Chapter 10: Opening Ceremonies

It's been two days since I last saw Peeta. It's been kind of awkward between us, especially since before the Reaping, I never saw myself being with Peeta, let alone kissing him, and I certainly don't think he saw himself being with me. But there had to be some truth to what he said; about his father wanting to marry my mother and him watching me go home from school every day. I just don't know what to think. I've been preoccupied thinking about Gale and Madge having to fight for their live in the fast approaching Hunger Games. The Opening Ceremonies are tonight.

The Opening Ceremonies are an annual tradition, much like The Hunger Games itself. All twenty-four tributes, after being expertly dressed by their respective Capitol stylists, will enter the City Circle in a chariot drawn by horses. Tributes from the same district enter on the same chariot. This is an opportunity for Capitol civilians to see the people they will be watching on TV in the arena. It's also a time for the Capitol to decide who they are going to sponsor. It all depends on the stylist; if the costume represents the respective district well, then that particular tribute has a better chance of getting sponsors in the arena. The stylists' job is to represent the tributes' District in a costume. For example, District 12 is the mining district of Panem. One year, the tributes from my District were dressed in nothing but coal, which is why they had no sponsors that year. Usually Districts 1 and 2 get the most sponsors, probably because they're Careers. I'm praying that this year's Team of Stylists for District 12 are going to make Madge and Gale look good.

To take my mind off of things for a while, I decide to go hunting. I grab my father's hunting jacket and my game bag and leave our dwelling. My mother and Prim are in town today, so I'm off to my own devices. When I reach the metal fence that surrounds District 12 and separates us from the forest, I stop and listen carefully to make sure that it's not buzzing. The buzzing signals that the fence is activated, and anyone who tries to go through will be electrocuted. The fence is rarely activated. Unsurprisingly, it isn't today, either. I crawl under the fence and then go to get my supplies. Once I've retrieved them, I decide to start hunting.

As I pass the small clearing in which Gale and I meet, I am suddenly overwhelmed with an unmistakable feeling of loneliness. I still can't believe that Gale was Reaped, let alone the fact that I may have to hunt by myself from now on. The woods are nothing without Gale. He says the only time I smile is when I'm in the woods, but the real reason I smile is because I'm in the woods with him. We had a million conversations right here in this clearing; I can practically hear our voices echoing throughout the forest. I can picture us just sitting there after a long day of hunting, dividing our loot, laughing at how much or how little we were able to catch, depending on the day. I close my eyes, capturing that image of us, remembering it, storing it deep inside my head, where no one can take it away.

"What are you doing, Katniss?" a confused voice asks me from across the clearing. My eyes are wide open now, half expecting to find Gale but instead finding Peeta.

"Peeta?!" I exclaim with utter shock, "What are you doing here?" This isn't a rhetorical question; I am completely stumped as to why Peeta would be here. As far as I'm concerned, he has no hunting ability, nor does he need to have any; his family makes just enough to get by. So why is he here?

"Don't you remember?" Peeta asks. I shake my head, trying to remember whatever it is I was supposed to remember, but failing miserably. Peeta continues, "You said you would teach me how to hunt today. You told me yesterday."

I make note of a little sadness in his voice; not enough for anything to be said about it, but just enough for me to notice. "Oh my gosh, Peeta, I'm so sorry!" I apologize. "I completely forgot. I was just so caught up thinking about Gale and Madge in the Opening Ceremonies tonight and I—"

"It's okay, Katniss, I understand," Peeta cuts me off. I walk to him and sit beside him, my bows and arrow in hand.

"You know," I start, "this is where Gale and I would meet every day. We would meet before we started to hunt for the day, then we would meet here again afterwards to divide our game." I can't help but shed a tear at the millions of memories of Gale and I here, praying that Peeta won't notice. But, of course, being the Peeta that he is, he does. He lifts a hand and wipes it away gently. I relax at the sensation of his hand on my cheek, closing my eyes again. We sit there for about a half hour, his arm around me, my eyes closed, before I suddenly remember what I came here for.

