I wake up to knocking on my door and Effie's voice calling that it will be "a big, big, big day!" I groan and rub my eyes with the heels of my hands before dragging myself out of bed and dressing. When I reach the dining car I see Peeta, Haymitch, and Effie, all of whom look exhausted. Effie and Haymitch are nursing cups of black coffee. Peeta has hot chocolate, but doesn't appear too eager to drink it.
"Morning," I mumble as I collapse beside Peeta. I get a half-hearted nod in acknowledgment. "Why are you two so tired?" I ask the two adults across from us. My three companions share an uneasy look. "All right, what's going on?"
"We heard you last night," Peeta voices quietly.
"Heard me? What do you mean?"
Haymitch, picking up on my confusion, clarifies. "Screaming, sweetheart. We heard you screaming."
I blush in embarrassment. I knew I screamed during my nightmares, but I didn't know it was loud enough to wake the whole train.
"Sorry," I mumble. "I can't help it."
"Oh, Katniss, it's okay. We understand," Effie chimes in, though lacking some of her usual energy.
Breakfast is silent after that, and it's not long before we're in the Capitol. Peeta and I pose for photos, and he answers questions about how he feels about me going back into the arena. They try to get Haymitch to answer some questions, but he just grunts and looks surly. Finally, we're at the remake center. Flavius, Venia, and Octavia swoop down on me, frowning and complaining at my now extremely visible bruise, saying how they missed me and are glad I'm back.
I tune them out and think about everything. My family, friends, how likely I am to die in the next four days when the Games begin. Eventually, I notice that their chatter has died out. Looking around, I notice that Octavia is holding back tears and Flavius is glancing at me every few seconds. I realize they really do care for me, and are scared that I'll die.
"I'll be fine," I hear myself say. "Don't worry, I can win."
After that they gain some of their pep and begin to chatter endlessly about what the new fall colors will be. It isn't long until they're finished with me and I'm whisked away to Cinna.
"Girl on fire," he greets me, but his tone holds an undercurrent of sadness. "I've missed you." I run up and hug him, and he smooths my hair. "I know, I know," he whispers. When I pull away, he smiles and says "Now, about your costume for the parade..."
Two hours later, I'm in the stables waiting for the parade to begin. My costume is gold, with flames etched into the material. When I move, they appear to flicker. My headdress is intricately made of matches, and shaped to look like the sun. It doesn't sound beautiful, but it really is.
Haymitch is dressed in a gold tuxedo with the same flame design. Thankfully, he's still sober. He sucks in a breath when he sees me.
"You look beautiful, sweetheart," he says as we climb into our chariot.
Cinna comes up with another can of artificial flames and lights us up. The doors open, and I steel myself for the crowd. When we ride out the crowd goes wild, and as I glance at the screens, I see that my headdress has transformed into a replica of my pin and that the artificial flames, combined with the stitching, make it look like I'm made of fire. I dominate the screens, and as we glide into the inner circle, I catch a glimpse of Snow's face. He's scowling, and I know that Cinna has just put his life on the line.
It grows dark during the welcoming speech, and I notice that I flash on the screens periodically. Just like last year, the Capitol can't keep its eyes of me. As we enter the stables after the ceremony we are immediately doused in something that puts out the flames. Then we are surrounded by everyone, all telling us how amazing we looked.
"It was all Cinna," I say, and the attention redirects to him. I notice Peeta shooting nervous glances at me so I walk over.
"You looked gorgeous," he says.
I blush, but lean over and kiss him. He responds automatically, his arms pulling me against him. The world fades away, and I become lost in that kiss. We only break apart to a loud wolf whistle from Finnick Odair and a huff from Effie, though I can see she's happy. We stay close together, his hand on my waist, and the photographers have a field day.
At last,we're at the penthouse. I go and change and when I come out, Peeta is waiting for me. He takes my hand and leads me to dinner. It's a rather noisy affair, a stark contrast to this morning's quiet breakfast. I'm getting complimented left and right, but the only one that means anything is Peeta's.
It's only when we're sitting on the couch watching the recap of the parade that I let myself relax. I've been on edge all day, nervous for numerous reasons, and seeing Snow glaring at me didn't help. I curl up against Peeta and notice Effie curled against Haymitch on the other end of the couch. The interviews are tomorrow, and I hope that I can pass as innocent and in love. Training also starts tomorrow, and I know that I don't have the advantage of my skill being a secret.
