Thank you to Nikkette for your awesome review and I hope you enjoy this chapter.


I drifted in and out of consciousness for what felt like days, before finally waking up fully. Before, I had restraints on my arms and legs, keeping me pinned to the table I was lying on. Someone must have taken them off while I was sleeping (if I could even call it that) because I could move my arms and legs freely now. It took me a few minutes to be able to sit up, my bones felt weak, not hurt but most of the strength was drained from them. When I finally got into a sitting position, I looked around the room for the first time in my conscious state and realized how plain it actually was. Everything was as white as snow, the floor, the walls, the stand sitting beside the table, everything except the tray of food and the folded clothing that were both placed carefully on the stand right next to me.

I moved to stand up but then reminded myself that I had no clothes on, so I sunk down lower, covering myself with the thin sheet that was placed on to of the rest of my body. I got the feeing I was being watched and I didn't feel comfortable with people looking at my naked body. Instead, I leaned over and grabbed the tray with both my hands, making sure not to drop it, I brought it to my lap and examined everything on it. A pile of mashed potatoes, a thin slice of turkey and a small cup of fruit. A fork and spoon were placed on the edge of the tray, shiny and ready to use. Not much food, I thought to myself, as I grabbed the spoon and filled it with potatoes.

it took me quite a while to finish eating all of the food given, and I realized why they only gave a small portion, I wouldn't have been able to finish much more. As soon as I took the last bite of food, the wall to my left slid open and the red haired avox girl came in and took the tray from my lap, and walked out, without even a glance toward me. I grabbed the clothing-still trying to stay under the sheet-and drew in a sharp breath as I unfolded them. It was the same outfit that I wore in the arena, only new. I figured that they wanted me to meet my team for the first time in this outfit, and that's why I had to wear it. I stood up and as fast as I could slid the clothing on, I found the pair of boots, that went with the outfit, on the bottom shelf of the stand.

I slipped the boots on and walked over to where I knew the door was, and waited. It took a few seconds for it to open, but it finally did. I stepped out into the hallway, and looked around until I spotted my team, at the end of the hall. I broke into a run, as they spotted me. Effie, Haymitch and Cinna, were all there. I jumped into Haymitch's arms, just as he stood up.

"Good job, sweetheart." he whispered, into my ear.

As his embrace broke, Effie tackled me with a hug. "I knew you could do it." Is all she says.

I hugged Cinna, and we were both silent.

"Go with Cinna." Haymitch told me. "He'll get you ready."

I followed Haymitch's orders and walked behind Cinna, as he moved down a few long hallways and led me to an elevator that took us to the lobby of the training center. We walked across the lobby to the elevator, that took us to the twelfth floor.

As the elevator opened I saw my prep team standing in front of me, they wrapped me in a huge hug. They talked about how happy they were to see me, and I was happy to see them too.

They took me to the dinning room, where I was served roast beef, peas and rolls. Then I was taken into my room where Cinna leaves me with my prep team, so they can take care of me. They turned on my shower, and got to work.

I tuned out their chatter about the games, to keep from hating them.

After they were done, Cinna came in holding a long flowing red dress.

"More fire?" I asked. He didn't respond, instead he just slipped the dress over my head, with a smile on his face. The dress went down to my ankles and had thin straps. It was plain, but caught the light, throwing it back, and giving the allusion a slow flickering fire. There was padding in the chest area, that made me feel uncomfortable.

As if reading my thoughts Cinna explained. "They wanted to alter you surgically, Haymitch wouldn't let them, that was the compromise." Pointing to the padding.

We took the elevator to the training center, my team would be rising from below the stage, because it was tradition. Cinna and the prep team went to get ready, leaving me in a dimly lit area under the stage. Someone tapped my shoulder and I jumped, as I turned around to see Haymitch.

"You scarred me." I whispered.

"Sorry," He replied. "How are you holding up?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"The whole...Peeta thing." He shifted his weight, obviously uncomfortable.

"Oh," I sighed. "I'm mad more than anything. I wanted to be able to make a decision, and he took that away from me."

"I know what you mean." He said.

"You look nice," I said, referring to the suit he had on. "How did Effie manage to get you into that?"

"I keep asking myself that same question." I was thankful he didn't try to push the Peeta thing. "Good luck out there."

"Thank you." I said, and I hoped he knew what I meant.

"Anytime." He said casually, but I could see in his eyes that he meant more. "I gotta go."

I smiled as he walked away.

My prep team went up first, then Effie, then Cinna and lastly Haymitch. They all made great entrances, people cheered for Cinna and Haymitch the most.

I felt the plate under me slowly start to rise, and I put a smile on my face as I saw the ocean of people come into view.