Someone has just left me an anonymous tip about my verb tense usage. I'm glad this person has mentioned this because it is obviously affecting my story and I am already very much aware of my struggle with it. I am getting impatient researching online, so I would love some feedback on how to use proper verb tense.

In theory, Katniss is re-telling this story, so it is supposed to be in past tense; however, the quotes should be in present tense…right? It has been driving me nuts because I honestly have no clue what is proper and I'd like to get it right for you guys. I have never taken a creative writing class, only classes based on formal, research based papers. Please leave me feedback if you are knowledgeable on the subject. I'd prefer them in private messages, I don't want to spam the review section (I get really excited when I see a new review, I would only grow sad when I saw a review was actually help with the verb tense). I appreciate any help my readers might give.

Chapter 12

I was in a meadow filled with colorful flowers. The grass still glistened from the morning dew. The air was cool, but the suns heat kept me warm. I watched a little girl with blond, braided pigtails pick flowers in the distance. I couldn't explain the warm, happy feeling I felt in my stomach; I smiled as I watched her. She bounced and ran for the butterfly she just spotted.

The sun was shining and I held up my hand to block its rays; I saw a man kneel before the girl. She jumped into his arms, filled with excitement. She presented him with the flowers she had picked. He smelled them and I could hear her sweet laugh. He whispered something in her ear and set her down.

She looked in my direction; her beautiful grey eyes sparkled in the sunlight. Her dress flew in the wind as she ran towards me. "Mommy! Mommy!" she called. I knelt on the grass and held out my arms. She crashed into me and my arms embraced her. She smiled and handed me a large bouquet of wildflowers. I kissed her nose and thanked her for the lovely gift. She was easily distracted by a croak of a nearby frog. The curly haired man joined my side; we walked hand and hand as the little blond haired girl played.

I awoke to a dark room. Peeta's soft snores serenaded me. I felt a knot that fluttered in my stomach. I covered my mouth with a hand and flew to the bathroom. I flushed the toilet and sat on the cold, tiled floor. "Maybe I am sick." I thought allowed. I heard a knock on the door and heard Peeta's voice on the other side.

"You alright, Kat?" I grabbed the towel nearest me, wiped my mouth, and opened the bathroom door. I ran the cold water and splashed it on my face. Peeta rubbed my back, soothingly. "Do you need anything?" he asked sincerely. I looked at my blotchy, red face in the mirror.

"I must be getting the flu." I said as I let out an elongated sigh. I tossed the medicine cabinet as I looked for stomach medication. Peeta pressed a hand to my forehead and shook his head.

"You don't feel hot." He said as he dampened a wash cloth and placed it on my neck. Finally I laid eyes on a familiar, pink bottle. I opened it and took a gulp. I nose scrunched up to the foul taste. Peeta laughed and filled a glass with cold water and handed it to me.

"Thanks," I said after swishing the cold water around my mouth. The bags under my eyes were dark and puffy. "I feel so tired," I said exhaustedly.

"Do you want to me find Effie and tell her you are not coming to the dinner party?" he said as he started putting on his dress slacks. I shook my head knowing that that would be the worst thing I could do at the moment. We already had to miss this dinner once when Peeta attacked me, it would look bad, and the rumors would soar if I didn't make it tonight.

"No, I'm going…I feel much better now." He looks at me unconvinced. "Honest!" I said as I crossed the room to locate my dinner dress. He let out an exasperated sigh and started tucking in his dinner shirt.

"You shouldn't be going to this thing if you are sick." He walked to the closet grabbed a set of, extremely shiny, dress shoes. I walked over to him, kissed him on the lips, and turned waiting for him to zip my black gown. His confident hand slowly zipped; I moved my hair to one shoulder. His hand paused, still holding the zipper, and I could feel his warm lips kiss the corner of my neck.

I turned to face him. His expression was full of concern. I kissed him softly and ran my fingers through his curly hair. "Really, I am alright." I said encouragingly. "We can't miss this, too many rumors would start...and then where would we be?" I said sarcastically. His face softened and I heard a hint of a laugh.

"You look beautiful." He murmured with his head resting upon mine.

"That is so sweet of you to say to a girl who has just puked." I said while smiling. I could sense he was starting to relax. His body was less tense and a gradual smile replaced his furrowed brow.

We made our way through the penthouse suite and found Haymitch, Effie, and the stylists sitting in the living room chatting. Haymitch had a glass full of clear liquor. I suppose, since the speech is over, he wasted no time getting back on the bottle.

