Once we board the train, my jaw literally drops. It is beautiful. There are chrome finishings everywhere. There is a chandelier... On a train! I look back and Effie is smiling.
"Help yourselves to any food. I am going to get Haymitch."
The food. There is a whole table full of it. I don't think I have eve seen so much food in my entire life. I want to eat everything, right now.
I sit down at the table and run my fingers over the smooth velvet on the chair. The boy sits across from me.
He smiles. "I'm Peeta."
"Delphi." So that's where I have seen him. His family own the bakery. We go there once a year, to celebrate Clad and my birthday. Clad. I miss him so much. I close my eyes and bury my head in my hands. I don't care what Peeta thinks of me. I think. I'm not quite sure of my feelings towards him. Right now, I'm not quite sure of anything. I force myself to take slow breaths.
I start eating some chicken and help myself to some salad and fruit. The food here is so good.
I hear a door open and Haymitch walks in. He's drunk. No surprise there. Clad does have a point - he did win the Games once.
"Well, well, well," he slurs. "Look at the tributes from District 12."
"You're supposed to help us," Peeta starts.
"Here's some advice - stay alive." Haymitch laughs and I realize I am scared.
"That's funny, only not to us." Peeta grabs the liquor from Haymitch And with that Haymitch punches Peeta in the face. I scream and kick my chair at the wall in fright.
"What's this? Did we actually get a pair of fighters?" Haymitch is shocked or maybe it's sarcasm. "For now, do whatever your prep teams want and I'll see you in the morning." And with that, he turns and leaves. I realize I am standing with my hands clenched at my sides. Peeta puts ice on his face.
The train rounds a bend and suddenly I see the Capitol. it is shining in the distance. "Look," Peeta says standing at the window. I join him and gasp. There are so many people. Waiting for us. To die. I suddenly don't want to be here anymore. I want to be at home with Nim, Clad, Mom and Dad. I take a step back as Peeta starts to wave at them. I just stare.