I see my little boy Rye running towards me. Except this Rye is older from my little Rye, his eyes no longer are blue like his father's they've turned grey like my own. As I look closer I see the direction that he is coming from. He is coming from the woods. Except these aren't my woods.
No these are from my arena. Soon after I see Lulu coming after screaming covered in blood. As I take a closer look at both of them I realize that they're both wearing the same tribute outfits Peeta and I wore. This can't be happening. My child and his cousin are part of the Quell. I try to scream for them to come to me so I can protect them. But then I realize that I am inside a tube unable to get out. As I bang the tube and cry begging to get out I notice that from the same direction comes some type of wolf like mutt. It rushes after the kids.
As I look at then closely they're no longer teens but they're little kids again. They're both running playing tag unaware of the mutt that's behind them. Rye seems to notice the beast and he senses that it's danger so he pushes Lulu out of the way. The mutt soon enough has gotten a hold of my son. He starts digging his teeth into his flesh, I hear his bones breaking.
I try to smash my way out of the tube but nothing happens. Finally after what seems hours of the mutt attacking Rye it pulls away. As it pulls away it slowly turns to human. The closer that I look at it I notice that it's Cerise. She looks happy and she sees me. The tube disappears and Cerise runs to my arms. She jumps up and down in my arms and says in her happiest voice ever, "Mommy look at what I did. I did it for you.
After what seems forever of me not responding Cerise turns to a mutt and starts chasing me. I don't even realize that I had started running til I lose my footing and fall down a hill. Like I did when the gamemakers threw fireballs at me. My body soon starts shaking and the light scenery changes.
My eyes shoot open to Peeta on top of me looking worried. I should've known it was just a nightmare that my children are four now about to turn five in September. Nothing is going to happen to them. Peeta sits down next to me and lays my head on his lap. He begins to play with my hair hoping that it calms me down.
"Katniss it's all a nightmare the kids are fine, they're playing with Lulu in their own personal part of the train," says Peeta in the most calm voice ever.
"it's just that the nightmare looked so real, Rye and Lulu were all grown up and forced to participate in the Quell. They were back in our arena, Peeta. I was there with them in a tube forced to look as a mutt chase after them. Then they turn back to being little children and the mutt got my baby boy. After our boy died the mutt turned out to be Cerise," I tell him with tears in my eyes.
Peeta looks uncomfortable but continues to play with my hair. He knows they're only dreams but we're afraid that Snow will try to get back at us.
"Katniss remember that the kids are loved by the Capitol. They'll do anything to make sure that if they were to go into the games, they would get all the sponsors. To them we've become part of their family, part of their lives. If anything were to happen to us they'd freak out. Remember when they found out that Cerise was sick during the games like two years ago. They sent us all types of medicines and some even sent doctors to the Tribute Center. I am sure that they'll ask for anything to keep them alive, like maybe a rule change," Peeta said trying to sound as confident as ever.
Now that I think about it the Capitol would throw riots if something were to the twins. They would beg for rule changes or anything to keep us together. I know for sure that Snow doesn't want to upset his precious Capitol. If the Capitol were to up rise then the districts would soon follow. He can't touch my kids.
I get off of Peeta's lap and say, "You're right."
He chuckles and replies, "I know that I am, so how about we get ready for breakfast, you know we'll arrive soon. And we still got to talk to Lena and Julian about what they should expect once we get off the train."
I groan and complain, "Can't Rye and Haymitch do it? It's too early to be up. The baby and I just want to stay in bed."
Peeta just laughs and says, "I know I wish that they could but we are also their mentors. We also need to get you checked with a doctor and sew how the baby is doing."
"You know I don't like going to the doctors they put that cold gel on me. Sometimes I think that they do it on purpose."
"Katniss they don't."
"How do you know?"
"Because they warned you it would be cold,"
"I'm sure that's all a lie, I mean look at all the technology the Capitol has yet they don't have the gel warm."
"Katniss as much as I love you, right now you're acting like a child."
"Well you married me so get used to it."
"Well you have no idea, how used to it I am."
I try to give him my best scowl and he only laughs and gets off the bed. Peeta grabs my hand and pulls me off the bed. He makes our way to the shower. I am not ready for this day.
