Chapter 15

Bad Habit

You can't get it,

It's a bad habit,

Such a bad habit such a bad bad habit

I read somewhere that you have to continuously do something for 21 days before it becomes a habit.

Only a few days and waking up next to Cato was becoming a habit. A bad one, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it, or that I want to discontinue it.

He's sleeping soundly next to me on the mat and I feel his arm still wrapped tightly around my waist. And it feels like a safety blanket, a barrier between me and the world.

The back of my head is pressed to his chest, and the side of my face is pressed against the cold mat.

I inhale the scent of him. It's strong around me, musky. It's a warm mix between mint leaves and pine needles.

Today is the last day of training. After lunch, I will be judged and given a score based on my skills. This score will be broadcasted to Panem, and can determine my fate in the arena. It can earn me sponsors, enemies, or more allies. Today is an important day.

I don't know the time, but I know that it's morning and I need to get up soon.

I lift Cato's arm off of my slim waist, knowing that he won't wake up by doing so. I stand up, stretching my stiff muscles.

Everything that happened last night was confusing... The conversation I overheard, for one. I promised myself I would pretend I never heard it. I will not be upset over it. It's not like I'm making it out of the arena alive, anyways. So it's not like Snow will have the chance to 'claim' me or 'have' me or whatever the hell they were saying.

Then I snapped at Cato and he didn't even do anything. He didn't turn into district two career boy, like he does to most people for no reason at all.

That was the most confusing thing of all.

I was able to figure out a little bit of why Cato has that other angry personality.

It was something his father did. Something his father did to him to make him that way. Of course I want to know what he did, but I won't push Cato to tell me.

I walk through the garden, finally reaching the panel next to my beloved bench.

Glancing at the clock, I internally relax now knowing I have two hours; plenty of time before I need to meet Haymitch for training.

6:30 AM. Sweet, sweet bliss.

I take my sweet time walking back to the mat, reveling in the beauty of the garden. I stop when I reach the primroses, and pick a handful for myself.

They remind me of home.

When I was younger, my father would always bring me home a bouquet of them after his early morning trips, which I now know were hunting trips. It was his way of telling me that I was on his mind. But he already showed me that in several other ways, being the good father that he is. When he passed, it was Katniss who would bring me a bouquet after her hunting trips.

I don't sit back down on the mat when I get back. Cato is still asleep, so I walk over to the railing, leaning over like I did the night before.

There is a slight breeze, not windy like before. It's refreshing and shakes off any extra sleepiness still lingering in my body.

I rest the primroses on the small table next to the mat that matches the bench in the garden, not wanting to drop them while on the railing.

Realizing my hair is down I part it and begin braiding slowly.

In the middle of my second braid, I have that warm feeling that I know is Cato's gaze boring into my back.

My ears involuntarily get hot, and my heart stutters.

I don't move, I just continue braiding, with my back turned, cheeks now flamed.

I hear his heavy footsteps walk toward me. How his footsteps are so loud still astounds me.

"Primroses?" He asks.

"Yes?" I reply at my name.

He laughs.

I finish my braid and attach the tie, turning my head to see what caused the miraculous sound.

I want to hear that sound as much as I can, knowing that they are going to be limited.

He's holding my bouquet of flowers, looking down at them.

"No, I meant, are these primroses?" He responds still looking down.

My cheeks burn hotter, if that's even possible, in embarrassment.

"Oh, right. Yeah, those are Primroses." I look down at my bare feet. I hadn't even bothered to put shoes on!

"They're beautiful." I feel his gaze on me every few seconds.

I imagine him looking at the yellow flowers.

"May I have one?" He asks.

They're not mine.

"Of course. They're from the garden. I'm not even sure if I'm allowed to pick them, though. It might be considered stealing." I ramble; I don't want him getting into trouble.

It startles me when he laughs.

"Prim, do you honestly think they count the flowers?" He teases.

"Well... since you put it like that, I guess not." I say smiling, as he picks a primrose from the bouquet and puts it in the pocket of his dark jeans.

"Are you nervous?" He asks suddenly.

Nervous? I am nervous as I meet his blue eyes for the first time this morning.

"No." It comes out of my mouth so fast I'm not sure if I'm the one who spoke it.

"Wait. Of what?" I ask, puzzled.

Amusement plays in his eyes and a small grin is etched on his face.

"The training scores are today. Do you know what you'll be doing?"

