A/N: Trying something new here…

11 – Trap

While Atala is speaking with the dozen or so tributes that have shown up, I try to listen to what she's saying. I could probably guess, but I'm just doing so to pass time. I catch a word here and there, but it's difficult; they've all congregated on the opposite side of the training room, far from my station. I lean back in my chair and sigh.

The group splinters and I guess that she dismissed them. They seem to go in every direction but mine—not necessarily true, but that's what it feels like. I recognize most of the tributes, although right now only two stand out.

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

They linger briefly, sharing a few words that are inaudible at this distance, and then break. Peeta heads over to the spear station, following two other victors. I scowl. He's one person that I'd prefer didn't come to my station.

There's a strange sensation that flutters within me when I realize that Katniss is moving in my direction. I sit up, take a deep breath, and unconsciously feel my tongue run over my lips.

Last year I told all of my friends that I had met the girl on fire. Oh, their jealousy! This year, however, I think I'll keep our meeting to myself.

Suddenly she's here, and I hear myself greeting her automatically.

She says few words, but she listens. And she remembers. As it turns out, she can still set one of my personal favorite traps—the one that closes on your prey's leg and drags them into the air.

I find myself not examining her handiwork, but rather focusing on her eyes. That's okay though; she seems to be making few mistakes.

I like her presence here. Not just because I hate how my station is always neglected. Part of me would go on like this forever, showing her an example and observing her concentrated features as she practices. I wish she were talking more. I'm forbidden from forging any personal ties with a tribute, but if only she would initiate conversation… just to hear her voice…

Suddenly, someone is behind her and wrapping his arms around her. The boy finishes the knot she was working on for her. I now recognize him as Finnick, the popular victor from District 4. He won 10 years ago. As is characteristic of people from his district, he is quite good at knot-tying.

But I don't want him here. He's already broken everything that was going on, the calm balance that I was so enjoying.

I watch somewhat pensively as Katniss walks away to another station. Finnick is left in her wake. When I turn, I notice that he had been looking at me. He raises his eyebrows curiously. I try not to show any emotion, any reaction at all. I don't know how that worked out.

But he strides off to another station, leaving me alone.

Once again, I turn my attention to the girl on fire, who's now speaking to the trainer at the fire-building station.

That was the last time I'd ever see her. Up close, at least. I'll see her at home when I watch the Games, for certain.

I just wish I could have said something. I wish I could have told her what she means to me.

I wish I could have told her, "I love you."