Disclaimer: I do not own Hunger Games and anything from the novels is attributed to its author.
So far the regular update thing has been working. I have written a small interlude/side story to Nightlock that features Primrose as the main character called Happy Birthday Primrose. And without further adieu, we finally reach the capitol. Enjoy!
Chapter 15:
The Capitol
Breakfast should have been a light hearted affair for me. Instead, it ends up becoming quite an embarrassing nightmare. The minute I step into the room behind Kit-Kat and Haymitch, the capitol peacock pounces on me. Effie Trinket, the capitol peacock, extortionist extraordinaire, is grinning triumphantly as she stalks towards me. I shift nervously under her gleeful stare, noticing that everyone is watching our little exchange. How I hate this escort for setting me up like this. Effie reaches me as I stare defiantly at her, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of my humiliation. I refuse to play her stupid games.
"Miss Everdeen, you look adorable!" She exclaims, her high pitched cry grating my nerves. How anyone could stand to be around this woman is a mystery to me. I barely see her most of the time and I want to run from the room screaming right now.
If looks could kill, Effie would be lying dead there on the spot. I glare hatefully at her, not able to hide my disgust and loathing for the artificial creature in front of me. "I. Do. Not. Look. Adorable." I growl through clenched teeth, resisting the urge to smack that grin off her face. Adorable is not a word I like being associated with. It should only be in use when describing little children or animals, like Buttercup. "I look ridiculous!"
Effie's triumphant grin becomes an annoyed pout. "Come now, Miss Everdeen. There is nothing wrong with how you look." Effie states, a pleased smirk forming as she speaks. Her eyes dart around as if looking for someone as they settle on Peeta Mellark. "If you are that concerned my dear, let us ask someone what they think. Mr. Mellark?" She practically purrs his name as she awaits his answer.
Peeta looks like he just swallowed a lemon as he stares warily at the capitol peacock. He smiles faintly as he calmly asks, "Yes, Miss Trinket?" I could tell that he wished that he could run from the room screaming too.
"Doesn't Miss Everdeen look adorable?" She exaggerates my name, a victorious smile overtaking her. As those words leave her lips, I wish with every bone in my body that the floor would open up and swallow me whole. This is not happening. This can't be happening.
I have to give Peeta Mellark some credit. Instead of paling and stuttering out a response to Effie's words like I would, he slowly looks me up and down with a lazy smirk. I blush under his scrutiny as I try to wrap my head around the situation. What the hell is happening right now? Did Peeta Mellark just check me out? There is no way Peeta just did that. After his little once over, Peeta winks at me. He winked at me! Well damn, looks like he did.
Peeta turns to Effie, his eyes lingering on me a moment longer than necessary and confidently states, "Miss Everdeen doesn't look adorable."
My heart plummets at his words much to my surprise. Did I want him to find me adorable? Maybe my feelings for Peeta are starting to blur my priorities. This thought scares me. More than I would like to admit. I couldn't go into the games distracted if I wanted to get Peeta out alive. Although I have to say it hurts to know he doesn't find me adorable. What is wrong with me? As I debate the inner workings of my contradicting mind, Peeta continues speaking without my notice.
"Miss Everdeen looks beautiful." Peeta murmurs softly, his eyes settling on me. Amusement flickers in his eyes as that lopsided smile of his forms. It seems he is amused by how red my cheeks have gotten. How can he make me blush so easily? Does Peeta Mellark know how much he affects me?
How should I respond to such a statement? Do I say thank you or shove off since I don't want to give the peacock any satisfaction. My head is hurting from overthinking this entire time and all I want to do is sit down. Sighing in an exaggerated matter, I smile kindly at Peeta. "Thank you, Mr. Mellark." Peeta nods his head in acknowledgement before I switch my gaze to the gloating peacock.
"I still hate this outfit, Miss Trinket." I protest, a rewarding fulfillment overtaking me as I watch her smile deflate. If she thinks she has won this round, Miss Trinket is lacking in more intelligence than I thought. I refuse to yield to her and will fight her tooth and nail until the end of the games. Not like anyone knows what happens behind closed doors.
"Miss Everdeen, please. You are wearing this outfit and that is final." Effie's uppity tone sounds distressed, much to my approval. It seems I ruffled her feathers with my disobedience. Good. The peacock needs to learn that not everyone will bend to her every whim.
Deciding that I have dragged this issue out longer than necessary, I fake a look of remorse. "I am sorry Miss Trinket. I will wear the dress." Her gloating smile returns, much to my personal amusement. Just wait you overstuffed bird. I'm not done with you yet.
"Oh good!" She clasps her hands in glee, her eyes shining with triumph. Wait for it. Wait for it. "Now that Miss Everdeen is happy, we can eat before we reach the capitol." The peacock exclaims, indicating to the table behind them piled with food. Got you.
"Effie, I said I would wear the dress." I speak slowly, a smirk gracing my lips as I continue. "I never said I liked the stupid thing." Watching her happiness plummet gives me the upmost pleasure. Take that you stupid bird. Effie 0, Nightlock 1
Haymitch clears his throat, sensing an incoming outburst from the colorful bird. He gives me a drunken glare, almost daring me to continue. I smile guiltily at him, knowing that I might have gone a little too far in arguing with Effie. Looks like I also made a very good enemy in Haymitch at the same time. I am screwed for the games unless Katniss can work her magic and get me sponsors. With my luck, that is never going to happen.
