I am so extremely sorry that I haven't updated in a while. So many things hav been going on…I just graduated! Now that school is FINALLY GONE more chapters are on the way! Promis! Thought there is really no excuse for this so everyone please put down the pitch forks! GOOD WARNING: This chapter is going to be interesting…hoped you loved the last one. I HAVE to mention all of the people that reviewed! I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCHHHH! THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEWS THEY WERE JUST SIMPLY LOVELY3 DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything…do you? Anyway here is the chapter you have been waiting for:
KATNISS'S POV:
Gale? Was that really Gale? I couldn't believe it! My best friend is the person that will be staying with us for one week. If the Capitol was trying to pull some weird trap, hopefully it didn't involve Gale.
I stole a glance at Peeta. He looked like he was intently thinking about something important. His hands were clenching and unclenching. A nerve on his jaw was twitching and his lips formed a loose but firm line. It amazed me that he could keep his emotions in check at a time like this. I mean what emotions could he be hiding? It's not like he could possibly like me or anything. We were both forced to enter The Games. Peeta is caring, thoughtful, supportive, and all other kinds of good things. He doesn't deserve me. Thinking of that made me sad. The worst part, what I was saying was true.
I didn't want to be a wreck when Gale entered the train so I pushed my feelings away and put on a bright happy smile. I wanted to be comforted by my best friend…I needed him.
Gale ran to the car in a light sprint. He had a large goofy grin plastered on his face. We locked eyes and didn't look away. Peeta opened the door for Gale to enter. It was thoughtful and sweet. Then I turned to the door. Hopping on the train, Gale enveloped me in a tight hug.
"God, I've missed you Katniss", he said. His strong arms were wrapped around my shoulders. I hugged him back "Imm cammt bwethm!" "Huh?" Gale let go of me a tiny bit so I was able to talk properly. "I can't breathe", I said. Then I laughed. Typical Gale. He is such a kind person, but he seems to always over exaggerate, just a little bit. "Oh I'm so sorry!" He let go of me completely and took a small step in the other direction.
"No! It's fine. I need hugs", I tugged him forward for a brief hug then pulled apart so he was able to greet the others. "Hi. My name's Gale. I'm Katniss's best friend." He confronted Effie, a smart thing to do. "That's lovely dear. It's nice to meet you. My name is Effie Trinket." They both shook hands. He turned to Haymitch next. "Hello, I'm Gale." Please, please behave and just say hello, I thought. Then he spoke, "Oh great, one more mouth we need to feed! A growing boy who eats constantly no less!" Haymitch . "I am not cleaning up your mess!" Gale smiled. I had to cover my laughter with my hand. Finally, there was Peeta. It looked like he was going to be sick. My heart went out to him. Whatever was causing him to be upset, I wanted to fix. "Hi Peeta, I'm Gale." He extended his hand towards Peeta. I looked at the two of them expectantly. "Of course, I've seen you before. You trade quails with my father. We enjoy them whole-heartedly. Thank you", Peeta spoke to him graciously and shook his hand with a smile.
I let out a breath I was holding. Everything was going to work out. It had to. The Games were postponed and that put everyone in a good mood. Especially me. I stress about lots of things. The Games is a large contributor of my stressing. But I didn't want to think about that now; I had a visitor that I was dying to talk to.
"Well don't just stand there boy! Come in", Haymitch ushered him through and shut the door. The chopper machine flew away just as it came.
We all settled into the dining car. As we entered Gale got a first look at the food we have been eating for the past few weeks. It almost looked as if his eyes bulged right out of his head. "Woa, is this ALL of your food? This is amazing!" Effie just laughed. So did Haymitch but not as loud.
"Darling this is only the food for tonight! There is plenty more food still available to us", said
Effie. She looked a little puzzled. That is the difference between people from the districts and people from the capitol. "Wipe your mouth; you're drooling all over my floor!" "Who said anything about this being your floor, Haymitch?" "Oh shut it Pinky. I will say this floor is mine if I want to!" And with that, Haymitch stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind him. Effie cleared her throat and said, "Why don't we all just sit down and enjoy our lovely meal? Hmm?" Peeta finally spoke up, "Yeah, I'll try and get Haymitch back in here." Peeta left the room quietly and left us three. "Let's just wait for them before we get settled", I said.
It took what felt like, forever for the two to reappear in our kitchen.
