By the way, one of the readers of this fanfic pointed out to me that Peeta has 2 older brothers. All I thought was, oh no! But I decided that we would change this fact for the sake of this story. Plus I really thought he was a middle child so I made no effort to reference it in the books. My bad, sorry.

So, The Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins and Scholastic. I'm just writing a fanfic- none of the characters or part of the plot belongs to me.

Enjoy a lightly longer Chapter 4 and if you have time, please review!

CHAPTER 4

All I do is stare at Peeta. There's fire in his eyes. Why does this surprise me so much? He has siblings just like me, and I would do anything for Prim. Of course Peeta would do everything in his power to make sure Crist wins. But part of me is looking for the Peeta that told me he loves me- sweet, caring, calm. I see no hint of that guy in the boy walking next to me. Is he really going to ditch me, ditch us for his brother? Well, I would ditch him and Haymitch for Prim if it came down to it, but not without remorse for not helping the other tribute, whoever it may be. The swarms of cameras trying to catch a glimpse of the most recent Hunger Games victors interrupt my thoughts. Peeta and I take each other's hand not out of want but need. The idea of getting married to him seems so much more impossible when I realize our brother and sister are going to fight to the death. I smirk when I think of what a great conversation starter that will be on our honeymoon, then wipe the smile off my face when I see Peeta staring at me.

"What?" he hisses through an almost closed mouth. If the cameras saw us talking it would take that much longer to get on the train. I decide this isn't the time to be telling jokes.

"Nothing," I hiss back with what I hope has an equal amount of annoyance in my voice. After at least an hour we are allowed to bid adieu to the crowd. We board the train and are told Prim and Crist are resting in their quarters. The Capitol attendants ask if Peeta and I would like to share a room. I'm certain I'll need Peeta to protect me from the nightmares I'm going to have tonight, but I let him answer.

"Separate," he huffs. My eyes show the obvious shock that answer has given me. The attendants raise their eyebrows, clearly wondering why an engaged couple refuses to spend the night in the same room. They want to know more, but instead nod and show us to our rooms. I see it looks exactly like the one I was in on my last tribute train. I sit on the bed and try to make a plan. Instead I hear Effie Trinket knocking on my door.

"It's time for dinner!" I hear through the door. I stand up, walk over and open the door and am met with a glob of pink hair. When Effie sees me step out of my room she starts fluttering to the dining car. I follow.

When we step into the car, I see Peeta and his brother, Haymitch and Prim all sitting at the table. Effie and I are the last to arrive. Effie takes the seat next to Haymitch, and I take the end chair next to Prim. The dinner starts to find its way on our plates in courses, with a thick pea soup, roast chicken, mixed greens, fruit and bread platters, boiled and mashed potatoes, with warm chocolate cake for dessert. Prim, Crist, Peeta and I haven't been starving for a while, and we usually get the best food District Twelve has to offer. Still, Peeta and I know not to overdo it on the rich stuff- but apparently Prim and Crist don't. Their green faces remind me of my first Capitol meal, and all the subsequent events that happened after it. I push those thoughts out of my mind when Crist asks Haymitch, "So what do you think we should do?"

He takes a while to gather his thoughts, then clears his throat. "Well, first we need to know if you and Primrose want to be coached as a team or separately."

Peeta jumps in and declares, "They will be coached separately." Haymitch shoots him a look and he quiets down.

Prim speaks up, with more determination in her voice than her small frame would predict. "Well, Peeta already knows my special skills, so I don't think it would make a difference to Crist if we were together or separate. But I want to be coached as a team." I look at Prim. I guess that having Crist as an ally would be better than trying to go against him. He is, after all, taller than Peeta, and his muscles have been developed after years of working in the bakery. I can't imagine Prim taking him down, even with the new strength she acquired through training. If it weren't for Peeta, I would say that forming an alliance would work best for both.

But Crist beats me to it. "I say we team up. Prim can heal any injuries that we might get, and get us berries and edible plants. I can hunt any tributes that get too close to us."

Haymitch considers this. "Alright, if that's what you want to do. Primrose, what are your skills?" This question is just so Crist can know more about his ally. Peeta, Haymitch and I already know her skills.

I hear Peeta mutter, "Teaming up is the worst thing you can do." Crist hears this as well, and rolls his eyes. Prim appears to be unaware of the comment.