Once out the shower we see that our clothes for the day were left out for us on our bed. For me there is a pastel yellow sundress for me and Peeta has khakis and a sapphire blue button down shirt. We get dressed quickly hoping not to get a lecture from Effie.
When we get to the dining room again we were the last ones there. Rye and Cerise are already seated next to Lulu matching in color scheme. Both Cerise and Lulu are wearing pink tutu dresses while Rye is wearing a pink button up shirt and khakis. Guessing they're all in pink, Effie must have gotten to them first. I'm kind of happy it was them and not us.
Looking around the table I noticed the only able seats are next to Madge and in front of Lena and Julian. I lead Peeta to our seats and grab as many cheese buns and put them on my plate. I hear Effie murmur manners causing them to laugh trying so hard not to be heard by Effie. I ignore her comment and devour the first cheese bun.
A conversation seems to have started while I've been enjoying my cheese buns, Haymitch then decides to bring me into the conversation by saying, "Katniss god knows I don't want to be like Effie but I have to quote her. Pay attention."
I glare at him and say, "Sorry I'm just really hungry."
He laughs and says, "Yeah I know, now back to our original conversation tell the tributes what to expect when they get off."
I stare at both Lena and Julian who seem to have been staring at me. I think about it and say, "Well when you get off you'll be taken away by our prep teams and they will make you look like what they consider almost "human". Don't go off on them for any comments like that. They're only doing their job and considering that they were raised here they see that as normal. They will "clean" you and prepare you for our stylists trust them. Don't argue back at all they know what they're doing, since our games District twelve had actually looked good so don't question them."
I look at them sternly and hope they got all that. It seems that they have so then I ask, "Do y'all have any questions for us?"
They shake their heads and return to eating. But then Haymitch asks, "Do either of you have and talent or skill that y'all believe is worth it in the arena?"
They both look at each other not knowing what to say. So Peeta speaks up, "You know like being good with some type of weapon."
"We'll I am good with knives," Lena musters up.
Rye asks, "Define how good?"
"I can throw it at moving objects since in the apothecary we have mice and people come in try to take some of the medicine," says Lena.
Haymitch being his usual self replies, "Have you ever hit a person with so call your knife skills?"
"Yeah, she hit this one guy I know on his shoulder. He was a mess covered in blood," answers Julian for her.
Lena looked surprised. "How would you know that unless you were there with the there," she accused.
"Well I just happened to walk by and see all the commotion," Julian replies backing away from her.
"No it was you because I remember there were two guys one up front and the other who messed around the back door to get my attention," Lena yelled.
"Why would I want to get your attention?"
Effie being Effie yells, "Manners both of you, these sponsors want civilized people, not animals."
"Well Effie may I remind you we are just your precious cattle who will be turned to killers just to live by next week," replies Julian.
With that being said Effie leaves taking the kids with her and Haymitch throws a knife at Julian. Julian screams in pain and Lena being her usual self pulls the knife out of Julian's arm and puts napkins on his wound. She stares at us asking for help but we can't, silently Haymitch has spoken. These tributes have a fight in them and one of them is coming back. Lena asks for the avoxes' help and they come in quick hearing that a tribute has been hurt.
They patch him up and apply some weird cream that speeds up the healing process. All their is left on Julian that's proof that he's had a knife on him is the small pink scar on him. Out of nowhere we hear Haymitch scream in pain and we see that there is a knife stuck on his shoulder as well but this one deeper than it was on Julian. We turn to look at Lena who had thrown the knife at Haymitch. The room is silenced in shock.
Then out of nowhere Haymitch starts clapping. We're all in shock but for some reason Rye joins along.
"Well done Princess you have the fight to come out alive," Haymitch asks.
"Don't call me Princess, I have a name," she says.
"Oh feisty now are we? Keep it like that and I'm sure you'll make it out of the arena alive. Now you not do you use any skills," Haymitch asks.
"Uh I can wrestle and I ran track at school, thanks here to the Mellarks it was required to play at least two sports in school," he says pointing at all of us.
"Well then if y'all stop acting like little kids then I'll try to not kill y'all before y'all make it to the arena. And I promise that one of you will come back home," Haymitch said while pulling the knife out of him.
