True to the weather forecast, it was going to rain all day. Heather stood in front of the window, watching droplets of water cling to the glass. Thoughts of interview staview strategists and wishes for today to go well filled her mind.
Since there was no reason for her to dress up, Heather wore shorts and a shirt. She tied her hair into a ponytail and slipped into flip-flops. Today was going to be a busy day since they were going to prepare for Katniss and Peeta's interviews.
"Good morning!" Heather greeted bubbly as she entered the dining room.
Haymitch mumbled a greeting back at her.
"Good morn-," Effie stopped midway noticing Heather's not really appropriate attire. "Um, is that what you're going to wear for the day?"
"Yup," she answered, knowing what Effie was hitting at but not caring about it at all. Peeta and Katniss were also dazed at her outfit for the day since they weren't used to seeing her dressed so casually but they weren't really affected as Effie as it wasn't something trivial in their eyes so they didn't comment on it.
As she filled her plate with food, Heather noticed the tense atmosphere in the room. She gave a questioning look to Haymitch from where he sat beside her. He leaned in, his scent invading her nostrils and whispered, "Peeta asked to be coached separately."
"Oh," Heather exclaimed, not expecting this piece of news. Still, it was understandable. They were about to enter the arena and Peeta needed to focus which wasn't possible when the girl he liked was beside him every step of the way.
"So, which one of you two will be with me?" Katniss asked.
"Um, we'll still coach you together," Heather told her. "But if you want I can coach you separately."
"Yea," Katniss replied. "I would like that."
Haymitch didn't look displeased but he didn't say anything.
After breakfast, Heather headed into Katniss' room along with Effie and Katniss. She would've stayed and helped Peeta for his presentation. However, with Katniss' temper and Effie's strict nature, she figured it was best if she went with them for a while. She promised Peeta that she would join him later before leaving.
Inside the room, Effie pulled out a piece of paper. Heather watched her look at it and guessed that it was a schedule of some sort. After it seemed that Effie was done with it, Heather extended her hand and asked, "Can I look at it for a bit?"
Effie accepted and Heather's guess was correct as it was a schedule. As expected, Effie wrote down what she was planning to do with Katniss to the last minute. While Heather read the schedule, Effie dressed Katniss in a full-length gown and high-heeled shoes.
"Now, I want you to walk in these heels," Effie instructed.
"Effie," Heather stopped her, "Katniss never walked in heels. We ought to start small."
"Oh, there's not need for that," Effie said.
Katniss narrowed her eyes at the woman and turned to Heather who said, "But she might get blisters since she's not used to walking in those kinds of shoes."
Heather went over to the closet and kneeled to where the shoes were. She picked a pair of one-inch heels.
"Here," Heather gave them to her. "We'll start with one inch and end with five." She said it gently but her tone warned to not defy her. Reluctantly, Effie agreed.
Although they started small, Katniss still struggled with the heels. Heather couldn't really give her any tips since the only way she could get better is by practicing. She even told her that after receiving a pleading look.
The dress posed another problem when Katniss upgraded to the three-inch heels. It kept tangling around her shoes and made it difficult for her to walk without tripping over the skirt. Effie scolded her when she hitched it up which clearly annoyed Katniss, but other than that, things were going okay.
After telling Effie to go easy on Katniss and Katniss to be patient, Heather exited the room. She joined Peeta and Haymitch in the sitting room. "So, what's the plan?"
"Well, we decided to go with the funny sweet guy act," Haymitch answered.
"Ooh, that's a good idea," Heather then winked at Peeta, "Especially since Peeta's already a sweet guy."
He bashfully blushed.
"Oh, since you're the last to go up, you should take advantage of that," Heather said excitedly. "Say something that will blow up the minds of the audience!"
"We already thought of that," Haymitch put his hand on her bare knee then removed it when he realized that Peeta was with them. "We just can't come up with what he's going to say."
Heather thought about it for a moment then came up with an idea that might get her and Peeta killed by Katniss. "Knowing Caesar, he's probably going to ask you if you have any girl back home. So, why don't you tell him that you like Katniss?"
Both men stared at her in silence, wearing blank expressions. She patiently waited for them to say something but the weight of their eyes on her became heavy and she was starting to become a bit uncomfortable.
"Guys, say something," Heather begged them as she hugged a pillow to her chest.
"That's not… a bad idea," Haymitch turned to Peeta. "But do you actually like her?"
