Clove POV:
I stare at Katniss' still form in my arms. She fell asleep hours ago, crying into me. I understand that she's afraid, I wish there was something I could do. I bite my lip, there's going to be a rebellion. I don't really think we can stop it either. But maybe a rebellion is what this country needs. Things are screwed up, a rebellion might just change things for the better. Maybe end those wretched games.
I sigh, nuzzling Katniss' hair before closing my eyes. I might as well try to get some sleep. Surprisingly sleep comes quite easily and I end up drifting off quickly.
I let out a deep breath, opening my eyes, I'm standing in the middle of District 2, the grey houses loom above me looking taller than usual. Frowning I turn around when I hear a child's laugh. Unsurely I call out but the laughter just continues.
I walk between two houses and the walls fall apart behind me. I glance over my shoulder strangely not fazed by the broken walls. What does faze me though is the way the laughter quickly turns into crying.
I compulsively run towards the sound only to find nothing behind the stone houses. The air is silent now and my heart is twisting uncomfortable in my chest. I turn and fall back as a faceless woman stands over by the crumbled walls.
She has long dark hair and stands there silently. I stare at her searching the place where her eyes should be. I hear another laugh, this one filling me with a cold but familiar fear. The crumbled walls dissolve into dust and father strides through the dust cloud behind the faceless woman.
I scream at her to run but he hits her, around the head and she falls to the floor, bleeding and unmoving. I take a few steps back but end up tripping over something. When I scramble to my feet I spot a glint of silver on the floor and quickly grab it, it's my knife.
Holding the knife in my grip I position myself to throw it, my fear lessening slightly at its cold metallic feel. A voice sounds on the wind, urging me to throw it, I frown I recognise that voice but I can't place it. My heart beats rapidly in my chest, should I throw? My father takes a step towards me his laughter filling my ears
I throw the knife, it flies through the air slower than what I'd expect. As it nears my father his skin seems to fall away revealing a new person. A different person. Katniss. My heart stops in my chest and I force my limbs, which now feel like lead, to rush forwards.
"Katniss!" I scream. But I'm too late the knife hits her between the eyes, she falls to the ground her eyes blank as blood spills onto the concrete. I rush towards her still form and laughter surrounds me.
"Well done Miss Sevina." I jump when I hear that voice again, but this time I recognise it. President Snow stands over me smiling evilly while my father stands next to him smirking. I turn back to Katniss only to find that she's turned into the faceless woman.
"It's your fault." My father says cruelly.
"No." I say dropping the lifeless body and scrambling away "No!" I scream as I back away from the scene. My father follows me, pounding his fist against the palm of his hand. I shake my head and run. I know he's following me.
I reach the town square, the mayor's house sits in front of me but it's the lone figure standing in the centre that makes me stop moving. Katniss stands there, covered in blood. "I thought you loved me." She says accusingly. I shake my head, of course I love her, what is she talking about?
"I do love you." I tell her but she shakes her head.
"Then why did you hurt me?" Blood starts creeping out of her nose and eyes. I feel sick at the sight of it.
"Katniss!" I rush forwards but she pulls back her hand when I reach her. Before I know it her fist is connecting with my jaw. I yelp and fall to the ground, rubbing my jaw as I look up at her. I'm shaking now. What is going on?
I hear footsteps behind me and turn to see my father he lets out one final laugh. President Snow stands beside him. "She doesn't love you." He says coldly. I shiver trying to scramble away from them. "Now finish her! He orders.
"Clove." I turn back to Katniss but she's gone, but why can I hear her voice? "Clove, wake up." My father grabs my shoulders and I scream. "Clove!"
My eyes snap open, I'm shaking and breathing heavily. My head is resting on Katniss's chest as she holds me. "Katniss….I…I hurt you….I….Are you alright?" I pull away looking into her face checking her for injury.
"I'm fine Clove, it was just a nightmare." Katniss reassures me, rubbing a thumb over my cheek. She pulls me closer to her and I let my head fall onto her shoulder. My body is shaking as I put my arms around Katniss, her presence grounding me. "Want to talk about it?" She asks after a while but as usual I shake my head not wanting to relive the terrors my mind had just manufactured.
