Chapter 3
"Katniss!" My prep team shrieked at seeing me. I must admit there is a sense of excitement at seeing them again. We have gone through a lot together. They are coping the best way they can with all the changes after the war. They are grateful they are still alive, but growing in the Capitol also meant they had to adjust to the new setup. So it meant a lot that they traveled all the way to District 12 to prep me for this celebration.
"Really Katniss, you have issues with hair!" Flavius exasperatedly hissed looking at the clump of sweaty hair on my head. No need to say anything about the leghairs. Flavius already know it's never been my priority. Quickly Venia ushered the team to my bathroom where they weaved magic and making me look like a girl again.
I was slipped into a powder blue chiffon gown flowing to the ground which was sent by te Capitol. Small silver flowers where scattered on the bodice caught up in just one sleeve. It was simple and elegant, but not flashy. It wasn't made by Cinna, but it comes close. We all admired the image I reflected in the mirror. Flashbacks of me standing in the mirror with Cinna and the prep team, the parade at Capitol, the Victory tour, the interviews came like rapid fire and shook me for a while. Octavia held on to me for a while and a slight recognition of what just passed flickered in her eyes. She smiled a small smile and said, "This time is different Katniss."
Venia ushered the prep team out of the bathroom and quickly changed the mood by announcing they have to go and prep Peeta and Haymitch. Yes, they are the only prep team left for us three. All the others were executed. I remember adding them to my list of victims. Ones that have died because of me. Portia especially brings an ache in my heart and tears welled up in my eyes. If it weren't for Effie's arrival I may have balled on the floor ruining the soft flowing dress I was draped in.
"Katniss, Happy Birthday!" Effie came in complete with a golden wig with bronze and metallic green highlights. Seeing her gave me comfort. I've long forgotten how I used to find her annoying. I can only appreciate having her here with me. She always keeps us on track of our schedule that pity parties have no place in our itinerary. She has thinned a little bit, but most Capitol citizens have as a result of adjustments after the war. I'm glad she still maintained a sense of herself despite what she went through. I was never told of what really happened to her during her capture. I'm just glad Plutarch and Haymitch were able to save her.
I gave Effie a warm hug, and it felt good to be enfolded in familiar arms again. Today is my birthday and I've gotten two hugs so far. I must be getting sentimental because I was welcoming affection today. It couldn't be because of my birthday because I have never had a reason to celebrate it before. I was too consumed with bringing food for my family that I forget it was my birthday. Today is something different. Maybe today is what Dr. Aurelius said about taking baby steps till some things begin to have meaning again.
I take a deep breath and brace myself for the smiles I will have to show for the cameras. I remind myself this time it's different. But is it really? This celebration feels like it's another propo. It's my birthday and people need to see how well I've coped the last couple of months. This is meant to inspire people to rebuild which is funny. How can I inspire people when I myself just recently woke from a lethargic experience. But we all have roles to play and I remind myself "My name is Katniss Everdeen. I live in District 12. I was the spark of the rebellion. I was the Mockingjay. I survived the war. I lost my sister and now I am one of the few who came back to District 12." I brace myself to face the cameras once more, this time to celebrate an occasion I never thought I'll celebrate again. I went down uncertain and was greeted by familiar faces at the foot of the stairs. My prep team, Effie, Haymitch were all waiting for me smiling with approval. My eyes involuntary searched for the most comforting face. I looked for Peeta.