The door to the dining room suddenly burst and the kids come in rushing. Behind them follows Effie telling them to be quiet. When she comes to view of us she screams. She rushes towards Haymitch and yells for help. Soon again the avoxes come rushing in sewing his wound while Effie stays right next to him.
This had been the most human side of Effie I think any of have seen. The kids go up to Haymitch and stare at him. Cerise being Cerise asks, "What's wrong grandpa, did you drink again and fell on your knife?"
Rye starts laughing and Madge elbows him. "Rye what did I tell you about laughing about others people pain," said Madge
Rye looks defensively at his wife and says, "Well it's not my fault Cerise asked a question that's based on a fact in a very funny."
Cerise looks around offended and says, "Daddy, Uncle Rye is being mean to me again. Tell him to stop being mean to me. I'm just a sweet little kid."
Peeta looks sternly at Rye and says, "Rye leave my daughter alone. Don't blame her for you being you."
"Seriously Peets you can't tell me what to do. I'm older than you."
"How about we settle this when we get to the gym and have one of our famous matches. The first one to get pinned down loses."
"Okay I agree so how about loser has to take all shifts with Dad and Farl for the next two weeks after we return."
"Umm add in the family dinners with Mom and you've got yourself a deal."
Madge and I start to laugh at them arguing. We've seen them argue like that at school or in the bakery. It's usually over stupid stuff, but this takes a toll of all the other fights they've had. They once got into a fight over who made the best cheese buns which obviously Peeta won. Actually I told him that he better win if not he would've slept on the couch.
"Everybody remember about your manners. We just arrived," screams Effie at the top off her lungs.
We all just start laughing as she looks at us and walks away. I look at Julian and Lena knowing this will be their last moment of happiness. Once out of the train they belong to the Capitol.
"Well tributes now that we're here you have to make the Capitol happy. One of them outside could be rich and sponsor you, so smile and wave like the kids are doing," I say remembering what Peeta did when we first got here.
"Now Rye, come here," I say and both Ryes came towards my direction.
I pick up my little boy and smack Rye, "Not you, you bimbo."
Peeta goes and grabs Cerise picks her up and we head towards the exit. At the exit there is an avox with Effie waiting for all of us to open up the door. Once he counts all of us, he opens up the door.
Outside the door we see maybe hundreds of people just happy to see us. They're all screaming our names and I swear some of them faint. We make it through the path guarded by Peacekeepers into a big black car. Then Effie, Haymitch come through protecting Lena and Julian who seem to have followed our advice. Lena is blowing kisses, hugging anybody, & accepting their gifts. Julian is just shaking hands and actually kissing people on their cheeks.
Their names become a chant among the crows. This is just perfect. They want them, they're already rooting for them. I turn to Peeta and says, "We can bring one of them home."
He nods and smiles, "If they're this popular, they might as well replace us."
Peeta is right. We were this big when we got here. If we play it right we can bring them home or maybe both of them. Rye was big because he was Peeta's brother. Lena is big here because she is my cousin. They'll want another Everdeen or Mellark into their collection of victors. To them the more the merrier.
Rest on my head on Peeta's shoulder and whisper as innocently as possible, "Can we have a picnic on the roof top?"
He nods his head and says, "I'll make cheese buns if you convince Effie to take care of the twins."
The car seems to have stopped pretty fast that I feel myself almost fly off but Peeta had already snaked his arms around my waist. Effie is the first to get out and says, "This is mine and Haymitch's stop. Lena, Julian follow us. As the rest of y'all are to go to Caesar Flickerman's studio for an interview."
Soon enough Lena and Julian get off the car followed by Haymitch. Lena turns around and asks, "Should we be afraid of what's to come?"
I think about it, should they really be afraid. Right now they're clueless of what they really got themselves into. For them winning the games means never going hungry again, ever having to think working in the mines, or having to marry to keep their business in their family.
But in reality you just become a toy for the Capitol. They mold you into something they want. If you retaliate then there is Haymitch or Johanna as example. I don't think they would want that but that's the life they were selected for.
I nod my head and Haymitch closes the door. The driver then takes off and soon enough we arrive at the studio. The driver opens the door for us and we are greeted by Caesar's assistant who seems humanist unlike the rest of the people here. She has natural black hair well what I assume to be and what seems to natural tan. Her clothes also seemed normal something Johanna usually wears: a maroon crop top, skin tight leather pants, and maroon combat boots.