Effie had changed to an elegant red and black dress that hugs her hips; a small hat with a large feather sits atop her midnight black wig. Her striking Smokey eyes were more defined with her geisha like, painted face. My stylist's eyes lit up when they saw me, knowing they now had a doll to play with. They shuffled me to the salon room and I was ready within minutes.

My eyes sparkled from red to black. My lips were painted a blood red that matched the red train that flared out the back of my black gown. I awed at my hair, it was stunning. They had managed to keep it down and put in elegant curls. Several diamond pins formed a crown on my head. The girl I am looking at in the mirror can't possibly be me.

When I re-entered the living room, Peeta's jaw dropped; the room fell silent. Haymitch stood and walked towards me. "Well, you look stunning, sweetheart." He said, but not with his usual sarcastic tone. I smiled as I accepted his sincere complement. Effie snapped her fingers and shoved Peeta to the bathroom, whom was having a hard time taking his eyes off of me. I blushed and hid my face behind my hair.

Haymitch lifted my chin with his hand. "You look down on no one, Katniss Everdeen." I nodded my head as I struggled to fight back the tears. He kissed my forehead and grabbed me by the shoulders. "The world won't know what hit 'em, tonight." He said behind a smile. The tears finally won as they streaked my face. He pulled out a clean handkerchief and dabbed the moisture away.

Most of the time I shrug off Haymitch and his sarcastic remarks; we rarely get along and fight more than we ever have meaningful conversations. But we are more alike than I want to believe. He has done more for me than anyone in my entire family. For a moment, as brief as it was, I could see my father in him.

"Do you feel better after your nap, kid?" Haymitch asked after taking another drink. It didn't take long for our moment to pass. I sat beside him and took off my heels.

"I threw up again, just before coming out, but I feel alright now." I rubbed my toes, I hate those pointed shoes. "I took something for my stomach, I'm sure I will be fine." I say with a confident smile. He nodded and poured himself another drink.

About twenty minutes passed when Peeta, Effie, and the stylists entered the room. Peeta wore a tight fitting tuxedo with a blood red vest to match my train. His blond hair was slicked back and he looked very handsome. I replaced my shoes on my feet and accepted his hand he offered, to help me up.

We rode the elevator to the first floor. As we were walking down the hallway, people stopped as they stared at us. Their quiet chatter stopped and eyes were all on me. I smiled and nodded to all that had passed us; Peeta seemed to be doing the same. He guided me by the small of my back. His light touch gave me confidence as the music grew closer.

(Consider reading this next part with THE TRAIN, from the Hunger Games Score, playing in the background. It really helps intensify what Katniss is feeling.)

The sight of the ball room was breathtaking. Hundreds of chandeliers plastered the ceiling. Murals painted the domed ceilings; it was a very luxurious room. The tables were covered with white linens and silver place settings. Hundreds of candles were lit, the whole room sparkled. Half of the room was curved with glass windows and giant doors that led to a balcony where more lights sparkled. The scent of roses polluted the air, it was a welcome scent.

We were bombarded by people greeting us. We were welcomed with handshakes, hugs, pecks on the cheeks, warm welcomes, and many kind words. I walked passed an ice sculpture that appeared to be a woman shooting an arrow, flames decorated her back. I was in awe at the detail. I felt Peeta squeezed my hand to draw my attention towards Effie; she directed us towards our table.

On our way, we were welcomed by hundreds more people. I smiled, waved, and played my part. Peeta enthusiastically thanked them for joining us this evening. My eyes couldn't stop scanning the room; I wanted to take in all of its beauty. Peeta pulled out a cushioned chair that was draped with a white cover and red sash. I flattened my dress and took my seat. "I can't take my eyes off of you." Peeta whispered as he pushed my chair in.

I looked around the table and smiled at all the cheerful faces. I am starting to feel joyful that I came tonight. Months of being cooped up in the destitute District 12 has allowed me to forget the beauty that surrounds us. So many faces shower me with their smiles, they love me…I don't understand it, but it leaves a warm feeling running through my veins. I grab Peeta's hand and he kisses it.

The food was delectable; roasted pig with herbed baked red potatoes, green beans soaked in bacon fat, flaky bread rolls that were filled with garlic and butter. I had so many choices, it was hard to decide. The deserts were just as tantalizing; fresh fruit, berry covered tarts, soufflés, pies, cakes, pudding, and ice cream. I had trouble keeping it to a minimum. I wanted to try it all!

We enjoyed countless conversations. The whole table was filled with laughter. Even Haymitch seemed to be enjoying himself. I could hear music being played louder in the background signaling the end to the meal. Peeta raised himself from his seat, bowed to me, and held out his hand. "May I have this dance?" His smile was irresistible and I placed my hand in his.

