The next morning in the cafeteria, I found Gale sitting at one of the low tables around the centre pillar of the room. I walked over with my tray of breakfast and sat down next to him.
"Hey." I said.
He looked up and nodded, acknowledging my presence. "Hey."
We eat our breakfasts in silence. I look up to the screens encircling the pillar. It's displaying a steady flow of Thirteen's news. I was just about to look down from a listing of repairs that would be going on today, when I see the screen flicker and go static. For a second, the screen goes black.
I try starting on my oatmeal again and realize that I don't have much appetite. Then I feel Gale nudging my shoulder. I look over and see his eyes fixed on the screen.
The Capitol seal in red and gold plays on the screen with the anthem blaring in the background. Then Caesar's voice booms over the anthem.
"Hello, good evening. A big welcome to all in Panem." he starts, "I'm Caesar Flickerman, and whoever you are, whatever you're doing put it down. If you're having dinner, stop having dinner. Because you are going to want to witness this, tonight."
He pauses for dramatic effect before continuing, "There has been rapid speculation about what really happened in the Quarter Quell, and here, to shed a little light on the subject for us is a very special guest.
Please welcome Mr. Peeta Mellark."
He was wearing a white tux with matching pants. He seemed to be sitting calmly in the plush seat across from Flickerman.
"Peeta, a lot of people feel as though they are in the dark . . . "
I get up slowly from my seat beside Gale, my eyes fixed, as though in a trance on the screen.
"Yeah, I - I know how they feel."
"So set the stage for us, talk us through what really happened on that final, and controversial night."
From my position in front of the monitor, I hear Peeta's voice coming from the speakers.
"You need to understand that when you're in the games, you only get one wish . . ."
"You're alive." I whisper.