"Oh my goodness I can't believe I'm meeting y'all. I swear everybody here loves you. I think y'all are the best. Y'all have no idea how happy Caesar has been since he made the appointment to interview y'all. Effie said y'all had a tight schedule but since it was for Caesar she made the exception for us. Anyway hi my name is Cerise just like your cute daughter over here but y'all can call me Daphne. But y'all can call me whatever y'all want.
"Anyway Caesar has left me special instructions for y'all. Right now he and Claudius are hosting a parade costume prediction show and that will be over in like twenty minutes. So right now I am to take y'all to the green room and then I'll get y'all to go on stage."
Daphne motions for us to get out of the car and Cerise runs up to her. She holds out her hand for Daphne to take which she does. Peeta takes Rye in his arms and we follow Daphne and Cerise who seem to be lost in conversation. Rye turns to look at me and says, "Please tell me Cerise won't turn out like her, she's too loud and seems to never quiet down."
This causes Peeta to laugh and me to scowl. I've been telling Rye not to judge other people. He keeps getting in trouble for that at school and now being here at the Capitol I'm sure he'll have no self control.
We seem to make our way through what seems an endless path till we finally reach a door with a "Mellark Family" sign on it. Daphne opens the door and says she'll be back in a couple of minutes. Though before leaving she gives Cerise a big hug.
Cerise turns around says, "Mommy I like her. Can we keep her?"
"Cerise what did I tell you about owning people?"
"That it's bad and we shouldn't allow it."
"That's right."
"It's not fair the people in the Capitol get to have whatever they want," she mumbles.
I don't know where she is getting from but it needs to stop. I observe the room I am amazed there's all the food that we like. I saw cheese buns, lamb stew, red velvet cupcakes for Cerise, a chocolate fountain for Rye, giant lollipops for Lulu, and so much more food. It didn't stop there was a marvelous grand piano for Madge, an acoustic guitar for Rye, a sketchbook for Peeta, color pencils, toys for the kids, and so much more. They must have planned this a head and looked back for what we liked. Madge has only ever said that she plays the piano in a special Caesar did for Rye to see how marriage life was treating him.
As I look around I see that Peeta has already grabbed the sketch book and has sat down on a couch looking at the kids. I go sit next to him lay my head on his lap. He doesn't seem to notice as he continues on his work. Rye on the other hand sat next to Madge and stares at he play one of the most beautiful melody. Her hands move so beautifully that it causes the kids to stare. I remembered when she tried to teach me to play and I couldn't I was bad at it. But listening to her now makes me want to know how to play it. Though who am I kidding I could never make such beautiful music come out like her.
I start to hum the music trying to stay in harmony with it. Then in my mind I come up with lyrics.
"I've seen the world
Done it all
Had my cake now
Diamonds, brilliant
And Bel Air now
Hot summer nights, mid July
When you and I were forever wild
The crazy days, city lights
The way you'd play with me like a child
Will you still love me
When I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me
When I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will8
I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?
I've seen the world, lit it up
As my stage now
Channeling angels in the new age now
Hot summer days, rock 'n' roll
The way you play for me at your show
And all the ways I got to know
Your pretty face and electric soul
Will you still love me
When I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me
When I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will
I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
Dear Lord, when I get to heaven
Please let me bring my man
When he comes tell me that you'll let him in
Father tell me if you can
Oh that grace, oh that body
Oh that face makes me wanna party
He's my sun, he makes me shine like diamonds
Will you still love me
When I'm no longer young and beautiful?
Will you still love me
When I got nothing but my aching soul?
I know you will, I know you will
I know that you will
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?
Will you still love me when I'm not young and beautiful?"
"Oh Katniss, that was so beautiful," says Madge that makes me realize that I was singing out loud.
"Yeah Katniss, I thought the Valley song made me a goner but this is beyond on compare," Peeta adds in.
"Yeah mommy, I wish I could sing like that when I grow up," said Cerise looking so amazed.
