My name is Peeta Mellark. I come from District 12.
Because of Katniss I survived the Hunger Games; because of Katniss I'm alive.
Remember who the real enemy is. The real enemy is the Capitol.
The real enemy is President Snow.
Katniss and I did not conspire with the rebels. We did not know what was going on.
Because of Katniss I survived. My name is Peeta Mellark.
The real enemy is the Capitol. I am in the Capitol. The real enemy.
"Oh, Peeta, you had us so worried." I can't place the voice, or the hand that's holding mine so tight with concern. Effie? No, it's not Effie. Focus. This has happened before. It has.
"Ka-Portia?" my voice sound strange.
She nods, "They finally let me see you. The arena-do you remember what happened?"
"The sky exploded..."
She nods. She seems shaky, tired, "I-I've been beside myself with worry."
I try to move, but I'm strapped down. Panic. My throat hurts. Has this happened before?
"Do-don't try. You've been having such nightmares th-the doctor said, thrashing about."
"My throat? Why?"
"They said Brutus."
So much blood. I close my eyes.
"In the arena."
Wasn't she watching? Surely they showed that? I stabbed him so many times. You have to be sure.
"No-no there was a man..."
"What man?" she asks. She looks towards the door. I realize suddenly that she seems terrified. Where's Katniss? I don't want to ask. I remember the questions. Mr Purple and Blue. She reaches to touch my head and face, where I'm lying down. I smell the make up then, and see it caked around her wrist. She's been chained up. What have they been doing? I remember Katniss whispering carefully to me about Cinna, about what they did to him right before she was put up into the arena because of her wedding dress no doubt.
Remember who the real enemy is.
"Portia...what ha-?"
"Hush...you're okay now. You're safe here. Away from the rebels."
"But, the man."
"I'm sure it was just part of your nightmares. You probably heard the doctor's talking and got it all muddled up with what happened in the arena." She sounds like she's trying to convince herself too. There's a knocking sound from outside and we both jump. She stands up, "Wu-well, i-it looks like visiting time is over. I'm sure you need your rest. Plus I'm told President Snow has been visiting with the others, Enobaria and Johanna. He'll want to visit with you too. Mu-maybe once your throat is a bit better though." She gives me a slight smile and then quickly leans down and kisses my forehead, "Best to do what they ask, yes. Stay-stay safe."
As she turns to go I realize she's crying.
Remember who the real enemy is.