"Oh, well I was going to do a variety of things. I can't really do much healing there, which is my strongest asset. So I was thinking weapons. Archery, knives, and snares. Those are my second best. Although Haymitch did say that I'm not allowed to touch another weapon in that room again. What about you?" I say honestly.

I trust him with these secrets. I don't think he'll use this against me. He is my ally, after all.

"Well. I'm going to stick to weapons and hand-to-hand combat. But why can't you touch another weapon?" He asks curiously.

"After I didn't follow his instructions for his strategy by throwing knives the other day, he told me 'I can't touch another weapon in this room'," I say, imitating Haymitch's deep voice unsuccessfully.

Cato laughs at my failed attempt.

"Oh come on! I doubt that he meant during the evaluation. What was your strategy anyways?" He asks.

"We weren't supposed to show our skills during training, except at the final hour. I just got so upset when Callan came up saying things like how his father was a career and he was 'taught', and then when I saw Glimmer with-" I snap my mouth physically shut before I say anything else that could make me sound even stupider.

But I'm pretty sure I'm maxed out on that issue.

He looks truly puzzled as confusion fills his eyes.

My cheeks flush red and I glance down at my hands, fidgeting. I hear his heavy steps walk closer. "Callan is trained? What are you talking about? And why was Glimmer bothering you?" He asks in a rush, like it's the most important thing, like he needs to know right this instant.

"Callan came up to me the other day when I was at a survival station. He said that his father was from district two, and that he believes in their rules and things like that. Callan said that his father taught him things. He never said he was trained like a career, but it was certainly implied." I say.

I don't mention the Glimmer thing, and I'm hopeful he won't bring it up again.

I don't want to have to confess my jealousy! Over him! It's so.. Humiliating.

"That is exactly what he was implying. He's a career," He says, panic clear in his voice.

I look at him now, he's looking at everything all at once, except for me, and he's running a hand through his hair nervously.

He seems to be thinking hard about something.

"God, it's like the perfect act! He's from a textile district, and he turns out to be a ruthless killer. This seriously isn't good. You need to stay away from him." He suddenly walks up to me, grabbing my hands, squeezing tightly to the point of pain. He looks into my eyes intently, pleading, searching, "Promise me you'll stay away from him at all times?"

But I can't stay away from him in the arena!

"Cato, I can't just avoid him all the time-" I begin, but his urgency interrupts me.

"No, Prim, you must. You don't understand. Promise me. Just try, okay? Just try for me. He has it out for you already. I know he does. That's how they-" he spits the word maliciously, "are wired. When he finds you alone he'll..." He hesitates on his words, searching my eyes; like doing so will help him find the words he's trying to say.

"He'll do things, Prim. Just stay away as much as you can, all right?" He says, the urgency slightly leaving his eyes, softening them.

His furrowed brows are slightly more relaxed, and his lips are pursed instead of in a frown.

I nod my head, still not understanding.

"I promise."

I understand Callan's dangerous, but the way Cato is speaking of him is truly terrifying.

It's like Cato is scared of him. But I know that's not true. He's scared for me.

"What else were you saying? About Glimmer? She's District One, right?"

I take a few steps back from him and look at my hands, wringing them together.

I look at them instead of him, now. I don't want to look at him. Because if I do answer his question, and I see that he looks at me with pity, I'll be disappointed.

So I look at my soft hands. The ones that should be calloused from my bow and arrow. They still are. But not as bad as Katniss. I made remedies, ones that she refused. She said she liked them. That it was something she shared with Gale from their years of hunting.

I nod my head silently in response to his question.

"Why did she make you upset?" He does just sound curious.

I sigh, giving up. I might as well just tell him, right?

"Becauseshewasflirtingwithyou," I mumble out so quickly I'm not sure if he heard it.

I don't look at him as my cheeks are on fire. Living up to my name. The Girl on Fire once again. I don't like my name now. My blushing is my worst trait. Or habit. Or curse. Whatever you want to call it.

"What are you talking about?" He asks softly.

So he did hear me. Ugh.

Great. How embarrassing.

"I just-It was right after Callan-" I begin to say, glancing at the sunflowers in the garden, but we are interrupted. Again. But this time I'm thankful.

My eyes dart to the door, which slowly creeps open, to reveal a groggy, sleepy looking Rue.

My savior.

She's rubbing at her eyes, and I'm not sure if she has noticed us yet. She walks in, graceful still in her sleepy state, and yawns widely, her while face stretching.

She's wearing a light green nightgown that goes just below her knees, and pink slippers.

She just woke up.

