Chapter 7

Damn Your Eyes

Damn your eyes

They're taking my breath away

For making me wanna stay

Damn your eyes

For getting my hopes up high

The first thing I notice is the noise. It hurts my ears and causes me to lose focus. When I try focus on the sounds, it's cheers.

"Prim! Eli! District Twelve!"

They're cheering for us.

I break into a wide smile as I realize how genius Cinna is.

His costume got us noticed, which is giving me and Eli a chance at sponsors.

I wave to the crowd, and blow kisses at the people who are clapping and cheering my name.

This makes them happier and their cheers louder and their smiles wider.

The chariots have just stopped in line with the other tributes and I look around. The crowd is still cheering.

We've stolen the attention from the other tributes. When I realize this I look at their faces.

All of the girls except for district 5 and district 11 are looking at me with hate and malice.

The district 5 girl who I immediately nickname foxface, for obvious reasons, is looking at me curiously.

Rue is looking at me and is grinning. I grin back at her and she blushes and looks away shyly.

I look to Eli and he's looking right at me with a smile on his face.

I'm so elated with the fact that I could get sponsors that I beam at him enthusiastically until my cheeks hurt.

I look at the male tributes and I instantly wish I hadn't. They're all looking at Eli with hate and jealousy.

My earlier elation with the sponsor idea is dampened by the idea that we will now be targeted by everyone.

I have that warm feeling again and search for the district two chariot. I immediately lock eyes with Cato and smile at him.

He looks shocked for a moment but smiles back, eyes wide.

He's looking at me in a way that makes me blush, so I tear my gaze away towards where President Snow appears.

He welcomes everyone, and begins a boring speech.

When his speech mentions rebellion, he only looks at me.

I never say anything rebellious outside of my head!

Actions, however... a whole other story.

The speech is so boring and time is going by slowly. To pass it, I go through herbs and plants and medicines and their uses in my head.

Before I know it, the speech is over, and the chariots are heading back to the lobby.

I make sure the flames on my back have died out before I leave the chariot.

I hop off quickly and sprint across the lobby towards where I see Cinna.

I crash into him chanting 'thank you' over and over.

He laughs quietly, "No, Primrose. Thank you. I wouldn't have had anybody else wear that piece. You wore it perfectly. You're the spark." He says leaning back with a smile. I return it graciously,

"I couldn't have asked for a better friend, Cinna. Thank you."

He beams.

He looks behind me a murmurs, "Your friends are waiting for you."

My friends?

I look at him in confusion before turning around.

The careers, districts 1, 2, and 4 are all motioning for me to join them. Cato is with them.

He doesn't look happy and is looking at me with an icy glare.

That's very welcoming.

Now I'm really not going over there.

I turn back to Cinna "Not my friends." I smirk.

He smiles.

Cato's glare is ingrained in my mind. Something about it wasn't.. Real. The one he gave Haymitch and Eli was different- His eyes were angry then. When I looked in his eyes just now, they were pained, almost pleading.

We have to stay in the lobby for 30 minutes to 'socialize'.

Cinna excuses himself to go find a bathroom.

I head over to the beverage table for water. I reach for a cup and take a small sip.

I feel a presence beside me and look to my right.

A boy from the career group is standing there. He's district one: Marvel. I remember his reaping. It was one of the four that I watched.

"Hello. Your name is Marvel, right?" I say politely, smiling. I don't want to be rude.

I remember him better now. He didn't look at all threatening. He looked nice and happy, he was grinning when he volunteered. But he did volunteer.

"Yes ma'm. And you must be the lovely Primrose." He says smiling widely.

I blush.

"Yes. It's nice to meet you. I, um," I giggle, "I like your feathers." I tease, smirking.

He's wearing the most ridiculous outfit I've ever seen. He looks like a fuchsia peacock. He doesn't seem fazed by my teasing at all.

"Why thank you, Primrose. I like your spark." He says with a wink.

I laugh loudly and thank him.

I'm still mad at Cato, and decide of a way to get back at him.

I realize that he's never been around me when the careers are in the room. So he must be embarrassed by me or something equally stupid.

"I know someone who will like your outfit. He loves fuchsia." I smile at him playfully.

He raises an eyebrow.

"Hey Cato!" I shout, trying to get his attention. His back is towards me, and tenses when I call his name.

He slowly turns towards me, glaring at me. I ignore the glare. Why is he acting this way in front of his 'friends' but so nice when it's just us?

"Don't you like Marvel's outfit?" I wave my hands in front of Marvel like I'm showcasing it.

I pluck a feather from Marvel's outfit and walk towards the glaring Cato. I rub the feather along his chest, and feel multiple eyes on us.

"It's your favorite color, isn't it? I think fuchsia looks way better on Marvel. More... Masculine." I say, smirking. I turn around, walking back to Marvel, who is laughing. I realize that most of the tributes and mentors are, except for Cato.

He's still glaring at me, and this time his eyes are angry. This time it's real. I feel bad for embarrassing him.

I look at Haymitch, and he's laughing, too. He approves apparently.

Then why do I feel so... Guilty?

"Ever think about joining an alliance with us careers?" Marvel says excitedly, still chuckling and smiling.

