A/N: Hey guys, I haven't attended to this story in so long and I apologise. All I can say is that homework has gotten the best of me... Anyway, this chapter will be a rehash of the parade as it is a little meinel to write.. Enjoy and please review with something really nice! :)

I had no words for what had just happened. I was shocked out of my mind. Flabbergasted didn't even seem the right word to use. It had been beautiful, breath-taking. It was nearly topping the best experience list and thats saying something. The flames were dreadfully scary at first, but my nerves calmed a little when Peeta's hand had secured mine and Haymitch give my arm a reassuring squeeze.

I had forgiven him but kept quiet and reserved around him. I needed him to survive, and I would do anything to do so.

The cart was emblazoned with the same flames that had smothered our capes and the ebony horses' hair was braided with black and red ribbons. The leather-lycra suits were uncomfortable, too tight and too revealing. The worst thing though, they squeaked when you moved. My hair had been shaped into deep waves and a few strands coloured with red.

Everybody in the parallel stands had cheered and thrown roses down at us. I could even hear the pitch of the screams rise as we came into view. They had loved the flames, they had loved the costume and the cart, they had loved us. I'd found myself waving back at them and taking their strange faces in. When I had seen Peeta's and my own face on the huge screens, I had been shocked. I hadn't had a real chance to admire my stylists work but I knew it had really paid of. In all modesty, I looked amazing.

The parade was done and over before I knew it. Peeta and I had to be peeled out of our costumes before we were shown to our new quarters. We were on the top floor; district 12, level 12. The view from the window pleased the eye but the furnishings seemed cold, hard, alien like. I was shown to my room which like the train, was immaculate. Everything was catered for, maybe over done. I showered to remove the light makeup and washed through my hair. When I stepped out though, I noticed the colour remained in my now shoulder length hair. I braided it to the side and dressed in navy silk pants and a white kaftan-style blouse.

I slipped on white-lace flats and made my way to the dining room. Haymitch was already there, his silver flask in hand and an evil-eyed look casted upon the paper in front of him.

"Hi," I said mousily as I took a seat across from him.

"Hello, Primrose," my father use to call me by my full name.

I sat quietly, my hands in my lap and my ankles crossed. Peeta entered from the direction of his chamber and came to sit next to me at the table. Effie and our stylists followed suit.

"You. Were. Amazing!" She squealed and repeatedly clapped her hands. She stood behind me and placed her hands on my shoulders. "The district 12 tributes will be emblazoned in the minds of the crowd, in the hearts of everyone they know, loved by-"

"Effie, cram it," Haymitch interrupted her with a stable tone.

She huffed and took her seat at the head of the table.

A man in white, loose clothing silently offers everyone except me a flute of wine. A woman wearing the same attire fills my glass with a clear, fizzy liquid. I tasted it with the tip of my tongue and pulled back. It tasted like water, but different.

"It's sparkling water," Cinna mentions from down the table.

I nod and place my glass back.

Dinner was served on silver platters and consisted of flakey, peppered fish, fresh greens, roasted turkey with sweet gravy, rice paper rolls and fresh garden salad. I tried everything on the table and by the end, my mouth salivated for more but my stomach protested with loud gurgles.

Dessert was even better and thanks to a quick stop to the bathroom, I was able to fill myself up yet again. There was all kinds of chocolate dipped fruit, puddings, cakes, chilled creams and something Portia had called Gelato which tasted of mango and coconut.

After dinner, we all settled onto the couches in the next room. I sat cross-legged and hugged a pillow to my chest.

"So, tomorrow is day one of training. You will practice with the other tributes for three days, then you will be able to show your skills to the Gamemakers," Haymitch's voice was monotonous. I suppose it would be after having to repeat it so often.

I was suddenly aware of everything going around me; I would be seeing the other tributes without their costumes to hide behind. I was terrified in that moment. I forget about the wonderful food, the beautiful outfits at my disposal, the royal treatment and the amazing views. It was so the last week we had before dying was somewhat good. I blinked back the oncoming tears and pinched my arm to distract my mind.

"If you wish, I can coach you separately," Haymitch offered.

Peeta shook his head, "I'm okay with you coaching us together."

All expecting eyes turned to me. It took all of my strength to not burst into tears and scream. I nodded my head in agreement, not trusting my voice.

"Okay then, give me an idea of what you can actually do," Haymitch looked at us both with wide eyes.

I gulped.

Peeta cleared his throat, "I'm strong I guess, I mean, bags of flour aren't exactly light."

"Good, good, we can do strong-man," he nodded. "What about you, Prim?"

I hated blood. I hated gore. I hated death. I hated violence. I don't think I could kill 23 other tributes with kindness. But then maybe, they'd feel sorry for me and hopefully wait until the last minute to pick me off. More time would be all I would ask for.

I shook my head, "I can't do anything."

Cinna, Portia and Effie looked down in their laps.

Haymitch sighed, "I'm sure you can do something, Prim."

I shook my head again before standing and walking out. I hurried to my chamber and closed the door. I crawled under the soft covers after putting on a satin night-dress and running my fingers through my hair.

A/N I hope you enjoyed this and once again I am sorry for the terribly long time in between updates.

HoldMeCloserTonyDanzer