She holds me silently as my breathing returns to its regular pattern and my heart beat slows to a steady rhythm. I'm so glad I have her, without her these nightly fears would have surely driven me insane by now. But it's not just that, I enjoy every second I spend with her so much so that I never want to be parted.
I scrunch my eyes shut. Snow wants me to kill her, I'd almost forgotten. I gulp, Haymitch said that he didn't think us showing how in love we are is going to stop a rebellion and if we don't stop the rebellion then Snow will want me to kill her. I won't kill her, I love her too much for that. I frown wondering what good it would do anyway. Even If I did kill Katniss surely the rebellion would continue.
I can feel myself getting drowsy, it becomes harder to keep my eyes open. Katniss moves us so we're lying down as if sensing my sleepiness. She kisses my forehead not removing her arms from around me as I allow myself to drift off to sleep.
The train slows as it nears the Capitol. We glide through a tunnel and when we come out the other end we're suddenly surrounded by crowd of cheering garishly dressed people. I shake my head turning away from the window and sitting down next to Katniss at the table.
Haymitch sits opposite us, pouring himself yet another glass of whiskey. Effie sits with my escort and stylist eyeing the drunk Haymitch disapprovingly, she purses her lips before turning and chatting enthusiastically to Silka.
The train stops and Haymitch lets out a heavy sigh before standing. "Time to get going." He grunts at us. I nod as Katniss takes my hand. Our stylists have already given us our outfits to be presented in and done our make-up.
We all head to the train door and peacekeepers meet us as the door opens. The sound is deafening as the crowd around us cheer at the sight of us. Peacekeepers lead us through the crown, a line of peacekeepers either side of use keeping the crowd away from us.
Some of the crowd reaches out to us trying to touch us while others blow kisses. I scowl, tightening my grip on Katniss' hand before remembering I'm not supposed to show how much I hate these people.
I force a smile onto my face and wave to the crowd. Keeping a grin plastered on my face as Katniss does the same. Finally we reach a car and clamber in. As soon as the door is shut the noise of the crowd is quietened and I sigh in relief.
I end up sitting between Effie and Katniss while Haymitch sits as far away from me as possible and I'm infinitely glad of this although even from here I can smell the stench of alcohol. Katniss leans against me as the car drives off causing my lips to twitch into a smile as I put my arm around her.
As the car drives through the Capitol I gaze out at the crowds that line the streets, the buildings touch the sky. I spot a familiar one in the distance. The tribute centre where we spent out days before the games. 24 tributes went in only two went home alive. I shudder pushing the thought from my mind.
The car drives past a huge mansion, my mouth falls open at the sight of it. I've never seen a building so extravagant. Not even the houses in the Victor's Village are that big or grand. The door is lined with pillars of white marble and carvings adorn the walls while beautiful statures and fountains surround it. Luscious trees and bushes grow in the surrounding area making the sight breath taking. I never thought a building could be so beautiful.
"That's the presidential mansion." Silka explains gesturing to the huge white building. "Tonight there will be a fabulous party and guess who's invited!?" She squeals gesturing to us in excitement. I raise an eyebrow biting back a sarcastic comment.
"For now we're taking you to the main shopping street in the Capitol, we'll be able to spend a few hours there before we visit the tribute centre and your stylists will spruce you up and dress you in your evening clothes before attending the presidential party." Effie tells us excitedly.
Katniss nods, her mouth set in a line as she eyes the huge building we're currently driving past. I half listen to Effie explain how we will stay in the tribute centre overnight and have interviews with Caesar Flickerman tomorrow evening where we will show off out talents but I find I'm not too interested in what she's talking about. Katniss stares out of the window and I follow her gaze watching the buildings whiz past as I trail my fingers over the back of her hand absentmindedly.
Soon the car is parking in front of a large, ornate arch. Through the arch I can see a dozens of peoples clambering about, some carrying paper bags. All chatting excitedly amongst themselves. We're ushered out of the car.
