7.
The days go by slowly, anticipating the Games.
Katniss is probably working her butt off right know, I think. My fingers freeze in place above the keys, suddenly forgetting how to continue. I slam multiple keys in frustration, resulting in an angry screaming mother. I storm outside, and walk. Just walk. I've been walking so much the last couple of days, I've seen more of District 12 than I had seen my whole life. What grieve does to you.
Well, of course it isn't real grieve, but it could be. I have felt lost, been in denial, and been angry. Aren't those the stages of grieve? But right now, I'm frustrated again. And lost, so lost. I frown while roaming my thoughts. She can win, Katniss can definitely win. She is a first-class hunter, and a real survivor. If it wasn't for the careers, I think. Tonight are the interviews, and I can't wait to see Katniss. Though on the other hand I really don't want to.. I sigh and look where I am; The Meadow. Of course. How often I've been here already.. And in the woods, of course.
Gale even had to save me a couple of times from some wild dogs. Though at that point I didn't really care if they ate me or not. I'm about to turn back around when I bump into Gale. We both exchange awkward looks. ''How're you holding?'' He says with a deep voice. I shrug casually, erasing any visible feelings of my face. ''Perfect,'' I say coldly. He frowns and bumps past me, muttering ''Whatever.'' A huff of air escapes my mouth and I walk. Again. I decide to visit the bakery, finding Peeta Mellark's father as I did. We smiled kindly at each other. I could tell he was grieving too. ''Can I have one hearty loaf, with raisins and nuts? The biggest you have?'' The man nodded and got the bread, wrapping it in paper. We exchanged with my money. ''Good luck,'' I mumble before turning around again. ''You too,'' he says back. I smile softly and like that I'm outside again.
The sun has broken through the clouds, and I let my face sunbathe in it for a moment, feeling the warmth getting absorbed by my cold and tired skin. After I have allowed myself those few minutes, I quickly make my way to Katniss' house.
I can feel my stomach tighten when I near her house, and feel like throwing up when I'm knocking on her door. Prim opens the door, she looks pale but healthy. I hand her the bread and give her a kiss on top of her head, about to walk away, when she grabs my wrist. ''Stay, just for a while, please?'' she asks me, with begging eyes. I nod. ''Sure,'' I say quietly.
She leads me in and we sit down at the table. ''How are you doing?'' I ask her. She shrugs and looks down at the table. ''Okay. And you?'' she looks up at me again. I give her a very pathetic smile. ''Doing fine,'' I answer unconvincing. She looks at me with a worried look. ''Don't you think she's going to make it?'' she asks. I quickly shake my head. ''Of course I think she is going to make! Well, I hope so,'' I say. She nods and looks down again. ''She'll.. She will be fine Prim,'' I try to convince. Though I think I'm mostly trying to convince myself.
''Are you going to watch the interview tonight?'' she asks me, looking at me with big blue eyes. ''Of course,'' I say smiling. ''Wouldn't want to miss the beautiful dress she'll probably wear,'' I say poking Prim in her shoulder. She gives a little laugh. ''Will she wear flames again you think?'' she asks me curiously. I frown slightly. ''Maybe, would be amazing, wouldn't it?'' Prim nods. ''She looked very pretty,'' she says smiling. I nod and smile too, though a bit weary. ''Very pretty indeed Prim. More like beautiful and stunning, don't you think?'' Prim nods firmly. I smile a little more as I think back of Katniss and her flaming entrence. I look at the little clock on the wall and see it's almost interview time.
''Prim, I need to go. I'll visit you soon, okay?'' I say. Prim nods and lets me out.
When I'm home, I join my father in the living room to watch the interviews. The screen goes on and the anthem plays. When that's over, it's interview time. I sit there, scratching my hands in anticipation. I don't pay attention to all the other tributes at all.. And then it's Katniss her turn. She comes up in an amazing dress, and she looks beautiful, oh so beautiful, and so absolutely nothing like herself. I watch her interview, and she looks absolutely nervous. But charming. When she twirls, I smile a bit. And just like that, the interview is over.
I sigh relieved. She survived. And then it's Peeta's turn. I watch him, though not really paying attention. When suddenly he tells whole Panem he is in love with Katniss, my heart drops. And when they show Katniss her reaction where she looks like an in-love girl, my doesn't just drop, it crashes down with the speed of one of those Capitol trains. Suddenly, I don't know how to breathe anymore and find myself gasping for air.
My father gets up and kneels in front of me, holding my, I notice, bleeding hands. Apparently I scratched them open. ''Madge, sweetheart, breathe,'' he says worried. I try, I really try, but I'm hyperventilating and I notice I'm getting light headed. Dad quickly fixes a paper bag and tells me to breathe into it. And as I do, he is still holding my hands, muttering ''Madge, darling, sweetheart, breathe.'' When I'm calmed down I throw the bag away and crash down, crying, in my father's arms, absolutely exhausted. When I'm done crying, he lifts me up in his arms and carries me to my bed and he puts me in. ''Goodnight, I love you,'' he says while kissing my forehead. I nod and close my eyes, entering a world where Katniss is still here, and is still mine.