Chapter 40 –– Interview with Caesar Flickerman
AN: I know this is a day late. I had forgotten that it was Easter weekend and yikes, there went my update. So I'm doing a little things different and you guys let me know if this works out better. I will attempt to update every 5-6 days with lesser POV's than update two weeks later with longer chapters. How does sound? I guess it will also depend whether or not I can keep it up as well.
So, onto my usual rantings. Thank you to those you read, reviewed, favored and alerted "Destiny." And also thanks to the following for taking time for leaving a review––mar071, Cassie Sharpie, pistonsfan75, pumpkinking5, LACR, jroseley, Nai1987 and Aqua Rules. Your comments have been encouraging and immensely appreciated. This chapter contains Haymitch's POV and is rated PG for language. The Hunger Games belong to Suzanne Collins. Any mistakes found are mine.
Haymitch POV ––
I lay on the sofa resting my head and feet forward with my ankles crossed. If Peeta and Katniss were taking a nap I was taking full advantage of doing so myself. However, I was too lazy to move so rather walk 10 yard to my bedroom I rested on the nearest and most comfortable couch I could find. No would bother me in the Monitoring Room, Effie knew better to disturb me here.
I don't know how much time had passed when something awoken me. Someone was tugging on my shoulder. "Huh, what…what?" I said as the tugging persisted.
"Haymitch?" Katniss' voice permeated through my hazy slumber. I didn't feel rested. I actually felt worse. With one eye opened I took a peek.
"Sweetheart," I said. "Why aren't you snuggled with your boyfriend?" She still wore a robe her hair in disarray like a bird's nest. Both my eyes were opened as I took in her image. She looked––troubled.
"I need to speak to you." There was a tinge of urgency in her voice.
"Just give me a minute to get acclimated––"
"Haymitch, please," she begged something I never knew she'd do. Katniss was a proud and independent girl. There were sides and parts of her I barely knew. But one thing I knew she was fiercely devoted to the people she loved. Her panicking meant someone was in trouble, that someone would only be Peeta? But I knew we were in the penthouse suite safe and sound unless Peeta was having another nightmare or panic attack.
I sat up and turned to her. "Where are Effie and Cinna?' I asked as I rubbed sleep from eyes with the back of my hand. I swirled my tongue inside my mouth. The bad taste in my mouth made me want a drink––badly.
"I don't know," she said frustrated and impatient.
"Listen, if you are worried about the interview tonight," I began. "Just take your time and––"
"It's not that, though I wouldn't mind if the whole thing was cancelled," she admitted. Her hands fidgeted on her laps.
"Then what?"
"It's Peeta," she said.
"He's okay, isn't he?" My heart stopped for a second. Then I remembered he was just a corridor away nothing has happened to him. Jimmy would me kill…
"He's still sleeping." I sighed in relief. "He's fine, Haymitch. I just need to talk to you…in two days we're going into the arena and…" 'Oh, here we go, I knew this was coming.' "I need you do something for me."
"What do you need sweetheart?" I asked. If there was anything in my power to help I would do it for her, for them. She bit her lip and turned her head. "What is it?"
"Peeta has to live, he has to survive." I flinched as she turned her face towards me with tears brimming her eyes. "I know that there could only be one victor and it has to be Peeta."
"Katniss––" 'Why was I surprised?' She loved Peeta so much she would die for him, literally.
"Promise, promise me that you will do everything you can to make sure he lives."
"But what about you?"
"If he dies and I live, Haymitch," she sobbed. "I might as well be dead because I'll never leave the arena." I knew what she meant. Even after 24 years I still felt like I never left. That Maysilee's death occurred hours ago not decades. I had survived only to be imprisoned in my mind. Her death haunted me in my sleep and waking hours. I never left my own arena. I had carried the memories that never faded.
"Katniss," I started. "I can't make that promise." Which was true. She knew nothing of our plans to rescue them from the arena barring any mishaps or mistakes. But I couldn't tell her because if…if we failed. I couldn't give her any sign of hope only for the mission to fail. And one of them or both could be killed.
