Chapter 3-Nettie
I sat there with the TV paused on Xara. I replayed her Reaping over and over
again by myself in the dark. Her reaction was flawless everytime. When they
called her name, her jaw dropped in shock, but as the camera locked on her face,
she seemed to pick herself up and walk to the stage with dignity. She walked
with such fluid movements. They were almost graceful. And her eyes...
I paused the TV on her face. She looked bored. Numb. Indifferent. I just sat
there staring. I found her very attractive. I mean like... REALLY attractive...
I didn't know why though... I didn't like girls! Did I...?
I sighed and turned off the TV. No. That was rediculous. I was straight and
liked men! ...Right?
"Stop being so stupid!" I told myself.
"Who's being stupid?" Katniss asked as she came in.
"Oh, um...sorry if I wke you." I blushed.
"Nah, I've been up for hours. Why were you watching the District 6 Reaping?"
I blushed deeper. Thank God it was dark. "Oh, I was trying to figure out who the
girl reminded me of."
"Figure it out yet?"
"No. That's why was yelling. I was telling myself I was being silly. I don't
know anyone that she reminds me of..." I said looking down.
"It's okay. We all make mistakes. Go to bed now. We have a big day tomorrow.
She smiled walking from the room.
I walked up to my room an Avox had showed me earlier. It was a big room that was
way over decorated. I had a small window that was bulted closed that was the
size of a port hole. After takong a shower and experimenting with the zillions
of buttons, I tied my hair back to dry. I walked to the drawer and picked out my
pajamas. A simple white tank top and fuzzy shorts. I climbed into the sheets and
nuzzled close. It was very comfortable indeed.
When I opened my eyes, instead of the cozy bed, I found myself in a forest
leaning against the hard bark of a tree. A fire was crackling not far from me,
warming my cold bones bit by bit. Across the fire staring back at me was eyes of
a girl. One eye was greenand the other was blue. The girl from District 6.
Crap! Now I was having dreams about her!
Xara and I were staring into each others eyes in silence. A snap of a twig sent
me to my feet. Xara and I quickly stomped out our fire. But I knew it was too
late. I can tell by the despair that floods Xara's eyes. An arrow flies into the
tree just missing my head. I stumbled away gasping. Xara screamed as a knife
flew into view and pinned her to a tree. Whoever threw it was very good. It had
just missed Xara's skin and was stabbed into her clothes.
A girl with reddish brown hair ran into view. She had one knife in her hand, the
other between her teeth. I saw her raise her arm to throw another knife to
finish of Xara, but I an forward and thrust out my leg at full force. I sent my
foot flying into her throat. She made an odd choking sound as she dropped to the
ground. I watched as she slowly sufficated to death. A cannon sounded loudly and
that's when I realized...The Games. This was the Games!
I turned and ran over to Xara. I pulled the knife away freeing her. She stumbled
forward and hugged me.
"Come on," she said. "We'd better move so they can collect the body.
I pulled away and let her start to lead me away. But when we turned around,
another brunette girl stood waiting. Her hand was out stretched. It wasnt until
I felt the spear go through me that I realized what had happened...
The loud knock on my door sent my eyes snapping open. Effie's annoying voice
yelled to me through the door. "Up! Up! It's going to be a big big big day!"
I got up and brushed my hair and washed my face. I changed out of my pajamas and
into something appropriate yet comfortable. Red pants with knee high books and a
black shirt. I folded my belt in a way and put it on my next like it was a
choker necklace. I let my hair fall down my back before I went to join the
others at breakfast.
I am instantly served with food as I sit next to Jareth. I ate numbly not really
absorbing what I was actually eating. I felt hollow. I was quiet until Haymitch
dropped his fork and coughed. Then he glanced at Jareth and I.
"What can you two do?"
"What?" Jareth asked.
"Any talents? Prior weapons training? Can you use weapons at all?" Katniss said.
"Um. I wrestle. So I guess I'm good with hands on fighting." Jareth offered.
"I'm good at um... I don't know..." I said looking down. "Sorry, I don't fight,
really.."
"Perfect." Haymitch growled getting up from the table.
"Well, that's okay. She has the training days to work on it." Peeta cut in.
"Guess we'll have to hope for the best." Effie sighed.
"Can I go now?" I whined.
Effie thought for a second and smiled. "Sure, go ahead. We have to get ready for
the Chariot ride into the Training Center. Alright?"
"Sure thing." I said shoving out of my chair. As I was walking away, she yelled
something to me I didnt quiet catch. I was sure I heard the word 'Cinna' again,
though I still didnt know what it meant.
I was sitting there pawning through the drawers observing the clothes, when I
heard a stampeed of feet rushing down the hall. I didnt think much of it; until
my door burst open and I was attacked.
"Oh my gosh! We have so much to do!" One voice said in disgust.
"Oh, her eye brows!" A woman said, visibly shuddering.
Suddenly, they were ripping off my clothes. I was thrashing and screaming by the
time they had me in my under-garments. I swung my fist at one, but missed.
"Whoa! Don't kill my Prep Team!" A man called.
"Wh-what the hell is going on!" I yelled.
"Effie didn't warm you we were coming? I'm Cinna." He said, outstretching his
hand. After a moments hesitation, I reached out and shook his hand. "This is
Flavius." I looked at the man he gestured to. Flavius had orange corkscrew locks
and he had smeared purple lipstick on his lips. "Flavius will work on your hair
for me," he turned to Flavius. "A simple bun is fine for now. This is Venia, she
will work on your nails. Make them flames." He told her. "And this is Octavia.
She will work on your legs and eyebrows." Venia was thin and angular with aqua
curls flowing down her back. She had gold tattoes above her eyebrows. Then there
was Octavia. She looked like a pea! She was plump and her skin was dyed green!
Then I observed Cinna. He was very handsome. He was wearing a simple red shirt
and black pants, the complete opposite of me. He was wearing gold eyeliner. It
brought out the little gold specks in his eyes. He came closer and grabbed my
hand. The prep team watched in silence as he looked over my body piece by piece.
He shook his head clicking his tongue.
"Get to work." He told the team as he walked out.