Katniss POV:

Once I've sat back at the table, I noticed they've brought dessert. Various cakes, muffins, cupcakes and other delicious food. Even though I was full from the turkey I stuffed down my throat before, the chocolate tart looked amazing, It was so tempting, I had to try it. Now it's Marvel's turn to watch me in amusement. It's like they've never seen a girl eat before. Actually, that doesn't surprise me. I guess it's in these days to eat nothing throughout the whole day. I take one more piece of cake, before my mum speaks.

'' So, Katniss, who was calling? After all, it was so urgent, you had to leave the table.''

I sense some anger in her voice. She must be annoyed by my actions and snappy comments towards Derek.

Cato's gaze shifts from his plate to me. For the first time he has a serious look on his face. Is he curious? I think I like his cocky personality better. This look makes his face look older than it is ...and more brutal. I can see fire in his ice cold eyes. It's as if he is angry? His muscles are tense, impatient, waiting for an answer so they could relax. There is a part of me that wants to lie, to say it's Gale and hope he reacts the way I want him to. Katniss, snap out of it. He has a girlfriend to begin with. I mean how can he not, with those looks and I guess the bad boy charm works on every girl in his school. Well, it won't work on me. Besides, both of our parents are getting married. Once she says those two words, I do, the only thing we'll be is step brother and sister. But I'll rather think of it as two people living in the same house. No matter what some paper says, I don't easily call someone my family.

'' It was Glimmer.''

Marvel starts choking on his water, while Cato taps his shoulder. I see shock registered on his face.

''Couldn't it wait? She's coming over today, isn't she?''

Marvel starts shifting uncomfortably in his seat. What's up with him? I turn my gaze back towards my mother.

''No, actually,'' I say ''As a matter of fact, she has to stay and pick the new recruits.''

''She is coming over tomorrow,'' I add.

''Marvel!'' Derek shouts.

''Sorry, dad.''

He spilled water all over the fine table cloth.

'' Margaret! Margaret! ''

An old lady with a maids outfit appeared from a door I didn't notice before. There was also a girl in her early 20's following behind her.

''Yes, Mr. Hunter?''

'' Ah, Bridget. You have come also. My son is such a klutz, he spilled his drink all over the table cloth.''

''We'll clean it right away ,'' said the old lady.

Derek is full of surprises. Seeing all these delicious meals, I'm guessing he has a chef also. I mean, why wouldn't he, he has the money. I'm sure a busy man like him wouldn't have time to take care of such things.

We've never had this many meals before, specially dessert. The only time I have cake is when Prim and I both get a small one for our birthday. Prim and I both spend our birthdays in the same way. Early in the morning mum buys our favorite cake every year from the nearby bakery. The chiffon cake with strawberries. Afterwards, Glimmer, Gale and Prim's friends from school Rory, Vick and Posy, which are also Gale's siblings come over. I wouldn't have it any other way. For me, those moments were perfect. I just wished dad was here to share them with me. With Prim's birthday coming up, it'll be wierd spending it in a way we weren't used to. With strangers.

By the time I snapped out of my thoughts everyone has finished their meals and were heading towards their rooms.

DING-DONG!

''I'll get it !''

Cato goes to answer the door and I stay still on the stairs, curious who it might be. Is it that blonde from this morning?

''Nicole, need something?'' Cato smirks.

Worse. It's Foxface.

''Marveel! I was just wondering if you wou-'' she stops when she sees me behind him.

'' Twenty-six, fancy seeing you here.''

I roll my eyes. At least i gave her a nickname, and she calls me by my jersey.

''You know...tomorrow we are picking new recruits...you should see what your old team is up against. We're going to wipe the floor with them. Or maybe...you'd like to join us?'' she gives me her fake smile.

Anger flashes in my eyes. I throw her the best smile I can make.

''I think...I'd rather eat shit, but thanks'' I wink.''Oh, and seven? Watch your back. We're going to beat you in your own gym.''

In basketball, to be beaten on your own terms, in a gym you know every inch of and been training in since you were a kid was the worst disgrace for your coach.

Cato gives me a secret thumbs up and I throw him a smile. Foxface keeps a cool facade, she's clever, but I can see past it. After all ,I've been doing it my whole life, it's what I'm best at.

Marvel is holding back snickers while Nicole glares at him.

''Marvel ! Let's go!'' she snaps.

''Sorry Nicole, I'm a bit tired.'' he fakes a yawn.

''FINE!'' she fumes and closes the door with a big thud. We all jump.

Later that evening

*knock knock

''Katniss? Are you in bed?...Prim! Why aren't you in your room?''

''It's fine, mum. She's not used to sleeping alone. She can stay with me for a night.''

''Okay. You go to sleep, school is early tomorrow and I don't want you walking as zombies.'' Prim giggles.

''Katniss, I'm going tomorrow to talk with the caterer and you'll come with me.''

I nod. ''Mum? You haven't really told us how you and Derek met. We know nothing about him.''

She sighs. '' Okay, but after this, you go to sleep young ladies!''

We nod and Prim snuggles closer to me.