"Please Haymitch, please," she cried. The tears she held back ran freely down her face. "He has to live. He has to. If someone deserves to have a life it's Peeta. He can't die, he can't. He deserves live to have a wife and children, a family."
"What about you, Katniss?" She shook her head. "Don't you deserve to have a life and––"
"No, no," she uttered under her breath. "You don't understand. I never wanted to fall in love, get married and have children. I never wanted any of that."
"But you're with Peeta how could you––"
"I didn't want it. I didn't want to until Peeta. He's the only one I could ever love, to have that kind of life with him. If he dies he'll take, take a big part of me that belong to him. Only him, it has only been him and I will never love anyone but him." She was tearing my soul in two. "Please Haymitch, it has to be Peeta. Promise me that you do will everything you can to make sure he survives."
"No," I said in firm tone. These two kids were driving me insane and breaking my heart. "How do you think Peeta will feel if something happens to you and he finds out you made me promise to make sure he lives? That I did everything I could to make sure it was him that survived in the arena because I helped you…die. How do think he'd feel?"
"I don't care," she said her teeth clenched. "At least he'll still be alive."
"And without you," I retorted back. "Don't you think he feels the same? Don't you think he wants the same exact thing for you––for you to live? Dear God, Katniss. That kid has loved you since he saw you in school. Five years old wearing short pants and a button down shirt with a missing tooth, I suspect. He caught you singing a song and something in his chest tugged his little heart."
"I know, I know," she repeated. "I know all that."
"No you don't," I returned. "Peeta has had a crush on you since he could barely understand what that emotion was about. He never wavered in that feeling, it grew strong year after year even though he knew that nothing could happen between you." I sighed. "This thing between you wasn't a lark or happenstance. You two were meant––"
"Haymitch, not you too," she whined as she leaned back onto the couch and closed her eyes.
"What do you mean not me too?" I asked.
"You sound like Cinna," she explained sitting back up. "That Peeta and I were destined, that fate brought us together."
"Well, I'm not one for destiny or fate but he is right that you both belong together," I stated.
"Well, how is that fate or destiny when Peeta and I are both going to the games together to fight for our lives? To participate in the arena when there can only be one victor? Where is our happily ever after?"
I was tempted to tell, reveal our plans but I couldn't. So much could go wrong. "I don't know, but I do know one thing. You both are driving me insane. I am not going to make any promises with you because I have ready gave my word…to help you."
"No, no, you can't do that," she whimpered. "I'll die without him, each year that will pass I'll die until there is nothing left of me. How can you make that promise to him?"
"The same way you are making me make a promise to you?"
She cried in silence but her tears poured down her cheeks unabashedly. "Listen, I'm not breaking my promise to Peeta, but I will do this. If anything happens to you and you don't…survive. I swear on Peeta's soul that I will do everything in my power to make sure he lives and make it out of the arena."
She stopped crying, her breath was erratic and harsh. "You'll do that?" Her body shook as she fought to control herself.
"I promise." I raised my hand and swore my oath. "That is my promise to you without breaking his." Suddenly, her face brightened with a big smile, a big watery smile that caused her eyes to crinkle and cheeks flushed.
"Thank you, thank you." She wrapped her arms around me surprising us both with her elation. I didn't know what she was so happy about since I basically signed her own death warrant.
"Okay, you're welcome," I said as I patted her back. "Now you better let go before Peeta finds you with me like this dressed like that. You know how possessive he gets whenever anyone gets or even sniffs around you."
"Peeta won't mind because you're just…Haymitch. You're harmless."
"Hey!" I returned in an indignant manner. "Watch it. In my day, I was quite a lady's man. Women and even a few men loved me. After my arena, I was as you say, 'another Finnick.' " I shuttered at my own description of myself. If she only knew what I had to do after I won my arena. Had I just promised Katniss a life of whoring Peeta if he survived his games? Would I allow that to happen to either of them? That is why I knew that the rescue mission had to succeed. "You might want to head back before Peeta wakes up to find you missing."
