When I got back to my house, Prim was standing in the middle of the room, her hair neatly brushed, her clothes soft and clean. She was wearing a light blue skirt and a white blouse. The blouse had come untucked at the back.
"Better tuck that tail in, little duck." She put her hands behind her back and tucked in the back of her blouse.
My mother stood behind her, wearing her best clothes. I was surprised that she had gotten Prim all ready for the Reaping. I had specifically planned to get back from the Hob early so I could pick out an outfit for her and brush her hair.
"I put something out for you, too," my mother said. I glanced over at the bed and saw a light blue dress, one of her favorites. I hesitated a bit. "Thanks." I had never really forgiven her for tuning out when my father died.
I took a bath, then put the dress on. It felt silky and clean against my skin, so different from the coarse, rough clothes that were my daily wear. Prim is sitting behind me.
"I wish I looked like you," she said.
"Oh, no, I wish I looked like you, little duck!" I swept over to her. She smiled slightly. "Listen, I got you something at the Hob today." She looked up, the grin still lingering on her face. I walked over to my hunting jacket and took the mockingjay pin out of its pocket, making sure to hide it in my hand until I got back to Prim.
I crouched in front of her, then opened my hand. The gold glinted in the light from the window, making tiny reflections on her face. Her smile got wider.
"You got this for me?" She asked, gently taking the pin and turning it over. "Yes. It will bring you luck today. Want me to put it on you?" She nodded and handed me back the pin. I fastened it on her blouse, right about her heart.
"There. Now nothing bad can happen to you." Prim smiled, but it was faint and half-hearted. I knew she was nervous. It was her first Reaping, after all.