Knowing Peeta's shy nature towards his romantic, Heather answered for him, "Yes, and," she held her hand to stop him from asking his next question, giving him a look. "Don't ask why."
"Uhhh, well, what do you think, Peeta?" Heather asked.
Peeta winced at the thought of proclaiming his feelings for his crush on national Tv.
"You don't have to do it if you don't want to," Heather assured him.
"No, no," he quickly said. "It's okay."
"You sure?" Haymitch asked.
"Yea," Peeta replied anxiously.
Later, during lunch, Katniss came with her ballgown hiked to her thighs. She grumpily sat on her chair and dug into her food with a scowl. Wisely, no one talked to her.
Haymitch followed them when they went to the sitting room. Katniss glared at Haymitch but didn't say anything. Heather sat across from her. She thought about what was going to do for Katniss's presentation during lunch. While Katniss was a wonderful person, she wasn't a people's person and she tended to put people off a bit.
"Now, Kat, I love you and you are a great person but you need to control yourself. Don't act all gloomy," Heather told her as she crossed her legs. "So far, people know you as the girl on fire. The one who selflessly volunteered for her sister. You've got the highest score. Out of all the other tributes, you're the one who stands out the most. People are intrigued and we need to cease this opportunity."
"Got it, I understand," Katniss said then asked. "What's Peeta's approach? Or am I not allowed to ask?"
"Likable. He has a sort of self-deprecating humor naturally," Haymitch answered. "Whereas when you open your mouth, you come across more as sullen and hostile."
"I do not!" Katniss denied.
"Please. I don't know where you pulled that cheery, wavy girl on the chariot from, but I haven't seen her before or since," Haymitch said.
Knowing that they wouldn't listen to her, Heather whistled the same way a few days earlier. They both grimaced at the obnoxious noise and turned to Heather.
"You don't get to speak unless you're spoken to," she said to Haymitch then she looked at Katniss. "And he's partly right, you need to step up your game, Kat. I know you hate them, they're putting you in an arena where you're supposed to kill other teenagers and survive. But guess what? You make these people crazy about you, they'll get you out of there."
"How do I do that?" Katniss muttered as if she doesn't believe that she'll be able to win over the Capitol's people.
"Try to act like you do with Prim," Heather suggested. "And most of all, be confident."
"I… can do that," Katniss nodded.
"Great," Heather grinned. "Haymitch will interview you then."
"What?" Katniss blurted out. "Why can't you do that?"
"Well, you can't stand the Capitol's people just like how you can't stand Haymitch so what's a better way for you to practice your self-control?" Heather explained.
Katniss puffed but she couldn't argue at her point.
Haymitch then played the role of the interviewer and Katniss answered his questions in an unsuccessful way. Heather could practically hear the venom in her words.
"All right, enough," she stopped. "Katniss. Remember, self-control. Imagine that you're waiting on a prey and you're cold because of the wind but you can't move in case your prey might hear you. Think of Prim. Got it?"
Katniss still looked conflicted but she nodded her head.
This time, Katniss was slightly better. She still got frustrated but not as much as before. They kept going until Katniss improved on getting a hold of her emotions. Heather would give Katniss pointers on how to make better use of her three minutes by answering in a subtle way. By the end of it, even Haymitch was sporting a small smile from how much Katniss has progressed.
The next day, Heather didn't see Peeta and Katniss much since their prep team were working on them since the early morning. She spent the morning with Haymitch in his room. They didn't really converse with each other, but that was their norm. Heather was content enough to be in Haymitch's arms.
Unfortunately, at noon, Azalea and Sorrel arrived with a dress and accessories from Zedoary to prepare her. It didn't take long to groom her since they weren't doing anything extravagant since the tributes were the star of the show. At the same time though, Heather was a well-known and loved victor so some people will be paying attention to her.
The dress she wore was brown and sleeveless. But another layer was added in over it with long sleeves which were embellished with purple butterflies patterns and green leaves. Her hair was done in a waterfall braid. Her lips were painted in dark pink, and her eyelids were coloured in brown and gold eyeshadow with a butterfly wing drawn near the edge of her eyes, just over the top of her eyelid. For some reason, the make-up made her eyes look darker than the usual bright blue eyes.
Heather thanked them for their hard work and got out of the room to meet the others. In the elevator, she greeted the others and slid her arm over Haymitch's. Katniss had still not arrived until a few minutes later.
At the sight of her, Heather held her breath. Strands of red were weaved in Katniss's hair into a pattern that began at her left ear, wrapped around her head, and then fell in one braid down her right shoulder. The make-up was specifically used to draw out her attracting features. Huge dark eyes, full red lips, and her entire body was covered in a powder that made her shimmer in gold dust.
