Chapter 6
Set Yourself On Fire
There is only one thing
One thing
In the darkest part of you that you have ever seen
I take a deep breath. I know what's coming.
It's going to be way worse than what happened with Eli. Mainly because Haymitch doesn't know Cato, and Cato is a district two career.
Haymitch loathes careers. Although, he loathes just about every other tribute this year for the fact that they all want to kill me.
But Haymitch doesn't know the side of Cato that he's been showing me. I don't think many people do.
Haymitch is still glaring at Cato and I quickly release my hand from his. I immediately feel the loss.
I look at Cato and he's looking at me and I see a mix of different emotions on his face.
I offer a small smile and mouth the words 'I'm sorry'.
"Rosie, it's time to start getting ready for the opening ceremonies. Your team is waiting." He says irritated.
He won't look at me, but continues glaring at Cato.
I look back at Cato and he doesn't even pay attention to Haymitch. He's staring at me so intensely that a blush starts creeping up my neck.
"Haymitch, this is Cato. He's the one I met on the train. From district two."
Cato gets up from the mat and walks towards him, stretching out his hand.
"Hello, sir. I'm Cato Evins." He says politely.
Haymitch looks mildly surprised. Heck, even I'm surprised. No teenage boy is that polite. Especially careers.
But then Haymitch goes back to being pissed. He doesn't even shake Cato's hand!
"I don't care." He says gruffly, still glaring at Cato. If looks could kill.
"Haymitch! Mind your manners." I scold. "You're like a child." I roll my eyes.
I grab my book, and get up walking towards Haymitch and Cato.
Haymitch sees the book and raises an eyebrow and smiles, but doesn't say anything.
I pass the garden on my way to the door and stop. I want to pick some flowers for Cinna and Haymitch.
I walk towards my favorites: daisies and sunflowers. I pick the daisies first. I try to break off the sunflowers, but it's very difficult.
"Hurry up, Rosie!" Haymitch says.
"I'm trying to get flowers for Cinna!" I yell back. "I'm sure that the torture methods I'll be enduring can wait a few minutes." I roll my eyes. I hear them both snicker. Wow, something they agree on.
"Here, let me." Cato's deep husky voice says. He reaches down and pulls something shiny from his converse sneaker. A knife. A pocket knife.
He takes it out and waves it towards me, and he looks like he's about to stab me with it.
My defense mechanisms kick in before I can stop them. Why is he pulling out a knife? I thought we were friends!
I remember Katniss's words: if you feel threatened or that you are going to be attacked, attack first, question later.
He seems distracted so I grab his wrist with all the force I can muster, and the pressure from my grip makes the knife fall from his hand. I kick it away.
He looks at me in confusion, and that's his mistake.
Katniss taught me to analyze people the moment I meet them. Analyze them as opponents in a fight. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses.
Cato is strong and could take me. But I'm fast and smart, and know where to hit where it hurts.
I punch him in his jugular, which sends him into a coughing fit.
He bends over, trying to catch his breath, and I say, "I thought we were somewhat friends! Then you and try to attack me? What the hell, fuchsia boy?" I say.
I say fuchsia boy just because I'm pissed and I knew he'd hate it.
I hear Haymitch laughing his ass off at the scene in front of him.
I turn around to glare at him.
He's doubled over, clutching his sides. His face is all red.
He says between laughs, "Yeah fuchsia boy! You got beat up- by a 4'11"- 90 pound- girl! HA!" He's laughing so hard and I can't help but smile a little.
His laughter has always been contagious when it's like this. Because it's so rare. I crack and release a small giggle.
"Good job, Rosie. I'm proud." He says. And he looks proud. It makes me happy.
But then I remember that my friend just betrayed me. And the smile wipes from my face and an overwhelming sadness surges through me.
Why would he hurt me? While I was picking flowers? What did he say? 'here, let me'... Oh no.
"I wasn't trying to hurt you!" He says when he finally catches his breath. His voice sounds raspy like he can barely manage to speak those words.
"I was going to cut the flowers for you! And who the hell is fuchsia boy?" He exclaims.
Ugh. Why didn't I think through what I was doing?
I feel like crying.
"I'm so sorry! I thought.. I wasn't thinking. Katniss told me to do that if I thought someone was going I attack me. And I thought you were. I'm sorry. I'm really really sorry. I can make you a remedy for your throat. It probably hurts. I'm sorry." I mumble.