Just as Katniss stood up and turned Peeta stood by the corridor. "Katniss," he called out to her wearing only his boxer shorts. He wiped sleep from his eyes his curly hair askew pointing at all directions. I swore Katniss' face melted at the sight of him. He had…socks on. Orange and bright, an offending color that matched one of Effie's wigs and dresses.
"Peeta, what are you doing up and walking around half naked?" I smirked at her question. It wasn't as if there was anyone around to see him. It was just me. Then I heard someone coughed or giggled. I had forgotten that I fell asleep in the Monitoring room. Effie, Cinna, Portia and their assistants hovered at the hallway to the front entrance.
"Yummy," one assistant gushed as she stared at Peeta ignoring Katniss' deathly stare. "He's so adorable, they both are. Look at them."
"Stop ogling my boyfriend," Katniss scowled as she stood in front of Peeta blocking their admiring eyes.
"Katniss," Peeta wrapped his arms around her waist. "I woke up and you were gone. I thought…"
"I couldn't sleep anymore and I didn't want to disturb you. How are you feeling?" she asked as the presence of the others were forgotten and her concern for Peeta surfaced.
"My head feels a little fuzzy and I have an awful taste in my mouth," he answered.
"I'll get Peeta some water," Effie announced. "You both look better. Sit down. Haymitch, Cinna and I have something to tell you both now that you're up." Katniss led Peeta to the sofa.
"I'll be back I'm going to get a shirt and pants for Peeta," Katniss announced as she tightened the sash to her robe.
"Why? Peeta doesn't seem bothered to be walking around in his boxer shorts. I'm sure the ladies don't mind," I teased as I gestured towards Portia, Venia and Octavia who were both ogling at Peeta's half naked state.
"Well, I mind," Katniss grumbled back. She took off with a kiss to Peeta's forehead and headed towards their bedroom.
"Ladies, please get ready. Peeta and Katniss need to be dressed in two hours," Cinna ordered his team.
"Nice socks," I said as I bumped Peeta's socked feet.
"Huh?" Peeta responded as he looked at the floor.
"Never mind, I guess Katniss dresses you up even in our sleep," I snickered. Peeta continued to have a clueless look on his face. Meanwhile, Effie returned with a glass of water and Katniss helped Peeta into a t-shirt and pair of cotton pants.
A few seconds passed in silence when Peeta noticed a white envelope on the coffee table.
"That looks familiar." He pointed to the invitation. My eyes turned to the offending envelope that was slightly hidden underneath a data pad.
"What?" I feigned innocence. Shit, I was so boggled by the envelope that I had forgotten about it and left it on the table. I had meant to hide it from Peeta and Katniss. They didn't need to know that Snow 'invited' us to dinner after the interviews.
Flashback ––
I gasped in horror, anger and surprise when a Peacekeeper appeared at my doorstep with an invitation on hand. Mind you, I knew whom it was from. Snow's signature was written all over the white pristine envelope. "Just so you know, an identical one was delivered at Mr. Cinna's shop for you and for Ms. Trinket as well," the gruff Peacekeeper said. "You have no excuses. If you fail to appear there will be consequences."
Twice I had lied that I didn't receive an invitation from Snow, it worked but now he knew better. Invitations were hand delivered each time. And to make sure another was delivered to Effie as back up.
"Holy hell," I said, air escaped my lungs as if it was compressed. I felt a tightening pressure in my chest. "This is not good. Not good." What was Snow up to? Inviting Cinna, Effie and I was not a good sign. Thoughts of being discovered ran through my head. I wanted a drink, needed one badly but I'm not good to Peeta and Katniss drunk and out of control. They needed their mentor to watch and support them. My hands shook feeling a ghost like tumbler between my fingertips. My body and mind wanted that drink so badly. My last drop of liquor was weeks ago.
