As soon as I wake, I take another luxurious shower. The warm water pounds against my body and my grogginess fades. I feel refreshed and wrap up in a fluffy towel, and as I leave the bathroom, I look in the mirror. I see that I have grown stronger, emotionally and... well physically. I have gained some weight and grown slightly taller. With that somewhat happy thought, I return to my room. As usual, there is an outfit set out for me. I guess the Avox has good taste, for today I wear a light coral blouse and the custom black pants. The new addition is brown leather boots in oppose to the usual running shoes. I walk to the dining room and set my shoulders back, hoping the weight gain will show. I know it's silly, but I'm still a little agitated about Chaff making fun of me. He was most likely drunk, now that I think of it, but I still can't help but try to show him. My self-esteem after the reaping was awful, but the strength that I have been feeling is growing every day I am a tribute. At the train stop, I compared myself to a rose, delicate and small, but with deadly thorns. What would my sisters think about the metaphor...my parents? They would probably like the use of flowers. I smile at the idea, as I walk in the door.

"What's got you smiling, girlie?" Chaff asks. It's obvious that he's been adding some liquer into his morning coffee.

"Uh, I-" I start.

"Good dream?" he continues, "Might be your last." Then he guffaws loudly. I feel my face getting red and the growing strength start to bubble up inside me.

"Oh, like you ever have good dreams!" I shout, "You're too drunk half the time to even have dreams!" He looks taken aback by this sudden outbust and I feel satisfaction. My pride soon turns to fear as he slowly rises from his chair. I realize no one else is in the room. He starts stumbling towards me and gets closer and closer as I back away, frightened.

"Thresh!" I hear Seeder shout from one of the other doorways.

"Don't you ever say another damn thing like that." he growls, slowly receding. He gives Seeder a glance and sulks off to his room. My heart beats and I don't move from the spot. I process what just happened... I stood up to Chaff! He must hate me now. I vaguely notice my hands trembling.

"Rue?" Seeder calls softly, "Rue, are you okay?" I nod, fighting back tears. No one has ever used that language directly to me. I've heard swears like everybody else, but it's scary to recieve them directly... especially from people like Chaff. Seeder strides towards me, takes my hand, and leads me to the table. "What happened?" she asks. I tell her about it and she says, "He's not always like that."

"I know," I reply, "I just couldn't help it. This wave of anger just washed over me and I just..." My sentence trails off. I feel so ashamed; tears starts to fall.

"Wave of anger," she repeats. I nod. "It's okay," she reassures, "I yell at Chaff all the time." She gives me a smile and grips my shoulder lightly. I nod again. "He won't even remember by the time he's sober again," she adds. Just as I'm wiping my tears away, Thresh and Tibithia walk in.

"What's going on?" Thresh asks. I hadn't noticed it, but when Chaff stood up at the table he knocked dishes down on the floor.

"Good day!" Tibithia exclaims, "What has happened in here?"

"Disagreement," says Seeder, "Nothing big. We've got it covered." Tibithia huffs and goes to fetch the Avoxes. Thresh plops down in a chair.

"Seriously, what happened?" Thresh says in a low, growling voice. I feel scared because he reminds me of Chaff right now. When neither of us answer, he says it louder. I look down in embarasment. He is about to shout it when I yell,

"Why do you care?" Just like Chaff, my flare-up takes him aback. Tears flood my eyes and I run to my room, almost knocking over Tibithia. I curl up on my bed wondering what is wrong with me. Why do I keep having these angry moments where I feel like hurting... no killing something. I wipe the thought from my mind and think about what I should do. I am to ashamed to return to the dining room, so I ask an Avox if I can have breakfast in my room. She leaves the room and returns with a tray full of foods from the dining table. I see no pills. I eat a lot anyway, for it helps me feel better. It is too late when I realize I've pushed my stomach's limits. I dash to the bathroom and retch consistantly into the toilet. My vomit mingles with my tears as I dispose of breakfast. I check the time and see that I have 30 minutes until I have to meet Tibithia at the elevator. I take another quick shower and change into the clothes I was previously wearing. I dig around in some of the drawers and find floss, toothpaste, hair brushes, and for some reason, a pack of saltine crackers. I open them and nibble on one. It helps calm my stomach.

Once I feel refreshed, I hurry to the elevator and get there just in time. I enter the small, moving room and stand awkwardly in a corner, avoiding eye contact. When we reach our destination, I quickly stride out without looking at anybody. I see that other tributes are already working at the stations. The time before lunch is a blur, I do the obstacle course, edible plants, knot-tying, and the slingshot stations. All of the tributes gather around one big table to await private sessions. I have no idea what I'm going to do for the Gamemakers. While I'm pondering this, Thresh gives me a note. Without looking at him, I read it.

Rue,

I wasn't that good of a mentor this morning and didn't get to tell you what to do. I've heard more than that you're just good at climbing; I've heard you're amazing. As your mentor, I suggest that that is what you do for the private sessions.

-S.

Well, that's convinient. I feel guilty for treating Thresh the way that I did; I catch his eye and nod. He nods back stiffly. I guess that he is still a little miffled about our argument of sorts. How could he not be? We've been friends for a long time and now we're acting like...enemies. I am saddened by this thought and make a mental note to be nicer.

By the time I turn my attention to the other tributes, I find that all but us, 10, and 12 are left. Soon, Shalda is called, followed by Yexan and I see that Katniss's face is relaxing. For a moment, I consider making an alliance, but then I realize, why would a tribute as powerful as her want to team up with me? I scold myself for thinking such a stupid thing. Soon a clear female voice calls, "Rue Meadow".

"Good luck," Thresh says awkwardly.

"You too," I say and walk through the doors. It is immediatly clear that the Gamemakers have been drinking. They look bored and annoyed and one Gamemaker calls out, "Proceed." I do.