I feel tears threaten to fall. I hate crying.
"It's fine. It doesn't hurt that bad. At least you can take care of yourself. But fuchsia boy? Really Primrose?" He says the last part teasingly.
I look up at him and he's grinning.
I smile and laugh.
"I didn't know your name before, so I just called you fuchsia boy in my head. I really am sorry. And you can call me Prim." I smile.
I look down at the big bouquet of daisies in my hands.
I hear Cato's heavy footsteps and then hear the snap of the sunflowers.
Cato hands the sunflowers to me one at a time until I have a dozen. He stops cutting the flowers and we begin walking to where Haymitch is impatiently waiting for me.
"Thanks for helping me. I'll bring you a remedy tonight at the opening ceremonies. Just promise me you won't tell anyone about my healing. Please?" I plead.
If anyone finds out my biggest weapon (healing and obviously, defense) I may have a target on my head. Or people may want to ally with me.
I want neither.
"Of course not, Prim. I promise." He smiles, and I return it graciously.
Every time he smiles it reminds me of how handsome he is.
And how my chances of ever being more than friends is extremely limited and our circumstance are less that desirable.
My smile fades at the thought and I look down at my bouquet of flowers.
We have reached Haymitch and I take his hand.
"Let's go. Now." I say sternly.
I'm suddenly in a bad mood.
Haymitch is surprised at my sudden shift in mood change, but doesn't say anything.
He nods and we walk towards the door. He opens it and I walk through.
Maybe Cato thought I would say goodbye or something, so when I don't he says, "Wait! Pri-" but then the door slams shut so I don't hear what he said.
I sigh.
Haymitch squeezes my hand. I look at him and he looks worried.
"Are you all right? Would you care to discuss everything that happened just now?"
No thanks.
Instead of saying that, I lie. I ignore the second question though.
I smile tentatively, "Yes I'm fine. I'm just trying to prepare myself for today. I hope he doesn't make me dress like the tributes from last year. Or rather, not dress. I'd be mortified."
Last year, some fool put coal dust on the tributes. Only coal dust. They were naked for all of Panem to see. What was worse was the coal dust didn't last long...
"No, they won't. I'd kill Cinna before he does that. But I don't think he will. He has something special planned." He says, smiling like an idiot.
That gives me some hope that I might get to wear actual clothes.
"Oh and today, do whatever the stylists tell you without protesting. Anything. Even if it's uncomfortable or painful. That's the most important thing." He says seriously.
I nod. These people make me look pretty for the sponsors. Well as pretty as I'll ever get.
"Will you stay with me? When they're doing everything? I don't want to be alone." I say quietly.
He looks conflicted.
"I would Rosie, but I can't. I have to talk to Eli today." Eli!
I forgot about Eli and his wounds.
"Oh! Eli! Send him to me later. I need to change his dressings and put on more ointments. And it's okay, don't worry about it. Here," I say, handing him the sunflowers, "sunflowers are my favorite, and I want you to have them. Cinna can have the daisies."
I smile so wide my cheeks hurt. I know that he's not used to gestures like this. Not until I came into his life. His voice is thick when he responds with a gruff, "Thank you Rosie."
I nod my head.
Maybe I should stop holding his hand. I shouldn't be so clingy anyways. He's going to leave me one day because of it, father figure or not.
But then again, I might die in a week. So who cares?
When we reach a room I've never been to before, I stop and take a deep breath.
Before I can stop myself, I wrap my arms around Haymitch's torso tightly. He's frozen for a moment, but then returns the hug just as tight.
I release my death grip on him and turn and open the door.
Inside, everything is white. White walls, white floors, white table, white chairs, white dresser, white vanity. White.
Three people are standing in the room side by side waiting for me.
Two female and one male. They have their arms behind their back and their backs are straight. They honestly look like soldiers. They don't look like Capitol people at all. They look normal. They are all wearing black t-shirts and white shorts.
The man, Bruce, has bronze colored hair and bulging muscles. Bigger than Cato's even. And that's saying something. His body is threatening. He looks like he's almost 7 feet tall! He seems to be about late twenties. There's muscle everywhere. He has a handsome face and his expression is soft and boyish. His green eyes are a such a lovely shade that I find myself wanting to stare at them. He's smiling and he looks happy.
