Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own the Hunger Games series. The Hunger Games trilogy is the property of Suzanne Collins and her publishers.
The palace is enormous from what I have seen. It's decked in different colored marble, excessively gold covered statues and fixtures, and crystal chandeliers that are bigger than the trees back home. One hallway I pass through has a ceiling elaborately painted with different religious and historical scenes, adorned with gold details. Well lit chandeliers line the way every ten paces, their light reflecting against the marble framed ceiling to floor mirrors that we pass. Opulent chairs and benches covered in a dark blue and silver floral pattern line the halls. Usually they are filled with people, nobles or commoners who have been given access, but this portion of the castle has been set aside for the wedding ceremony.
Duchess Effie - the escort who has been given the prestigious position of aiding me through my transition to Capitol life - is an overly perky, manner obsessed woman in her late twenties. She's dressed in a ridiculous fashion. Bright blue dress that extends about five feet at the hips, matching three cornered hat adorned with an assortment of ribbons and feathers, and elbow length blue gloves that go perfectly with her light blue choker. She's terribly overdone, but unlike some of the people here she seems to genuinely care.
Her gown is a hundred times nicer than my finest dress back home, but even it does not compare to what I am currently wearing. Eight layers of thick petticoats and crinoline, too tight stays, a light yellow silk cover petticoat that peeks through my gown, well made lace cuffs, soft pink buckled shoes with a slight heel embroidered with tiny yellow flowers, and a ruffled pink satin dress with a beautiful yellow floral stomacher. It is yet another one of Cinna's creations, and while it is not in any sense something that I would be interested in wearing, it is absolutely gorgeous. If only my sweet sister Prim could see me now.
Effie informs me, as she gives me a quick tour through the sumptuous palace, that the rumors I have heard are true. This palace, which is to some degree my property, sports over eight hundred rooms, a ballroom of mirrors, and several hundred acres of gardens and courtyards.
"You know, Madame Katniss, you have a real opportunity here to set an example for those who are less fortunate that manners and grace do not only belong to those of a higher birth. Look at you, you're from Seam and you will be the Queen of one of the greatest nations in history."
I wrinkle my nose. People who are struggling to make ends meet don't have the time for "grace" or "manners". She is so out of touch. I can't even blame her for being an idiot, even if she offhandedly insulted me. These people are incredibly strange. Bright colors, overdone hair, ridiculous outfits, and unnecessary manners. It's as if they have never left the walls of the palace. I suppose this is what happens to people when they have excess amounts of food and money. Even the "poor" people here are wealthy in comparison to the people in my country. It's obscene, really. The bakers, shop owners, workers, etc. are considered the lower class. The nation is a lot wealthier than I had assumed.
I don't tell Effie this, though. I'm afraid if I say too much around these people they will mock me. They already think I'm uncivilized, I don't need to give them any more ammo.
"Of course. It is my duty to be an example for my people. We never really had the occasion in Seam, but I would love to learn more," I lie.
Her face softens, head tilting as she lifts up her hands in the odd clappy way that I have noticed people do here. "Oh, you poor dear. I can't imagine the life you had over there. Don't worry, you are one of the most important and well respected people in the world now. We will make sure to take good care of you here."
There is nothing for her to be sympathetic about. I had a very grand lifestyle compared to some of my people who starved and went without, but I'm fairly certain her definition of starvation is going two hours without a feast. I try to fit in though, and not say anything about what real suffering is.
"Oh, thank you. You have been a real help in the short time I have been here," I give a big bright fake smile and remember to take small ladylike steps as we near the door.
"What did you say we were here for again?" I don't remember her mentioning exactly why we were here but
"Katniss you shouldn't let," Effie falters for the first time. "Excuse me, Madame Katniss you should not allow yourself to be hurt by anything that may happen. She's a bit off of her wagon, if I may be allowed to speak about such an esteemed person in that manner. Katniss, uh, Her Majesty, the former and honored Queen of Panem has requested your presence. She would like to meet the woman her son has selected to rule our country."
Peeta warned me about his mother. He distinctly pointed out, probably the only negative comment towards someone or something he had ever made.
