Chapter 3:

There are several moments of silence, before Haymitch suggests we chew on it while we walk into town to get supplies. The Capitol knowing that we will have a strategy for how we present the tributes is no big deal- but that doesn't mean that they need to know, if they're listening, exactly what that strategy is.

The wind howls loudly as we walk, and finally Peeta speaks up in a timid voice. We can barely hear him. "Couldn't we, um, just do that same angle again? Star-crossed lovers? I mean, it worked once, right? And it would be pretty easy to see how Prim and one of my brothers would have met- through everything Katniss and I have been doing on the Victory Tour, preparing for the wedding. It's only natural that they would be introduced eventually. And if we were able to get two victors because of love, when there has only ever been one victor in the previous seventy-three years, why tempt fate? Perhaps we shouldn't mess with the formula too much."

I wrinkle my nose. Prim was just thirteen, far too young to be in the throes of a serious relationship. Besides, Peeta's brothers were far older- seventeen and eighteen, I believe- and the age difference was just plain creepy to me. However, I would certainly deal with the discomfort if it was the only way to keep Prim alive. Before I have a chance to voice my mixed opinions, however, Haymitch lets out a condescending grunt.

"Peeta, the stunt you two pulled with the berries has gotten the Capitol far too angry to ever attempt that kind of rebellion again. After everything you've seen happen to our district since your victory, how could you even suggest that?"

Peeta flushed with embarrassment. "I don't know, I was just trying to think of a way to keep them both alive…"

I jump in. "What if we somehow play up their importance in our wedding? That way," I suggest, "the Capitol becomes more invested in them. They certainly don't want the wedding to be ruined." Peeta looks at me gratefully for diverting Haymitch's attention.

Haymitch considers this for a moment. "Maybe. Let's chew on it. We have plenty of time. But we need to come up with individual angles as well. There might be other ways to keep both of the District 12 tributes alive as a pair. But we need to focus on getting them sponsors first, so that they can get past the other tributes," He has an expression as he says this that is completely unreadable, like he is hiding something.

Peeta and I shrug and continue the walk into town. We all agree that Prim's best asset is her naiveté, and that the best way to exploit it is to have her be herself, particularly in the interview phase. Paavo and Paca are older, bigger, and stronger than Peeta, so perhaps since this scenario allows for months of training as well they can learn to master a heavy weapon in that time. Then whoever is chosen could play sullen, hostile, and dangerous in the Games, like Thresh did in our year. Peeta says that both of his brothers are pretty sullen and hostile anyway.

We buy some things in town that will assist us in training- paint materials for camouflage, different objects that could be used as archery targets, and a few other miscellaneous items that tend to work themselves into the games (string, wire, containers for water, and the few weapon-like objects we could find, even though thanks to the Peacekeepers presence, they couldn't do any real damage). It takes us considerably more time to lug our purchases back home, so by the time we arrived back at Haymitch's all three of the potential District 12 tributes are already there.

Paavo and Paca are standing, closely huddled, whispering to one another. I think that this may be the first time that I have looked at either one of them up close. They are blond and stocky like Peeta, but are much taller and share few of his features- they look distinctly more like their mother. And unlike Peeta, they look almost menacing. I am amazed that they are all related. Though I guess you could say the same thing about me and Prim.

Prim is standing there, too. She is wearing her reaping day outfit from last year, her hair done in braids, nervously playing with them. Our mother no doubt had her dress this way (why, I have no idea- who did she want to impress, Haymitch?), and she is standing as far from Paavo and Paca as possible within the constraints of Haymitch's backyard.

Haymitch, as usual, takes control. Unlike last year, however, he seems like he really has it together, despite the alcohol. He seems to take Peeta's and my presence seriously- which I am grateful for. "All right," he begins, "this is strictly voluntary training. Hell, I'd rather be home drinking." I begin to wonder if I should retract my last thought when he continues. "But we know based on the Reading of the Card that of the three of you, two will be chosen as District 12 tributes for the Third Quarter Quell." He looks at Prim. "Sorry, sweetheart." Prim glances at her feet as a quiet tear slips down her cheek. Paavo and Paca stop their hushed whispering, and Paavo eases a few steps forward and hesitantly speaks up. "Haymitch?" Despite the dissimilarity of their looks, his voice sounds exactly like Peeta's. I do a double-take.

Haymitch agrees, he is taken aback for a moment, but recovers quickly and responds, "Yes?"

Paavo continues. "I- I- would like to volunteer to be the tribute for District 12 if I am not selected." He briefly falters, glances down, but then returns his gaze to Haymitch and I after a moment, determined. I notice that he does not look at Peeta. "I would rather you dismiss Paca now and focus the training solely on myself. I feel that the more individual training I receive the better my chances will be."

Haymitch considers this. "And what if your brother happens to possess more natural ability? What if he is better suited to playing the games than you are?"

In response, Paavo gives Haymitch a half-grin. "The two of us have discussed it at length," he gestures to Paca and himself. "We are closer to each other than anyone in the world. We know each other's strengths and weaknesses. And we have both agreed that I am better suited to stepping into the arena."

I glance over at Peeta, who is nearly in tears. Haymitch, however, looks relieved. One less decision for him to make. "Very well," he replies, "Paca, you may go."

Paca turns and begins the long walk back into town, to the bakery. I don't know if he voice sounds like Peeta's or not- he didn't say anything.

"Okay then," Haymitch's voice brings us back to Earth, to Panem. "This is how voluntary training will work. It will be twelve hours a day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - and Peeta, Katniss, and I will each take a four-hour shift. I am calling the second shift so that I have plenty of time to have a hair of the dog in the morning, and so that I can get an early start to happy hour. Peeta- you're used to getting up early, you take the morning shift- and Katniss- you do evenings. Every day but Sunday. From now until the Games. If Katniss and Peeta have any Capitol business to attend to, you will stay here and use that time to watch the other Hunger Games on TV. Got it?"

Paavo and Prim nod quietly. They know how much their life is going to change.

Haymitch adds, "Oh, and Paavo, you are to stay here with Peeta. With your training schedule, walking here from the bakery is a waste of time and energy."

Paavo shakes his head. "I refuse." His voice fills with rage, which distorts it to the point that I cannot hear Peeta in it anymore. "I will no longer live with someone who so openly shames our mother."

Peeta in turn glares at him with daggers for eyes and replies, "She shamed herself."

I look at Peeta in shock, amazed that those words just came out of his mouth. But based on what little I've seen of Peeta's mother, I can't say I had a good impression of her- I think back to the day with the bread, the beating Peeta took for burning two loaves- it was hardly a fair punishment.

Haymitch, however, thinking none of this, merely rolls his eyes. "Fine," he says to Paavo, "stay with me."