The woman next to him on the right is Amelia. She looks young. Maybe early twenties. She looks like a model. She is tall and skinny, and has a beautiful face. Her sea blue eyes are intimidating, but she has a sweet face. She has red colored hair and freckles, and wears no makeup.
The girl on Bruce's left is Wanda.
She looks to be in her late fifties. She has bronze colored hair that goes down to her waist. Her eyes are the same color as Bruce's. Maybe they're related.
"Hi. I'm Prim from district twelve. It's lovely to meet you all." I say, smiling and stretching my hand out to shake.
Wanda reacts first and shakes it.
"Hello, I'm Wanda. This is my son, Bruce, and his lovely wife Amelia." We all shake hands.
"We will be your stylists, helping Cinna. You see, our job is to prep you, to make you look beautiful. But by looking at you, we know that little prep is necessary." She says smiling.
Bruce winks at me. I blush profusely.
First, they bathe me about five different times for my skin.
When I'm done, my skin feels soft and silky and new.
Then, they trim my hair and wash it with special soaps called shampoo and conditioner. It makes my hair soft and smell like lavender. I requested that scent. Then they wax my legs. Which hurts. Really, really bad. I bite my lip the whole time to fight the scream. I don't make a single noise the whole time but my fists are clenched.
When that pain is over, they tweeze my eyebrows.
Which is a whole other kind of pain.
I feel like a bee is stinging my eyebrows.
During the whole time the stylists are with me we are talking. I enjoy talking to them. They are a little family and it's like talking to the Hawthorne's.
Wanda and Bruce are definitely related. They have the same personality. They are both very kind and hilarious. It's actually funny because when I first met Bruce I was scared of him. Turns out he's like a big teddy bear. Kind of like Eli.
Amelia is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. She is very kind and considerate of other people, but on the quiet side.
We talk about random things and I'm enjoying myself the entire time.
They announce that they're putting makeup on me.
Cinna said to make it look fierce and threatening. Because I'll be making a big entrance.
Which makes me worried.
I've never worn makeup before and my face feels like it weighs fifteen extra pounds.
I wonder what Katniss, mother, and Rory will think when they see me. Will I look different? I mean besides the makeup.
I don't feel any different.
"Prim, we're finished. You can look in the mirror now." Amelia says quietly.
I look in the mirror and gasp.
Fierce is right.
My hair is in a bun on the top of my head. There are braids attached to the bun on each side of my head. Despite the makeover, I'm glad I still have braids, even if they're a completely different style and not very noticeable.
My face breaks into a smile.
I don't recognize this girl.
She has dark grey eyeshadow on her eyelids and black eyeliner on the top eyelid. Black mascara is coated heavily on the eyelashes as well.
The bottom of my eyes are left alone.
"It's… Perfect. The braids. I love them. I wear them every day. How'd you know?" I say, turning to them.
Bruce speaks first, grinning, "I saw your two braids today and got inspired. I thought you might like them. Plus Haymitch might've mentioned something about braids being your trademark…" He says.
"No, I love them. Thank you!" I say, wrapping my arms around his large body.
He laughs and returns the hug.
"You're very welcome. Now stop smudging our work!" He scolds.
I laugh.
"Oh let her do what she wants. She'd be beautiful with or without the makeup. Cinna should be here soon. You can order up food, but we have to go pick up Eloise."
Eloise is Bruce and Amelia's daughter, who just turned two. She's at daycare.
"Okay. Thank you all. Really. You have no idea how much I appreciate all of this. Here." I go to the vanity where I placed the excessive amount if daisies in. I divide them in four, which still leaves a lot in each bouquet. I hand them each one bouquet, "I'll see you again right?" I ask. I can't imagine not seeing them again before I go into the arena. They're my friends now.
"Of course. Can't get rid of us that easily." Wanda says with a wink.
They leave the room and I sit in the white velvet chair. I enter the food I want in the panel on the table. Seconds later I have myself a mini feast of fruit.
I take a bite of my apple slice when a man with espresso skin and black hair walks in. He looks normal too. Not Capitol. He only has one line of gold eyeliner on his top eyelids.
"Hello, you must be Primrose. My name is Cinna. I'll be your stylist. Now, I know that you're probably nervous with the previous years dress for opening ceremonies. I want you to know that you shouldn't be nervous. Not with me. I chose district twelve because the ridicule against your district is unnecessary and no one should have to endure that, especially at the hands of your stylists. Deliberately shaming your district and decreasing chances of sponsors, thus increasing deaths, is shameful," he says, smiling somewhat sadly.