He twirled me onto the dance floor, all eyes were on us. The moment was so perfect; it was like we were going in slow motion. I am finally grateful for the years my father spent teaching me to dance, like a real lady. I never thought I would have any need of it. I rest my head against his shoulder and he held me closer. "I'm really glad I came." I said as I buried my face in his neck.

He kissed my hair and tightened his grip on me. "Me too" he mumbled with a smile. The dance floor began to fill quickly; many folks would say their hellos as they twirled around us. I could see Effie across the room, laughing with a woman who could be her twin. Haymitch was talking to a group of gentleman, drink in hand. I smiled, as I loved to see him being social.

"I can't believe how beautiful this room is." I said as I lifted my head to look at him. He spun me out and pulled me back into his arms. The pace of the music was picking up and I realized how much fun I was having. The night didn't feel like the dinners before the games; I wasn't dreading my potential death. I could finally relax and enjoy myself.

"This place is amazing," he said as he agreed. After a few dances, an older gentleman asked to cut in. He went by the name of Collins. He introduced me to his wife, Seana. She was a beautiful woman; he her scarlet black, draped in rag curls. She wore an elegant blue gown that ruffled in the skirt. She told me stories of their children sitting in front of the TV, rooting for Peeta and me. It meant so much that, even people from the Capital could be so normal. They were rooting for us, even before the rebellion.

I met several other couples with similar stories. One man politely asked if he could have my autograph; he told me I was his daughter's hero. My eyes started to water as I realized just how much these people truly admired me. A familiar hand presented me with a handkerchief. I turned and smiled at Haymitch. "We can't have you messing up that pretty face of yours, now can we?"

I dabbed my eyes and returned the hanky to him. "I'll keep it handy, beings you can't control your emotions tonight." I let out a laugh and accepted the arm he offered. "So, you wanna risk getting stepped on by an old man?" He asked me as we walked to the dance floor.

"I think I can manage." I said happily. We shimmied through hundreds of people until we finally stopped on the dance floor waiting for the next song to start. I was absolutely shocked at Haymitch's gracefulness. I never would have guessed he could dance, and he did it well. The music picked up, he was quick on his feet. He twirled me around, so in sync with the music. I was filled with laughter; I was having a great time. I could see Peeta across the room; he and so many others were watching us; clapping.

When the music stopped, I was out of breath. Haymitch bowed to me and kissed my hand. "Thanks for the dance, sweetheart." He winked. He disappeared to the other side of the ball room. Peeta was partnered with Effie and she looked beautiful in her red gown. I started off the dance floor when a gentleman touched my elbow.

"May I have this dance?" My heart stopped cold at hearing the familiar voice…it's the voice of a man I had hoped to never see again. I slowly turned as my body shook. My eyes were wide as I finally faced him. Gale was tall and handsome in his tuxedo; he wore a red vest, same as Peeta. My eyes scanned the room, hoping someone would rescue me from his grasp. My breathing picked up as my heart raced. "Come one, Catnip, I won't bite. He said sarcastically.

I ripped my arm from his grasp and looked him square in the eyes. "No!" I said forcefully, but not loud enough to cause a scene.

"You look beautiful. I couldn't keep my eyes off of you tonight." Tears started to fill my eyes. Why did he have to come here tonight? I was having such a good time and wasn't regretting my decision to come…until now.

"What are you doing here, Gale?" He grabbed my hand pulled me towards the dance floor. I snapped back my hand and furrowed my eyes at him.

"Just one dance, Kat…and I swear I will leave you alone." I scanned the room once more for Peeta or even Haymitch but they were nowhere to be found. I finally surrendered and walked with him to the dance floor. Anger was building inside of me. The memories of him, losing it in the hospital came flooding back to me. Flashes of Peeta's bleeding, swollen face haunted me.

"You need to leave me alone, Gale." I said forcefully. He snickered as if to ignore my comment. He twirled me once and swung me back into his arms. I continue look for Peeta, I want this dance to be over with.

"When are you going to realize you should be with me, Katniss?" Gale said smugly. I came to a dead stop on the dance floor and look him dead in the face. My fists were clenched as hard as they could.

"No Gale! When are you going to realize you lost me a long time ago?...We will never be!" His face was painted with anger. He grabbed my waist and jerked me closer. We continued our dance, rage building within us both.

"If that little shit wouldn't have guilt tripped you into liking him, we would be together." He said with his dark face. Tears welled in my eyes as I pushed him away from me.