But all of this didn't compare to her dress, which was entirely covered in reflective precious gems, red and yellow and white with bits of blue that accent the tips of the flame design. The dress gave off the impression that she was engulfed in fire as she walked towards them.
"Katniss," Heather went on to hug her carefully so as to not ruin her prep team's work. "You look radiant."
"Thank you," Katniss replied shyly.
The others also jumped in to compliment her, except Haymitch, of course. In the elevator ride, Heather observed both her tributes. Katniss seemed to be fine and calm, which was more than Heather can ask for. Peeta, while handsome in his tux, looked like he was troubled with containing his nerves. She slid her arm away from Haymitch and went to stand next to Peeta.
"Breath," she whispered in his fun. "And have fun, Caesar is a great conversationalist."
"I don't know why I'm nervous," Peeta said.
"I know," Heather replied. "You're about to be on national TV where everyone will be watching you and where you'll tell a personal secret."
"You're not making things better," Peeta remarked.
"It's okay," Heather said. "I believe in you."
Peeta smiled a little. "Thank you."
When the elevator opened, the party parted. Katniss and Peeta went to join the other tributes who were standing in the line. Cinna and Portia moved to sit with the stylists and Effie with the rest of the escorts.
Haymitch and Heather climbed up the stairs to where the victors sat, out of sight. As soon as he saw her, Finnick waved her over. Heather trott to him and gave him a side hug. Then, she moved on to Mags and embraced her. Those two were like family for her. Finnick was the first victor she met beside Haymitch. He had been the one to warn about the bargain Snow was going to propose with her. He had also the one to comfort her after she lost her virginity to not one, but two prestigious brothers from the Capitol. Just the thought of that night brought a shudder to her spine.
As for Mags, the woman was an inspiration to her. How she kept mentoring almost every year for 63 years was an accomplishment in itself. Suddenly, Heather was reminded of Fallstreak, the late District 11 victor. She died three years ago but the pain Heather felt still remained the same though she was able to manage it better than before.
They didn't talk about their tributes and quietly sat in the audience. Lights faded and the spotlight focused on Caesar. He started to tell a few jokes to warm up the audience then called out Glimmer's name, the girl from District 1.
It was clear that Cashmere imprinted on the girl as she acted similarly to Cashmere's sexy persona.
As always, Caesar did his best to make the tributes shine. He was friendly enough to set ease on the nervous ones and could turn a weak response into a memorable one by the way he reacts.
Heather turned her attention to Katniss and Peeta. Katniss was sitting like a lady, something that Effie undoubtedly taught, and wore a blank expression. On the other hand, Peeta had his hands entwined on his lap and he looked to be deep in thought.
Time seemed to be going by slowly as Heather anxiously waited for District 12's turn. And then Caesar called Katniss Everdeen. She walked neatly to him and shook Caesar's outstretched hand.
"So, Katniss, the Capitol must be quite a change from District Twelve. What's impressed you most since you arrived here?" Caesar asked. It seemed that Katniss was nervous since he only asked this question to the shy tributes.
Katniss hesitated then declared. "The lamb stew."
Caesar laughed, and Heather found herself laughing along with some of the crowd.
"The one with the dried plums?" Caesar asked. Katniss nodded. "Oh, I eat it by the bucketful." He turned sideways to the audience in horror, hand on his stomach. "It doesn't show, does it?" They shouted reassurances to him and applauded.
"Now, Katniss," he said confidentially, "When you came out in the opening ceremonies, my heart actually stopped. What did you think of that costume?"
"You mean after I got over my fear of being burned alive?" Katniss asked.
Again, the audience laughed and as Heather beamed proudy at Katniss, she felt a hand hold hers and knew immediately it was Haymitch.
"Yes. Start then," says Caesar.
"I thought Cinna was brilliant and it was the most gorgeous costume I'd ever seen and I couldn't believe I was wearing it. I can't believe I'm wearing this, either." she lifted up her skirt to spread it out. "I mean, look at it!"
As the audience oohs and ahs, Katniss begant to spin in a circle once and the reaction is immediate. It was an illusion caused from the gems on her dress but it was still a beautiful sight.
"Oh, do that again!" Caesar requested excitedly, and so Katniss does. She lifted up her arms and spun around and around letting the skirt fly out, letting the dress engulf her in delusional flames. The audience broke into cheers. Heather's heart squeezed in happiness at how well Katniss was doing.
