Katniss POV:

''Well, don't just stand there,'' Mrs Adler chuckled,'' Let us move to the kitchen, where the table has been set up for dinner.''

Who died and made her the head of the house?

She makes her way to the kitchen and motions us to our seats. A flirty smile makes its way on Annabelle's million dollar face when she walks by Cato, which makes me want to hurl. Following close by, Annabelle's I presume brother takes his seat, but not before throwing a glance my way. He was gorgeous, something you'll rarely say for a guy. Yeah, Cato is also, but his beauty is more realistic, while you can't describe this guy's beauty to your friend as in cute. Their is no sign of cuteness in his face or in Annabelle's for that matter. It's as if the gods sculptured him. Call me crazy, but I prefer guys like Cato. His face makes my insides burst and body melt, but maybe he won't agree with me on this one. Maybe he prefers Annabelle's unrealistic, plastic beauty over mine.

I've been called beautiful a lot, even though I have never agreed with that statement. At this moment, my confidence has dropped even lower. Annabelle is not making it easy for me to think I'm anything above average.

Cato shoots me a murderous glare, but I just shrug him off. I can't believe he's making himself appear as a victim out of jealousy, when I'm the one who's dying inside. I take my place right across from him, next to Prim and Annabelle's parents. Annabelle is exactly two seats away from him, which makes me sigh in relief. Cato is seated in the middle, next to my mother and Mrs Adler on his other side. Derek, of course is seated at the head of the table on my left. If Marvel was here, he would be seated on the other head of the table on my right, which I know would've made him pleased.

Dinner hadn't even begun, and I already felt worried. I have three forks placed on my left, all different sizes, a knife and two different spoons on my left. A water glass, a wine glass and another glass I probably won't be needing on the top right of my dinner plate. I guess this is a proper dinner set up considering there are two wealthy families in front of me.

I see Victoria eyeing me up from the corner of my eye, probably having a laugh, waiting for me to make a fool of myself. I smirk. Bitch, just watch me. Years of watching 'Princess diaries' and 'The Prince & me' along with Prim is finally paying off. I learned a thing or two about table manners.

A couple of minutes later, Bridget and Margaret walk in with the soup. I know I've chosen the right spoon, because Victoria's face is getting all steamy, which makes my face shine with delight. Looks like Annabelle's brother saw my little smile of victory, so he decided to shoot me one of his own dreamy smiles. I nearly jump when I feel someone's shoe stomping all over my foot under the table. My eyes lock with Cato's and I can see him clenching his fists. Is he kidding me? I didn't do a damn thing. I scowl and finish eating my soup.
Soon enough, we finished with the main course and desert. Half way through dinner I shut myself out from all their conversations. Most where directed to Annabelle and her brother, Baron. They really know how to pick names for their children to sound mighty and important.
I threw a glance once in a while in mum's way, but apparently she was doing the same thing I was. Not paying attention. Like mother, like daughter. But she is never this distracted. Her thoughts were way somewhere else. She was looking at the table as if it's the first thing she saw in her life.

I snap out of my thoughts when I hear we're heading over to the living room for a nice cup of tea. Guess who's idea that was? Victoria's. Didn't see that one coming. I'd love to stab this fork in her eyeballs during ' tea time.' On my way, someone pulled me by my hand.

''Did anyone tell you you're simply breathtaking?'' Baron whispered in my ear.

'' Well then, you better move. We don't want 'Prince Charming' dying from lack of breath?'' I scoff.

''I'm really pleased with your concern for my well being,'' he smiled,'' But I wouldn't mind dying if it's by your hands.''

My jaw drops, and he passes by while brushing against my shoulder with a smile.

For a second I'm sad Cato didn't see our little exchange. I want him to feel the same way I felt when I saw his reaction to Annabelle's entrance.
Tea time went by the same way as dinner, only this time mother got up, saying she felt a little drousy and went off to her bedroom. I was about to check on her, but decided against it. It will only attract more attention, the last thing she needs right now. I'll let her sleep it off, and ask her tomorrow instead.

Mrs Everdeen POV:

While I'm laying in bed, my hope for a good night's sleep seems hopeless. How can I sleep when the same flashback repeats itself in my head over and over again? My mind is too preoccupied right now to even think about Derek's wife or the people sitting in the living room. I flip my pillow to the other side and I close my eyes, determined to fall asleep. But even in my dreams, today's events haunt me.

* Flashback *

My eyes are wide open and I'm gaping like a fish. Did this just happen? The worst part is that even if it's for just a second, I returned his kiss.

''What? Why d-did you do t-that?'' my body trembles.

''I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me,'' Bolton exclaims, moving closer towards me,'' I thought - ''

''You thought what?'' I shriek, slapping him on the face and walking off, leaving him there ,calling my name.

When did this begin? Has he felt this way the whole time. This is Bolton, my best friend. My childhood friend. He finds it okay to kiss me when I'm about to marry another man?
I let tears pour down my face, while I run home.

* End of flashback *

Okay, so that is the end of chapter 23. Please review and tell me what you think and also I hope you enjoyed:) !

Roses In Thorns: Unfortunately, when I locked the door it got worse...he is a smart kid and knows how to get what he wants ! XD he can't stay still and watch a whole movie. He would get bored after 20 mins tops. The same thing goes for everything I try to do with him. I install a new game, and ten minutes later he starts yelling he's bored and wants to play cards and so on:) But when he goes to visit his relatives, I grin like a maniac :D !

Camilla: Yeah, those kicks are the worst ! xD