Train Ride
I forgot how nerve racking it is to be taking the train to the Capitol. We're an hour out from the station in District Twelve, and I've had to take some time to myself, so I've hidden myself in my room, while Effie gets acquainted with this year's tributes. I'm having a difficult time figuring out exactly what to say, which doesn't help calm my nerves any. Along with this, the added pressure of mentoring a 16 year old who's still grieving isn't helping, either. Finally, I decide to just go for it and hope for the best, forcing myself out of my quarters and into the dining car, just in time for dinner. There, as expected, were Katniss, Peeta, and Effie, all waiting for me. I take my seat, and we start eating, which goes better than I had expected, considering my tributes aren't used to having so much food in front of them. After dinner, we move to the lounge car, minus Effie, where I decide to start giving out my first round of instructions.
"First of all," I begin. "I want to thank you both for trying your best to keep calm. I know it's hard to do, but it can be done. I can admit that I didn't exactly fair too well, when it came to that, but I held strong. I had to, for my friends and my then girlfriend."
They look at me, seemingly processing what I have said, as I continue.
"It's going to be rough, being there, not knowing how your family and friends are doing," I say. "But you must know that, no matter the outcome for you, they'll be cheering for you all the way."
"Not all of them, in my case," I hear Peeta mutter. Wisely, I hold off on asking for details, as it's not exactly the best time for it.
Moving on, I turn my attention to Katniss.
"As hard as it's going to be for Peeta," I begin. "I know what you're going through. I know exactly how you feel."
"How?" she asks.
I sigh. Time to let some old pain go, I think.
"I was considered an orphan, when I was reaped," I tell them, earning surprised looks from them. "I lost my parents within a month of the reaping for the 66th Games. Even though I had no one, I was lucky, as I was considered old enough to take care of myself. Even so, that didn't make matters much better, for a freshly orphaned teen who could be pulled into the Capitol's twisted version of entertainment in the next two or three years. All I had left was the love of my life. The only person motivating me to keep going and make it to the last one standing. All my tricks that I pulled in the arena were motivated by my desire to see her pretty face, again. Even with that, the loss of my parents weighed heavy on my heart, the entire time." I pause. "The only thing I don't know the exact feelings of is the unpleasant reminder of their loss by their name being called after their death. I know it has to hurt, Katniss., but you still have your mother to return to."
Before I can continue, she breaks down in tears.
"I don't even want to think about what will happen, if I don't make it home," she sobs. "She's already practically shut down from losing Dad and Prim."
"Then don't think about it, Katniss," Peeta says, before I can even open my mouth.
"He's right," I add. "Just focus on how happy she will be to see you home, alive."
After letting Katniss calm down, we settle in to watch all the Reapings from the other districts.
As usual, the video starts with District 1, where I begin naming off the tributes.
"This year's tributes from District 1 are Marvel and Glimmer," I begin, as their Reaping plays. "They look on polite now, but they certainly won't be, in the arena."
"Glimmer?" Katniss asks. "Who names their kid that?"
"Someone not in their right mind," Peeta replies. I can't help but chuckle at the witty remark, as District 2's footage comes up.
"District 2's tributes are Cato and Clove," I say.
I move on through from District 3 to 10, with little comment from my tributes. However, when we get to District 11, things change.
"District 11," I say. "This year's tributes are Thresh and Rue."
Katniss gasps, beside me. I can't blame her, as Rue is only 12 years old, making her the youngest tribute in this year's Hunger Games. Poor kid likely won't have much of a chance, without some allies. We barely have time to get over our reactions for Rue, when the dreaded replay of our own events comes up. The pain of having to relive the upsetting reminder that someone dear to Katniss was gone was too much, so I end the video early and leave Katniss and Peeta to go to their rooms, after a polite dismissal. Deep down, I know this first year of mentoring is going to be harder than I had originally hoped, as I head toward the dining car for a snack.
Later, I find myself back in the lounge car, talking to Effie about how we will each handle getting our tributes ready to fight for their lives.
"I really think they should focus on pre-Games appearance, as much as they do their fighting skills," she says. "Haymitch didn't always do that, so I want to break that habit, here and now, before you pick up on it."
I smile. "Don't worry, Effie," I say. "I've already thought about that. Katniss and Peeta will look great, come interview time, and they won't be among the first to die in the arena, either. We'll make sure of that."