When she stopped, Katniss clutched Caesar's arm in dizziness.
"Don't stop!" he demanded.
"I have to, I'm dizzy!" Katniss giggled. A sound Heather hasn't heard in a long time since her father's death. Heather didn't realize how much she missed that sound until now.
"Don't worry, I've got you," Caesar reassured as he wrapped a protective arm around her. "So, how about that training score. E-le-ven. Haven't seen a score big as that from your district since Heather."
Everyone cheered at the mention of Heather as the cameras found her in the audience. She waved to her with a big winning smile and gestured for them to get back at Katniss.
"Would you like to give us a hint on what happened there?" Caesar asked.
Katniss glanced at the Gamemakers on the balcony and bit her lip. "Um. All I can say is I think it was a first."
The cameras turned to the Gamemakers, who are chuckling and nodding.
"You're killing us," Caesar claimed as if in actual pain. "Details. Details."
Katniss turned to the Gamemakers again, "I'm not supposed to talk about it, right?"
One of them shouted out, "She's not!"
"Thank you," Katniss said. "Sorry. My lips are sealed."
"Let's go back then, to the moment they called your sister's name at the reaping," Caesar said. His mood was quieter now. "And you volunteered. Can you tell us about her?"
"Her name's Prim. She's just twelve. And I love her more than anything," Katniss answered after a bit of hesitation. Heather would've whooped right now at how calm Katniss responded if it wasn't for the fact that she'll attract attention. Compared to last time, this was an accomplishment.
"What did she say to you? After the reaping?" Caesar asked.
Katniss struggled to get the words out, "She asked me to try really hard to win."
The audience was frozen, savouring every word that came out of Katniss' mouth.
"And what did you say?" Caesar prompted gently.
Katniss' face hardened, "I swore I would."
"I bet you did," Caesar said, giving her a squeeze. The buzzer went off. "Sorry we're out of time. Best of luck, Katniss Everdeen, tribute from District Twelve."
The applause for Katniss continued long after she was seated.
Heather didn't have to worry about Peeta as much as she did for Katniss. He had the audience enchanted by his charms and sweet persona. He laughed and shouted out with Caesar, playing the role of the baker's son.
The thing that had Heather laughing was the funny gag about the menaces of the Capitol showers. "Tell me, do I still smell like roses?" Peeta asked Caesar, and then the next moment, they both started to sniff each other.
Then, as Heather predicted, Caesar asked Peeta if he had a girlfriend back home. Peeta hesitated, then shook his head.
"Handsome lad like you. There must be some special girl. Come on, what's her name?" Caesar persisted.
Peeta sighed. "Well, there is this one girl. I've had a crush on her ever since I can remember. But I'm pretty sure she didn't know I was alive until the reaping."
Heather squeezed Haymitch's hand.
"She has another fellow?" Caesar asked.
"I don't know, but a lot of boys like her," Peeta replied.
"So, here's what you do. You win, you go home. She can't turn you down then, eh?" Caesar suggested encouragingly.
"I don't think it's going to work out. Winning. won't help in my case," Peeta told him.
"Why ever not?" Caesar wondered, clearly confused. Heather prepared herself for the big bomb Peeta was about to drop.
Peeta blushed beet red and stuttered the answer out. "Because. because. she came here with me."
The room became silent as everyone, with the exception of Heather and Haymitch, processed the words Peeta said and let it sink in their mind. Heather could feel the stare Finnick was giving her but she didn't turn and paid attention to Katniss.
Unsurprisingly, she was shocked, her mouth half opened. Then she pressed her lips together and stared at the floor. Heather knew that she was undoubtedly planning on the best course of action in killing Peeta Mellark. Deciding to do the same, Heather began to plot on how to save Peeta, and herself when Katniss finds out it was her idea.
"Oh, that is a piece of bad luck," Caesar commented, and there was a real edge of pain in his voice. The crowd sadly murmured in agreement.
"It's not good," Peeta agreed.
"Well, I don't think any of us can blame you. It'd be hard not to fall for that young lady," Caesar said. "She didn't know?"
Peeta shook his head. "Not until now."
Katniss blushed. Heather would've marvelled at that sight but she was too busy thinking of ways to stop Katniss from attacking Peeta once they're on their floor.
"Wouldn't you love to pull her back out here and get a response?" Caesar asked the audience. The crowd screamed in reconciliation. "Sadly, rules are rules, and Katniss Everdeen's time has been spent. Well, best of luck to you, Peeta Mellark, and I think I speak for all of Panem when I say our hearts go with yours."
