Chapter 4

Lying from You

She arrived at Haymitch's house wondering how bad it was going to be this time. During the games it would take Peeta, Effie and herself to try and sober him up to make him function to give some good advice. Katniss took a deep breath and held it before opening the door. The outside the house looked beautiful because Haymitch spent most of his time ruining the inside. The yard though looked like it hadn't been maintained in a long time and was starting to lose the effect of this house reward. Katniss remembered when she had to move into her new house because of winning the game. Prim's cat didn't like it too well and frankly neither did Katniss. Sure it was nice but it was too much for her own tastes. Thoughts like this made her wonder what kind of house Clove must have lived in. Her district was famous for their masonries so she bet there was a lot of beautiful tiles and marbles in her house. Completely different worlds but somehow compatible. Katniss shook the thought out of her head.

"Here goes nothing," she said aloud and went inside. The stench of piss, booze, puke and body odor filled the air. The heroine wiped some tears that were forming in her eyes from the stinging of the smell. She looked around to find her mentor but he was nowhere to be found in the living room nor the kitchen. She grabbed a bucket and started filling it up with water. She couldn't help but notice she was close to finding him because he was the origin of the stench. Her stomach clenched tightly as she tried to choke back the bile that was rising in her throat.

How can he stand living like this? Katniss wondered as she walked in the dump that is his house. She couldn't believe this was the house that the Capital rewarded him with when he won the games. The walls literally looked like they were deteriorating by the minute. She found her mentor passed out on his bed. There was a mixture of vomit, sweat and maybe tears on his bed sheet. She couldn't help but feel angry at the way he handles himself. But seeing him again probably triggered the inevitable that she was going to relive the nightmare all over again.

Despite all that he was in a deep sleep because of the alcohol coursing through his veins. She had some sympathy knowing that this was his way of enduring his victory over the games. It was an easy route to lose yourself in a drunk stupor but in a way Katniss envied him. He didn't have to deal with the pain and emotions that scarred his life, just complete numbness. But she could never live like that. Prim still needed her and besides Clove didn't give up her life so Katniss could throw away her own on drinking. That's why she resented Haymitch, there were people that died to stay alive and this was his way of showing his victory. By being dead drunk the whole day. If that meant having to put up with nightmares and facing this alone then she would gladly do it than run away.

Without warning she flung all the cold water on him.

He screamed and rolled out of the bed.

"Darlin' what are you trying to do," he said holding his head, "kill me?"

"If I was," Katniss smiled, "you would be."

"Haha very funny."

She helped carry him to the kitchen knowing Haymitch would be thirsty for something and helped him get dressed up. He sat on a chair looking tired as ever and muttered something about how no one lets him sleep. Katniss just scowled and opened the refrigerator hoping there was something other than alcohol in it. It was even worse than that; it was pretty bare aside from a plate of cookies. Judging from the decorations and frosting it made her heart twist knowing who made these.

"When did Peeta come?"

"Oh lover-boy woke me up at the crack of sunlight expecting me to eat and shower." He laughed finding a cup filled with a strong odor and taking a drink of it, "kid has a good heart."

"Do you know where he went?"

"He said he was heading to your house but I think as soon as he sees that you're not there he'll leave."

Katniss felt guilt rise up to her chest constricting her lungs. She really believed Peeta had been playing the part of the star crossed lovers, but it seemed that he didn't get that memo. He must have felt embarrassed, and used by Katniss like how she felt the Capital treated her. Yet Peeta didn't hate her, or at least didn't treat any different. He still had a pure heart which was something the Capital couldn't destroy. It was true, Peeta did have a good heart but Katniss wasn't ready to move on. She felt if she tried to pursue anything she'd ruin him too. An image of Clove bleeding in her arms flashed for a split second and Katniss shook her head trying to get rid of it.

"Just shower and get dressed," Katniss muttered. The stench was making her head spin, she needed to get out of there fast.

She arrived at her new house and stood in front of the door observing every detailed part of it. The house was built especially for her but nothing about it felt like home. She was paranoid that there were cameras or that the Capital was somehow monitoring them 24/7 but she wouldn't tell Prim. The only thing that did make it a tiny bit homey was seeing Prim and her mom enjoy it. Her mother acted saner and even had time to collect plants for medicinal use. Katniss guessed it had to do with the vibrant colors of her house. She gave a big sigh as she kicked off her shoes knowing her mother would object to her getting mud in the house. Even though it was still morning she already felt tired from thinking about everything.

At least the day can't get any worse, Katniss thought as she entered her house. A weird feeling washed over her, maybe because Peeta might still be here. The first thing she saw was that Prim was crushing some herbs probably making a tea. It would be cute seeing her little sister act so mature but there was an uneasy look in her eye. Something was wrong. Just then her mom came in and gave a warm smile.

"Hi sweetie," her mom said. Katniss couldn't help feel some joy seeing her mom acted like when her father was alive. Yet right now her mom sounded nervous but for what, "I'm sorry to say you just missed Peeta."

"It's okay mom."

"However, we have company Katniss." A cold breeze sent a shiver down Katniss' spine. Prim's eyes darted to the side and that's when Katniss' heart stopped. There in her kitchen corner stood a figure dressed in complete black fabric. The person wore some type of helmet that covered their head completely. How Katniss didn't see this person surprised and frightened her. The stranger stood perfectly still, not making a sound, like a rattlesnake ready to strike. He wasn't that much taller than her but she knew he was dangerous.

She could see her own reflection staring into the black, glasslike helmet. There they were standing and staring, waiting to see who would make the first move. If they fought would she be able to get her family out of the way? Her eyes quickly darted to see any potential weapons or shields but only saw kitchen utensils. Prim looked anxious waiting for any signal to run or stay. Katniss could feel her heart starting to beat hard. This was happening so fast.

Finally he moved and gestured to the hallway, "This way please, Miss Everdeen." His voice didn't even sound human, like a mixture of robot and man. Who did he think he was telling her where to go in her own house? She could only guess it was a new creation of the Capital. She took a deep breath and walked hearing that the black figure was right behind her.

She entered the living room and saw that she had been mistaken. The true rattlesnake was already deep in the den making himself comfortable. The room was filled with the smell of roses and blood.

"Well hello Katniss," president Snow said sitting in a chair, his thin red lips peeled back showing off all his teeth. Katniss knew she was in deep trouble now.

Song is by Linkin Park..Reivews?