A giggle escapes my mouth, and even when I try to stifle it with my hand, I know it's a failed attempt.

When she spots me, her eyes widen and brighten, and she becomes jubilant and alert.

She doesn't look suspicious to see Cato, she looks happy to see me, which makes me equally as happy.

I look to Cato, whose face is still confused at our previous conversation, but whose eyes are amused at the drowsy little girl who is suddenly wide awake that is running up to me.

"Prim! You found my hiding spot!" Her soft melodic voice soothes me, and I find myself unable to not smile at her.

She doesn't hesitate to give me a hug, which makes me incredibly blissful knowing how comfortable she already is with me.

I laugh lightly, "I think you found my hiding spot. My safe haven actually. Apparently this guy's too." I point a thumb in Cato's direction, glancing at him.

He rolls his eyes in Rue's direction, exasperated, in that 'can you believe her?' kind of way.

His lips are trying to fight a smile, and I hear Rue's soft bells of laughter.

My eyes don't leave Cato's face, because the way his eyes brighten at the sound makes me think he has more of a connection to her than I originally thought.

She reminds him of Daphne, but it's something more than that.

His small interaction with her eases me for some unknown, happy reason.

The sun has almost finally broken through, all traces of lethargy from Rue gone.

"Isn't the garden just radiant, Prim?" She gushes, her whole face lighting up. I smile the whole time I listen to her talk.

"I have tried coming here more often, but Thresh and I have been playing games! They're so fun! Maybe you and..." She glances to Cato with a questioning look for his name.

His smile is broad on his face, welcoming and alluring.

"Cato. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Rue." His hand is outstretched, and her incredibly tiny one takes it, shaking it.

We're the same size... I wonder if mine looks that tiny and fragile in his.

My smile widens at their easy conversation.

"You too." She looks between the two of us while speaking, "So maybe you, Cato, and Eli can join us for games. They're loads of fun." She smiles broadly at Cato and me.

"We'd love that." I answer enthusiastically.

I feel Cato's gaze burning into my beaming face, but I'm so happy with Rue's presence and her enigmatic conversation I don't bother to blush.

If it's possible, her face lights up even more. Her smile is so wide, she must be in pain.

She skips delicately a few steps closer to me, her curly black hair bouncing with the movement.

I get a better look at her.

Her features are striking and mature in a way that most children don't possess. Her dark brown skin is smooth and soft. She has wide, doe like brown eyes. She has full lips that stretch and stretch when she smiles, like right now. Her small small button nose is covered in freckles.

Cato is perfectly at ease two feet away from me when she grasps his hand, and then mine, between us.

That's how innocent she is. She's holding a career's hand.

I feel his eyes on me, and am not surprised to see his blue irises shocked at her ease around him. This intimidating, tall, muscular career boy who could easily kill her.

I smile softly at him, and he quickly returns it.

Rue leads us in the direction of the garden, still holding both of our hands.

We walk slowly through the garden, stopping when she does as she looks at the flowers that catches her interest.

"We were playing this one game, I think you'd love it, Cato! It was called tag. But Prim, there was this one called Hide and Seek, which I think you would be very good at. I beat Thresh every time. He wasn't very good at remaining hidden. Or finding stuff big enough to hide behind."

She giggles softly to herself at some memory.

When I watch her, I think to myself how I will sacrifice myself for this little girl.

If it comes down to it, I will save her. She deserves to live. She deserves to make it out of the arena, with her innocence and sweetness.

It pains me to think of someone having the audacity and hate to kill someone so innocent. My new goal is to make sure this little girl makes it out alive.

"Maybe tomorrow we can play, you know, before the interviews. Or later today, after traini-" I am interrupted by Thresh.

I didn't hear him enter the rooftop, or the sound of the door opening and closing.

Unlike Cato, his footsteps are quiet, like a hunter.

"Oh. Hello." I hear his quiet, surprised voice from behind me, as we're looking at a bush of hydrangea's, its petals just beginning to subtly change colors from green to blue.

We all snap our heads to the sound of him, who is looking as confused as ever at the sight of the three of us holding hands.

"Thresh!" Rue breaks our hands from hers, rushing up to hug her friend, not noticing the sudden tension.

He hugs her back, and looks suspiciously at Cato. He lifts Rue up, hoisting her on his hip.

"Thresh. How are you?" I interrupt his assessment of Cato, because it bugs me for some reason.

Thresh doesn't know it yet, but Cato and I are allies.