Instantly the Capitol people are pointing at us and the noise level increases as the crowd cheers excitedly. Peacekeepers escort us into the crowd, keeping the majority of the people away from us. Effie and Silka lead us into various shops selling a multitude of luxury items, both trying to convince us that we need to buy something useless and garish from every single shop.
I try to keep close to Katniss, not liking the intensity of the crowds surrounding us. Katniss seems to sense this and keeps her hand in mine whenever possible. I wish I could talk to her but the crowds are making that impossible.
Finally we're taken back to the waiting car and riven the short distance to the tribute centre. When we reach the familiar doors my stomach twists uncomfortably. The last time I was here I was going to go into a game that I thought would end in my death. One look at Katniss' face shows me she's thinking the same.
We're separated so our stylists can make us looks perfect for the celebration. I'm taken to the second floor while Katniss stays on the elevator which takes her up to the twelfth floor.
My stylist is silent as he presents me with my outfit, a sleeveless black dress and a jacket that has as some kind of jewels on the shoulders forming a feather like pattern in green and gold. I change into the outfit silently and once my make-up has been adjusted I'm left alone.
Letting out a heavy sigh I reach into the pocket of my discarded trousers and pull out a tiny box. I hadn't wanted my stylist to see it and am glad he left me alone for a moment. I examine the fine black velvet lining the box, trying to figure out what I'm going to do.
The door opens abruptly and I shove the box into my jacket pocket as my stylist returns with Silka who squeals at the sight of me, telling me I look gorgeous in the figure hugging dress. I snort sending a glare her way but allow her to lead me back to the elevator, keeping my hands stubbornly shoved in the pockets of my jacket.
Katniss is already waiting there, my breath catches in my throat at the sight of her. She's wearing a similar dress to mine only with shining ruby's that look like fire on the shoulders of her sleeveless black dress. Her arms are covered by long black gloves with rubies around the rim. She's so beautiful, a smile springs to my lips. She grins at me when she sees me and before I know it she's kissing me.
"Hey." She whispers when we part.
"Hi." I say staring into her eyes that are glowing with love. Haymitch clears his throat behind us and we turn to him.
"Save it for the show girls." He says scowling at us. Irritation floods though me when I remember the party we're supposed to attend. I hope the people there will be less overbearing than those we saw today.
The car pulls up outside the presidential mansion and once again I am blown away by the extravagance of the building. Now the sun has gone down purple and pink lights illuminate the building and surrounding statues showing the great detail that went into the carvings.
Effie leads us through the crowd. People part for us, grinning when they see us, one man even reaches out and touches my shoulder. I tense up, reaching for Katniss' hand instinctively as I try to force down my irritation at the man.
Inside the house is even grander than I ever imagined. A table of food is laid out to the side of the large room while an orchestra plays a variety of instruments. The fancy wooden dancefloor has a multitude of people dancing alone and in couples to the music the musicians play. More pink and purple lights shine from the walls and avoxes dressed in fine red uniforms walk through the crowds offering every guest wine and taking away empty glasses.
Effie and Silka spot someone she knows and rush over to them leaving us standing on our own. Katniss pulls me toward the buffet table. I stare at the wide variety of dishes before us realising I'm not even sure what half of them are. Katniss grabs a plate and enthusiastically starts piling food onto her plate.
I smile at her, I guess she's hungry since she hasn't eaten much today, I haven't either but my stomach is still twisting uncomfortably and I don't feel like eating anything right now. "Aren't you going to get any?" She asks and I shake my head.
"Maybe later." I tell her as we move to the corner and lean against the wall. Katniss eats the food on her plate as we watch the people dancing complicatedly on the dance floor.
Our solitude doesn't last long though as the Capitol people spot us hiding in the corner. Men and women approach us wanting to introduce themselves to us and shake out hands. I purse my lips and this not wanting to be anywhere near these people, especially when I spot them drinking wine like it's water.
