Avery

Effie's heels click against the marble floor as she and Haymitch leads us through a renovated building I am told is the old training center. Well not old anymore. I turn in circles looking at everything. Chandeliers hang from cathedral ceilings on thin invisible wires; meticulously painted portraits line the halls. The room is marvelous.

"Come along" waves Effie. I pick up my speed and walk to a hole in the wall. It's a strange hold because it as doors. I stop abruptly not yet willing to enter. The boy who I now know as Gage steps forward.

"It's okay Avery." I look at him. I know confusion is what my face is relaying to him. He takes my hand in his. "It's just an elevator."

I look at the craft. I know notice it has a shiny look to it. Gage squeezes my hand and the electrical current I felt at the reaping shoots through me again. I automatically follow him; when we're inside the doors close with little sound but it still gives me a jolt. The elevator lurches then shoots upwards. The craft is automatically lit with light from the glass walls giving us an inside view of the training center that takes up the center of the building. I look down at all the shiny new training equipment just waiting for splatters of blood as we shoot upwards. My lungs burn and I realize I haven't been breathing. I need my Mom and Dad and they're not here. Someone squeezes my hand and I realize Gage is still holding mine. I look at him as the elevator doors open and he abruptly drops it. It stings for a second but I push forward not willing to show my hurt. I will not let Haymitch or Effie think I care about this boy at all. How could I feel for him anyway in less than 24 hours? Impossible. Anger replaces the earlier frustration I had had with him. I choose to ignore him for the tour of our apartment.

"Lunch is in half an hour," says Effie. I nod my head and disappear into the room that is to be mine for the remainder of my stay in the capitol. I feel like a hot shower so I make my way into the bathroom. The buttons are much like mine at home so I have no trouble with finding what setting I like. I strip off my clothes, my pin makes a clang on the floor and I remove it from my dress and put it on the counter. I pick roses; my favorite scent that reminds me of home. Home; where my Mom and Dad are probably worried sick. I can't even imagine what they are thinking. What Aiden is thinking? I think back on the three finger solute my district has sent me away with. I remember my family hugging me before the peacekeepers took them and left me to a room of silence. Tears fall unchecked down my face. They disappear down the drain along with my happy memories. I cry for a while just to get it out. I will never cry again after this. I harden my heart not letting any emotion seep in. I get out of the shower and find a pair of clothes laid out for me on the bed. I wonder who put them there. Did they hear my tears? They were nowhere near silent as the sobs escaped my throat. I put on the comfy pants and green tunic. I braid my wet hair in my signature braid not taking time to dry it because I just don't care. I attach the pin to my tunic. I sit on the bed for a few minutes before Effie's rhythmic nocking sounds on the door for the second time today.

"Dinner." She says. I make my way to the door not bothering to look in the mirror, that to because I just don't care. I have no sponsor's to impress for the moment. I go to the table not very hungry but planning on forcing myself to eat anyway. I know there will be days in the games where I would wish I had when I had the chance. An attendant pulls out a chair and I take a seat. A plate is immediately set in front of me laden down with the most delectable food the capitol has to offer. The new President has really thought this out. She must have been planning it for a while. Conversation ceases at the table and I look up. Haymitch, Effie and Gage stare at me.

"What?" I ask.

"Nothing," says Gage as he picks up his fork and resumes eating. Haymitch stares at me for a moment. His eyes catch mine in a silent question. Are you okay? I nod to him and he too resumes eating more slowly than before. Effie chatters on about the gown I am to wear tonight to the opening ceremony.

"I've seen it! You will be exquisite! I don't think I could have done a better job myself." How can Effie be so normal about all of this when she's been through the war? Are their hidden emotional scars or has she fallen under the presidents lies and pretenses?

"Both of you will be re-made. Not that both of you aren't perfect. I suppose you both have your own remarkable qualities but a little polishing won't hurt a bit. It might even get you sponsors."

I chew my food not really tasting it. I wave the attendant over and whisper something into his ear. Moments later a cup of steaming hot chocolate and a basket of hot rolls appear in front of me. Gage look at me and smiles but I don't smile back. Instead I just stare down into my cup. I hear Gage ask for his own cup. I briefly look up at him then eat the last bite of roll and drain the last remnants of the drink and push back from the table before the attendant can help me. I start to leave the table before Effie's voice interrupts my actions.

"Avery?" I sigh.

"Yes Effie?" I say.

"Isn't there something you want to say?" I look at her and shake my head.

"No." I hear a chuckle from Haymitch and send him a dirty look. Effie crosses her arms and raises her eyebrows.

"Really? I would have thought your mother would have raised you better after I went through all that trouble." I run my hands through my hair. I'm still confused. I look at Gage. He mouths something to be. I look closer. Manners? Is he mouthing manners to me? Understanding finally reaches my muddled brain.

"I am very sorry Effie. My brain isn't working at the moment. The past few days have been rather taxing. I hope you will forgive me."

"Well I'm sorry too Avery. I know this time has been truly traumatizing for you. I certainly will forgive you, but I will ask for you to forgive me as well for not realizing your stress." I nod my head and give her a sad smile.

"May I be excused?" I ask.

"Of course. I retrieve you when it is time to get prepped." Says Effie.

I return to my room and catch my face in the mirror. I lean closer to look at my puffy red eyes. Have I looked like that all along? I hang my head and lean against the small dressing table. I sigh. Now wonder everyone had stopped when I sat down. Now they know I had been crying. It wouldn't bother me so much if Gage didn't now see me as a weakling.

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