Thresh turns his gaze to me, his earlier harsh features softening at the sight of me.

He smiles softly at me, seeing that I'm not a threat, unlike how Cato must be in his mind.

"I'm well. You look like you're feeling better. I came to find Rue, actually." He looks down at her smiling face, their faces not far away.

I smile softly at them, "Yes. She found us up here." I look to Cato, and see he has his career pretense up for Thresh.

His eyes are scanning for a threat in the boy standing in front of us. His body is tense, prepared for any type of attack.

He has the career act up, armed and ready.

I realize that Cato had moved to stand between Thresh and me during our conversation.

He stands protectively in front of me as if Thresh were a threat, as if he would harm me. As if!

I glance back to Thresh, taking him in. His dark skin, and his short cropped hair that is so short I can see the skin there. He's Cato's height, same muscle size and probably capable of everything Cato is, despite the training Cato has had. They're evenly matched.

Thresh does look like he could be a threat to anyone he comes in contact with, but not to me, he wouldn't be a threat to me.

I'm his friend. He's my friend.

He has Rue on his hip for god's sakes!

"We were just talking about playing games later." I laugh lightly, still trying to ease the tension. The laugh sounds off. Nervous.

Thresh's eyes have gazed back to Cato, taking him in as well.

I see Cato's tense body in front of me, but I no longer have any view of his face.

Rue looks worried, glancing back and forth between the two boys, obviously seeing the tension she hadn't noticed before.

"Yes. Prim is right. We were talking about playing tag and hide and go seek later. Maybe today or tomorrow. You, me, Eli, Prim, and Cato. He's my friend, Thresh," Rue's soft voice chimes innocently, looking at her 'brother' reassuringly.

Thresh finally tears his gaze from Cato, looking at Rue's worried face.

I'm not sure if Rue realizes how much this sentence effects Thresh, but he visibly relaxes. He nods his head at the little girl and smiles, but doesn't say anything. This must assure him that Cato is of no danger to either of them, that he won't harm the little girl.

Cato sighs with relief, and speaks up for the first time. "I need to talk to you, Thresh."

His voice is strong and clear, unlike his playful manner earlier. This is his career voice. It rings with authority and sternness.

When Cato turns around to face me, I look first at his muscles that relax at the sight of me, how his tense shoulders are suddenly loose. Then my eyes travel to his soft blue ones. I hadn't seen his face during his silent exchange with Thresh, but I can imagine the cold and bitter expression and frosty eyes he probably held.

Now, everything about him is warm and inviting. Half my body is faced to Thresh and Rue, and so is his. I don't look to them, but I feel their eyes watching our discussion.

"Prim, why don't you take Rue and show her the Primroses? I'm sure she'd love to see them." He fully faces Rue now, who jumps down from Thresh's hold on her, eyes shining brightly with excitement at the idea.

She seems relieved, as am I, from the new situation that isn't tense.

I glance back to Cato's face, which I can see is smiling at the girl, no longer laced with traces of career boy. He cares about Rue, too.

"They're extraordinary, Rue. Just like Prim is."

When I feel Cato's gaze on me I look down bashfully at the compliment.

She walks to me with her lithe, practiced steps, smiling, and takes my hand.

I take a look back at Thresh, letting his surprised face remind me that this is not how careers normally act.

We're still in the garden, not having moved from the hydrangea's, and as Rue and I walk I try to remember where I saw the Primroses before.

We weave throughout the large garden, and I worry about what it is the boys discussing.

It is probably about our plan with the supplies and alliance with Cato and Marvel.

Haymitch said that we could tell Rue and Thresh, and Cato probably just wanted it to be private from Rue at first. Let Thresh know in a more mature, adult fashion.

Rue's quiet, murmured voice breaks through my bubble of thoughts. "He likes you, you know."

"Who does?" I already know the answer. Rue is too attentive for her age.

"Cato, silly. I know you like him back." Her voice is full of wisdom that goes beyond her years.

I look at her, feeling my cheeks redden with embarrassment.

We're almost to the primroses.

"Probably too much."

"I think he feels the same. But he's not ashamed of it. You shouldn't be either." I glance at the twelve-year-old girl next to me, at my eye level, wondering how she could possibly know such a thing.

She isn't looking at me, though.

"Primroses! They're beautiful!" She gushes, looking at the yellow flowers, leaving me standing by my white bench, stunned by her words.

When I break out of my trance, I let her pick a handful, and I leave her to check the time. I have 15 minutes to meet Haymitch, so I decide it's time we walk back to the boys.