"Who are you, Gale?...What have you become?" People were starting to take notice of our confrontation. Finally I could see Haymitch crossing the dance floor towards us. Gale looked at me with sorrow filled eyes. He didn't even flinch when Haymitch grabbed his shoulder.

"I think you better leave, Gale. We don't need another scene here." Peeta finally took notice of our confrontation and was by my side within seconds; his face filled with concern. Gale glared at us all, first to me, and then Peeta. He especially took notice of Peeta's protective arm around my waist.

I was expecting the worst; I thought Gale might try attacking Peeta again. I don't think he would even care that we were in a room full of people. He is more of an act now, explain later kind of guy. But, he proved me wrong, and surprised me.

Gale's eyes locked on mine; I could see him struggle "You are a lucky man, Peeta. Don't hurt her like I have." He said, never taking his eyes off of me. A few long seconds passed before he finally turned and walked away. I sighed with relief and relaxed in Peeta's arms. He tightened his grip around my waist, but his eyes were locked on Gale's back. I could see him suppressing his anger.

"Katniss, did he hurt you?" Peeta asked anger still in his voice. I shook my head and buried myself in his chest. People had begun to scatter as the show was clearly over. I wonder how much trouble Gale caused. I'm probably going to have to have another interview to explain my argument with my cousin. The thought disgusted me. Why did he have to do that here? He only stirred up more trouble for me. I had to get my mind off of this.

"Dance with me?" I looked at Peeta questioningly. His face softened and held out his arm. I locked mine within his as we walked together to the dance floor.

The night was slowly coming to an end. People were leaving left and right, however, Peeta and I enjoyed ourselves on the dance floor. We both danced with multiple couples. We heard fascinating stories and I never thought I'd ever be asked to give an autograph, but by the time the night was through, I had probably wrote my name a thousand times.

It was truly touched by the respect and kindness I was shown tonight. Never will I dread another Mockingjay speech again. I never realized how important a figure I was to these people. I was the symbol of their hope for a better world and I don't want me, nor anyone else to steal that hope away from them.

It was about three in the morning when we finally entered our suite. My eyes were so heavy and my feet hurt so bad I could barely walk. Haymitch and Effie staggered to their rooms while Peeta and I walked to ours. As soon as I saw the bed I plopped on it, face first. Peeta laughed as he unbuttoned his shirt. "I hear ya, sweetheart."

I tossed the shoes off my feet and lay on my back. I let my eyes close for a minute before I finally place my arms under my head and stared at Peeta. "I had fun tonight." He smiled at me as he hopped, trying to remove his pants. I laughed so hard I almost cried.

"My feet hurt so bad!" I moaned in a humorous manner.

Peeta put on the sweat pants he wore earlier and sat at the end of the bed, grabbing one of my throbbing feet. His thumbs dug into every sore spot, the heat from his hands was soothing. He squeezed my heel and gently rubbed the palm. "How does that feel?" he asked concentrating on his technique.

"Feels great," I moaned. "I am never wearing pointy shoes again!" I laughed again. He rubbed both feet for a half hour before he helped me out of my dress. I was so tired I didn't bother washing my face. I just pulled on the large t-shirt he gave me earlier and intertwined my body with his.

"Do you still love Gale?" He asked me, pulling me from my slumber. I was confused by his question. How could he think I had any feelings for Gale, after everything he has done to hurt me, to hurt him? I pulled his face towards mine.

"No, Peeta, it took everything I had not to punch him tonight." He gave a sigh of relief and kissed my lips. I opened my mouth as he inserted his tongue. Neither of us had the energy for much else. He curled my head under his chin, and we both closed our eyes.

"Goodnight, love." I heard him say. I mumbled something in return, but I fell asleep before I could finish.

I woke in the middle of the night, urgently rushing to the bathroom. The vomiting was more violent this time and Peeta didn't seem to wake when I jerked out of bed. It doesn't surprise me, we are both exhausted.

I flushed the toilet and ran cold water over a washcloth. I laid it on my neck and splashed the cool water on my face. It felt good against my red skin.

What is wrong with me? I tried to think back to when this all started. I remembered feeling ill after breakfast on the train. I was first sick after my speech, but I attributed it to nerves. Then, I got sick again after our nap last night and again just now. I don't have a fever and I don't feel sick throughout the day. I stood for a moment trying to make sense of all of my symptoms when I felt it; the tiniest movement within my stomach.

I grabbed my belly with urgency, hoping to feel it. The tiny movement brushed my hand again; I looked in the mirror with my face filled with shock.