The Justice Building and train station are crawling with cameras and reporters. They can't pass up the opportunity to talk with the only living victor's from District 7 and I silently hope the newest tributes will be along soon. Finally they arrive and the attention is now on them. I take the opening to sneak on to the train before I get roped in to another interview.
Not more than a few minutes later, and only halfway to my room car, I can feel the train lurch backward and then forward. Our journey will take less than a day since we are pretty close to the Capitol. The only reason it takes as long as it does is because of the sheer size of District 7.
As I make my way into my room I realize that supper will be less than an hour and I'm not looking forward to the next few weeks. Having someone's life in my own hands is way too much responsibility for my liking. Flashes of meeting Blight for the first time bombard my thoughts. A man in his late 30s with dark, short hair and a beard that rivaled any man of our district, Blight was the first person who actually gave me hope in my games.
We have become good friends over the past few years and I'm thrilled I don't have to mentor on my own like he did for previous years. I know he'll be in the dining hall earlier than expected so I give myself a once over in the mirror and make my way down the train corridor. "Ready for another successful year?" I ask Blight, emotionless.
"I'm thrilled, can't you tell?" he counters back without even a hint of a smile. "So about Monroe…do you even have anything to say for yourself?" he questions with one eyebrow arched.
"See, it really is a funny story…" I begin to answer when the sound of the dining hall door attracts our attention. In floats Trina in her usual upbeat manner flanked by Marley and the male tribute whose name I still haven't caught.
"We will finish this later," Blight directs toward me so I know I'm not off the hook. I roll my eyes and bring my gaze to the two tributes who are now quietly seated across from us. Before anyone can get another word in food starts appearing before us, course by course. As victors we have almost become accustomed to the richness of the Capitol food but we know the young tributes will not be. 'More for me,' I smile.
There's carrot soup, green salad, lamb chops and mashed potatoes, cheese and fruit, and chocolate cake for dessert. Neither tribute talks during dinner but instead tries to eat as much as they can. I pace myself knowing I don't have to worry about starving during OR after the games. 'One of the many perks,' I sarcastically remind myself. I'm appreciative of the peace because my head is still trying to quiet down from last evening's debacles.
As dinner winds down I remind the two that any extra weight they can gain before the games will only help them. However, by the looks on their faces they seem to have reached a stopping point. "Hey Trina," Blight speaks up "must be about time for the recaps." Before the rest of us can even take the last bite of cake Trina is up and corralling us into another room. When I go to sit next to Blight, Trina raises her brow and looks toward Marley's couch. I just roll my eyes but make my way next to the young girl. I try to give her a reassuring smile but she still seems to be making an effort of holding down her dinner.
The reapings from each district are replayed in front of us. I try to make note of the ones who will more than likely win. Districts 1 and 2 are as strong and ready as ever. The girl from 5 looks like she'll be able to outwit the majority of the tributes. The girl from 11 is only twelve. My eyes drift down and I silently curse the Capitol. The boy from 11 is a completely different tale; he's at least 6 foot tall with dark skin and a large build. 'He will definitely give the Careers a run for their money.'
As always District 12 is last and never requires much attention. However, as I start to rise out of my seat a girl no older than I was when I was called to be a tribute has suddenly volunteered. "Huh, a volunteer from 12," Blight mutters "imagine that." I drop back into my seat and can't keep my eyes off the dark haired girl from District 12. When their escort, Effie Trinket, asks for applause the entire crowd is silent and one by one each person raises their left arm with their pinky fingers pressed down by their thumbs.
The only thing that brings me back to our train is Blight calling my name louder and louder. My eyes meet his and he seems annoyed. "I said 'she will be one to watch out for, don't you think?'"
"Yeah, yeah I'll…we'll have to keep an eye on her." While the boy from 12 is reaped Marley asks why she's anything special. My thoughts immediately go in every direction: she's beautiful, she's fearless, and more than anything she volunteered to save her sister. Haymitch will have to stay sober this year.
"No one ever volunteers from 12," I respond "No one."
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who is taking the time to read my story. Saying I love the Hunger Games series is a serious understatement. I have lost count of the times I've read them by now. For those of you dedicated Joniss fans, I promise the story will get there. I really wanted to break down each book from Johanna's point of view so if you hang in there it will happen. Thanks again!