and may the odds be ever in your favor.

peeta

( dandelion blaze )

disclaimer: not mine.

breathtaking
...

You think that Portia may be the most insane person you've ever met. You mean, that's the only explanation. Anyone who comes up to you and says, "Hi, nice to meet you, I'm Portia, oh, and by the way, just a heads up, I'm going to light you on fire for the opening ceremony" is obviously off their rocker. But what other choice do you have than to obey? You have to listen to what Haymitch told you.

After Portia tells you that you and Katniss are going to be matching, you can't help but laugh a little. You imagine stony, closed-off Katniss being delivered the news that she's going to be on fire in front of all of Panem. That thought alone helps you get through the remaining terrifying hours of prep and costume-donning.

Sometime later, Portia whisks you off to the bottom level of the Remake Center. There are horses and chariots for each pair of tributes. You and Katniss will be going last, as you're from Disctrict 12. Portia and Katniss' stylist, Cinna, direct you and Katniss to the chariot and help you up before arranging your body positions and costumes. Then they go off to consult with each other.

Katniss leans over and whispers, "What do you think?"

You're terrified, in truth. But, well, that's embarrassing to admit. So you just vaguely say through gritted teeth, "I'll rip off your cape if you'll rip off mine."

"Deal," she says. She continues, "I know we promised Haymitch we'd do exactly what they said, but I don't think he considered this angle."

She has a good point. "Where is Haymitch, anyway?" You ask. "Isn't he supposed to protect us from this sort of thing?"

Katniss is silent for a moment before replying solemnly, "With all that alcohol in him, it's probably not advisable to have him around an open flame."

You're both quiet for a moment before bursting forth in laughter. You're not too sure why you're laughing, but you don't mind, because just hearing that bell of a laugh and seeing that breathtaking smile on her face is the most amazing thing you've ever heard and seen.

You're interrupted by the opening music. The doors open and the chariots start riding into the City Circle. Cinna appears with a lighted torch. "Here we go then," he says merrily, and before you can say or do anything you're on fire. You scrunch your eyes shut, waiting for the burns, but to your surprise and great relief, they don't come. Cinna climbs up and lights your headdresses on fire as well. He sighs, "It works." He pauses and says, "Remember, heads high. Smiles. They're going to love you!"

Cinna jumps down, seems to have one last idea and turns around. He shouts something at you. "What's he saying?" Katniss asks.

"I think he said for us to hold hands," you inform her. You reach for her hand and look to Cinna. He nods and gives you a thumbs-up before he's swallowed up by the Remake Center and all you can see are flashing lights and crowds of brightly colored people.

All you're aware of is the cheers of the crowd and Katniss' hand gripping yours tightly. Because of this, you can't help but smile. And for the first time, you get a glimpse of yourself on one of the large monitors surrounding the City Circle. But your eyes aren't drawn to just yourself... all you can see is Katniss. Smiling, laughing, blowing kisses to the crowd with her free hand.

And even though you're on your way to death, you can't help but be happy. Because the girl you've been in love with for as long as you can remember, that independent, unapproachable girl, is now gripping your hand and eating up the crowd's praise.

You just can't help it. You smile too. Smile at the girl who has pulled your heart even further away from yourself. It's hers fully. And even though you know that you're going to die in a week or so, you know without a doubt that your heart will always be hers. Always.