I jump up with a start, surprised that I forgot even for a little while what my priorities are, which is, of course, hunting for my family. Peeta asks what's wrong and I explain that we need to start not only so we can go home before the sun sets, but also so we can make it back in time to see the Ceremonies. I tell Peeta to follow me, and we embark on our journey through the forest. I notice that Peeta has a heavy tread, and he is scaring some of the animals away. I tell him to try to walk a little more quietly and carefully, and he does, but only slightly. Hunting is going to be difficult with him.

I hear a rustling of leaves and notice a rabbit hopping along. I tell Peeta to stop walking and to stay in one spot. I can tell he's watching me, whether from amusement, curiosity or admiration, I don't know. But he's watching my every move. I hide behind a bush stealthily, concealing myself from the rabbit, and grab a bow from my quiver. I place the bow in the arrow, and raise it. I pause, take a deep breath, and shoot. The rabbit didn't even know what hit him.

I stand up from my place behind the bush, and an amazed-looking Peeta claps. I take a bow, but I really didn't need to; I've caught way too many rabbits, let alone animals in general, to count. It's really not that special from my point of view, but I guess it is for him because he probably doesn't even know how to hold an arrow properly, or even place a bow in an arrow either.

"Wow, Katniss!" Peeta exclaims. "I've heard some stories before, but I just didn't know you were that good!"

I walk over to the dead rabbit and clean it carefully. Peeta makes a face, and I roll my eyes playfully. The sight of the rabbit doesn't even phase me anymore.

"Now it's your turn," I tell him as I place a bow in the arrow for him. "Follow me."

He does and we walk around for a bit, trying to spot an animal to shoot, meanwhile me shushing him about his tread. We finally find something, and are we ever lucky! It's a baby dear, a fawn, walking around unsupervised by its parents, unsuspectingly munching on something. I point it out to Peeta, and he instantly sees it. The fawn doesn't notice us, which is a little surprising; we're hiding behind a large oak tree a few feet away. Well, the closer you are to the animal, the better shot you get, as I like to say.

I position the loaded arrow in Peeta's arms, and quickly give him a lesson on how to shoot. I watch the deer, making sure it's still out of it; not knowing what's going on. I step out of the way and give him space to shoot. Peeta aims the arrow directly at the fawn's temple, which is what I instructed him to do, and he takes a breath. I laugh quietly to myself; he's taken so many notes and pointers from me that he even breathes when I do. He draws the bow and, without further hesitation, shoots.

I'm amazed at how well he did. He shot the fawn right where I told him to. We weren't far away from the fawn, yes, but still; for someone who's had little to probably no prior training, that's pretty damn good. I feel the need to question him, so I do.

"Have you ever hunted before this, Peeta?" I ask.

"Not once," he explains. I must have some weird look on my face because he asks me, "How did I do?"

"Amazing!" I exclaim, "Peeta, please please please consider being my hunting partner for the time being, will you?" I sputter out before realizing what I just said. Why did I ask him? That was so stupid of me! One lucky shot, and I'm begging him for mercy. What's gotten into me?

"Uh. . ." Peeta starts, "I guess I could try?" That came out more like a question than a statement, so he says, "I mean, yeah, sure, if that's what you want." He smiles.

I smile back, but I'm not thinking happy thoughts at all. Is that really what I want? If he's my hunting partner, he'll probably slow me down, but of course not on purpose. I'll probably come home every day with less and less game, thanks to him. I'm moving too fast with him, but I can't help or stop myself. Was this feeling of wanting Peeta always inside me? Or is it just because I'm lonely and need a friend or at least someone I can count on? I really have no idea, but I do know one thing: I can't take back what I just said. Peeta will have to be my hunting partner for a while, and I'll just have to suffer the consequences. Besides, I could always go early every morning, like I always do, and tell Peeta to meet me at a later time every day. That way I can catch more game before he meets me. And, how bad could he really be? Sure, he'll never catch up to my level without years of training and determination, but with a few lessons and sessions, he'll be alright. Nothing more, nothing less. "That's what I want," I reply, trying to make my voice sound convincing. I don't know if he buys it or not; he simply looks at me with questioning eyes, as if he's trying to read my thoughts, then shrugs.