I just blush and take Peeta's sketchbook and use it to hide from everybody. Though as I take it I see that Peeta had been drawing Cerise in yesterday's outfit. I've seen most of his work except the ones he won't let me see from his nightmares. But every time I see anything he makes I am amazed. I am amazed at how he can draw all the small detail and remember everything. Cerise comes to me and takes away the sketchbook.
She stares at it in awe and says, "Daddy you made me look so pretty. I think prettier than the mirror."
"Well Cerise you are very pretty, the prettiest girl in the world," says Peeta.
Rye trying to play around, "Well are you saying that Lulu isn't pretty?"
Peeta getting the weird way they communicate replies, "Well you know what I mean."
"Well your daughter isn't the only girl in the world."
"Rye, don't worry Lulu is one of the prettiest girl in the world and the only reason for that is because of Madge. Lulu got her looks from her luckily. I mean when we were younger you could've passed for a ginger."
"Wait is that true," Madge asks.
"Yeah it is, we have some rare pictures of him during the summer when his hair would turn reddish."
"Wait daddy had red hair," asks Lulu with a shocked face.
I swear I'm with her on this. I don't remember ever seeing Rye with strawberry blonde hair ever. But then again Peeta was the only one who would ever be really up in the morning with his dad when me and my dad would trade with his. Then again the only reason Peeta would always be in the back of the bakery to see me. I swear if I had seen Rye with his strawberry blonde hair I would've used it to my advantage whenever he messed with me.
As I am about to ask Peeta to draw Rye with his reddish hair, the door burst open. Daphne looks at us and says, "It's time for the interview. Okay so since y'all aren't getting interviewed one by one y'all will be separated from the kids. There will be a long sofa for the adults and a love seat for the kids."
"So how about Rye you carry your Lulu and hold Madge's hand. Peeta you carry Cerise and Katniss you carry Rye on the opposite side that Peeta holds Cerise and hold his hand. So now follow me. I know that after this y'all have to leave pretty quickly cause y'all have to get ready for the Tribute Parade."
We follow her again through a similar path and we can hear Caesar talking. We are greeted by the stage manager who just smiles and waves. He speaks starts speaking to a little electronic device on his ear. Then he motions us to move first Rye and Magde go and I swear I think I am about to go death at the screams of the live studio audience. How Caesar has not gone deaf is a wonder to me. Then the stage manager motions for us to go and I swear the audience gets ten times louder.
Caesar comes and greets us, giving all of us a hug. We let go of the twins and they take a seat with Lulu in front of us.
Caesar this year has his hair a soft mint green and so is the rest of his outfit. He turns to look at the audience and says, "Let's start with the bottom row first. Here we have the precious Lulu Mellark daughter of Rye Mellark winner of the third quarter quell and Madge Mellark daughter of the Mayor of District Twelve. Next to her are the loveable Mellark twins, Cerise Mellark and Rye Stark Mellark kids of twelve's star-crossed lovers."
The crowd goes crazy and the kids just smile and wave. Cerise being a show off like her uncle, blows kisses and accepts some. Caesar motions the crowd to quiet down and motions the kids to sit down.
"Now here we have victor of the third quarter quell who dropped a bomb on us during his interview. Now let's take a lot and sew for ourselves," he motions for everybody to look at the screen.
"Now I'd like for y'all Panem I'd like for you to give a warm welcome to someone we know so well. We officially met him in his brother's wedding Rye Mellark." says Caesar.
Rye walks out the stage wearing a modern pearl white tux. He makes his way blowing kisses and accepting roses from his fans. Caesar sticks his hand out for Rye to shake except he takes him in for a hug.
"Well he is a huger. Anyway Rye welcome back to the Capitol. Last time you were here it was for Peeta's wedding."
"Yes it was and it is good to be back with the honor to represent my district. But Peeta's wedding I have to say it shocked me. Because we'd all thought I'd be the first to be married. But since I'm not my niece or nephew get to be named after me."
" Oh do tell."
"Well you see Caesar I always had a girlfriend unlike Peeta who was after Katniss. So we made a deal whoever was the first to get married the other would name their child. That and since we knew Farl our older brother would obviously be the first to get married."
"Well speaking of girlfriends you are obviously a handsome young man now tell me do you have a girl back home waiting for you?"