We let the Capitol people do most of the talking and they seem content to do so, I smile and pretend to listen while twirling the untouched glass of wine that an avox forced me to take. Mostly we just stay in the corner leaving only for Katniss to put more food on her plate. After what seems like the 100th person has wandered off I sigh exasperatedly, tipping the wine into a nearby plant pot and leaving the glass on a table next to Katniss' untouched wine glass, neither of us want to drink that stuff.
Absentmindedly I take a chicken leg off of Katniss' plate, taking a small bite of it I blink I surprise. It's good, I've never tasted anything so good.
"Hey!" Katniss exclaims but she smiles at me to show she doesn't mind really.
"This is good!" I state as I finish off the delicious meat. Katniss laughs, the sound filling my ears and making my head spin. She's so beautiful.
"Try this one." She hands me a wing, which I eagerly bite into only to be assaulted by a burning sensation in my mouth. I swallow the meat but it doesn't help with the burning.
"What is in that thing!" I gasp shaking my head against the still burning sensation.
"I don't' know but it's good." Katniss says, taking a bite out her own chicken wing.
"Good? It's burning my face off!" I exclaim, panting. I need a drink but the only beverages that seem to be served at this party are alcoholic, there's no way I'm touching those.
"Do you want me to find you some water?" Katniss offers but I shake my head, I can see she's enjoying eating all of the Capitol food even if she doesn't like dealing with the other guests.
"It's ok I'll go find the kitchens or something."
"Do you want me to come with you?" She asks worriedly, I shake my head again, giving her a smile despite the burning in my mouth and now my throat.
"It's ok I'll be right back." With that I start moving through the crowd. For once I'm thankful of my small size as it helps me get through the crowd of Capitol people largely unnoticed. A few people stop and talk to me but I manage to excuse myself quickly.
Once I'm out of the main room I sigh in relief only to be reminded of the burning in my mouth. Wincing I wander through the halls looking for anything that looks like it could be a kitchen. I can't see anyone either.
Soon I find myself hopelessly lost. Groaning I lean against a wall, irritated with myself for not at least paying attention to where I was going but the pain in my mouth made it hard to concentrate. I couldn't even find a bathroom or anything.
"Miss Sevina what brings you to this part of my home?" My heart stops when I hear the voice and when I look up I spot none other than President Snow standing across the hall. She stares at me, his eyes cold and calculating. I gulp fearfully, straightening up to my full height.
"I er…"
"This part of my home is forbidden to guests Miss Sevina." Snow interrupts, his voice low and dangerous, I shudder trying to supress the fear welling up in my chest hearing the threat clearly.
"I was er…looking for…er…the bathroom." I force out. Snow simply raises his eyebrows at me his eyes remaining cold.
"The bathroom you say?" He asks a false smile on his face but if anything it only makes his eyes colder, I nod quickly. "To be honest, Miss Sevina I had rather hoped for the opportunity to speak with you. Shall we?" He asks gesturing to the office behind him.
I know I do not want to be alone with Snow anymore but I have no choice. Forcing my stiff limbs to move I follow him into a grand office. He sits behind a desk gesturing for me to stand in front of the desk. I do as he asks uncomfortably.
"I hope you have not forgotten about the little task I gave you before the tour." He says softly. My heart rate speeds up fearfully. I remember, the 'task' he speaks of. Extinguish the spark of the rebellion, kill Katniss. One thing I cannot, will not do.
"Of course not." I reply, trying my best to keep my face blank. Snow nods, smiling at me coldly.
"Need I remind you, Miss Sevina, that should you refuse to…do as I have asked then there will be dire consequences?" The threat in his voice is unmistakable.
I nod in acknowledgement, and he seems pleased with my response. He stands abruptly and I take a couple of steps back my heart feeling as if it will explode out of my chest any moment if I stay here. His smile widens at my reaction, showing some of his teeth, his eyes hardening cruelly.
He presses a black button on his desk and suddenly an avox appears at the doorway. He turns to the avox dismissively. "Escort Miss Sevina back to the party…And show her where the bathroom is on the way." He orders, the man nods and turns to me expectantly. I approach him and he turns leading me out of the room.