I smile nervously. I try to politely decline, I'm already in an alliance. Wait. Am I? I haven't discussed it with Eli yet. Maybe he won't want to be in an alliance with me.

"I don't know Marvel. I'll get back to you late-" I'm abruptly interrupted when someone yanks my elbow in the direction of the bathroom.

I know it's Cato because he's the only person on the planet with that loud of footsteps.

We stand in the hallway outside the bathroom so nobody can hear our conversation.

"Prim, what was that?" He whispers loudly. He isn't glaring, but he looks angry.

I feel guilty. But then I remember the hurt I felt when he abandoned me for his friends.

"Why are you mad at me? I should be mad at you! Why are you so embarrassed to be seen with me? Are you ashamed of the Panem scum known as district twelve?" I spit out.

He looks offended. His eyes soften and he's back to my Cato. The fuchsia boy I met on the train. My stomach does somersaults at the intensity and softness of his gaze.

"Of course not Prim. What do you think they'd do if I'd be hanging out with them in front of you? They'd target you. I'm trying to protect you. You can't join our alliance. But when you pull stunts like that-" he points in the direction of the lobby and I look down at my hands, fidgeting, "then I won't be able to protect you. They're dangerous, Prim. They're trained murderers. They won't think twice about stabbing you in the back. Literally and figuratively." I roll my eyes.

I feel guilty after hearing his explanation.

I sigh, "I'm sorry for exposing your secret obsession with fuchsia to your enemies." I say, biting my lip to hide my smile.

He chuckles quietly.

"I guess it's alright. They'd find out eventually. I probably wouldn't be able to hide it much longer." He's smiling.

"Am I forgiven?" I ask after a few seconds.

"You were forgiven when I saw the guilty look on your face. You're not very good at hiding your emotions, Prim. At least, to me."

That's weird, because I feel like that with him.

I look down when I say this, because I couldn't say it while looking in his eyes, "I feel the same way. Your emotions are all in your eyes." I murmur quietly.

I feel the blush run up my neck and reach my cheeks.

He's silent for a few moments, and I feel foolish for saying it out loud.

I could say something like this to Rory and I wouldn't feel so embarrassed. What's the difference?

I can't take the silence anymore so I leave quickly without another word. Because of my nerves I stumbled on my way out of the hallway and landed in someone's arms.

I loosen my grip and look up and am thankful to see Haymitch. Then I hug him tightly and don't let go. I feel peoples gazes on us. They're probably not used to him showing affection.

"Are you all right, Rosie?" He whispers worriedly.

Am I?

"No." I mumble.

"It's been thirty minutes. We can leave now." He says and turns me towards the elevator.

A voice shouts, "I see you've gone soft Haymitch. Do I get to meet the lovely lady who has changed your old ways?" A seductive voice asks. I turn, searching for the voice.

Ah. Finnick Odair.

"I haven't gone soft Odair. This is Prim." Haymitch says gruffly, and blushes.

"Hello, Mr. Odair. It's a pleasure to meet you." I say, stretching my hand out for him to shake.

I see why he is one of the most famous victors. His deep green eyes are like jewels, and I can't stop staring at them. He's extremely handsome, with a boyish face and bronze colored hair. He's young, probably about in his early twenties.

He beams and takes my hand and kisses it, making me blush, "Please, call me Finnick. The pleasure is all mine. It's an honor to meet the person who has made Haymitch who he is today. You don't want to have met him five years ago." He says, shaking his head in disgust.

Haymitch is blushing.

I scoff. Then I look at Finnick, "Well, it's an honor to meet the man who is capable of making him blush!" I say laughing and Finnick joins in while Haymitch glares.

My bad mood is finally lifted from this man. I can easily see us as friends.

Haymitch rolls his eyes, "You two are going to be trouble. I know it. Let's go Prim, before you two come up with some daredevil idea."

I look at Finnick and wink, then we both burst into a fit of laughter, which earns us stares from everyone in the room.

I have that warm feeling again. Like someone is watching me. But then again, everyone is watching me.

I'm smiling as Haymitch tugs me towards the elevators.

"Bye Finnick!" I shout, with a smile and a wave.

"Bye Prim!" He returns both gestures.

Haymitch presses the number twelve and just before the doors close I see a face staring at me.

Not district two career. Fuchsia boy. My Cato. Smiling at me softly.

When the doors reopen seconds later, I sigh with relief. I'm so thankful it's over.

I head to my room to shower and Haymitch goes to his to do the same.

I try to undo my hair but the ties in my hair are complicated.

I hear Haymitch's shower running, so I walk outside to find an Avox.

I walk to the lounge area and see Effie sitting with a book in her lap.

Pride and Prejudice.

"That's one of my favorite books!" I say excitedly before thinking.

She looks up in surprise before beaming at me.

"Mine too! Don't you just love classic novels? The language, the fashion, the romance, everything! It's just wonderful!" She sighs contently, smiling to herself.

I nod my head, smiling too.

"Um, Effie, can you help me please? My hair tie won't come out. It's more complicated than the ones at home." I say sheepishly, looking at the ground.

"Oh, of course dear!" She walks over to me and begins working on it.

