I am awaken by Finnick's hollers of victory. Peeta has been woken up too, but he just laughs. I don't know what seems funny about being awoken at half past seven in the morning. As much as I don't want to, I still get out of bed.
I walk into the living room, greeted by a dancing Finnick and a frowning Prim. "I asked you to do one thing! Just to let me sleep!" I exclaim. "Oh well, I might as well have a game, then!". Prim hands me a controller and we play.
After one race, Peeta also joins in and we play another couple of races.
*"^"*
By midday, we're dressed, fed and playing in the meadow. Finnick is being chased by Peeta and Prim, while I try to obscure his path. It's fun, being a happy family. But the reaping is soon, and that'll change everything. No more smiles, but that's absolutely fine for me; I get to show my true feelings towards the games, again. Even if only through the fact that Prim is reaped.
Once the fun and games is over, we go home to get started on Prim's final training session, but this time, we'll discuss behavior and presentation.
"Now Primrose," I begin, "the reaping is very close to us, and this is you're last training session. But, instead of skills for inside the arena, we are going to work on your reputation; how you present yourself can really affect sponsors." Peeta nods in agreement.
"We want you to pick how we represent you. We'll give you tips and pointers, but at the end of the day, you make the final decision." Peeta informs her. She mumbles "okay..." quietly.
"Well, what I think is vital is your facial expression. Don't show fear when you're reaped or in danger. However, if you want to, you can show some hatred; some fire in your eyes. It got me somewhere. People will think that you're a steady contender, what with you being a child of victors. If you show them the right stuff, you're set." I explain.
"Okay, I have an idea: I'm gonna do what they want me to do - seem confident, look grateful, all of that stuff. But, I'll also be a rebel - show my hatred, let the fire burn. They'll like it. And, who knows, it could spark something revolutionary..." Prim tells us. Peeta and I nod in agreement and I can't fight the smile from creeping up on my face.
*"^"*
"Now Prim, the Capitol will expect you to be somewhat childish," Peeta begins, "and you're going to have to pretend to be. So we want you to act like a regular girl."
"Sounds easy." She shrugs.
*"^"*
It appears to be more difficult than inclined. We always knew Prim was special, in a good way, of course. But this is tougher than what we expected. She, like myself, is a true rebel, not a childish girl.
Eventually, she gets it; she seems like a regular 12 year old, and it makes me happy. Of course, I know it's not real, but she looks and acts the part.6+0..
*"^"*
It's gone seven when she fully has it. We've even gotten down to the interviews. She's going to appear a sweet, young girl, who's confident that, if she tries hard, she'll be one of the serious contenders.
It is only when Peeta offers to make dinner that I realise that I've barely eaten all day and I'm not hungry.
"I'm not very hungry, Peeta. You make the dinner."
"What's the magic word" he asks. I sigh ], before replying with please.
Prim plays the Gamecube while I lie and watch her, trying to get hold of what's been going on this past week. Firstly, I was worried that Prim could get reaped , so I told Peeta, and he agreed. Then, we consulted Prim and she wanted to start training. She made a bow and some snares, we hunted. Camouflage, knives, a trip to the tailor, presentation.
So much has happened. And yet, it is only the beginning.
A/N: Sorry I have been forgetful and busy, but here's a chapter. My laptop is still at repair, and I've been busy between learning to play the flute, learning French and Latin, dealing with boarding school and generally gwtting the long, boring home work done. I have a 10 day holiday starting Friday, so i promise to update then.
Thank you for sticking with my story over this long time.