As I clutch tightly onto Rue's hand, we walk back in the direction we came.

I hear their voices, not sure if they can hear me.

"...just listen. I have nothing against you. We want the same thing. Their protection. We'll meet up near the end, and see what happens. It's the best thing for them. Are you in?" Cato's voice is hushed.

Thresh is about to say something in response when he sees us, snapping his mouth shut.

They both didn't look angry or upset when speaking, which meant they were getting along.

I want to hear Thresh's answer. Badly.

"Oh Thresh! You'll never believe the primroses! They're so lovely. Look. I picked some for you." She hands him the bouquet of flowers, and it looks so small in his large hand. He looks tenderly down at the little girl who is smiling brightly up at him.

"They are lovely, Rue. Cato was just saying how we are going to meet with him later, in the arena. Form an alliance with him and Marvel, too. But we have to keep it a secret from the other tributes and not say a word. It remains between all of us." He motions between the four of us.

He has agreed to Cato's plan.

I am absolutely euphoric at his acceptance. He must agree that it's what is best for Rue, for her safety.

He is hesitantly gauging Rue's reaction, but there is no need. She is obviously ecstatic about the news, hugging him and then Cato.

"Oh this is just great! When can I meet Marvel? Can he play games with us, too?" She asks, slightly rushing in her words to hear the answers.

Cato and Thresh chuckle at her excitement, and a giggle escapes me.

"Well, remember Rue, it might not be smart to be hanging around them right now. So we shouldn't be around them anywhere except in the arena. Not that we'd necessarily want to anways," Thresh teases with a small smile.

I'm surprised when Cato just laughs, meaning that friendship must have developed during our absence.

When Rue just pouts, her lower lip jutting out adorably, laughter fills the air from the rest of us.

However, Rue eventually joins in.

I tell them how we need to get going, training will begin soon, and we need to get ready. We all depart, heading our seperate ways with goodbyes.

When I'm on my own floor, I stop at the kitchen to grab another red, juicy apple. I pick the apple up from the mountainous bowl filled with them, and make my way to my room, biting into it.

I'm distracted eating it, so I hadn't been looking where I was going when I ran into Eli in the hall. Literally.

"Oomf," I grunt. Wow. What a lovely sound.

My head bonked into his chest and my apple rolled out of my hand and on the ground.

"Oh. Eli. I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going. Food here in the Capitol can be very distracting," I laugh.

My memories from his harsh words yesterday flash in my mind, but I try not to let it get to me.

I bend down to pick up my apple, not looking at his face for fear of seeing any trace of hostility or coldness in his usually warm eyes.

When I finally do look in them, I see guilt in his familiar grey Seam eyes. Eyes that remind me of home.

He gives me a small smile.

"It's quite all right, Prim. I actually came to talk to you. I wanted to apologize, for yesterday. I had no reason to be so cruel to you with my words. I guess I just got a little angry with Cato," He admits, his cheeks turning red and his gaze traveling to the floor.

"What? Why would you be angry?"

I would be crushed if he were angry because he had... Feelings for me. He's like my brother!

A blush involuntarily creeps up my neck. Stupid curse.

His eyes drift up to mine in astonishment.

"Oh no! Not because of like... Jealousy or anything. It's just- Prim, you're like my sister. If he ever did anything to you, or hurt you, I'd be so upset. If he got close to you now, earned your trust, and then in the arena he did something, I couldn't live with myself. Understand that I just got upset, let my emotions get the best of me. I apologize for what I said to you yesterday. I was angry with him, not you." He murmurs softly.

His honest words are reassuring. I feel protected.

"Eli, I feel the same way. You're like the overprotective older brother I never had," I laugh, "but you have to understand that Cato wouldn't-no he couldn't- hurt me. I believe that he would never do anything to intentionally harm me. I need you to trust me on that. I forgive you for yesterday, by the way. Your overprotective brother instincts just kicking in." I smile warmly at him, letting him know that I have no hard feelings.

"All right. I trust you, Prim. Expect a lot more overprotectiveness and hovering, though. I'll be like your worst nightmare." He grins evilly.

My laugh echoes through the hallway. I'm just glad that he's acting normal again.

"My worst nightmare is Haymitch. As long as you're not as bad as him, I'm fine with whatever you do. Where is he, anyways?" I start walking towards my room, needing to change and shower or training.

"He and Finnick went to talk to another tribute. I'm not sure which though. He said he'd be back soon to discuss strategy for today, though." I nod at him, and enter my room.

