It's weird being in this room alone. I look around and the memories of Cato and I linger like a haze. To distract myself I grab my bow and shoot three arrows into a target's heart. It doesn't make happy me, though. I sit down, frustrated and unsatisfied. Out of the corner of my eye I see the knives glistening. Enraged, I flip over the cart. It makes a loud crash and knives scatter all over the floor. I nock my bow again and fire arrows in the hearts and heads of the targets; still unsatisfied and now out of arrows. I throw down the bow and pace the room. Pain engulfs me. My heart aches. I can't stand it. I've never felt like this before, not even when my father died. It's a different kind of pain. It's like sadness and anger mixed into one horrible emotion. I can't be in this memory filled room any longer. I go into the elevator, but instead of pressing my floor number I sit, holding my knees close to my chest letting a few tears fall. Finally, I am able to gather myself enough to go back to the apartment. The moment I walk in Haymitch approaches me.
"Good news sweetheart, we can go home tomorrow".
I know that news is supposed to relieve me, but for some reason it doesn't. Part of me wants to stay because of Cato, but the other part can't wait to get out of here.
"The victor is finally ready to do his post Games interview" Effie chimes in.
I put on a fake smile and act happy. I can't let them see the part of me that wants to stay. "Cinna and your styling team will be up in a little bit to get you ready."
I nod and make my way to my room to wait. I lie on the bed wondering what life is going to be like when I get back home. I wonder if this hurt will ever go away, and if I will be the same to everyone as when I left. I'm not even really sure who I am anymore. I never in a million years expected to come here and like a boy so much, a Career boy for that matter. I'm so scared that people will be able to tell something is wrong. I'm pretty good at putting up a front, though so I think I'll be able to hide it. A knock on the door snaps me out it. Flavius, Venia, and Octavia strut in.
"I know the drill," I say as I head to the bathroom.
After the usual primping, Cinna walks in.
"Alright, it's our last chance to remind these people what the girl on fire looks like."
The dress is red, strapless, and skintight. My whole prep team gasps when I put it on. I take that as a good sign. Around my chest are orange, yellow, and red sparkling jewels. It flares out at my knees and has layers of the jewels all around it. It's almost like the dress I wore for my interview, but completely different at the same time. When I walk out, even Haymitch's jaw drops.
"Oh Cinna you've outdone yourself!" Effie exclaims.
I nod in agreement and hug him. We all pack into the elevator and just before we walk out Effie slips in a few last words.
"Remember what I taught you".
The second the doors slide open photographers are snapping pictures. I politely smile and wave. The flashes blind me and when I regain site, Cato is the first person I see. I stop dead in my tracks. I can't take my eyes off of him. He looks past the large man he is talking to and meets my eyes. We stay locked on each other for a few seconds until Haymitch grabs my arm and pulls me away. I look back at him, but he's already put his attention back on the man.
"Come on sweetheart, let's get this over with" Haymitch slurs.
We take our seats and sit quietly through the whole interview. I pay no attention to the boy. I hate him. He killed Noah and I can never forgive him for that. He didn't deserve to win.
My mind keeps flashing back to Cato no matter how hard I try not to. How could he do this to me? How could he tell me he cares about me then act so horribly towards me? I guess I was right from the start: He's just a heartless Career who only cares about his district and winning. I don't know how I was so naive. I let myself believe that he was different. I can't wait to get back to Twelve and put this whole mess behind me.
Before I know it the interview is over and we're being filed out. I guess the kept it short on account of the boy being mentally unstable. On our way back to the apartment I see Cato again. This time, he doesn't see me. I take the moment to I mentally say goodbye to him. Once we reach our floor I kick off my high heels.
"You did superbly tonight, Katniss! You walked in those heels like you have been doing it for ages!"
Hearing Effie be proud of me makes me happy. I thought I had completely lost her respect when she found out about Cato staying the night. It's nice to know that she isn't holding a grudge.
"Until next year," Haymitch says as he kisses the bottle of whiskey.
Effie and I both roll our eyes at him and leave him to be alone with the only thing he really cares about.
I stand in my doorway looking at the bed Cato and I shared, remembering how it felt having his arms around me. I peel off the dress and begin packing my bags. When I wake up I will part with the Capitol for another year.
I can't sleep, so here have a short chapter! I bet you're all wondering where this is going! Oh no, it looks like Katniss and Cato are going to be separated for a whole year! Well, you will just have to wait and seeeee. Muahahah. I absolutely love all the reviews y'all are giving me! It makes me really happy to know that so many of you are liking the story! Have no fear, I will bring back the sweet Cato y'all know and love. Just be patient and review ;)