Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games or any of the characters. It is property of Suzanne Collins.
Well I am trying my best to update on a regular basis. The story is just starting to get interesting with their arrival at the capitol but first some minor comic relief. Enjoy!
Chapter 14:
The Train Ride
"What are you thinking about, Lock?" Katniss implores, a hint of a smile gracing her painted lips. Grey eyes dance with mirth, knowing exactly what is on my mind. All Kit-Kat has to do is take one look at what I'm wearing and she knows I am plotting the demise of our escort, Effie Trinket.
The capitol peacock managed to get her hands on us earlier this morning, donning Katniss and myself in matching outfits of blue. Kit-Kat looks beautiful in a short sleeved dark blue dress, cinched at the waist and ending at her knees. Dark blue shadow with a hint of glitter around her cheek bones help to emphasize the black choker around her neck. Luckily for Katniss, her hair is up in an elegant bun. I on the other-hand look ridiculous in the bright blue combo that our escort picked out for me. Her excuse for the short dress that looks like it was made for a child is to help highlight my image.
I could kick myself for asking Effie what image she has chosen to portray me in. The memory of the sardonic grin on her face as she explains that she is playing up my sex appeal with a child-like innocence makes me ill. How the hell does she come up with these ideas? The little baby doll dress with a matching cinched waist to Katniss's barely covers my upper thighs. A matching black choker is stifling as I resist the urge to detangle the curls Effie put in my hair. Wide grey eyes stare back at me in the mirror from the doll-like little girl, helping to reinforce my hatred for our escort. It is official. I am going to kill the capitol peacock.
"I look ridiculous, Kit-Kat!" I whine, wanting nothing more than to tear the dress to shreds. My growing hatred for dresses is legendary. Ever since I destroyed the pink frilly concoction our mother managed to force me into during one of our training sessions, Katniss has found amusement in my discomfort. The memory of her laughter while Mother lectured me about ruining the dress brings a smile to my lips.
Katniss suppresses a laugh, trying not to be amused by my childlike behavior. It is rare for me to let go around others, especially my family. Living in the Seam makes us all grow up fast. Remaining a child is a luxury that none of us can afford. "It is not that bad, Nightlock." Kit-Kat chokes out, the laughter in her eyes telling me she is lying.
Raising my eyebrow in question, I try to resist the urge to glare at her. I fail miserably, my annoyance at her amusement evident in my expression. If Katniss can't keep a straight face while looking at me, I fear what Peeta's reaction will be. Would he laugh while giving me that lopsided smile of his? With an exaggerated groan, I collapse into the chair in front of the vanity. When will the torture of this train ride end?
"Ok, maybe it is that bad." Katniss whispers, resting a hand on my shoulder. I look up at her, horror overtaking me at the thought of walking outside the room dressed like this. Katniss squeezes my shoulder, a sincere smile on her face. "As long as you wear the look proudly, no one will say anything. Remember little sister, image is about attitude." Her voice takes on an uppity tone, almost mimicking Effie's perfectly. "Image is the way to win their hearts, Miss Everdeen. Act like you own the look and they will love you."
Neither of us can maintain a straight face as we break out in laughter. Leave it to my sister to find a way to cheer me up. I realize then that I have missed my older sister. Although I see her almost every day, it has been a long time since we have interacted like this. Did the games really change her that much? No, the last time I can remember Katniss like this is before Father died. How did I never notice that my sister left us that day along with our father? I mourn the loss of them both and can only hope that my Kit-Kat will continue to come back to me.
A knock on the door gains our attention as a half-way drunken Haymitch strolls in. I shake my head in disgust, wondering if he is planning to have a repeat performance on the train platform. If he is planning to sabotage Peeta's and my chance of surviving the games, he is doing an awesome job. How Katniss can stand mentoring with him is beyond me. I have tried to like Haymitch but his drunken tendencies piss me off.
"Hello, Katniss. Sweettart. Don't we look spiffy this morning?" Haymitch slurs, a conceited smirk on his face. Haymitch might have been handsome once but the drink has taken its toll on his looks. He might become a decent guy if he lay off the drink, now that I think about it. Knowing how stubborn Haymitch can be, I highly doubted that would happen anytime soon.
Glaring at my drunken mentor, I resist the urge to deck him. How did I go from sweetheart to sweettart? Did Haymitch want me to kill him or just patronize me as some form of revenge? First Effie forces me into this doll dress, than Haymitch decides to push me further. I need to get off this train ride from hell. "Go away, Haymitch." I retort, not in the mood to deal with his insults or drunken antics.
"Oh come now, Miss Everdeen. Kat got your tongue?" He mocks, his eyes showing a moment of clarity in their glee. Did Haymitch even know what sober felt like?
Before I can reply, Katniss stops me with a hand on the shoulder. Her strong grip indicates for me to let it go. Haymitch's pun is at her, not me. I frown distastefully at Haymitch, not liking that he is resorting to back handed comments at us to show his hatred towards me. I know now more than ever that Haymitch will be of no use to me during the games. If he could have his way, I would be dead the minute I enter the arena.
"Enough of that, you two." Katniss states, a stern tone to her voice. "We are to meet Effie and Mr. Mellark in the dining area." My face flushes from my embarrassment, not liking that Katniss has to scold me to behave. I have to grow up if I want to accomplish my task in these games, with or without Haymitch's help.
"Yes, Kit-Kat." I reply meekly, trying to show how sorry I am for acting like a child. Even if I am dressed like some kiddy prostitute, I refuse to embarrass Katniss further. Standing, I turn to glance one last time in the mirror at my appearance. I wince at the hopeless image staring back, knowing I don't have a lot to work with. If I want to be someone Katniss is proud of, I need to be able to handle anything the capitol throws at me, especially dresses.
Turning back to look at Katniss, I realize she is already at the door waiting for me with Haymitch. Smiling sheepishly at them, I walk unsteadily forward in the black heeled knee-high boots Effie forced me into. "What's the hold up? I'm starving!" I enthusiastically lie, hoping the change in topic will ease the tension still lingering in the room. Katniss's responding smile and Haymitch's snarky grin remind me that I need to get off this train as soon as possible.