I quickly unbraid my hair and strip to enter the relaxing shower.

I think back to what Eli said... Haymitch and Finnick said last night that they needed to talk to the "boy".

Is that what they're doing now? Who is he?

Ugh. I can't be thinking about this. I promised myself! They're taking care of it. Whatever 'it' is.

I turn off the water, smelling once again like lavender.

I change into the training uniform, noticing that this time it's navy blue, and reattach my mockingjay pin to my shirt.

When I enter into the lounge room, Finnick and Haymitch are back, chatting with Eli conformably on the couches.

Eli and Haymitch occupy one, and I take the seat next to Finnick.

A thought occurs to me when I see Finnick.

"Hey Finnick. What do your tributes think when they see you hanging around us all the time? Don't they get jealous?" I ask curiously as I sit.

"Of course. I'm Finnick Odair. Everyone gets jealous regarding my time. It's valued and precious and hard to attain," He says in mock seriousness, green eyes looking in my blue ones intently.

I roll my eyes.

"Seriously Finnick. You're their mentor. Won't Wilco and Lana be upset that you're spending time with someone else's tributes?"

"They're careers, Prim! They can handle themselves. They do handle themselves, actually. When I'm there, all they do is glare at me until I leave. I'm a victor, and they still scare me." He shudders in mock fear. "They're ecstatic when I'm gone."

I just shrug my shoulders, not believing how anybody could be happy that their mentor, their chance at survival, is socializing with other tributes. Not that I don't love Finnick and everything, but I feel guilty for keeping him here.

Shrugging off the thought, we all go over strategy. We will continue training like usual, but we will not be using weapons at all.

During evaluation, we will show the Gamemakers everything. Skills, weapons, anything at all that we're good at.

The evaluation begins after lunch, and starts with district one and ends with twelve.

We're unlucky, because we get the least attention.

They've had to sit through 22 other presentations and are probably drunk, tired, bored, and hungry.

Odds are not in our favor.

I ride the elevator to the training floor clutching Haymitch and Eli's hands.

When we get to the training room, I don't let go of either of them.

My extended family.

While Atala goes over the rules I feel Cato's gaze.

Glancing at him, I see him looking at me from across the room. It's hard to see his features, but I can't look for too long without appearing suspicious, what with the 19 tributes who don't know that we are secretly friends.

I thought I saw... jealousy? I mean I am holding Eli's hand but he's basically my brother.

I shake off the thought and try focusing on Atala's words.

Apparently there will be a mandatory obstacle course that each tribute and Gamemaker will be viewing right after lunch, before evaluation.

Every tribute is to participate.

The gamemakers are all present during training, but they do not always watch each tribute, they watch whomever they want. During the obstacle course, they are to watch each tribute.

When she releases us to go, Eli, Thresh, Rue, and I all decide on where to go. We have decided that two of us (or more) will be together at all times, but Eli and I will stick to our original plan (separate half the time).

Finnick and Haymitch observe all the tributes whilst sitting in chairs, somewhat close to us.

Rue and I decide to go to the herbs station, where we pass with flying colors. We're both healers, which I reveal to her, giving her an even wider smile.

We trade off with Eli, Thresh, and Rue between stations.

It's almost lunch time, and we've been to all of the survival stations throughout the day.

I'm currently at the tree climbing station with Eli again to practice, and Rue has joined us for Eli's support.

Thresh is at the fire starting station, having given up on the possibility of trying to climb a tree after falling on the first branch. Or maybe it was because Rue and I giggled at his large form falling off the branch.

I have managed to get Eli halfway up the tree, much to my delight, and Rue and I are waiting for him at the very top.

Looking around the room, I see the tributes practicing.

Glimmer is once again trying the archery station, Wilco is at the spear station, Lana is at the swimming pool, and Marvel and Clove are watching Cato at the hand to hand combat station.

Satisfied at my spying, I turn to watch Eli struggle up the tree. This is a more difficult tree with thinner branches, but not every tree in the arena will be easy.

I'm doing him a favor by preparing him. He's leaner and weighs less than Thresh, so he's able to climb trees without falling.

Rue beside me is playing with her hair and humming softly.

That's when I hear Glimmer's shout across the training room, from high up in my tree, and the patronizing laugh that follows it.

"Is that a...primrose, Cato?"

My head snaps in time to see Cato's horrified face look in the direction of the yellow flower that had fallen out of his pocket during his fight.