She sits up straighter and says, "Well, I'm good with plants and berries, so food won't be an issue. I'm good at climbing trees, so shelter won't be an issue. And I've gotten over my fear of killing things, so I can set a few snares for both animals and tributes." Never have it thought Prim could even imagine herself hurting another living thing. Watching her sister do it almost everyday must have contributed to her growth.

Haymitch thinks about this, then asks Crist the same question. Crist replies with, "Well, I can lift at least 200 pounds, and I'm pretty handy with spears, swords and knives."

Peeta looks surprised. "When did you learn that?" he questions.

"You guys weren't the only ones holding training parties," he replies. That shuts Peeta up. It shuts me up, too, not that I was saying anything. I do know that having Crist team up with Prim is a thousand times better than pitting them against each other.

Haymitch breaks the silence. "Okay, then that's decided. When we get to the Capitol, stay together. Not the way your mentors did it, but as if you were brother and sister. Act appropriately- you can hold hands, but Crist- you're the big brother. Protect her. Prim- if you want sponsors you can't be weak. Act as if you think Crist is overprotective, but you appreciate him for it. Any questions?" Crist and Prim shake their heads. "Good. Now let's go watch the reapings."

We head to the television and sit down, with me in between Prim and Peeta. I feel somewhat awkward, which is the first time I've ever had that feeling while just sitting next to Peeta. Haymitch flicks the screen on, and the seal of Panem sit int eh center. It transforms into District 1's reaping stage. A young girl is called up, but no one volunteers. That's strange. Distict 1 always has volunteers, especially if weak kids are reaped. But I figure she must have some special skill if no one takes her place. Her face proves me right- she's got hard eyes with confidence overflowing from them. I make a note to ask Prim to watch out for her. The boy must be six feet tall, but he's as thin as a stick. Another boy, shorter than the first, takes his place. This new tribute must have as many muscles as Thresh did, just compacted into a smaller frame. The screen flashes to District 2 quickly, and a beautiful girl is reaped. She looks to be around 17, and has long brown hair that shines in the sunlight. She looks as if she thinks she's got this competition in the bag. She casts quick glares at the crowd, warning people not to volunteer. No one does. The boy tribute turns out to be an equally attractive boy, at least 16 or 17 years old. He's got wavy blonde hair and green eyes. His expression tells me he can already hear the victor trumpets announcing his win. On and on the reapings play, with typical kids and tough killers being chosen. One boy stands out in my mind more than the others, one who looks around 15, called Pine. He's from District 11 and I can actually see him winning the Games. He's got to be taller than six feet, and his arms remind me of Cato's when he was choking Peeta over the mutations. I glance at Peeta and see he remembers the same thing. I turn my attention back to the screen, and note his brave look. He looks better fed than the rest of the crowd, which leads me to believe he may be the Mayor's son or something. I ponder his healthiness until the screen flicks to District 12. Effie calling my name, Prim volunteering, my hysterics. Peeta getting called, Crist taking his place. This performance makes it obvious why the Quell allows family volunteers. The announcers comment on our siblings' love for us and I want to punch them. The reaping concludes, and the screen goes black.

"Well," say Prim., "I guess we can find out more about them at Training, right?"

I look at her and nod. "Remember, when you get there, stick together. Don't make any other alliances."

I look to Haymitch for confirmation of my order. He nods at me. "Right," he gruffs.

With that, we all head back to our rooms. Peeta follows me to mine and stands in front of the doorway, blocking my path. No need to be romantic here.

"I'm sorry for how I acted. But I'm not giving up Crist for Prim, no matter how much I love you." He speaks this last part without the slightest hint of embarrassment.

"Right, it's okay. But know I'm not giving up Prim for Crist. We should let them be allies and see how it goes from there. Do you want to be Prim's mentor and I be Crist's?" I ask. It could be a good strategy.

"No. If I send Prim a message would she understand it as well as if you sent it to her?" he asks.

"I guess your right," I admit. "But can we agree to no dirty tricks?"

"Definitely," agrees Peeta. "And one more thing. Can I spend the night with you?" His puppy-dog eyes are so convincing I wouldn't be able to refuse him even if I didn't have nightmares.

"Definitely," I repeat. And with that, we head into my room and fall asleep.