After it's been decided that Peeta and I are going to work together, I quickly catch another rabbit and two squirrels, adding to my game. The horizon is starting to turn that orange-pink colour, and I tell myself it's time to get going. But Peeta is in no rush, none at all. He's simply staring at it, admiring it, lost in his thoughts. I suddenly remember that he told me that this was his favourite colour, and favourite time of day, so I let him enjoy it. He seems to remember that we have to watch the Ceremonies, so he abruptly stands up and we start to walk back to District 12, hand in hand. It feels so natural yet so new to be holding Peeta's hand. I don't let it bother me too much. People can say what they want about us.

I tell Peeta that I can walk home from here by myself, that he should be getting home to his house, but he insists on walking me all the way home. We get to my dwelling soon enough, and before letting me go, he pulls me into a tight hug and a gentle kiss. I just know Prim is watching this like we look like Effie Trinket or something.

I tell him to meet me in the forest at around noon tomorrow, and he agrees and waves goodbye. I wave back, walking inside, and, of course, finding Prim with a goofy smile plastered from one side of her face to the other. "First a hug, now a kiss," Prim teases, "You need to get a room!"

"Very funny, Prim," I say, hugging her.

About an hour later, the large bell in District 12 sounds, notifying us that it's time to tune in to the Capitol's station strictly reserved for The Hunger Games broadcasting and viewing. I sit on our small, beat up couch beside Prim, braiding her hair, while my mother sits at the kitchen table. The Opening Ceremonies always begin with a speech given by President Snow, stating that he is "very excited to introduce this year's tributes." Music plays loudly, the crowd is roaring, the Ceremonies have begun.

The first chariot comes out, and the two tributes from District 1 are standing and waving. This makes the crowd go crazy. Since District 1 is especially known for producing luxury items for the Capitol, this year's tributes are decked out in jewels and gems of all sorts. The female is wearing a sparkly dress covered in expensive items and the male is dressed in a fancy suit covered in the same things. I disregard every other chariot, deciding that I'll pay more attention tomorrow at the interviews. I wait for District 12's chariot to come out.

I expected Madge and Gale to look ridiculous, dressed in something embarrassing. But instead I find them dressed in all black suits, Madge's having more of a girly twist. It's not that special, but it's still better than District 12's previous years. I'm guessing the black represents coal.

I don't even have time to contemplate this, as my thoughts are cut off by seeing Madge and Gale on fire. At first I'm shocked, scared that they'll burn and will suffer, but then I notice that it was all planned out; they're smiling. They're also holding hands. The audience is seriously loving this. A lot of people throw roses at them, as a sign of respect. This is a good thing; people are liking them so they have a good chance of getting sponsors in the Games. This is more than what I could ever hope for!

But the show's not over. The fire burns out, suddenly being replaced by fireworks of all colours. This is amazing, but I can't help but be reminded of my father's death when I look at the fireworks.

After about two minutes of mind blowing fireworks, everything stops and the audience is hollering. President Snow calms them, and says his traditional line: "Tributes, we welcome you!" I cringe at his voice. This one man is the sole reason of why I live the way I live, as well as many others in other districts. He makes me sick.

He delivers yet another speech, then dismisses the tributes meanwhile telling all of Panem to watch the interviews tomorrow night. It's not really an invitation at all, but an order.

I turn the TV off, and kiss my mother and Prim good night. As I lie in bed with Prim, I close my eyes and think that maybe, just maybe, everything will turn out okay.

...

A/N: Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games. So, I think this is my longest chapter for this story, and on this site! I want to take this opportunity to apologize for not being able to post on here sooner; I've been really busy lately. Anyways, please read and review. I'll take any and all new readers and reviewers, as well as all reviews. PM me if you have any questions or suggestions or comments, or tell me in the review box below. The next chapter should be up next weekend. Almost forgot! From now on, I'll be posting new chapters and/ or stories on weekends unless I have some spare time during the week. Thanks!
~hungergames98

To my lovely reviewers:

Guest: Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm glad you liked it! I don't even know what to say but thank you!

Ghanaperu: I updated really fast last time because it was during the summer and I had a bunch of time on my hands. I will most definitely post chapters that take place in The Hunger Games, don't worry. So far Gale and Madge are off to a good start because of their Opening Ceremonies outfits, but anything can change. They might strive or suffer in the Games, you'll just have to see ;)