Chapter 2: Goodbyes and the Train

Katniss bursts through the doors. "Prim! I'm so sorry! I had hoped that the Capitol would leave you alone, especially after you didn't get reaped for so many years. This is all my fault!" She is starting to get slightly hysterical, and I think it's the pregnancy. She's usually pretty level headed all things considered. Though, since the games, there have been times where she hasn't been.

Thankfully, Peeta came in with her and calms her down. Once she is able to think clearly, she apologizes and gets down to business. "We will have plenty of time to talk strategy on the train. Know that we love you and will try to get you home. If we can, we'll try to bring both you and Rory home." Annoyed, she mutters, This must be why Snow wanted this baby. So I wouldn't interfere in these games." Hugging me goodbye, she whispers, "Try your best. Know that I'll do everything to get you home alive. Trust me even if it seems I don't care." When she lets go, she walks out of the door.

Mom walks in afterwards. She is crying and clings to me. "I love you. Please try to come home. You can do it."

Gale soon follows, and he says, "Prim. I'm sorry you have to go in. While I am a bit worried about Rory, he's capable like Katniss was. If you stay with him, you have a decent chance of staying alive. We have a plan to get you out. Both of you. Pay close attention to the sponsor gifts sent to you. I get the feeling these games are going to be short." As an afterthought, he adds, "May the odds be ever in your favor," as he walks out the door.

Visiting hour ends. Rory and I are rushed onto the Tribute Train with Katniss and Peeta and off we go to the Capitol. In the train we discuss some strategy, and really pretend that we're just going to the Capitol for a vacation instead of for the games. When night falls, we watch the recap of the Reapings:

"Greetings from the Capitol. I'm Claudius Templesmith with Caesar Flickerman here to give you the rundown of today's Reapings. The tributes of the 80th Hunger Games are as follows:

District 1:

Girl: Iridescence Nobles, 18

Boy: Glint Sterling, 18

District 2:

Girl: Rhyolite Cain, 18

Boy: Micah Mathis, 18

District 3:

Girl: Selene Larson, 16

Boy: Samuel Null , 17

District 4:

Girl: Coral Stone, 17

Boy: Delta Fischer, 16

District 5:

Girl: Emilie Farad, 14

Boy: Jason Watt, 15

District 6:

Girl: Lydia Steele, 16

Boy: Thomas Connor, 14

District 7:

Girl: Hazel Woods, 13

Boy: Aspen Woods, 14

District 8:

Girl: Rose Dyer, 15

Boy: Dylan Weaver, 16

District 9:

Girl: Semolina Wilder, 16

Boy: Rye Fulton, 17

District 10:

Girl: Miranda Donalds, 14

Boy: Clyde Shepard, 15

District 11:

Girl: Rhea May, 12

Boy: Wren Terrell, 15

District 12:

Girl: Primrose Everdeen, 18

Boy: Rory Hawthorne, 18"

As usual, the Careers look fierce and excited while everyone else mostly looks dejected. Once the tributes are named, Katniss turns off the television while Rory and I stand up and exit the train car. I'm starting to get nervous as we go to our rooms. Rory stops me before I enter mine. "Are you ok Prim?"

"Not really. I'm scared, and I'm not sure we're going to survive."

"Me too, but if we stick together, we'll make it through. Allies?"

"Allies. Thanks Rory."

"Any time."

When he walks away, I can't help but think:

Tomorrow, everything begins.

When we finally arrive in the Capitol, there are many cheering fans just waiting to watch us die in a few days. While I should be angry at them, I can only muster up feelings of intense sorrow. These people live their entire lives in the luxuries of the Capitol and will never know some of the joys of the districts. Like freedom from those ridiculous fashions, and nature. Those who don't exit the districts illegally at least get to see some nature in its natural form unlike here. Their world is so artificial. Regardless, it's time for us to go.

Waving to the fans, we head over to the Tribute Center where our stylists will prepare us for the upcoming tribute parade tonight.

After the tributes are listed:

"Well, Caesar, it would appear that we have some very interesting tributes this year. First we have the usual careers. I'm betting that Glint Sterling and Micah Mathis are going to be the strongest two competitors in the Arena."

"Ah you know me Claudius. I'm betting on the boy from District 12. What's his name? Rory Hawthorne right? Isn't he the cousin of Katniss Everdeen, the victor of the 74th and 75th Hunger Games?"

"Eh. Guess we'll find out. Anyway, I see Primrose Everdeen has finally gotten reaped. Do you think she'll turn out anything like her sister?"

"I hope so. All of Panem was thrilled when Katniss volunteered for her years ago and won, but now, Primrose is older and Katniss can't volunteer. She might have a chance, though, from what we've seen, she has more of a healer's instinct which might save her life or get her killed depending. Personally, I've fallen in love with her just like the rest of Panem, and it'll be so sad to see her go."

"One last thing before we go Caesar. We might have another twist in these games with the District 7 tributes."

"Yes, they will definitely add some flavor to these games. When Hazel Woods was reaped, her brother, Aspen Woods, volunteered for the male tribute. He wore a fierce expression that seemed to say, "If anyone harms my sister, they will pay." I'm not sure if that was a smart move or not seeing as how he's still fourteen, but who knows? They learn some crazy axe skills in District 7."

[Caesar laughs] "I agree. I'm sure Panem is looking forward to the interviews as much as I am."

[Looking at the camera, Claudius shoots a wide grin] "That's all for now. See you back here tomorrow for the live coverage of the Tribute Parade!"