, not even the ones betting on the tributes. They have all seen me around, known Katniss, or been healed by my mother. They know that the Everdeens have already lost a father and now probably a daughter too. Then something unexpected happens, one person, then another, and then the whole crowd raises the three fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out to me. This is the gesture that is old and rarely used to bid goodbye at a funeral. It means goodbye to someone you love.
Suddenly, Haymitch stumbles forward, lurching back and forth and says to the crowd, "Why doesn't anyone volunteer? She is so young." His words are almost unrecognizable, and he sways, falling forward off the stage. Katniss is fighting Gale, even harder, but he knows, if she goes, my mother will definitely die. Effie continues on, with the male tribute, Peeta Mellark, a medium height, stocky build, shy blond haired boy. I recognize his face, from school. His family works at the bakery.
Katniss spoke of him once, I wish I could remember what she'd said. Effie asks for volunteers and no one, of course does. The mayor recites the treaty of treason and has us shake hands. Peeta looks me smack in the eye and gives my have a shake. He is so much taller than me, though most people probably will be.
Author's Note
What is with Peeta? Will Prim stand a chance against 23 larger tributes? Find out soon! Please Review!
-Michela Snow