A.N; So, what do y'all think of Blithe? Very Cinna-like isn't he?

Chapter 4- Jitters

It seemed to pass by, time. One minute I was admiring my dress, the next I was twirling one final time for the mirror. The dress wore even better than it looked. I had on earrings that were lightning bolts and shoes that had the same bolt as a heel. Honestly, Blithe deserved tons of credit here in the outfit choice, although I still don't get what the black dot pattern was for on the dress.

"Litnicki, the Current,' Blithe said smiling to himself as I completed my twirl round.

"I like that. It sounds like the Girl on Fire."

"Oh, Katniss had quite a year that year. She's here, mentoring the tributes with Peeta. Would you like to see her? I'm sure we can find her as we wait for the carriages to launch," Blithe offered. I nodded.

"Okay. Where's Roan?"

"Tansy, his stylist, is putting the finishing touches to his costume right now. We're going to go ahead to the waiting area where the carriages are," Blithe said. I nodded.

'Where are they?'

'They're down at the front of this building. This is the Training Center, by the way. You'll stay here until the Games.'

I nodded, not knowing how else to respond. "Cool."

Blithe took my arm and he led me from the room we were in to the nearest elevator and once inside, he pushed the last button that had a G on it. Huh, that must mean Ground. The elevator had glass windows and I could see people mull about as we passed their floors. The ding that announced our arrival to the ground floor made me jump. I was too busy people watching to listen for it. Blithe led me out, and I was greeted by twelve huge carriages that looked like onions and each had glass windows on both sides. I'm sure my mouth was wide open.

As I walked toward the carriage Twelve had, I caught sight of two people. One had a braid that went down her back and she was wearing a dress that was orange gown that looked sort of like a replica of the cool fire dress I'd seen on TV three years prior in the opening ceremonies. From behind, it looked to be strapless and there were black patterns to create the illusion of smoke.

The man who stood next to her was in a white suit, but I would bet the jacket had a design to mimic flames on the front. They looked to be talking to two others, the tributes from their district most likely. I should be over with Blithe, Roan, and Tansy but I had time to kill anyway. The 12 tributes looked young and scared. They were facing me, and I guessed the girl couldn't be much older than twelve. The boy looked malnourished and his costume looked big on him.

I had to look away, or else I might cry. Crying was not an option.

I also saw an older man beside Katniss and Peeta. This must be Haymitch, the other victor from 12 that had won a Quarter Quell. I had met him during my stay in 12 a year ago. He still looked the same: his long blond hair was messy and he looked casually fancy for the special event. I bet you're asking yourself a question right now: how did I, a girl from 5, end up in 12?

A year ago, my dad had traveled to the Capitol to discuss the power manager of the country or something. My aunt Bristol couldn't take care of me, because she'd just given birth to my youngest cousin Ember, who was now one (this is Cog's sister by the way). So, my dad had known the Everdeen family from way back, so he sent me off on a train to 12.

Katniss was eighteen when I came to stay with them. Her sister (and my good friend Primrose) was my age and both of them really made me feel welcome. I'd stayed for two months, and actually was really sad to leave. During my stay I'd met Haymitch, Peeta, and her other friend named Gale. I really liked all of them, and we kept in touch often.

"Katniss, look behind you," I heard Peeta whisper to her. She turned and saw me instantly. I wanted to run and hug her, but in heels it was hard. I walked as fast as I could and soon I was received in a hug.

"Oh my God Katniss! I'm gonna die…" I was sure to babble now.

"No you're not. You're strong Nicki. I know you are," she said. Her chin rested on the crown of my head like my father's used to when he hugged me as a little girl. I closed my eyes.

"I can't do this.'

"Yes, you can do it. It's fine, it's fine,' she was still trying to comfort me. I opened my eyes to see the tributes from 12 looking at me in pity.

"Nicki have you met Juniper and Boggs? They're our tributes," Peeta said. Juniper was pale and a head shorter than me. She had almost platinum curls that framed her fresh as a daisy face. Boggs was dark headed and Juniper's head reached his shoulder. He surprised me with the strong build he had. 'Hi guys," I said.

"Hi. Are you from District 5?" Juniper asked brightly.

I nodded, "Yeah. How'd you guess?'

She shrugged, "you're in blue which reminds me of electricity.' I nodded here, seeing the connection. I looked past Boggs and there was only Haymitch. Where was Katniss?

Prim POV

Oh my God. As I looked out from my penthouse I had with Katniss in the Capitol, I saw all the tributes start to get in their carriages. I decided to head down to the City Circle, it was just outside from where we were. Mom had gone insane ever since Katniss had gotten back from her Games, so when we went to move here permanently so Katniss could mentor we left Mom in 12. Katniss and I haven't heard from her since. I suppose I missed her, but I knew she wouldn't be able to take care of us if she couldn't take care of herself.

I grabbed my phone and took the elevator in our apartment down to the Ground floor. We had a personal cab. Our driver assigned to escort us was called Jeff. Jeff was from the Capitol and you could tell this by his neon purple hair and neon blue suit. I had put on a dress that sort of looked like coal coming up from the white bottom. I had quickly curled my long blond hair. "Where to, Miss Prim?"

"The City Circle," I answered as I got in the back. The City Circle had the best view of everything from the tribute parade to other events that happened.

"So is Miss Katniss there?" Jeff asked me.

'Yes, and I'm going to see her and the parade," I said as we raced through the streets as the images of the carriages grew closer.

Katniss POV

"Oh my fucking God, I'm going to murder Snow's little shitting ass,' I had a hard time containing myself after Peeta pulled me aside.

'Katniss, it's okay. Nicki can live, we did, so why can't she?" Dammit, I hated when Peeta's rational side beat out the seemingly good logic my rants presented.

"I don't give a damn! That girl is Prim's age and just like my sister. Holy shit Peeta just gah," I felt like I wanted to shoot something. Knowing not what else to do, I called the first person who came to mind: Seneca Crane. Seneca was the head Game-Maker, so maybe he could help.

'Hello?" He answered on the first ring.

"Seneca, it's Katniss. Do you know if there is any way that a tribute can be pulled from the Games?" I asked and crossed my fingers that it was a yes. There was a pause.

"I'm afraid not," he said sadly. Shit.

"Oh, damn. Sorry to have bothered you Seneca."

"Oh it's not a problem Katniss. If you and Prim need anything, just call me." Gah, I have no idea what it was about Seneca, but ever since we moved to the Capitol so I could mentor, he had been like my and Prim's bodyguard and go-to-guy.

"Thanks Seneca. I'll talk to you tomorrow," I said. Tomorrow the Game Makers were meeting to see if there was anything else they wanted to add to this year's arena. I was on mentor duty for interviews tomorrow, but I'm sure Prim and I would stop by. I hung up.

"Look," Peeta said. I looked up just in time to see the carriage from 1 go out. I looked at Juniper and Boggs and gave them a smile. They returned it wearily. The district carriages filed out: 2, 3, 5, 9, and 11. It might be a good time to call Prim. I took out my fancy phone, but Prim was ahead of my game.

Katniss, the girl from 5… is that Nicki?