But these are thoughts for tomorrow, so I let my mind go blank. I don't even make it to District Three before I'm asleep. The next thing I know Peeta is shaking me awake and gesturing wildly to the other end of the couch. I sit up, and immediately wish I had a camera. Effie and Haymitch have stretched out, and she is on top of him, her head nestled against his chest.
Both are sound asleep. I motion to an avox in the corner and quietly request a camera. She nods and returns a few minutes later with the requested object. I stand and silently tip toe over to the couple. I snap a few shots from numerous angles, and when I'm satisfied this moment has been thoroughly documented, I go back over to Peeta.
"When did that happen?" I whisper.
"I have no clue. I fell asleep around District Seven and when I woke up they were like that. I knew you'd want to see so I woke you."
"Thanks. Do you think we should wake them up?"
"Nah, look at what time it is."
I'm shocked to see that it's nearly four in the morning. This is the first night since the Games that I haven't had nightmares. I smile at Peeta and settle back into his arms.
"So I assume we're staying up?" he asks in an amused tone.
"Yeah, I don't really see a point in going back to sleep. You know Effie would just wake us up in a few hours anyway. Besides, don't you want to see the look on their faces when they wake up and realize that one: they slept on the couch, and two: that we caught them?"
He chuckles softly. "Yeah, I guess that will be pretty hilarious." He turns and stretches out as well so that his feet are almost touching Haymitch's. I lay on top of him, and stare into his eyes. "What?" he asks curiously.
"I love you," I whisper before kissing him. After a few moments, I feel the kiss escalate and pull back slowly. As much as I don't want to stop, I know we have to. If nothing else, just so we don't risk getting caught by the adults two feet away. He looks at me questioningly.
"Not here, not now," I whisper. "Wait until after I come back. Then I promise we'll make love."
"But what if you don't-" I cut him off, refusing to consider that option.
"No, I will come back."
After that we lay silently. I flip through channels, trying to find something interesting to watch. I finally settle on some silly program about this years fashion trends. I'm sure Effie would love it. I flip the t.v. off as the sun peaks over the horizon.
It's five o'clock, and I know Effie can't go past five-thirty unless she's completely exhausted to the point of collapse or sick. I nudge Peeta and we move to sit in the chair across from the couple, camera at the ready. Sure enough, at five-thirty on the dot, Effie starts to shift around. Her movements rouse Haymitch, and for a moment they stare into each other's eyes. I snap a picture.
"Hi," Effie whispers.
"Hi," Haymitch responds.
They kiss. I snap another picture. As they break apart, I see Effie look lazily in our direction. Her eyes widen to the size of dinner plates and she hisses "Haymitch!" He follows her gaze before his face contorts into a comical expression of embarrassment and anger.
Quickly, before they can move, I snap one last picture. Then I grin unashamedly at them.
"Good morning!" I chirp. Peeta almost falls over from laughing so hard.
It's Effie that recovers first.
"Katniss Everdeen, just what do you think you're doing?!" she screeches. I just laugh, which only seems to enrage her further. "This is not funny! Privacy is a sacred thing, which you have not only violated but appear to be enjoying!"
Haymitch is stuttering and mouthing words but can't seem to form a sentence. I notice Effie has yet to climb off him.
"Calm down, Effie," I say after I finish laughing. "We woke up and saw you two like that and couldn't resist taking a few pictures and hanging around to watch you wake up." Her face goes pale, something that I notice because most of her makeup has rubbed off on my fellow tribute's shirt.
"Y-you have pictures?" she whispers.
"Yup," I say smugly. "And you look so adorable when you're sleeping. I have to ask; is Haymitch comfortable?" She seems to realize she's still on top of him and scrambles off. "Relax. It's like seeing our parents or best friends cuddling."
She sighs in relief, but then a devilish look crosses her face. "You say you have pictures?"
"Yes," I answer somewhat warily, not liking the look on her face. Peeta has sobered as well, and Haymitch is looking at him the same way Effie is looking at me.
"Well then, I guess we'll just have to get the camera."