"You chose district twelve?" I ask. Why would he choose one of the poorest districts in Panem?
"Your district has hope and determination. You care. You have something to go back for. Not that nobody else does, but you have fought your whole lives. You know what it's like to truly fight and survive harsh conditions. You deserve to have a little help for once." He says.
I look at him, stunned.
I like this man. My trust in him is immediate. He's so calm and has a relaxing presence.
"I don't know what to say. Thank you. For your trust… Your faith." I whisper, looking down.
His hand tilts my chin up and my gaze is now locked with his.
"You don't need to thank me. I need to thank you. Primrose, you can move the nation with that heart of yours. I can tell."
I am frozen with shock. He walks out of the room for a few minutes and returns with a black garment bag.
He motions for me to stand up, and I do.
"I have an idea, and I need you to trust me." He says. I can already trust him with just about anything. And when did I meet him? Only 5 minutes ago?
"Of course." I reply instantly with a smile.
He pulls out a black piece of fabric. He helps me change into it and directs me towards a mirror.
It's a skin tight black long sleeve shirt and pants. They're glossy and feel soft. They're easy to move around in, and blends in with the black combat boots he hands me.
I'm still in shock and am confused as to who I'm looking at in the mirror. It couldn't possibly be me. She looks too strong… Too fierce... Too capable.
He bends down to lace them up when Haymitch walks into the room.
He looks shocked for a moment but recovers himself and looks to Cinna, who has just straightened up.
"Great work, Cinna. Just how I envisioned it. It's almost time. Now, where are those flames, huh?" He asks, grinning.
My stomach drops.
I look between Haymitch and Cinna. Then again. And again. Cinna hesitantly and slowly looks in my direction.
"Flames?" I manage to croak out.
My eyes are wide and I feel myself hyperventilating.
"What? You didn't tell her?" Haymitch grumbles, looking accusingly at Cinna.
"I was trying to break it to her gently. Thank you for mentioning it so comfortingly by the way. Now I'm sure she'll agree with the idea." Cinna replies sarcastically.
Most people don't talk to Haymitch that way. Except for me. I respect Cinna a lot more than I did before, if that's possible.
"Primrose, I'm going to attach a headset to your back. It's going to be basically invisible. When your on the chariot, I'm going to light it. You won't feel it at all. It won't be a danger. It's to represent mining in a new way. What do you do to coal? You burn it. Do you think you can do it?"
This man is crazy! He's crazy! But it's pretty smart. I don't know… What if I catch on fire?
"You've gone mad, Cinna! But that's... That's genius. Are you sure it's not dangerous? Will Eli be okay too?" I ask.
Then I remember his wounds. Darn it. I need to make the paste for Cato's neck too.
Cinna smiles.
"You'll both be fine. Portia is explaining it to him now. It won't be dangerous at all." I relax.
"Haymitch, I have to make something really quickly, but get a medic to change Eli's dressings. And make sure they use antibiotic ointments." I say sternly.
Without waiting for a response I quickly punch in the supplies I'll need for the paste for Cato.
It should cover the bruising and relieve the internal and external pain.
I quickly make the paste in record time before Haymitch starts grumbling about being late. Then I realize that Effie should be collecting me.
"Where's Effie?" I blurt out on our way to the elevator.
I'm not mad at her anymore. I don't agree with her, but I don't want to waste my last week in an argument.
Haymitch presses the 'L' for the lobby floor and scratches the back of his neck in a nervous gesture.
"She didn't want to bother you if you were still upset with her." He says looking straight at the doors.
The ding of the elevators announces our arrival in the lobby. Several pairs of eyes land on us because we are late and I look down at the bowl in my hands.
I don't turn to look at Haymitch when I reply, "I'm not mad. Tell her I'm not mad. I just don't agree with her opinion." I say quietly.
He nods his head in understanding.
I know that he hates the Capitol and their way of handling things. I hate them too. We're on the same page on that topic.
I look back down at the bowl in my hands, very much aware of the eyes on me.
They are all probably criticizing me and my district. Assuming before proving anything- pathetic, weak.
I reach out and grab Haymitch's hand wordlessly, and he squeezes it reassuringly. He must know how nervous I am.
I just want to get rid of this darn bowl of paste in my hands. Where is Cato? Will he act differently around the other tributes? Like a district two career? I fervently hope not.
