The next day and a half were a blur. My family coming to visit me in my room in the Justice Building. My father and eldest brother giving me their condolences and telling me things such as, 'Never give up', 'Fight on', and 'You can do this, try for us, please.' Whereas my mother and other brother are completely disinterested, already given up on me. My mother telling me Katniss has a much better chance of survival than me. I can't blame her; Katniss is an impeccable shot with a bow and arrow. Years of hunting in the woods with that tall friend of hers. What can I do to survive? Lift sacks of flour, or maybe bake one of my enemies a cake as a bargaining tool. As soon as I get on the train, I silently eat, not speaking to anyone. Katniss, out of shyness and sadness. Effie, out of a complete lack of things in common. And that drunken slob, Haymitch. Frankly, I didn't speak to him because he infuriates me. I can see him being an amazing help to us over the next few days, the bitter sarcasm dripping from that line as it plays through my head. After stuffing myself with pretentious Capitol delicacies, I leave for my room and immediately fall asleep in the plush bed after changing into a pair of light, baggy black shorts and a loose grey t-shirt.
Morning comes, and I surprise myself that I slept for at least 12 hours. I didn't think sleep would come easy at all. After showering briefly and changing into dark navy jeans and a short-sleeved white shirt, I follow my nose to breakfast, the smell of bacon drawing me to it. I'd only had bacon once before in my entire life. Again, surprising myself that I could remember a small thing like that. I stuff my face with as much food as I can handle before Katniss finally speaks to me.
"Hey, Peeta, look! The Capitol... We're here!" She calls from a window at the other side of the table. I get up, feeling heavy from the food, and look out with her. She's far too enthusiastic about this whole thing, considering she's here to save her sister from the horrors of the arena. It's not exactly a holiday.
"Mm..." I hum as I turn my head, facing away from the sea of freaks eagerly awaiting our arrival in one of the many, many train stations of the Capitol. I can see Katniss smiling and waving from the corner of my eye. I roll my eyes. I've spent… What, 11 years of my life loving this girl against my mind's will, and now she's pissing me off after less than 2 minutes of interaction. Maybe admiring her from afar was the only way I could love her. What do I care, anyway? We'll probably be dead within a week. Maybe I'm not mad at her. Maybe I'm mad at circumstance. Yeah, that must be it. I'm not shallow by any means, and I know her looks weren't the only thing I fell in love with while watching her over the years. Yes. I'm definitely mad at circumstance. Or myself.
No. Definitely circumstance.
Keep telling yourself that, Peeta.