The afternoon is sunny with a warm breeze stirring everyone's hair and clothing as we climb the limestone steps of the newly appointed city center, an old concert hall per Effie. I chance a glance over at Katniss, but her eyes are fixed straight ahead, her right hand holding back her loose hair, keeping it from her face. She's made a point of not looking at me since we all gathered in the apartment to leave for this event. Her dismissal is a source of irritation and relief. A part of me honestly doesn't know what I'd do if she did look at me, but a bigger part aches for her eyes to meet mine. A sigh escapes my lips before I can hold it back. I shake my head and realize this could be worse and definitely more awkward if it hadn't been for Effie and her sending Tova in a separate car so she could see to the details of this delegate meeting before we arrived. I'm not sure I could've managed a car ride here with both her and Katniss in the same car, Katniss, with her total cold avoidance of me, was awkward enough.
When I'd arrived back at our hotel earlier this afternoon I'd found Haymitch hunched over the dining room table reading a newspaper, waiting for me. I don't know if it's from his years as a mentor or just that he knows me so well, but he seemed to know instantly what had happened at Tova's. As if his disapproving look wasn't enough, he got up and sauntered past me and added, "You really should take a shower, that scent doesn't suit you," before disappearing into the kitchen. He was, of course, right. I did smell of Tova's perfume. It mixed together with my guilt, quickly became overwhelming. A long shower and a couple of hours later and I feel as if I can still smell it.
Haymitch catches my glance at Katniss and slows to walk next to me. "Get your head in the game boy," he says under his breath. I glance up at him, and there's only business in his stare. "I got this," I mutter, but I don't. My head is in two places, and neither of them has anything to do with this meeting.
Our entourage crosses through a large front lobby. With its thick red carpet, ornate gold-painted woodwork and two ticket booths still standing in wait of its patrons, it's clear this area has not been changed. We follow the crowd through two oversized doors into what used to be the concert space. Unlike the lobby, this space has been somewhat remodeled. The stage is gone, as is the racked floor, however, it appears they have repurposed some of the seats by lining them up against the back wall. It is there I spot a journalist. I cringe but the man, dressing in a subtle tan suit, doesn't acknowledge us. I guess he must be with a real news network and not a gossip rag. On our way in I did notice a large group of people with cameras barricaded across the street from the building, those must have been the less reputable networks. I suddenly realize I need to be thankful for Gale and his security team, which does nothing to brighten my current mood.
Tables have been arranged in a strange fourteen-sided circular shape, tables for each district and one for the Capitol. Each long table is covered in cream tablecloth printed with district numbers on the front. Our table has been set with placards listing Haymitch, myself, Thom and Katniss. I inwardly wince when I see Katniss and I've been placed next to each other. "This should be fun," I groan under my breath.
We make our way over to our spot as the room begins to fill with the chatter of other delegates as the filter in. I note, once we get to our space, that two additional chairs and a small round table has been set up behind us for Effie and Thom's wife Becca. I breathe a sigh of relief when I realize that Tova, being only an assistant and stylist, has been relegated to the chairs along the back wall. I silently take my chair and pour a glass of water into a tumbler. I sip, my eyes straight ahead, trying to keep the fact I can feel Katniss's body heat seeping through the thin fabric of our district tunics. What have I done? Was it really just this morning that I woke with her on the deck? My minds-eye instantly recalls the feeling of her warm body draped over my lap and I suddenly can't swallow my water. In under 8 hours, I've gone from getting back to something I didn't even know I missed, to not speaking to the woman next to me. The worst part, it's all my own damn fault. I fucked up.
When a hand lands on my shoulder I nearly bolt out of my sink. "Calm down Mellark," Johanna's laugh comes from behind me. Thankfully seated at the end of the table so I can swing around to see my guest without disrupting anyone, particularly the brunette on my right. I turn and look up and find a shy Annie beaming down at me. I'm up in an instant and have her in my arms. "Annie! Oh, I've missed you," I tell her, tucking her against my chest. I pull away and look down at her. I realize for the first time how small she really is, even smaller than Katniss. I note also that she's has lost some weight, but still has a healthy glow in her cheeks. "How are you? How's little Finn?" I ask.