Effie smiles, but that quickly turns into a frown.
"What's wrong?" I ask.
"I'm still bothered by that little mixup at the Reaping," she says. "I'm so embarrassed to have called the name of Katniss' late sister, and on camera for all of Panem to see, too!"
"It got to me, too," I reply, sympathetically.
"So, what exactly happened to Primrose?" she asks.
I freeze, for what seems like the millionth time in less than 24 hours. What do I say? I can't tell her the truth, knowing the Capitol might hear me.
"She- she died of a rare sickness," I lie. "It caught her so fast and just took over, before anyone could stop it. As quickly as she went, it was also painful. That's what hurts Katniss the most."
"Oh," Effie replies. "That's unfortunate."
I agree and we quickly move on to other topics.
It's around midnight and I'm having trouble sleeping, so I go for a short walk in the train's corridors. As I walk, I hear Katniss and Peeta talking and stop, still out of sight. As they talk, I hear something that surprises me.
"I know this isn't the best time," I hear Peeta say. "But… maybe it'll help you feel better, during the time leading up to the Games."
"What's that?" Katniss asks.
"Since we were little kids," Peeta replies. "I've had a crush on you. The way you sang caught my attention and… it's had my attention ever since."
There's silence for a few seconds, as Katniss absorbs what Peeta has said.
"Thank you for not picking a far worse time to tell me," she finally says. "I know it's not going to matter much, now, but at least you said something."
At this, I decide I've heard enough and turn back around, heading back to my room. As I walk, I'm trying to avoid smiling, as their little conversation has given me an idea. Maybe District 12 will have a chance, this year, I think as I close my door.
The next morning, we're all at the table in the dining car, where breakfast is served. We are eating in silence, which is something I had expected, but wish wasn't the case. I would get my wish, however, when Katniss spoke up.
"What can we expect, once we get there?" she asks.
"Well," I begin. "Upon arrival, you will be taken to get cleaned up and ready for the Parade of Tributes, tonight. Once the parade is over, you'll be taken to your rooms, in the District 12 suite of the Training Center. Most of your week will be spent in the Training Rooms preparing for the fight to come. On the last day of training, you will be given individual assessments, where you will be tested by the gamemakers. You will score in the range of 1 to 12, with 1 being a sign that you're not that good and 12… is a sign that you're either a wanted ally, or a really big target. During the time of your individual assessments, I will be participating in the first ever mentor interviews, which is something Snow decided to give a try. Though I'm unsure about it, I'll make the most of it, in hopes of getting you two some sponsors. Next up, on the night before the Games, is your interviews with Caesar Flickerman, which will be interesting. Then, if you get there, there's all the post Games interviews and ceremonies."
I let them process the information, for a few moments.
"You sounded like Haymitch, at the end," Peeta said, breaking the silence.
"Unfortunately," I reply. "it's reality, and about the only thing I've found that I can agree with him on, so far. However, I believe that you can both make it to the end, at least, if not win."
After this, we move on to other topics, both related and not related to the Games.
Later, as we approach the Capitol, I decide to pull Katniss aside.
"How are you holding up?" I ask.
"Not too well," she replies. "It's still painful to think about the Reaping."
"Then don't think about it," I say. "It's in the past and it's time to focus on what's ahead. Can you do that?"
She nods, but I can see something else is bothering her.
"There's more, isn't there?" I ask.
She hesitates, for a few seconds.
"I'm worried about my mom," she replies. "If I don't make it, I'm worried that she may go so far down that she can't take it and kill herself."
I watch the tears fall down her face, as the worrying thought grips her. It hurts me to see a friend like this, so try I to offer her support.
"You will go home," I say. "She will still feel a purpose, in life, because you'll be there for her."
"What about Peeta?" she asks.
"I want to -try to get you both home," I reply. "but I know only one can, so I'll just have to make sure you both get to the final four, at least."
She smiles at me, as we enter the tunnel to the Capitol.
Hey guys, I'm back. Sorry for the wait, but I had another story to update and had major writer's block, of and on, during writing. I'll try to get a few more chapters up, for this one, before I change my focus baqck to the other stories, in progress, so keep an eye out. Until next time, have a good day.