"I saw the ceremony on TV. It was lovely. You did a marvelous job. I don't even think you'll need my help at all." She says the last sentence sadly.

"Of course I will! I only did so well because of the things I saw you do." I smile at her and she looks at me, and she breaks into one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen on her face.

"I'm sorry for what I said, Primrose. I thought about what you said, and you were right. They're people, too. No matter what crime they committed." She says sincerely.

She's finished with my hair and is looking at me hopefully.

I reach for her hand and squeeze it reassuringly.

"It's already forgotten." I smile at her and kiss her cheek before returning to my room.

I slip off my clothes in the bathroom and set the soaps and oils to lavender.

I am able to find shampoo and conditioner and they even have it in lavender!

When I dry off I braid my hair and get dressed in a grey v-neck with black shorts.

Haymitch said he would come in and sleep in here tonight again. I don't hear his shower running anymore, so he must be finished. I wonder what the holdup is.

How strange.

I walk towards his room and knock.

I lean against the door and hear it. The chainsaw impersonation.

I sigh and go back to my room.

I lay down for a few minutes and try to sleep but I am too awake. I glance at the clock that reads 10:22.

I decide to visit my favorite spot again tonight. I just have to sneak past Effie. She's absorbed in the book, just like I was, so I may have a chance.

I pull a dark grey sweatshirt over my head and grab Pride and Prejudice.

I tiptoe quietly into the lounge room, where I spot Effie reading. I take a deep breath, and decide my best bet is to crawl to the stairwell, which is about fifteen feet away.

If she looks up she will see me, because she is facing me.

I start crawling quietly when the elevator dings. I'm about ten feet from the stairwell, and in perfect view of Effie and the elevator.

In walks Eli and Finnick.

There goes my escape plan. Finnick looks up, and he spots me. First he looks surprised. Then he starts hooting in laughter, completely capturing Effie's attention away from her book.

Eli follows Finnick's gaze to where I am crawling on the floor.

I guess from an outsiders point of view, it is pretty funny.

But from mine, it's not, so I glare at Finnick, which makes him laugh harder.

Eli joins in and Effie looks from the boys to me and back again multiple times in confusion.

"Primrose, what on earth are you doing on the floor?" She asks. Her voice raising an octave.

I have to come up with an excuse.

Why would a person be crawling on the floor?

I dropped something! And now I'm searching for it! Perfect.

"I dropped something. And now I'm looking for it."

The boys know exactly what I was doing, but Effie is clueless.

"Oh. What were you looking for?" She asks, more relaxed now that she has a more valid excuse.

I flinch, because I hadn't gotten that far yet.

I still hear the boys chuckling. They hopped off the elevator and are standing just outside of it, leaning against the wall.

"Yes, Primrose, please do tell us what you were looking for." Finnick says, smirking.

I glare at his pretty boy face. Nobody should be that attractive.

Eli chuckles at Finnick's comment.

"My book. I dropped my book and I couldn't find it." I say.

Then I actually cringe because of my stupidity.

I can't even... Why didn't I just say an earring? Even though my ears aren't pierced.

I mentally slap myself.

"Do you need glasses?" Effie asks. The worst part is that she sounds completely serious.

The boys' laughter is so loud that I jump.

I sigh. This is my own fault.

"Um, no. I'm really tired. I don't think I'm in my right mind at the moment." I say, trying to shrug it off as exhaustion.

"That's for sure." I hear Eli mutter to Finnick.

"Hey Eli, do you wanna see that punch now?" I say seriously, walking towards him, dropping the book on the ground.

He straightens up and I see fear flash in his eyes.

Finnick looks amused next to him.

"Primrose! Mind your manners." Effie scolds.

I roll my eyes and go back to pick up the book.

"Hey Prim, do you need help finding the book? It's a little to the left." Finnick says, which causes them both to start booming with laughter.

I glare at them.

Idiots.

I wordlessly turn to the stairwell and rush up them. I open the door to the roof and breathe in the fresh air, smiling.

I walk towards the garden and pick a primrose, putting it in my hair like last time.

I weave my way through the garden to the bench, and sit down. When I do, I find a hidden panel next to it I never noticed before.

I order up apple slices and they're delivered seconds later in a bowl.

I open my book, taking out the wilted primrose bookmark. I try to make out the words, but it's nearly impossible.

I forgot that I wouldn't get any light because it's nighttime. I take the new primrose from my hair and place it in my book again, closing it.

I sit upright until I finish my apples, gazing at the stars. When I'm finished, I set the bowl on the ground, and lay back resting my arm behind my head.

I look up at the stars and yet again, they are abnormally bright.

I'm still wide awake, and now I'm bored, so I check my surroundings.

I'm pretty sure I'm alone, so I begin to sing. Safe and Sound. A song my father used to sing, one of the only Capitol approved songs that I like.

I sing quietly, trying not to attract attention if somebody is up here.

I have that warm feeling again when someone is watching me. Why do I always feel like it's Cato? Its insane. I ignore it and finish the song.

I look around, and I don't see anybody.

I lay back down, and slowly drift off to sleep to the sound of heavy footsteps fading away.