As they came through the door we noticed that Haymitch was grumbling to Peeta. Or was it himself? Whatever he was saying I wasn't able to hear or understand it.
"Let's eat", Effie was the first to sit down and we all followed right after. I chose to sit next to Gale and across from Peeta. Gale slung his arm across the top of the chair. It was weird sitting like that. The two of us are close but we are never too close like we are right now. Peeta was looking at me with warm eyes. He looked fine but I could tell that something was bothering him. I would ask about it later.
"So, Gale, what is it that you do in District 12?" Effie is always curious. She loves asking questions of people she knows nothing about. "Well, I actually hunt. Katniss and I go out into the woods. That's our job. We both make money that way and it has seemed to keep us afloat. It doesn't get us rich, but it gets us by." Effie looked shocked. Since she's from the Capitol, she wouldn't have to bend a finger to get food. Effie doesn't know what it's like. "I am sure that is just lovely", avoiding eye contact. She cautiously wiped the edges of her mouth with a cloth napkin. It must be uncomfortable seeing someone talk about how their life is much more difficult than yours. Well no one was really eating that much, except for Gale. His plate was loaded so high with food that we could only see the upper portion of his head. Not one piece of food fell out of his mouth when he spoke. "This food is amazing. It is a great feeling to see how the Capital gets to live." I was really happy that he got a chance to experience, and I can't believe that I would say this, a good part of The Hunger Games. I would be even happier if I wasn't in the position I was in right now. If someone else was in my position, I would totally be a very happy camper. But…I don't want to wish anything bad on anyone, especially my best friend. Then there was Peeta, who dealt with things peacefully and calmly. He and I were in the same boat: being a tribute waiting to kill or be killed. It really was a sickening thought running across my brain.
"I'm tired can I go to bed yet?" Leave it to Haymitch to pull me out of my thoughts and be rude while doing it. "We all need to get to know each other", I said. "And plus it's not even late. We're only a little bit into the afternoon." I really didn't want anyone to leave. We were spending a week together. Getting along starts with getting to know each other. "The only thing you need to know about me is that I love to drink. Also never bug me…ever", Haymitch said. "Then we'll get along just fine!" He got up from the kitchen table. When he left the room, Effie spoke up. "Don't mind him, Gale. He can be nice at times then rotten at others." Peeta and I nodded our heads slightly. Yes, Haymitch could get on your nerves, but he was a good person. Even if he didn't show it.
"I don't want to be a drag on you young ones. I'll head off to bed too", she said. "And I will be sure that Haymitch actually made it to the bedroom. Goodnight you three!" She gave a light wave and went out of the room.
Now, it was just me, Gale, and Peeta. Peeta hadn't spoken all that much. Something was obviously bothering Peeta. I hate that he doesn't express something that bothers him. He's so kind and never wants to hurt anyone's feelings.
To my surprise, he was the first one to speak up. "So how was your trip Gale?" His voice was deep and steady. I glanced at him and looked back at Gale. "It was…weird. The flying part was amazing though. You feel as if you're free; nothing can stop you. You're flying…" We could see his eyes twinkle with remembrance and thrill. I was happy for him. "That's really great Gale. I'm glad you had a good time." I patted his hand, and he smiled. I had a week to regain my strength with the help of my best friend. It was something that I needed.
A sigh erupted from the other side of the table. I turned towards Peeta. "It's getting late and I am exhausted", he said. I looked out the window. It seemed like midafternoon, awhile before going to bed. "It was nice to see you again Gale, goodnight", Peeta shook his hand. "Goodnight", Gale smiled. For some weird reason looking at him, that smile didn't look genuine. It looked fake, as if he were in front of a camera. I was too lost in my thoughts to hear someone talking to me. I looked up and saw Peeta standing. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't hear you. What'd you say?" He lazily smiled at me and said, "I'll see you in the morning Katniss." With that, he strode out of the car. My eyes lingered to where he had been standing. Pulling myself out of whatever I was in, I looked at Gale. Now, it was just us two. It seemed different, not being in the woods with him. That's practically the only place we spend time together.