At the sound of Finn's name, her aqua eyes brighten even more. "He's getting so big! You have to come by and see him," she says proudly.
"Annie!," Katniss says joining the group, though she steers clear of me. She gives her a hug and says she will make a plan to come to see her and Finn this week.
"I would love for you and Peeta to come over! I'll make us dinner!" she enthuses.
Katniss's spine stiffens, but I don't know anyone except me notices. She carries on, a bright smile on her face. "We would love that," she answers without so much as a glance in my direction.
"I guess I'll go out to dinner then," Johanna grouses. Annie turns to her and pulls her close by the arm, "You don't need an invitation Jo, you're my family," she says pinching her playfully.
An overhead speaker sounds and a calm voice states, "All district partners and members of the press, please take your seats. President Paylor's opening speech will commence shortly."
Johanna and Annie say their goodbye's and head off towards their tables. As I watch them go, I spot Enobaria. Forgetting, I lean into Katniss to point her out, but quickly remember when her response is only silence. I get up the never to look over at her and find her with her eyes on the ground.
"I'm sorry I answered for you regarding Annie's dinner invite," she says quietly.
I laugh humorlessly. "Like I wouldn't go? Come on Katniss," I sigh.
She glances at me very briefly but says nothing before settling down in her seat.
My head falls back in exasperation and I take a long breath before joining her at the table.
President Paylor enters the room from a door at the back and comes to stand at a podium set up behind the table labeled Capitol. The mummer of the room dies down.
"Welcome, Delegates of Panem!" Paylor starts and the room erupts in applause. She puts up her hands to silence the room. "Thank you, to each of you, for making the long journey to join us here on this historic occasion. In preparation for this day, I had the pleasure of reading a long-lost book of history. In this book, I read about a President of this land from long ago who also saw his beloved land through a terrible civil war. His war was fought in the noble goal of freeing a repressed people. After it was over, his side prevailing, his country was fragmented much as we are today. His role after this horrific period was tho decided how best to reunite his fractured and splintered country. He could punish the oppressors or he could choose forgiveness and unification. I'm glad to say he chose the latter. He chose to show no ill will towards those who had fought against him. He chose grace and forgiveness for the sake of the people. The example set by President Abraham Lincoln so long ago is one we should not forget. Let us all, look forward to the coming weeks with his frame of mind and work to start the process of mending our new nation. And in closing, as I'm not one for long speeches," the crowd laughs knowingly- Paylor has proven to be a woman of action not of words- "I will quote Mr. Lincoln, "It is not merely for today, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great and free government,"
Applause echoes around the hall for several minutes, punctuated by the occasional whoop of excitement. Plutarch comes forward as Paylor takes a seat at the table out front. "District's, I reaffirm our dear President's greeting. Welcome. Let us start with introductions.
Plutarch continues by introducing himself, which is completely absurd, everyone in this room knows who he is, but thankfully he soon passes the introduction off to district one. It takes nearly an hour to get around the room as most districts have way more delegates and mayors in accordance with their size. District 11 has 5 different mayors alone. Then it comes to us. Thankfully they start with Thom. He reluctantly introduces himself as mayor of twelve and describes the recovery that has happened since the war. Next to me, I feel Katniss stiffen. I know she is afraid that she might be expected to speak. I know she's angry with me, but I reach under the tablecloth and take her hand anyway. Her fingers clench mine. I run my thumb over her knuckles to calm her. This tiny kindness she accepts.
Thankfully Haymitch does the talking. "Katniss, Peeta and I a happy to be here," he says. "We've really enjoyed seeing the Capitol without the threat of death over our heads," he says in his usual gruff manner. I hear Effie gasp and the majority of people go very silent, except for Johanna, who laughs uproariously. I have to bit my lip to keep from laughing myself. "Truth is," Haymitch continues unphased, "this is what we fought for, so no one will ever have to come here in fear again."
To my surprise and her credit, Katniss raises a glass to him. "To Peace," she says. The room joins her with their own glass and a resounding, "TO PEACE!" I look over at her and for the first time tonight, she returns my gaze. I offer up a small smile and although she does not smile back, she does look me in the eyes. Maybe not all is lost.