The roar of the crowd was deafening. Heather's plan worked. Peeta had beat the rest of the tributes in terms of attention with his declaration of love for Katniss. When the audience finally settled down, he let out a quiet "Thank you" and returned to his seat.
The tributes stood up for the anthem. Every screen was viewing the image of Peeta and Katniss, standing separately by a few feet apart. The message of the picture was clear as they wanted the audience to regard it tragically.
After the anthem, the tributes went back into the Training Center lobby and onto the elevators. All at once, everyone started to talk about Peeta's love confession.
Heather sighed and slowly got up. She pulled her hand from Haymitch's before anyone saw them.
"Was what he said true?" Finnick asked her.
She nodded, "Yes."
"And you knew?" He continued to inquire, raising his eyebrows in surprise.
"Since before they were even reaped," Heather told him. "I was rooting for them to get together."
"Whoa," he exclaimed. "That's… just," he struggled to think of a word to describe the situation.
"I know," Heather said.
"Heather!" Haymitch called out for her from where he stood near the elevator.
"Coming!" she told him then looked back at him, "I have to go, I'll see you later."
The sight that greeted them when they reached their floor was something that Heather expected. But that didn't mean that it didn't faze her. Katniss was glaring down at Peeta, who was on the floor, his hands bloody from the tiny pieces of glass that lay around him. Immediately, Heather rushed to Peeta and helped him get up.
"What's going on?" Effie asked hysterically. "Did you fall?"
"After she shoved me," Peeta said. Cinna joined Heather and they both helped him up.
Haymitch turned to Katniss. "Shoved him?"
"This was your idea, wasn't it? Turning me into some kind of fool in front of the entire country?" Katniss accused him
"It was my idea," Heather revealed, not wanting Katniss to hate Haymitch more than she already did. Katniss stared at her in shock.
"So, it wasn't enough for you to abandon me," Katniss said in a low angry voice, "You had to make a fool out of me!"
"You are already a fool," Haymitch said in rage, after seeing how Katniss' words hurt Heather. "Do you think he hurt you? That boy and Heather just gave you something you could never achieve on your own."
"They made me look weak!" Katniss said.
"They made you look desirable! And let's face it, you can use all the help you can get in that department. You were about as romantic as dirt until he said he wanted you. Now they all do. You're all they're talking about. The star-crossed lovers from District Twelve!" Haymitch said.
"But we're not star-crossed lovers!" Katniss denied.
Haymitch grabbed her shoulders and pinned her against the wall. "Who cares? It's all a big show. It's all how you're perceived. The most I could say about you after your interview was that you were nice enough, although that in itself was a small miracle. Now I can say you're a heartbreaker. Oh, oh, oh, how the boys back home fall longingly at your feet. Which do you think will get you more sponsors?"
Cinna went over to her and put his arm around her. "He's right, Katniss."
"I should have been told, so I didn't look so stupid," Katniss told them
"No, your reaction was perfect. If you'd known, it wouldn't have read as real," Portia said.
"She's just worried about her boyfriend," Peeta spoke gruffly, tossing away a bloody piece of the urn.
"She doesn't have a boyfriend."
"I don't have a boyfriend."
Heather and Katniss said at the same time.
"Whatever," says Peeta. "But I bet he's smart enough to know a bluff when he sees it. Besides, you didn't say you loved me. So what does it matter?"
Heather observed Katniss silently. It looked like some of her anger was fading and Haymitch's words were sinking in her mind. She still appeared to be conflicted about what happened.
"After he said he loved me, did you think I could be in love with him, too?" Katniss asked hesitantly.
"I did," Portia told her. "The way you avoided looking at the cameras, the blush."
They others chimed in, agreeing.
"You're golden, sweetheart. You're going to have sponsors lined up around the block," Haymitch said.
Katniss was embarrassed then forced herself to face Peeta. "I'm sorry I shoved you."
"Doesn't matter," he shrugged. "Although it's technically illegal."
"Come on, I'll help you treat them," Heather gently took his hands and led him to his room, not giving Katniss a chance to apologize to her.
As the rest of them head to the dining table to eat dinner, Haymitch leaned in close to Katniss and whispered harshly in her ear, "Haven't you already hurt her enough?"