"Um, no. So not going to-"
Before I realize what's going on, Effie has her heels kicked off and is almost on top of me. My survival instincts kick in and I push past her and run. I hear her behind me and gain speed. I duck into one of the many corners of the penthouse and hold my breath. She rushes past, and I pop the memory chip out of the camera.
And not a moment too soon either. She's back and I rocket past her, racing into her room. She traps me behind the bed, and I let her fool me into thinking I'm cornered.
"Are you going to give me the camera?"
"No way," I reply with a grin.
"Suit yourself," she shrugs as she comes around the bed.
I surprise her by jumping on it and using it as a trampoline, catapulting myself into the hall. Unfortunately, I stumble as I land and give her enough time to recover. I take off again, but by now my adrenaline rush has all but worn off and I slow down. I make it to the living room before she tackles me onto the couch. She doesn't look it, but she's actually really fast and moderately strong.
She plops herself on my stomach, and I notice that her wig has fallen off at some point.
"Are you going to give me the camera?" she asks.
Even though I have the memory card, this seems to be some sort of game, and I'm curious to see how it plays out. "Hmmm, let me think...nope!" I reply cheerily.
"Okay, but I warn you, you're going to wish you had," she says in what is supposed to be a menacing tone, but comes across as playful.
Without warning, her hands dart to my stomach and begin to tickle me. I can't help it; I burst into giggles. She grins at me and continues, running her hands across my stomach and sides. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Haymitch with Peeta slung over his shoulder. He dumps him on the couch and begins to copy Effie.
Soon he's squirming, trying to escape the man's wiggling fingers. Effie stops briefly, and I think she's finished. But to my horror, she and Haymitch switch off, and the torture continues. Peeta and I are both crying at this point, and begging them to stop.
"Give us the camera and we will!" Effie calls.
"N-never!" I manage to get out.
They switch off once more before I finally hand over the camera. Effie grins triumphantly and plops down beside me in a very unlady-like manner. Haymitch sits beside her, and to my surprise, manages to get Peeta, who is still doubled over, onto his lap. Effie, one hand holding the camera, gently guides me onto hers. I'm surprised we fit, seeing as we're both seventeen.
Then I discover I'm partially on Haymitch's lap. This makes sense considering Effie barely hits five-three without her heels. I sag back against her and turn my head to face her.
"That was fighting dirty," I tell her.
"Well, I had to get the camera somehow," she says.
I look over at Peeta for support, but he's grinning.
"That was kind of fun," he says happily.
I find myself smiling along with him. "Yeah it was," I agree. I notice Effie and Haymitch exchange smiles over our heads. "I haven't done that since I was five."
"We figured as much, that's why we did it," Haymitch says casually. "Besides sweetheart, you needed to relax a little. You've been too wound up the past three days."
"Wait-you planned this?"
"Well, we didn't mean for it to happen this way, but yeah we were going to do it eventually. Besides, we needed to be distracted, too."
I sigh as I feel the effects of the exercise wash over me, not to mention the lack of sleep. "How long until we have to be at training?" I ask Effie.
"Three hours and forty-five minutes."
"Good, I'm exhausted." To prove my point, I yawn.
"Well, training isn't mandatory since almost everyone is a victor," Effie begins slowly. I raise an eyebrow and sit up, not quite believing what I'm hearing. "If you want, you can stay here and we'll say you're prepping for interviews or you're sick."
"That would be amazing, thanks," I say gratefully. I suppress a laugh as I notice that Peeta has fallen asleep against Haymitch. He doesn't look overly concerned though, so I let it slide. "Aren't you going to move him?"
"Nah, let the kid rest. He's in for a crapload of work when the Games start."
I settle back against Effie and feel her run a hand through my hair. I know she's wondering if this is the last time she'll be able to do this, but I don't want to deal with that now, so I let her continue the soothing motion. 'We're like a family,' I think as I feel my eyes grow heavy. 'I just wish we didn't have to be separated.'
AN: I know there was a bit of fluff in the last chapter, but I felt the need to add some Effie/Katniss friendship. And I know that Gale was a jerk, but that's the way he comes across to me, especially in Mockingjay when he shows little to no sympathy for the prep team after they're tortured.
AN 2: Yes, I know. Overly fluffly. I'm sorry, but I felt the need to lighten the mood and develop the family dynamic some. (I promise it will be important later.) I hope to get another chapter up before school starts back Monday, but if I don't oh well. As always, R&R.