Once District 13 does its introductions, the meeting ends with Plutarch splitting us into working groups. We are placed with District 11. Plutarch explains that these groups are based on geography, but will be mixed up over the next two weeks.
We are finally released and directed out to the lobby where servers in black are passing sparking glasses wine and finger foods while the conference room is reconfigured for the dinner to follow. The delegates are immediately swamped by the reports that have been sitting silently at the back of the room. When we are inevitably approached, I am once again grateful for the entity that is Effie Trinket. She makes quick work of organizing and then selecting only a couple of reporters to have time with us. The questions start off pretty basic. Questions about the Capitol and our thoughts on the changes as of late, what we are expecting in the next week from the conference, how we feel about the democratic process from a district level, but then from a small woman with a pinched face and dull brown hair asks, "So Katinssi, was there anything in President Paylor's speech today that has you planning her murder?"
Katniss freezes, her eyes wide with shock and anger. I see Haymitch bristle, but I move forward quickly, stepping between Katniss and the angry little woman. "You must have been a Coin supporter," I state evenly.
The woman glowers. "The question wasn't addressed to you," she says snidely.
I give her a noncommittal shrug, "No, but I'm the one answering it, so do with that as you will. Alma Coin was a dictator with no moral ground. She saved a teenage girl from one arena to put her in another, all to serve her best interest, and when that one girl wasn't enough she chose to murder hundreds of children to secure her victory. She was no different than Snow, and thus deserved the same punishment. You should be falling at Katniss's feet in gratitude that she saved us all from more years under the rule of a dictator. Do you have any other questions," I ask casually, though inside I'm seething.
"President Coin was a great leader, she gave everything to free us and SHE," she says, spitting out the last word, "Murdered her and got away scot-free!" she spits.
"That is a statement, not a question," I point out. "And, I can tell you this from personal experience, no one who takes another's life, regardless of the circumstance, walks away scot-free," I add patiently.
The woman blusters and begins to curse but then, as of if out of thin air, Gale Hawthorn appears with another of man from the security detail and silently hauls the woman off. Effie follows, admonishing the woman for her lack of class with Haymitch right behind her trying to tame her.
I feel a hand on my sleeve and I look down. Katniss is looking up at me, her gratitude painted on every part of her face. "You didn't have to do that," she says through a tight throat.
I raise an eyebrow and shake my head. "We each have our roles. You're the lethal one. I'm the one with the words," I say. At this she snorts, "Lethal you've learned, but I will never master your quick wit," she retorts, her tone appreciative.
A man with a tray of wine passes and I reach out and grab two. "I think we've earned this," I say handing her a glass. She's considering the offering when I spot Tova making her way towards us. I break out in cold sweat.
"There you two are," Tova chirps happily, her eyes glued to mine.
Katniss's face goes flat at the sound of Tova's voice. She takes a long swig of the wine I've just handed her, then turns around with a forced smile on her face. "Hello Tova," she says, her voice sounding completely fake to my trained ears.
"Wasn't President Paylor's speech brilliant?" she asks.
"It was to the point," Katniss returns coolly.
"That's what made it so wonderful," she bubbles.
The conversation grows a little stale when Katniss doesn't engage any longer, so Tova turns to me, "What did you think?" she asks, her eye twinkling.
"I appreciated her brevity, and I really liked that she drew connections to the past. I'm very interested to read more about the civil war she spoke of and President Lincoln. Perhaps you can recommend a place where I might get my hands on that kind reading material," I suggest.
Tova beams, "I know just the place, perhaps I can show it to you tomorrow?" she suggests.
Immediately my guard goes up and I take a quick look around to see if anyone may have overheard her, I'm thinking we got lucky this time but then I see Katniss's face. She still has a fake smile plaster on, but the look in her eyes makes me wince. Since we weren't taking earlier, I've not told her of this development or any of the others.
This is the precise time that Gale Hawthorn chooses to make his second appearance for the night. One glance and he is on high alert. "What's up here?" he asks, eyeing each of us.
"We were just discussing the speech and bookstores," Tova answers, her tone much more sedate than previously.
Gale gives Katniss a once over, but her pasted on smile stays in place.
When Effie appears I think things are about to get interesting, but instead, she whisks Tova away to iron out some sort of scheduling mishap. The breath that I've been holding eases out with Tova gone, but it does nothing to thaw Katniss's icy glare.