"Well Caesar you just can't put me in this situation. I don't know if she wants to be known by all of Panem."
"I am sure she is proud of being your girlfriend."
"I guess you are right Caesar, but can keep a secret."
"Of course Rye."
"Well everyone in Panem already knows her. She was in Peeta and Katniss' wedding. And she isn't just my girlfriend, but my wife."
The whole crowd goes silent. They're all waiting for Rye to continue.
"Well Rye I thought Peeta was the first to get married."
"Well he did it's just that she and I got married after after the Quarter Quell was announced. Since there was one out of six chances that I'd get the honor to represent my district we were like we have to do this now."
"So y'all had a secret wedding or what do explain."
"Not official marriage according to the Justice Building or Panem but a marriage still legitimate in twelve. It's just a tradition we have in Twelve that we consider to be an official wedding. We had a toasting. We want our love to be eternal."
"So who is this lucky lady?"
"Madge Undersee, the daughter of the Mayor."
"Well congratulations to you and the new Mrs. Mellark. You've just added another Mellark to the family."
"I didn't just add her but our, child. Before I left she came to see me and told me I had to come back not just for her but for our unborn child."
The crowd goes in shock. Some are crying, others are promising to sponsor him, and others just faint."
"Well Rye, you and Peeta sure know how to leave the people wanting more," says Caesar.
"I guess we didn't have the odds in our favor at the time," Rye replies chuckling.
"He gets that from me," says Peeta.
"No I do not remember, I'm the older one," replies Rye.
"So Madge how's marriage life with Rye?"
"Well Caesar it's hectic as we have to take care of Lulu and we try to develop our talents," Madge replies giving an answer the Capitol will eat up.
"I'm guessing Rye and Peeta are helping in the bakery," he says.
"Yeah they both have but Peeta is better at it," Madge replies.
"That's not true, Peeta is just good at decorating the cakes but I'm good at making cookies," Rye replies defending himself.
"Yeah but one time you got the salt and sugar mixes up remember," I add in.
"That was only one time and it was when Madge was pregnant and I barely slept because of her random cravings."
"Hey you were the one to got me knocked up so don't complain."
"So are you to hoping to expand the Mellark family anytime soon?"
"Not at the moment, we love Lulu and we feel that if we were to add another member into our family she'll have trouble adjusting to it. That and we see how Katniss and Peeta struggle with the twins," Madge answers with Rye adding that last part.
"Hey we're not bad," the twins claim.
"Uncle Rye is the bad one. He is the one that throws dangerous sharp pointy objects at the air or people sometimes," says Cerise.
I hope the crowd doesn't really pay attention to that. Rye instead of having nightmares he has flashbacks. They were really bad when got out of the arena at first. He finally got control of them after Lulu was born. Whenever the games are around the corner his flashbacks come frequently. That's why Cerise and Lulu saw Rye throwing a knife at the air cause he thought he was getting attacked. I need to have a talk about this later. I swear she is acting up a lot.
"Rye you're just jealous that you don't have a boy," I say.
"Nope, I am not. I love my Lulu."
The crowd starts to laugh. This is what they want from us. To be their entertainment. Caesar quiets down the crowd and says, "Well now that we saw this little family dispute, I'd like for y'all to give a warm welcome to District Twelve's star-crossed lovers. Katniss and Peeta Mellark."
The crowd goes wild throwing roses, jewelry, and hats I think. I grab Peeta's hand and we stand up smiling and waving. Again Caesar motions for the crowd to quiet down though this time it takes a long time.
"So are you guys I think this the first time I've seen y'all in a year," Caesar comments.
"Well yeah Caesar we've missed talking to you. But last time we were here it was about our tribute Kitty who made it to the final five," I reply.
"Well yeah I have to say, she was so close, but she just wasn't strong enough."
His comment makes my blood boil. How could he say such a thing. Kitty was strong, she made it so far. Any tribute that goes into the games fights for their life not to entertain the Capitol or to please them. They just want to get out except the careers who see it as a right of passage.
I try to not let my anger get to me as I remember that I have two tributes this year that we could bring home. I also remember that Snow is probably watching this making sure we don't say anything that would make us a target in his eyes. Rye, Peeta, and Caesar seem to hit it off and just continue in many different topics. It isn't till Peeta squeezes my thigh that I am brought back into their conversation.
