Chapter 6
When I see the two tributes sitting next to each other, just from their physical build, I can tell this will be another year of two completely different fighting styles to work with. We talked to Tom, muscular and hard (I couldn't help but to compare him to Peeta) about his strengths, "I guess I could fight hand to hand pretty well. I mean, I'm strong enough, but I've never really tried." He says. Ok. He's a lot like Peeta. Then with one look, we agreed, "Ok. Usually we play by the rules and stay out of combat outside the center," I say. They both nodded knowingly, "but this year, we have decided to do extra training to give one of you more chance of winning." As I said this, I look over at Tom, and I know he knows I mean Bella, "So each of you will have one extra session a day with either one of us. Peeta will do your main training, Bella, I'll do yours." I could tell Bella was happy, with a huge smile on her face, "Peeta. Katniss! Come here!" I heard Effie call from the other cart. I shoot a glare over my shoulder in Effie's direction. I want to stay with Bella, "Ok!" Peeta shouts back, "We've gotta go. So talk together, work out strategy whatever." I nod and we both walk hesitantly towards the door, "How do you think she's taking it?" Peeta asks softly. Honestly, I
didn't know. She hasn't said anything that could give away how she was feeling, "Can't tell. She's not talking." I answer. I guess this wasn't a good sign, "And how are you taking it?" He asks, stopping me and turns me around, "Umm… Considering the circumstances, I'm doing alright" I say with a hopefully convincing smile. I hate lying to him. I know he saw straight through me. He led me through to an empty room and closed the door behind us. Once the door was closed and locked, I launched myself into Peeta's arms, "Kat, it'll be fine. Don't worry." He said soothingly, fg "I remember saying I never wanted kids. I remember why now." I manage to say with a chuckle. We stand in that room for about five minutes, holding each other. I look up from Peeta's shoulder, to be welcomed by the worst site imaginable. A pure white rose. Then it hits me. The horrible mix of roses and blood.
"Get me out of here now." I sat sternly, "Peeta, Katniss! Come here NOW!" Effie yells. But I'm not listening. I'm running for the door, Peeta following closely, "Katniss. What's wrong?" Peeta asks. He rubs my back softly as I
breathe heavily, trying to eject the bad air from my lungs at a window, "You two better be coming or I'll…" Effie says as she storms through the door, "Oh there you are. Follow me please." We walk back through the door and into the most heavily decorated room I've ever seen. The closets were bursting with brightly coloured clothes and wigs, and the walls were decorated with huge paintings and photographs. Effie's room, "Now, in terms of stylists, we've requested Portia and Cinna again, but we can't guarantee we'll get them. They are in very high demand after your amazing costumes!" She says happily, "Remember, if you're going to share any information, make sure you don't favour Bella, share it with them both." We nod. We knew the rules. We had to do the same thing when we mentored Prim. She dismisses us and we walk back to the main cart. We see Bella sitting alone, hardly moved from where I last saw her, "Where's Tom?" Peeta asks, but I think he knew the answer, "He went to his room. He wanted some space." Bella replied, "So do I." She stands up and starts walking towards the door to the rooms. I try and protest, "I don't think you should be alone." I knew the feeling, like you wanted to curl up all by
yourself, but we wanted to talk. But she just keeps walking like I never said anything. She was stubborn. I knew that. She got it from me. But I knew, if she came out of that arena dead or alive, she wouldn't be the same. You never are, and I'm talking from experience.
It was almost time for dinner, so I make a point of going to fetch Bella early. This shouldn't have happened. She's only twelve. She should have had years of freedom left. It was one name. One out of thousands. I knew it wasn't a coincidence, "Bella?" I say softly. She's lying on her back, staring up at the ceiling, "I'm fine Mum. It's much better now I know I'm going to die, rather than just imagining the possibilities." She says sarcastically. Although it sounds horrible, I can see her point. Things seem easier now that we know that she'll be going for sure. I take a sigh as she sits up. I sit next to her and put an arm around her shoulders, "Don't talk like that. How do you think Dad and I would feel if you…" I start, but I couldn't finish that sentence. She looks at me and she seems like the little five year who'd come crying about a broken doll, "Do you really think I could win? Answer honestly." I had to think
about that. Of course, I thought she had a chance. But what do I say, "Yes. So does Dad." She looks at me with her eye-brow raised. She didn't believe me, "Really?" I nod and put an arm around her shoulders, "It's almost time for dinner. Get washed up and meet me in the main cart OK?" She nods and as she gets up, so do I. I walk out the door with a sigh, and see Peeta walking out opposite me, "She ready?" He asks, "Almost. How's Tom?" I asked. Even though I didn't know him, I still care. I still know how it feels, "All right. Bella?" Of course he wanted to know. She was his daughter too, "She wanted to know if we thought she would win." I say with a sigh. Peeta nodded slowly, "What did you say?" He said curiously. As we start walking down the carriage, I reach out for his hand, "I said yes." I say slowly, "Was that the truth?" He asks expectantly. Was it? I don't know, "I think so. Maybe. I don't know. I think she does have a good chance." I finish. He nods, and I can tell he has the same problem. "Come on, let's go." Peeta says. And I follow him down to the cart.