Gale, looking uncomfortable, clears his throat. "Good news," he says to Katniss, "I just got a communication, my mom and the kids' train has arrived," he tells her. This new brings a real smile to her face. "Mom's really looking forward to seeing you, only thing is I could only get the morning off so I thought it would be fun to take them to a fancy breakfast, you know of any place?" he asks.
Katniss blanches a bit, and I know why. We have plans to "talk" in the morning. She brushes off the concern easily though. "I was supposed to have something in the morning, but I can move that," she says, not sparing me even a glance. I grind my teeth but manage to keep a placid smile on my face as they discuss breakfast spots.
Effie and Haymitch reappear just as the doors to the conference room -turned dining room- reopen and people begin filing back in.
Gale glances over at the precession then back to Katniss, "I need to get back to work. I'll send the car to get you tomorrow around eight-thirty?" he asks.
She agrees and he disappears into the crowd.
I stare at her, but she refuses to look up at me.
Effie clears her throat, clearly feeling the tension between Katniss and me, "Shall we," she asks with faux cheerfulness. We both nod, and this seems to appease her. "This way then," she chirps, taking Haymitches proffered arm and heads towards the doors.
Katniss trails after them, and I follow trying to decide if I should try to talk to her, but as the crowd around us swells I realized any attempt could turn volatile, and that's is not a headline we need right now. So instead, I paste on a plastic smile and go into dinner.
I'm not sure how I made it through dinner. When I think back the two hours I remember only the noise of dinner conversation around me and every movement made by Peeta. I know I'm blowing our fight from this morning out of proportion, but my anger is one of my lest desirable features, and thusly I don't let things go very easily. After dinner, In an utterly obvious attempt to get Peeta and I talking, Haymitch had shoved us in the car and told us he and Effie had a meeting. Now here we sit. 20 minutes later, in complete silence; each of us staring out the window letting the dark city pass us by.
"So, you're just abandoning our meeting tomorrow morning?" Peeta asks suddenly.
I stiffen as his words reverberated around the empty cabin of the car. "Well Peeta, it sounds to me like you have your own plans tomorrow. Plus, I already agreed to see Hazelle, the time just changed," I return, not looking at him.
The car pulls up to the curb outside our apartment. As soon as we are at a complete halt, Peeta opens the door and steps out, not waiting on the driver. He comes around to my side and pulls open the door and looks down at me. "I'll be at the apartment at one tomorrow; if you want to work this out I'll be waiting," he says, then turns and heads towards the door. As watch him disappear inside, tears threatening the back of my eyelids.
"Are you okay Ms. Everdeen?" my driver asks.
Startled, I look up and find the man who drove me home after the party last night. "Carson?" I ask.
He smiles, "Yes mama."
"Katniss, remember," I say, smiling a little.
"Are you okay Katniss?" he repeats, putting emphasis on my name.
I take a deep breath, "Yes, it's just been a long day," I lie.
He looks at me as if considering my excuse. "You seem…tense," he states.
I realize he may have overheard the exchange between Peeta and me, and while I might be mad at Peeta, I will not turn others against him. "I do?" I ask naively, offering him my best imitation of a smile. "I guess I'm a little overwhelmed with my schedule, is all," I offer.
He looks at me but seems to buy my lie. "Can I walk you inside?" he asks, offering me his elbow.
I smile and nod. "That's kind of you," I say taking his arm and standing up. He walks me up the steps and into the lobby. In the bright lights, his green-blue eyes seem to sparkle and I can see that he's a handsome man. He has a square jaw and an easy smile that displays a set of dimples. His nose is fine and straight and set off by wide eyes and dark eyebrows that don't match his dyed hair. He has a sincere and friendly look on his face as he deposits me by the elevators.
"Thank you," I offer sincerely.
He drops his head into a nod. "Glad to be of service," he says, pushing the call button. The door dings and I go to step inside, but he stops me mid-step with a hand on my elbow. "Please remember, if you need me, just have Fredrick contact me...anytime," he says kindly.
I nod. "Yes of course," I respond. "Goodnight Carson."
He steps back, "Goodnight Katniss."