"Katniss…there was something I was dying to tell you before I was pulled out of the farewell room." He hesitated then started again. "I'm just trying to say that I have always…" His words were lost in the sound of a siren going off. The speakers started to hum a single tune then a voice came on:
HELLO AND GOOD EVENING AGAIN! AT THIS TIME ALL OF YOUR GUESTS SHOULD HAVE PROBABLY ARRIVED. THE SETTLING IN PROCESS NEEDS TO SPEED UP BECAUSE YOU DON'T HAVE TOO MUCH TIME TOGETHER. TO THE GUESTS, MY NAME IS CEASER FLICKERMAN!
THERE WILL BE A SURPRISE WAITING FOR YOU AT 12:51 P.M!
THE ONLY HINT I WILL GIVE YOU IS THAT IT IS AN EXTREMELY RARE OBJECT AND YOU HAVE NEVER REALLY SEEN IT BEFORE!
THAT IS ALL I REALLY HAVE TO SAY SO I WILL LET YOU GO.
REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, OR YOU JUST NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO OTHER THAN YOU PESKEY ROOMMATES: GIVE ME A CALL ON THE CAPITOL PHONE, LINE THREE. I REALLY WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! NO ONE HAS CALLED YET!
ANYWAY…SWEET DREAMS.
AND ONE MORE THING: DON'T GET TOO FEISTY TOMORROW!
The line dropped, and there was silence. I did mean to contact Ceaser, but I never got the chance. The big news of Gale arriving and everything; it's all just so overwhelming. I really needed rest. Today was a long day, and I couldn't wait for a long sleep. Even if it wasn't that late.
"I'm really tired Gale. Go hit the sack, and I'll see you in the morning", I said. Forgetting that he had something important to tell me, I got up. "Goodnight." I gave him a curt nod and left the room not looking back.
DAY ONE
I woke up with a start, almost hopping off the bead. My dream was horrible! All five of us were on the train; it was working. I didn't understand why Gale was still with us. That was the least of my problems. The train did a flip in the air. Something was on the tracks. We were tossed around like ragdolls. I think we were in the air for about three minutes. When the tossing finally stopped…we dropped. With a crash we landed back on the tracks, upside down. I was alive but badly injured. Looking around, I wanted to see if there were any other survivors. To my left, Effie and Haymitch were lying face down bloodied pretty badly. I crawled over towards them checking their pulses. They were alive. I was glad. When I turned around I saw Peeta slightly sitting up on a couch. I tried to go over to him. Gale stopped me. He put a hand on my chest. I told him 'please, Peeta needs help!' Gale had an angry look on his face, something of hatred. The next thing that happened confused me beyond belief.
Gale took a long, sharp piece of glass and stabbed me.
I looked down at my stomach now punctured. Then I looked up at my attacker's face. It had no grief or sadness. It just seemed calm and not bothered. A tear slid down my dirty face; I fell to my knees. The last thing I remember was Peeta lunging towards Gale.
My memory turned blank after that. Gale would never do that…ever. I've known him since I was so small. The dream was just something my crazy brain thought up. I really have one wacked up brain. But dreams don't matter. They're just dreams. I seriously have to stop bugging myself about this. Wow, I'm having a pep talk with myself. I wonder if this is what Haymitch feels like all the time. Getting up will hopefully bring me out of this insanity.
I pulled on a pair of navy blue sweat pants and a flower pattern shirt with slippers. As I walked out of my bed room door, I slid on a darkish green head band. Today is the first full day of Gale being with us. Everything is going to work its way out today. I'm sure of it.
The kitchen was filled with a warming light of an early sun. Effie was desperately trying to flip a pancake. It landed on her light blue hair. I stifled a laugh. Haymitch was drinking a…water? Wait, am I seeing this right? "Haymitch, is that a water in your glass?" He looked up from his drink. "Of course not! It's vodka! Darling how could you possibly think I would drink WATER?" I believed him when he told me, but he slightly glanced at Effie. She smiled faintly then went back to her failure of pancakes. That struck me as odd, but I let it slide. Then another thought hit me "Haymitch, you said that we shouldn't drink anything bottled from the Capitol? What are you doing?" He looked as if he had no idea what I was talking about but then his facial expression changed. "Oh, darling I have been checking all of our drinks since that incident. You have nothing to worry about from now on. Well, involving what you drink." That actually made me feel the slightest bit better.
Gale was sitting at the table looking at his hands. I could tell when he wanted to be left alone. This was one of those times. I really hoped it wasn't something from last night, I only had one week with him, so hopefully he would get over whatever was bugging him. I need him. "Katniss, would you be a doll and fetch Peeta from his room? I think he's still sleeping", Effie spoke from the oven. "Sure", I said and walked off.
