AN; This chapter is dedicated to Nikkette, thank you for giving me first AND second review, it means a lot.
review responses:
Nikkette~ Thank you, and I'm honored that you're honored that I mentioned you in my authors note. And hyniss has been one of my favorite ships for a long time, and I'm glad im able to contribute.
hayniss-evernathy~ Thank you for taking the time to review, I absolutely love hayniss. I am trying to let their relationship progress slowly, I am really bad at bringing romance in to the story too soon, so just warn me if I am.
The audience went wild as my face appeared on the huge screens. Caesar Flickerman stood, greeting me with a warm hug. He led me to a small chair, and I sat down, as he took a seat in the chair opposite of me.
"It's good to see you Katniss." He said. He made it sound like I was back from vacation, and not the games.
"You too." I gave him a small smile, but didn't say anything else. I waited in dreadful anticipation for the highlights as Ceasear continued to make jokes with the audience, but finally they started. It would last around three hours and was required for all of Panem to watch.
They showed the reapings first, and of course they went from district one to twelve. Every time a name was called my fist clenched around the cloth of the chair a little harder. When district eleven came onto the screen, I was ready to run off of stage. There she was, little Rue walking towards the stage after they called her name, and then waiting on the platform for a volunteer that wouldn't come. Watching Thresh was harder than I thought it would be, I was very thankful that he saved me, I always would be. Then it was my turn, I heard Prims name called, then myself volunteering for her. Then there was Peeta. I covered my face with my hand, as the tears ran down my cheeks. I wiped them away before uncovering my face.
I wasn't crying because Peeta wasn't coming back, I was crying because he was the one who made the decisions, and up until the end that's how it was. He once told me that he didn't want to be a piece in the Capitol's games, I didn't have any idea what he meant at the time, now I do. I ended up being a piece in his games, he made all the decisions and never gave me a choice. Now I'm stuck pretending to be in love with someone who's dead. He ruined my life, that's why I was crying.
over the period of the next few hours, whenever I saw Peeta I made sure to clench my teeth to keep from crying. I could tell as the highlights progress, that this year they were telling a love story. It made me want to puke. I stopped paying attention after the interviews, and didn't zone back in until the end, right after Cato died. I saw Peeta's body fall, I heard my screams, and then it was over.
The anthem started to play and we stood as president snow walked onto the stage holding a crown in his hands. He slowly made his way to me and placed the crown on my head, smiling a fake smile. The audience went wild, screaming as loud as they could. I bowed at least at least ten times before being escorted off stage.
I was taken to the presidents mansion for the Victory Banquet, where I did more socializing then eating. I tried to stay close to Effie since I didn't really know anyone, but after a while I got sick of her bubbly attitude and left, in hopes of finding a bathroom.
As I was walking I didn't notice that there was someone behind me, and when I took a step back, to let an avox pass I stepped on someone's foot. I spun around quickly and was greeted with the sinister smile belonging to president Snow.
"I'm sorry." I mumble.
"You ought to watch where your going," He said with a smile. "I'm forgiving, though it may cost you."
I had a feeling he wasn't just talking about me stepping on his feet.
"I'm sorry." I said again, because I didn't know what else to say.
"I suppose you've been grieving over the loss of your Peeta?" He emphasized 'your' and I tried not to flinch.
"Yes." Is all I could trust myself to say.
"It seems that all of Panem is joining you," I silently wondered what he was trying to get at. "You two were a pretty good spark, and that's all it takes."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Rebellion miss Everdeen," He explained. "The districts needed an excuse for another uprising, and im afraid you may have given it to them."
"What am I supposed to do?" I persisted.
"Be a distraction," I didn't understand what he was saying, and as if he was reading my mind he spoke up. "Tomorrow, during your interview, tell everyone that you have moved on from Peeta, and everyone else should do the same."
"Why do you think anyone will listen to me?" I mumbled.
"You're of the people." Is all he says.
"Oh there you are!" I heared someone say from behind me. I spun around and saw Effie walking toward me with a drunk Haymitch stumbling behind her. "I've been looking for you, it's all most time to go."
"Sorry." I said. I turned back to snow but he was gone.
"Come along, we have a lot of thanking to do." I followed Effie into the crowd of Capitol citizens, thinking of President Snow's words.
AN; this authors note won't be long, I just wanted to establish a schedule for this story, I will try to start updating every Friday/Saturday. oh yeah and guess what, yesterday was my birthday, I'm officially 15, I know that wasn't relevant but I am just so excited!
