Chapter 2
Sunday morning has the whole Everdeen family up extra early to take care of the animals before Sunday service.
Katniss and Uncle Haymitch muck out the stalls and feed the horses, while Prim milks her goat Lady, feeds the chickens and collects the eggs. Caroline prepares eggs, bacon, and toast to fill their growling stomachs. She then packs a picnic basket for their lunch after church.
Panem First Baptist Church in the center of town is already bustling with activity as they arrive. The Mayor's daughter Madge Undersee seated at the piano, waves at Katniss as she dons her blue choir robe to join the rest of the choir. Katniss takes her place at the head of the choir ready to lead them in song. Mama, Prim, and Uncle Haymitch sit with the Hawthorne family in the second-row pew. Katniss spies Prim and Rory Hawthorne quietly talking with their heads bent together and plans to tease her sister over her obvious crush later. Peeta catches her eyes from where he sits in third row next to his older brother Rye, he shakes his head playfully knowing what she's thinking by the look on her face.
Pastor Nathan Winters opens the service with prayer and then the choir stands to sing. Katniss sings out in a clear, loud voice…
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
The rest of the choir and congregation join in…
Are you washed in the blood?
In the soul-cleansing blood of the lamb?
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin
And be washed in the blood of the lamb
There's a fountain flowing for the soul unclean
O, be washed in the blood of the lamb
Are you washed in the blood?
In the soul-cleansing blood of the lamb?
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
After two more songs, Pastor Nathan gives a moving sermon on God's grace and love to us through his son Jesus Christ. How when we give all of ourselves to Jesus, and let Him mold us into His perfect image, He starts making all things new and giving us a new reason to live. With Him, everything we ever thought we had lost comes back to life. He makes beauty out of ashes, for the glory and honor of His name, and because of His immense love for us.
With joy in their hearts and smiles on their faces the Everdeen's exit the church.
Many families get their picnic baskets from their cars and make their way to the nearby meadow for lunch. The sun shines down brightly and provides some warmth in chill of the October air. The birds cheerfully sing in the branches of the trees.
"Caroline, I'm going to sit with Effie, Chaff, Beetee, and Wiress. You should join us after you eat." Haymitch says as he walks by. Caroline and Katniss quickly spread out their picnic blanket near the Hawthorne family while Prim holds the basket and chats with Rory. Peeta and Rye join them on their blanket. They have a light lunch of turkey and tomato sandwiches, potato chips, and sugar cookies decorated with primroses that Peeta made for dessert.
After spending some time with her family Katniss and Peeta walk hand in hand down to the lake to join the rest of their friends. Johanna Mason stands at the edge of the water skipping rocks while Finnick and Annie have shed their shoes and are wading knee deep in the cool water.
"You two are going to catch pneumonia. It's October. It's too cold to be in the water now." Katniss calls out as they reach the edge of the lake.
"Don't get your panty hose in a twist Everdeen. We were practically born in the water. We can handle a little chill." Finnick splashes water at them and they quickly back up to avoid the cold spray. Katniss glares hotly and he laughs at her mock anger. Annie swats Finnick playfully and drags him back onto dry land.
They join the rest of their group in the sand. Gale Hawthorne gives a halfhearted wave from where he lounges sleepily with his head in Madge's lap.
"So Finnick, Annie, the big day is only six days away any nerves?" Madge asks the couple.
"None whatsoever" Finnick says. "I've been ready to marry her since our second date."
"I'm not nervous about marrying Finn. I'm so ready to be his wife. Annie gushes "But it will be so nerve-racking having all eyes on me as I walk down the aisle." Annie reveals
"Don't worry darling. My handsome face will be so distracting all eyes will be drawn to me." He says as he flashes his brightest smile and bats his lashes.
"I still don't know how this dork got you to agree to marry him, but you know love is weird." Johanna snorts. As everyone groans playfully and throws sand at Finnick's handsome face.