"It looks like Katniss is very tired," Caesar comments, "anyway Katniss how do you feel about your tributes. From what I've heard one of them is your cousin."
"Well Caesar what can I say other than I am proud that Lena's odds were in her favor and that she was selected for the games. I know myself how an honor it is to win the games. And Julian is just a precious kid, he lives in the Seam but is well built and fits well in the Capitol," I mumble out.
The crowd cheers at my response and Caesar quite them down.
"Well that's just great Katniss. So are you and Peeta planning on expanding your family or the twins just enough for you guys," he asks.
I turn to hide in Peeta's shoulder and whisper now and he just nods his head.
"Well Caesar, Peeta and I just found out that I'm pregnant."
The crowd cheers and the twins turn around and look at us. They look at each other and start jumping up and down. This is just perfect all the attention will be on our tributes because of my pregnancy. Caesar seems to have made his way to Peeta and hugs him. Then he comes to me and kisses my cheek and places his hand on my belly.
He goes back to his seat and says, "You heard it hear for the first time there will be a new member in the Mellark family."
"So Katniss, Peeta congratulations. I have to ask how far along are you?"
"I think about four to five months long," I say.
"Well now Rye, Cerise how do you two feel that y'all will get a brother or sister soon."
"I don't know Caesar, I am really happy I just don't know if I want a sister or not because then I won't be daddy's only princess. Then if I have a brother I don't want get ganged up by him and Rye," says Cerise really thinking about it.
"Well, I want a brother because Lulu is pretty much like a sister and she and Cerise like to hang up on me," Rye replies.
"Katniss, what do you guys want?"
"Well we already have one boy and girl. We just want a happy healthy baby. That we will love no matter what," Peeta says.
"Well we all know that this baby will be loved so much through out Panem. But are y'all going to make us wait for the sex of the baby?"
"I don't know Caesar, this is pretty much Katniss' decision," replies Peeta.
"Well Katniss are you going to keep all of Panem waiting for this baby?"
I think about what I should say. I know that deep down inside I don't want UK k or the sex of my baby, but taunting them about the baby could gain us sponsors.
"I actually want to know, but I'll have my own special way of telling Panem," I say.
"Well hopefully you'll announce it on my show."
"You'll just have to wait and see, Caesar."
A timer goes off on stage, meaning time is up. Caesar wraps up the show and says goodbye to us. He again congratulates us on my pregnancy and summons Daphne.
"Oh my god you're pregnant. You could've told me that I would've gotten whatever you needed, well I've would've gotten it to you either way. Anyway the car is outside to take y'all to the Tribute Center, so come on let's go."
We arrive at the Tribute Center in a short amount of time where we are greeted by Effie. Who is already dressed in her Tribute Parade outfit. She was wearing a long dress, with ruffles that looked more to be a tail, covered with shells arranged in a beautiful pattern, and scales something that seems meant for the tributes of four. Her hair is in a golden blonde with a beautiful starfish crown. She looks like an ancient sea horses that I've seen from some of Peeta's art books.
"Okay everybody the kids' outfits are ready they just need to be cleaned by Octavia. Katniss thanks for not telling me that you're pregnant we've had to make some arranges to your outfit. Madge, Peeta, and Rye y'all go with Portia since she is already done with Julian," Effie orders.
Effie motions for me to follow her and I do not wanting to anger her. She leads me to some elevators and we go down two floors.
I feel queasy as I know I'm underground and since my father's death, being in the ground hasn't been the same.
She leads me through what seems endless halls until we reach a familiar door. Effie opens the door and I see Cinna and Lena talking. Lena is already dressed in her tribute parade her hair waved, let down, with a black crown made of black diamonds. She is dressed in a short black dress with extravagant designs. Then she is wearing Greek styled shoes that come up all the way to her knee, she looks like an ancient warrior.
I give Cinna a smirk and say, "Let me guess the beautiful designs are going to light up and so does the crown."
He gets up from his seat, takes me in for a hug, and says, "You know me so well and congratulations, I knew that you were expecting."
"Well I didn't even know that I was pregnant til last night."