I see many other tributes in here. I see Eli. I realize I haven't seen him since last night. But I see no signs of Cato.
Eli makes his way over to us. I realize that we are matching. Except he looks way better in it than I do.
It's skin tight, so I can see the outline of his muscles. I never noticed how muscular he really is. I guess that's probably why Cinna and Portia dressed us in this fabric, to enhance them.
"Prim! You look fantastic!" He says, beaming.
When he looks me up and down my cheeks feel hot.
Haymitch glares at Eli. "Watch it," is all he says to Eli before he leaves.
"Um, thanks. So do you." Then I giggle, "We match."
Then we both laugh when I poke him in the ribs. I feel that same warm feeling when someone's eyes are on me.
It's a feeling: an insane feeling that is probably inaccurate. So I ignore it.
"I guess we do." He smiles brightly, which I return.
"So, are you ready for the flames?" I ask, fidgeting with the bowl again.
"Ugh don't remind me. I was finally able to forget about it for a few minutes. Aren't you scared?" He asks.
I nod profusely, "Of course I am!" I say way too loud.
Then I feel everyone's eyes on me again. I look down at my bowl again, fidgeting.
The warm feeling of someone's gaze hasn't left me.
"Sorry." I mumble. "I'm nervous. I don't like big crowds. I'm even nervous being in this room. I feel like these people are thinking about me and judging me every time they look at me." I murmur quietly, keeping my gaze on the bowl, trying to ignore the blush.
"Prim. I don't think you understand why they're looking at you. Have you looked in a mirror today?" He asks teasingly.
I nod, "I've seen my reflection too much today."
"Then you know how beautiful and strong you look tonight. That is why they're staring at you, Prim." He lifts his hand to my chin so I can look in his eyes.
When I do, I see longing and admiration again.
Please let me be wrong.
Suddenly he looks away to something behind me and he straightens his posture and looks angry.
I follow his gaze and see Cato looking at us. He must have been the one I felt watching us the whole time.
He looks... Angry. Like district two career angry.
He's looking at Eli when he walks up to us.
"Hi, Cato!" I say enthusiastically with a smile. I am trying to relieve some of the tension. He breaks away his gaze and looks down at me.
"Hey, Prim. What do you have there?" He asks, motioning to the bowl.
He is back to fuchsia boy, and is completely ignoring Eli.
"Oh, um, this is for your neck. It's for the bruising. And it'll help with the pain. I'm sorry." I mumble, still feeling guilty. I look at the ground to avoid his eyes.
"It's fine Prim. It doesn't even hurt anymore. Thank you." He says sincerely. I notice that the careers are no longer in the room.
A thought hits me: Is he going to join the careers alliance?
I look up at him and his gaze is on me. I look down again and fidget with the bowl.
I motion to his neck, "May I?" I ask.
He nods.
"Ahem." A voice breaks through our conversation as I'm about to reach into the paste.
"Prim, why does he have a bruise on his neck? And why are you the cause of it?" Eli asks sharply. I feel a little defensive at his tone and what he might be insinuating.
"And you are?" A cold voice says that sends a shiver up my back. It's Cato's. He's in career mode. And he's glaring at Eli.
"Eli. District twelve. You're a career. What do you think you're doing?" He asks, stepping closer. He's about as tall as Cato, but not as muscular.
"I'm having a conversation, which you are interrupting." Cato says sharply. He steps closer to Eli. They are about a foot apart now.
I look around the room and nobody is trying to stop it. I see some people looking at us, but making no move to help.
I guess I have to.
"Eli. Um, this is Cato. I misunderstood a situation this morning, and I.. I punched him. It was an accident, and I didn't mean to." I say quickly.
Why do they look like they are about to fight each other? They don't even know each other! The only reason they're talking is because of me!
Eli looks at me in amusement. He knows how I am. Punch first, questions later. Seam rules.
Ok not really, more like Katniss/Prim rules. But I've never had to follow that rule, since I avoid confrontation like the plague.
"You punched him?" He says, and the amount of disbelief and shock in his voice are nothing compared to his glee that I punched Cato. Accident or not.
I stand up straighter and lift my chin, taking a step towards him.
I narrow my eyes, "Yes I did. And your point is?" I ask.
He must see the seriousness in my voice and takes a step back from me and Cato.
