I watched the expressions on Katniss's face when she realised what the announcement had said. It dawned on her how the game makers had tricked them. One of them couldn't come home. I kind of guessed that they would do a trick like this.
There could only be one victor. Always.
Her face looked a little like mine had when she was reaped. She had to see someone she loved die, or die herself. I had no idea what she was gonna do. I didn't dare let myself believe she would kill herself for that stupid blonde boy who had given her everything, when I didn't have the chance to. They started to argue about who should get out. I was silently begging Peeta to kill himself. He seemed like the type who would. Then she pulled out the poisonous berries.
There had to be one victor.
It was a spark of pure genius. The Capitol couldn't let there be no victor. Who would they parade round at the victory tour? Who would the Capitol adore for a whole year? It was a symbol of defiance and I knew there would be consequences, but in that moment I simply relished in the daringness of it, and the outright rebellion Katniss was showing.
The berries just touch their lips before Claudius Templesmith stops them.
'Stop! Stop! Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to present the victors of the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark!'
She was coming home! My Catnip was coming home. Although she had to bring Peeta it didn't matter. At least she was alive. Alive and almost back in district 12.
I punched the air when I realised. I think I screamed and ran round the living room a couple of times. Peeta was coming home! My Peeta. I flopped down on the ground and laughed hysterically, before doing a few more cartwheels. I hugged dad several times, before running into the square to find my friends. I had given him up for dead on the night he was reaped. I had accepted the fact that I would never see him again. And now I could.
Dad told me we were leaving for the Capitol on the same train that Peeta and Katniss were coming home in. I would only get to see him for a few minutes. But oh well. He was alive! We could write to each other and I could phone from the Capitol, and maybe even meet him at the victory tour.
It took a few days for Peeta and Katniss to have their various ailments sorted out. The Capitol were going mad for the 'Star-crossed lovers from District 12' and I admit it, so was I. I could tell Katniss was faking, but Peeta was still in with a chance and I was happy for him. That plus the whole state of euphoria him coming home had bought me meant I didn't worry about going to the Capitol at all.
I was waiting at the train station on the day Peeta was expected home. Almost everyone I knew was there, holding banners, food and presents for the couple. Even Gale though he looked very sullen. The train pulled slowly into the station, covering everyone in steam. As soon as Katniss stepped of the train she was whisked away by a reporter to talk to her 'cousin'. Peeta was directed straight to me; after all I had had several interviews about him during the games. He hugged me, then his best boy friend, Carl. I was so glad to see him. To feel his familiar arms hugging me. Tears spilt out of my eyes as I grinned at him. He smiled back but he looked different. Older. Melancholy.
'Well done' I congratulate him. A reporter is filming us so although I want to hug him, I think it'll be bad for the whole 'lover' image, so I just smile. He whispers in my ear.
'I hear you're moving to the Capitol. I'll write to you. I've missed you so much'.
'Same. And I'm gonna miss you now as well' I whisper back. He beams at me.
'Bye!'
Ta ta' I laugh before boarding the train with my father.
I settle by the window for the 6-hour journey. The whistle blows, and I wave goodbye at all my friends clustered under the window. Peeta is back with Katniss but he still waves, without Katniss noticing. I snuggle down and close my eyes, satisfied with the way things had turned out. And I was moving to the Capitol! I could have lovely stuff and go to amazing parties… I knew I was being shallow again but I didn't care.
My dad nudged me awake just as the Capitol skyline was looming in the distance. Great buildings of swirly white marble, houses and apartments of every shade of every colour in the rainbow, and skyscrapers about twenty times as tall as the highest building in district 12 were visible. I stared in awe at the amazing place before my eyes. Now I knew why Capitol citizens were so happy.
We disembarked at a station near the centre of the Capitol and dad led me to a block of the smallest apartments I had seen so far. They were still bigger than my previous house. I waited while our apartment, number 42 was unlocked and stepped into the most posh place I had ever been. The floor was covered in a white shag pile carpet. And there was one wall completely covered in mirrors. The TV covered half of one wall. It was mind-blowing, yet so different from the poverty of District 12. District 12 that the Capitol weren't bothered about.
Next chapter's going to be set a year later, before the quarter quell. Just warning you.
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Nancy