Lena gets up as well and says, "Congrats Katniss, I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks Lena, I just hope this baby I isn't as much trouble as the twins are."
I go sit on the couch that Lena got up from and ask, "So what am I going to wear for the parade? Is it something as gorgeous as Lena's outfit?"
"Well kind of like hers but spectacular, follow me," Cinna replies.
I get myself off the couch and follow him to a door. He pauses for a dramatic effect and opens it to reveal a long red dress that is opened through the middle in a v-shaped sophisticated way, with a golden belt around the middle of the dress.
"Thanks Cinna it's beautiful," I say with tears coming out.
"No need to cry dear, now sit down and let me style your hair," he commands.
After what seemed hours I was already dressed and ready to go. My hair was waved just like Lena and I had a golden crown to match with the rest of my outfit. Cinna must be sticking to some theme for the tributes and us.
We begin talking to pass of time and I learn that Lena has one older brother named Erik who is take over of the family business and since most of the merchants that are to inherit a business are already taken she has no idea of what's to happen to her life.
I also learned that grandpa made it that in our family girls are no longer allowed to inherit the family business because of my mother. So even if Lena had been born first, Erik would've gotten the apothecary. I wish grandpa was still alive so I could tell him so many things, I would for sure rub it in his face that I won the games.
After what seem ours of just talking and getting to know Lena, Effie comes in and says it's time. Behind her were the twins and Lulu, who were matching in color. Lulu and Cerise were wearing a similar type of style of dress to Lena except in a soft shade of orange. It was a short dress and the wore Greek warrior sandals and a golden crown. Rye looked uncomfortable in what seemed a toga something like it, he looked more like an ancient Greek Warrior. I guess this year's inspiration came from way beyond the our civilization.
We continue to walk down a path where we find Peeta, Rye, Madge, and Julian are all dressed up. Madge is wearing a similar dress to mine except in white and all her jewelry is in white gold. Peeta, Rye, and Julian are all wearing the same thing as Rye just in different colors. Julian's outfit is all black matching Lena's. Now that I noticed he looks good in that outfit, but not like Peeta who's muscles are just out there for the whole world to see or touch. I swear nobody should touch my husband. Knowing how all those Capitol women are I might have to hurt someone.
We continue walking till we make it to the lined up chariots, everybody is already getting ready. Tributes are already trying to intimidate each other and I see that the stylist from two is gawking at our outfits not liking that Cinna has out done what they usually do.
"Cinna you kind have a jealous fan over there," I say pointing at the stylists from two and there tributes.
This year's tributes both volunteer and from what we saw from the recaps the guy from two fought the original way that was supposed to come. I think his name is Kyle but he reminds me a lot of Cato except he's got black hair and isn't as tall as Cato was. His district partner a tall lean blonde girl name Madison got on stage and gave a speech of how proud she was to get lucky to represent her district. From what we all gathered during recaps is that Madison is a manipulator and Kyle is a very violent person.
He chuckles and says, "Well he shouldn't be made this was all Portia's idea, she got it from all those art books she sends to Peeta. But don't worry ours has a little trick like always."
I turn around and see that Peeta and Rye are already giving Lena and Julian some last piece of advice. I walk towards their direction and listen.
"... all you guys need to do is act like you guys are already winners, blow kisses accept flowers, throw them back. Just do whatever makes them happy," says Peeta.
"Yeah just don't fall of the chariot," adds Rye laughing.
"Hold hands while doing so," I say.
They stare at me and Julian asks, "Why should we hold hands?"
"Because you're going in this as a team and they sure love teams. They like to see them together then kill each other," I reply.
He just looks annoyed and Lena just nods but I can see the fear in her eyes.
"Oh don't worry about the fire it doesn't burn," I wink at them and grab Peeta's hand and head off to our seats. I turn around to see their panicked face and Cinna with a match.
We walk out of the tunnel into an elevator that would take us to our seats. Rye being the only one with us in the elevator asks, "Who do y'all think has a really chance to get out alive?"
"I don't know, but I have a plan to bring them home," I reply just hoping that my plan will work.
Hey y'all hope you guys enjoy. There is a reason for the songs. This was supposed to be done Tuesday but the Fourth of July distracted me, also review, follow, fave, or pm if you have questions. Also I don't own anything.