Katniss stilled, taking in his words. 'Her' could only mean one person and that was Heather. She had meant to apologize to her earlier about what she said but Heather left with Peeta before she could. Throughout dinner, Katniss pondered over her relationship with Heather and the way she treated her.
Back then, Katniss had to numb the grief of losing her father since she was now the breadwinner of the family. Her mother was too emotionally lost to take responsibility. Katniss thought that Heather would come help her because that's what Heather always did. Help her, but she didn't. No, Heather was too busy relishing in her big mansion.
Then, guilt ate at her, remembering when the news of Heather's family death reached her. Not to mention the fact that Heather always had the custody of her orphan nephew and she had to take care of him. Being responsible for a baby was no easy feat. She didn't know how to face her after that so she did the only thing that made sense to her; she ignored her.
But things became hard when Prim reached out to Heather and Heather befriended Gale's family. Some time ago, Katniss realized that Heather would forgive her if she apologized but her pride and agitation wouldn't let her. At least, not until three years ago when Heather saved her from a bear attack.
Sure, they didn't go back to the way they used to be, but Heather still treated her with kindness and love, as if they didn't have a big dispute in the first place. Even now, when she was being a brat and propsposterous, Heather wasn't short of patience and reasoned with Katniss until she was sure Katniss was okay.
Katniss furrowed her eyebrows, ponding over Haymitch's words. She knew that he was already angry from her earlier actions towards Peeta but why would he be so annoyed at what she said at her? Was it possible that he cared for Heather to that extent?
Katniss didn't get to contemplate over the thought as Heather and Peeta entered the room. Peeta's hands were neatly bandaged and Katniss was once again taken over by remorse. Heather put the food on Peeta's plate and distributed the food on his plate in an orderly way so he wouldn't use his hands excessively. Peeta blushed, not used to being smothered like this even from his own mother.
Katniss noticed Haymitch looking at Heather. Heather realized that as well and smiled at him. To the astonishment of Katniss's, the edges of Haymitch's mouth slightly lifted up, smiling back at Heather.
After they finished eating dinner, Katniss pulled Heather aside as the others filed out from the sitting room.
"I'm sorry," Katniss said.
Heather blinked then smiled warmly at her, "It's okay. I forgive you."
"No, it's not!" Katniss cried out. "You're always too forgiving."
Heather was offended by her statement. "Well, did you mean what you said earlier?"
"No," Katniss answered.
"And I knew you didn't," Heather told her. "You just wanted to hurt me like I had hurt you."
"I guess," Katniss said. "But that doesn't make it okay."
"No, it doesn't," Heather agreed. Katniss lowered her head in shame.
Heather wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "But you've already been through too much, you deserve to vent out every now and then."
Katniss didn't answer. They went to follow the others to the sitting room and sat next to each other. Katniss leaned her head on Heather's shoulder. Heather was relieved that everything was fine between them again.
When the anthem finished and the screen went dark, a hush fell on the room. It was time to say goodbye since they weren't going to see Peeta and Katniss tomorrow, with the exception of Cinna and Portia.
Heather, Haymitch and Effie will be heading to the Games Headquarters, hopefully madly signing up sponsors for Peeta and Katniss.
Effie beat Heather and took the hands of Peeta and Katniss and, with actual tears in her eyes, wished them well. Thanked them for being the best tributes it has ever been her privilege to sponsor, which Heather scoffed at as she was still protective over her past tributes. And then, as if she was required by law to say something awful, Effie added, "I wouldn't be at all surprised if I finally get promoted to a decent district next year!"
Then she kissed them each on the cheek and hurried out, overcome with either the emotional parting or the possible improvement of her fortunes.
Haymitch took out a tissue and gave it to Heather, knowing full well that tearfall will be coming out of her eyes anytime soon. Heather went to embrace Peeta first. Peeta gasped, not excepting how strong Heather was until she squeezed him. Katniss, on the other hand, knew and wasn't fazed when Heather hugged her.
Heather sniffed, "Whatever you two do, stay away from the Cornucopia. As soon as the gong sounds, get away and find a source of water. Don't take chances, while both you are capable fighters, you're not up to the bloodbath."
They nod, taking Heather's advice seriously.
"And after that?" I ask.
"Stay alive," Haymitch said.
"Oh, and don't get distracted by the sight of the arena. It may look beautiful but don't forget what it stands for," Heather warned.
Again, they nodded. Heather hugged them once again and kissed them each on the cheek. She held onto them, not wanting to let go but eventually she did. Her heart broke a little as she watched them disappear in the hall for what could be the last time she would see them face-to-face again.