I was gasping for air when I sat up. I closed my eyes, and waited for people to panic. No one did. I was actually relieved no one came to my rescue. Instead, I took a deep breath, and walked into the bathroom.
I looked in the mirror and was startled. I hadn't washed my face after the incident in the mines, and I still had coal dust smeared over my face. Why didn't anyone tell me? I guess I knew why. Katniss probably told everyone to leave me alone. I hastily washed my face, and slipped into a gray tee, black pants, and my hunting boots. I quickly threw up my hair once again, and even streaked some black shoe polish on my cheeks like war paint. I got slightly carried away, also writing a 12 on my forearm, and tying a gray bandanna I found around my forehead. Satisfied, I walked out of the bathroom, and grabbed my black jacket.
I walked into the dining room, where only Katniss and Effnia were sitting.
"Where are Abi and Wyatt?" I asked, tying my jacket around my waist.
"They insisted on making breakfast," Katniss remarked. "You look...decked out."
"Heh heh, I guess I do."
"You two make no sense at all," Effnia observed.
Katniss and I started laughing, but stopped when Abi entered the room. She was smiling, even though her frizzy blood red hair was not brushed or up, and she had splatters of different types on her face and apron.
"I'd like to introduce you all," she began. "Too...dun dun dun! The Victors Breakfast!"
Katniss and I applauded as Wyatt brought out five trays. He laid one in front of me, one by Katniss, one by Effnia, and the other two at their own spots.
"We have buttered rolls," Abi began. "Boiled sausage-boiled cabbage for me-and french toast!"
Katniss and I each cut a piece out of our french toast, then looked at each other.
"One," we began. "Two. THREE!"
I shoved it in my mouth, and I was taken aback. Where did they learn how to cook?
"Guys, this is amazing!" Katniss exclaimed.
I agreed with her.
"Seriously, where did you learn to cook?" I asked.
Abi shrugged. "Wyatt did it a bit in 4, and I guess I picked it up quickly."
We enjoyed the rest of our meal, then began to talk strategy.
"Okay, uh, how about having high ground?" Abi asked.
"Oh, I'll answer!" I exclaimed before Katniss could respond. "Yes, you want high ground. BUT it should be concealed high ground. Any other way and you're basically waving a white flag."
"Yeah," Katniss nodded in agreement. "What...she said."
We spent the rest of the time answering questions, and quizzing them. When we arrived in The Capitol a few days later, we felt like we were ready.
Boy, we were wrong.