"Nothing. I just didn't think you would," He says, smirking. Then he chuckles to himself. I know he's teasing and being a little sarcastic, since he knows I would.
"Would you like to see a demonstration?" I ask, mock glaring at the boy. He knows I'm kidding.
I hear Cato chuckling behind me, and I again try to ignore how great it sounds.
Results? Unsuccessful.
"Let me rephrase: I know you could and would, but you never do," He says.
The admiration in his eyes gives me satisfaction.
I ignore the comment about my personality, and take a few steps back.
"Districts one through 6, prepare your chariots" A voice interrupts over the speakers.
I quickly hand the bowl to Cato, and whisper, "Apply this later. Don't use all of it. But apply it three times a day until the bruising fades. No matter what." I say seriously.
He's still smiling and affectionate when he responds. "Yes, mom."
I bite back a smile. It's hard not to when he's being my Cato and not career Cato.
Wait. I meant fuchsia Cato.
"See you out there." I say with a smile. Then I wave and search for Haymitch.
Eli left after the announcement to find Haymitch.
They're talking angrily together in the corner, and they keep glancing my way. I make my way over to them, irritated that I may have to break up another fight.
"Hello, troublemaker." I say icily, glaring at Eli.
"Do I need to settle another argument?" I ask sarcastically.
"No." He says mildly guiltily.
I see a tint of red to his cheeks and now I feel guilty for somewhat embarrassing him.
I'm about to say something else to comfort him when Haymitch shakes his head at me.
"Districts 7-12 prepare your chariots" A voice booms from the speakers overhead.
My heart skips a beat. Then it goes in overdrive.
It's beating really fast and I am trying to calm my nerves so it'll calm my heart.
Haymitch escorts us to our chariots, where Cinna and Portia are waiting with what I assume is the flames.
I start to breathe strangely. Then I wrap my arms around Haymitch tightly and I don't want to let go.
He kisses my head multiple times and whispers in my ear, "Pretend they're all naked, Prim."
Then I laugh and lean back.
"Haymitch, that'll probably make it worse."
He kisses my forehead for a few seconds.
"You'll do great. Just be yourself, alright?" He says.
I nod and kiss his cheek.
Eli is already in the chariot on the right side.
He reaches his hand out and I grab it, and he helps me into the chariot. The whole backside of the chariot is open, so I grab the railing in front of me. I pretend not to notice the blush on his cheeks when I grab his hand.
District one is starting to pull away now.
Cinna carefully lights the flames while I close my eyes. I keep waiting for him to finally do it. My eyes are closed.
"Cinna, can you hurry please? I'm getting antsy." I laugh nervously, my eyes still closed.
"Prim, open your eyes." Eli's voice says.
I open them and am face to face with Eli. And fire. All around the back of his head is alight with flames. I don't see the source. I shriek in surprise. His face is inches away from mine and it makes me uncomfortable. I don't like him.. Like that. He's like a brother. Maybe I'm misreading the situation again.
I take a small step away to put distance between our faces.
"Am I.. Is mine, like that, too?" I ask nervously.
I almost go to reach back and touch my head. But I stop myself because if I do I'd burn myself.
He nods, smiling. His eyes are flickering, and it must be the reflection of my flames.
I try to ignore the flames and not think of them.
As we wait, my hand gets tighter and tighter on his.
District eleven is about to go next and I have a death grip on Eli.
District eleven's girl tribute is holding hands with the boy tribute. He's about the same size as Cato. He looks about my age, maybe older. They look like they're brother and sister. It's really sweet.
She's about twelve years old and looks too young and innocent to be in the arena.
She looks fragile because of her height and weight. But she looks fast and has toned muscles everywhere. She looks graceful and lithe. She is dressed in green, and looks like a fairy.
The district eleven tributes' chariot pulls away and they release their hands.
I nudge Eli, "What are district eleven names?" I ask.
"Her name is Rue and his is Thresh. I'm not sure if they're friends or not. But he seems real protective of her." He replies.
Suddenly, we're in motion.
I look back once more to find Haymitch, but he must be with the other mentors.
I turn my gaze on Eli and he looks focused and strong, looking forward.
He must feel my gaze, so he turns and looks at me.
He smiles at me and I graciously return it.
I don't know if it's possible, but I tighten my grip even more.
I don't care if people know we're friends, that we're united.
So I don't release his hand as the chariot rides into the circle of tributes, along with the rest of the Capitol.