"Katniss, you should be made aware that you will meet my mother eventually. My mother isn't all there, and she is not, to put it lightly, the nicest person in this world. Not to cause you to think of such ill things, but if she was not my mother her head would no longer be on her shoulders, if you get the meaning. She has committed crimes against her people. Her opinion of you is not valid by any degree. However, it should be made known that she has the ear of many a fine gossiper in the Capitol and she will not think well of you. Foolish rumors may be started by her. It is your position as a Queen to ignore these remarks. She will judge you on your position in the world, and she will make it known to you that she doesn't think kindly of my choice in a wife. Do not allow her to bother you."
I hadn't thought much of it at the time. I assumed everybody thought poorly of their mother and while I had heard things about her, I wasn't that worried about the opinions of some old hag. But now, as the woman sits before me, I start to worry.
She's not as old as I imagined, a little younger than my mother would be, although not as nearly as attractive. She is dressed from head to toe in black, the color of a widow still in mourning. Thin yellow blonde hair pulled back in uniform style, not a strand out of place beneath her elegant black hat. Her dead blue eyes may share the resemblance of her son's in terms of color, but they do not breathe the same type of life and sparkle that Peeta's do.
She's sitting on an emerald green parlor settee, a pink floral chair across from her that she motions for me to be seated on. I comply, anxiously noting that Effie has left me stranded here with only a handful of guards to protect me from this woman.
"You know, Katniss - I will call you that as I am currently hoping that he will revoke your status before the ceremony, or at the very least cause you to lose your head," she speaks up, her voice void of any emotion.
I knew she wasn't that great of a person, but I certainly expected for her to have some decorum to resist wishing my death without even knowing me. For a woman half my stature, she commands fear with every word.
"My son has banished me to this prison of a wing, so unfortunately I will be unable to attend your wedding. However, I would like to make it known that I do not approve in the slightest of your position here. My son is a love struck idiot with the sensibility of a parrot."
Love struck? Does that mean she believes the stories? Does it even matter? Her mocking tone drives anger down my spine, and I resist the urge to wrap my hands around her puny little neck by pushing down on my thumb with my hand.
"You know, it's treason, punishable by death, to speak of the King in that manner," I comment, straightening my back.
She rolls her eyes at me. "Peeta doesn't have the testicles for that. He's always been soft like his father, it's a real shame his brothers weren't able to take his place. They would have done a million times better at ruling this country than him."
I rise to Peeta's defense. Whatever he may be, from what I can tell he's an exceptional King. "I think your son has done a wonderful job at running this country. How can you deny that? Look around you, the country is in an exceptional state. It would be my advice not to anger me," I hiss. "I for one do not have any problem with telling Peeta that you should no longer reside here."
She changes the subject. "You know Katniss, I knew your unfortunately late mother before she turned out so messed up. Nightlock was it? How unfortunate for everybody involved. I truly send my sympathies towards your family. It must have been really hard to lose such a woman."
She knew my mother? I mean, I knew my mother grew up at the edge of Panem, and that her father was a simple noble, but I was unaware of any relationship between the two women.
"You knew my mother?" I say wrinkling my forehead.
"Ah, yes. Pretty little thing, such beauty wasted. She could have had far more wealth if she had applied herself. Maybe then I wouldn't have a little slut like you in my palace. Your husband's father and I spent summers when we were young at your maternal family's estate. Maybe now that you aren't such a disappointment they will take interest in you."
Peeta's father knew my mother? My mother never mentioned anything about it, other than saying she thought Panem was well run. How odd, I'd have to mention it to Peeta.
"I didn't know that. Thank you for informing me."
"You're more like her than you would allow yourself to think. Although, at least in your case you seem to be a survivor. If there is anything positive to say about you, I do have to say I admire your streng-" she is interrupted as a red and gold clad messenger bursts through the door unannounced, causing the guards to bring their hands to their swords.
He raises his hands. "Apologies, I mean no harm towards their Majesties. I have been sent by our King to cut this meeting short immediately. She," he motions towards me,"is requested immediately in alterations.
Peeta has saved me.
Author's Note: Okay, I really need a beta. Other than that, I'm worried that this is too rushed or that the story is going downhill and I would love your opinions. I really need to find a beta who is good with grammar/concepts.
Other than that, you call follow me at starveinsafety. I would love to answer any questions. Thanks for all the 'Happy Birthdays' I received. It was really sweet of all of you.
As far as Mrs. Mellark's behavior, I intended her to be a little of her hinges because she can basically get away with whatever. Although, we will see how Peeta deals with those that hurt Katniss. (Hint hint.)