When I got to his room, I knocked on his door two times. He didn't answer. I called his name. No answer. I didn't want to break in, but I couldn't hear a sound coming from the inside of Peeta's room.
He was not inside. The room was fresh and clean, well-kept. The only thing that stood out was a folded piece of paper on his bed. I walked over and sat down. Looking around, for no apparent reason, I picked up the paper. I opened it up and reveled its contents. As I read, I became more and more amazed. The words were so intense and caring. The note said:
I've longed for so long
Trying my hardest to stand out, to stand up
I want to be noticed
But I want to be myself…not someone I'm not
People think it's easy for me, living as a baker
It's not
Being judged by others
Is a hardship
All I want is someone to truly love me for who I am
I would treat them right and care for them
I want
I need-
That was all it said.
It seemed like it was supposed to continue. I wanted it to continue. I wanted to see what the rest of it said. I grasped onto the paper willing it to reveal something that was missing. Nothing was happening. It was silent in Peeta's room.
I folded up the sheet of paper just as it was before I came in. Then I placed in its same spot just as it was. I hoped it looked unchanged. I stood up and surveyed the room. Nothing was out of order. I pursed my lips and nodded my head. With that I left the room and quietly closed the door.
I walked into in search for Peeta. The sunlight peered through the window. It mixed with the crisp clear blue sky the seemed to give off a blue haze in the room. It was pretty to look at but still no Peeta. I kept looking and looking. The sun was rising, and I wanted to eat breakfast. So with some grief, I when to the kitchen car. When I walked in he was casually sitting there sipping a coffee in one hand and held a chocolate doughnut in the other. That is when my head…just…burst.
"Where were you?" I caught everyone's attention. They were all staring at me. I locked eyes with Peeta. "I have been looking all over this CRAZY! TWISTED! train for you. And you have been here this whole time?" I hadn't noticed that I had my finger pointed right in his face accusingly. My face was hot with rage and my eyes burned with frustration.
Why am I acting so mad and insane, I thought. I mean I care that he's ok, but I don't care that much…did I? I was having another argument with myself. Fabulous.
I lowered my hand and saw his face. There were so many mixed emotions spread all over his face: sadness, confusion, pain, angst which made me feel bad. The two of us have both been on edge and being yelled at would have probably killed me. I got really sad. Then a final emotion displayed on his features. Calmness. He knew what I was going through. We both depended on each other; it was a bond we could never break. I looked into his eyes and knew that we didn't even need to say a word to each other. I smiled and so did he.
"Do you want some coffee?" He spoke pleasantly and with ease. "I'd love some", I said. Peeta handed me a hot cup and I took a seat in between Gale and him. Gale looked fine and returned my glance with a smile.
"Have all of you gone mad? Or am I actually the only sane person on this INSANE train?" Haymitch seemed pretty mad but we all knew it wouldn't last for long. "Keep your cool Haymitch, and have something to drink. You'll feel better", besides preparing breakfast Effie was still able to speak words of wisdom. "Yeah, you bet I will…" he drowned his sentence in a martini.
"Oh my! It's 12:51! Our surprise should be coming in really soon", said Effie. As is on cue, a small box attached to a silver parachute floated into the room and on the table. We all stared at it in wonder. Who was going to reach for it first? That would be me.
I took the small box and unlatched the parachute from it. On the top of the box was a note. I unwrapped it and read it aloud.
Enjoy your very rare gift.
We hope you all do the right thing!
Good luck!
~Cesar Flickerman
We all drew our attention back to our box. I peeled this rough brown covering off and revealed light blue square box. I flipped the top over to show everyone the continents. Inside was a sparkling square shaped object that just simply captivated me. Under this object was a piece of paper. I lifted it and also read it out loud
Content: Illuminant Diamond
Value: Able to bring someone out of hard times and starvation
I was stunned. I couldn't speak or act. I couldn't breathe. Thankfully there was someone who had enough composure to speak and move. Peeta reached for the diamond and said, "Why don't we try to work this out together. Maybe we can try and split it and give everyone a piece. There must be…" Peeta wasn't able to finish what he had to say.
Cliffy? Well good! I want to keep all of you guys edgy! I just love it! Wooooo. Ok I am going to get you the next chapter A.S.A.P.
Love to you all and tell me what you think!