Peeta gives me a comforting smile, his eyes flickering with mirth. Oh great, even Peeta is making fun of me now. I need to get off this train! Katniss seems to realize my distress and walks over, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. Giving her a weak smile, I lean against my older sister and sigh in gratitude. Kit-Kat is always there for me, even when I don't know I need her.
Our escort has taken this time to recover and greets us with a pleasant smile. Is the peacock bipolar? I stare at her in dismay, not able to understand how she did that. Maybe the peacock is naïve or blind enough to deny any of that just happened. If this is the case, I have my work cut out for me. Denial can be a very powerful thing.
With an ushering gesture from Effie, everyone sits down to eat. Katniss convinces me to try the hot chocolate, advising that the sweet liquid can be very addicting. I can't help agreeing as I down two cups, much to her delight. Peeta follows my example, going through three of them before stopping. I guess we can agree on something about the capitol. This chocolaty sweet liquid is absolutely wonderful. Maybe I could get Katniss to promise to take some back for Prim to try. She would love this stuff.
Haymitch studies my expressions throughout the meal, eyeing each move I make, bite I take, or words I speak with skepticism. I could tell he trusted me as far as he could throw me. Not that I could blame the drunk. We never did give each other any indication that either of us was trustworthy. Would I be able to find a way to change this? Maybe he would help me if he knew my plan to help Peeta win. He would probably encourage me, having little regard for me or my short life. I am unsure whether this would be a good thing or a bad thing.
Peeta barely speaks to me the entire time, almost avoiding eye contact fully. Did Effie's question make him uncomfortable? From my point of view, Peeta seems to have enjoyed scrutinizing my very innocently suggestive outfit. His mother would have sneered at me, gleeful that Peeta would finally see me for my true colors in her opinion. The witch of a woman did call me a harlot and sea urchin, whatever that is. This outfit did compliment the description
I take this downtime to observe what Peeta is wearing. Shockingly, it compliments my outfit in color and style. He dons a blue dress shirt the same color of my dress that brings out the vibrant shade of his eyes. The first three buttons are undone, showing a tantalizing bit of skin from his chest. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, giving him a more casual look. Black jeans cling to his legs as they disappear under the table. I can't tell what shoes he is wearing although I believe they are more comfortable then my boots. Overall, he looks very handsome.
Blood floods my cheeks as I look away, realizing I have been staring at him for a few minutes. Haymitch catches my eye and smirks wickedly, winking at me. Laughter escapes him as my blush deepens, our little interaction gaining Katniss's attention. She looks inquisitive; trying to discern what has me all riled up. I shake my head, giving her a weak smile as Haymitch's drunken laughter continues. How I hate him right now.
Effie seems to take our laughter as a cue that we are finished, clearing her throat loudly to gain our attention. I glance in the general direction of the peacock, not in the mood to watch her little dramatic display. Her cheerful and annoyingly high voice reaches my ears as I focus on the disappearing nature that gives way to stone.
"Welcome. Welcome." Effie declares, smiling happily as she addresses us. "Welcome to the Capitol, tributes. May the odds be ever in your favor." She gestures behind her, my eyes catching the tall structures and buildings that make up the Capitol.
The Capitol is a sight to behold. The power that this place has over us is easy to see. Everything is shiny, polished, almost gleaming in its expanse. Building taller than trees start to surround the train on both sides as we enter the Capitol. Advanced technology can be seen everywhere with a gleaming poster of President Snow hanging from a building. What a cold and powerful place to live.
The train's speed begins to slow as Peeta and I stand to see outside better. Peeta walks over to the window, the wonder on his face tugging at me. His lips form a smile as he waves to the passing citizens who cheer and wave back as they notice him. They must have been expecting us, wishing to catch a glimpse of the two volunteering tributes from District 12.
I step behind Peeta, fear gripping me as the Capitol crowd increases in number as we enter the train station. So many people that want to meet us. Meet us in order to decide whether they should help us live or leave us to die in the Hunger Games. A cold shiver down my spine causes me to grip Peeta's arm, wondering if I really will be able to pull off my plan. The Capitol seems to love him as he smiles and waves at them in his excitement. Maybe that will be enough.
Peeta stops waving and glances back at me, that lopsided smile of his making my heart skip a beat. He reaches up and takes my hand in his own, squeezing it as he traces circles on the back. I can't help but blush and smile back, wondering why he can reassure me with a simple action. Just looking into those blue eyes strengthens my resolve. This plan will work. I can only hope he can forgive me and go along with it until I must force him to kill me.
I squeeze his hand in return as we both turn to the crowd, waving at them with smiles on our faces. We are bonded on our mutual obligation to be in these Games. If I want Peeta to survive the 74th Annual Hunger Games, I must use this bond to the fullest. Even if I have to break my heart in the process and manipulate Peeta to hate me, I will make sure he wins. I feel a tear escape me as I force the smile to remain on my face. I am sorry Peeta. Please forgive me one day.
May the odds be ever in Peeta's favor.