Effie came crashing through the door. "Haymitch, you will not believe just what happened," she shrieked. The envelope clutched in her hand as she waved it in the air. I lifted my own invitation in response. Cinna followed right behind her with a garment bag in his arm.
"No need to make an announcement, Effie," I said. "You missed the delivery boy by mere seconds."
"What does this mean?" she asked. If there was one thing I admired about Effie Trinket, she was calm and poised. I have never seen her panicked or out of control. But underneath her calm and self-assurance I detected fear and anxiety. If she only knew what we were going to do…
"I know you can read, Effie," I smirked. "I'm guessing that we're having dinner with his holiness President Snow. You should be flattered."
"Don't," Effie began. "I'm stupid or blind as I told Cinna. I know…things."
"Things?" I looked at Cinna as he returned from dropping off the garment bag into Katniss' bedroom.
She waved the white envelope in the air. "In all the years I have been an escort, President Snow has never ever invited any tribute's mentor, escort or designer for dinner days before the Opening Game."
"No he has not," I confirmed. "Tell me Effie. I don't what Cinna has told you, but…do you really want to know? Do you really want to get involved?"
"I'm associated with you," Effie said. "I'm guilty by association in Snow's eyes. I'm already involved."
"He knows nothing, Effie. I can assure you," I guessed. "Cinna and I…you need to understand that we didn't want you involved. We know how much this job means to you. It is best if you feign ignorance." As much as Effie's quirks and personality annoyed me, I didn't want her to get hurt for something Cinna and I did or were involved in. She was an innocent bystander. She lucked out being involved with us.
"As matter of fact," Cinna added. "It is probably best that you don't know anymore because if Snow suspects anything which we really don't know that he does. You can be absolved. The less you know the better." He sounded like MockingJay. His policy was rubbing on Cinna.
"I just want to know one thing," she demanded.
"Effie, please," I said. I was tired and weary. The stress took a toll on my mind. It was bad enough that I was endangering her without her knowing it.
"I'm a grown woman who can and will decide things for myself," she pressed. "You don't any right to decide what happens in my life."
"Okay, what do you need to know?" I submitted to her query. She was a formidable woman who I knew could take care of her self. But it didn't make me less worry about her well-being. I cared for her in my own way. Though I would never publicly admit it.
"I feel like there is something…brewing," she pointed out. "I've had inklings and noticed things between you and Cinna. Observations I kept to myself. What I need to know is…are there any plans to…liberate Katniss and Peeta."
"Liberate?" I repeated.
"Haymitch, I damn well know you know what I meant," she sneered back in frustration.
I took a deep breath. Cinna nodded his head. "It's your decision to reveal how much she needs to know."
"Effie, I don't know you," I stated. "I've worked with you for years but I don't really know you. You're history we've only skimmed in passing. I know that you have not or are not in contact with your family. But I do know you love your job as an escort." She flinched as if the fact stung her.
"Yes, it's true you don't know me well," she admitted.
"What I'm trying to say is I don't know your heart," I said. "I don't know who you love and what or who is important to you, but like I said I know you love this job."
"There are reasons why we have never spoken about my history or important people in my life," she returned. "Nor is it your business." Tears began to form in her eyes. Damnit, I hate women who cry. Especially ugly criers, you know the ones that spew saliva and yell and scream like the world was coming to an end because they broke a nail. Women! So much work with little reward. This is one of the reasons why I never married. I knew too many women like Effie. I admit, she was beautiful underneath all that makeup and gaudy clothing. Anyway….
"See that is my point," I huffed in frustration.
"Effie, maybe it is best that we not continue this conversation," Cinna suggested.
"You don't get to decide what is right for me," she repeated. "I want an answer to my questions, are you…are there any plans to rescue Peeta and Katniss once they are in the arena." I looked at Cinna. Deniability was key to Effie's survival. If caught cavorting with the rebels and MockingJay, death was instant.
"No, we don't have any plans," I lied. I lied to keep Effie safe from harm and repercussions. "The arena is impenetrable. Snow thought of everything to ensure no escape or possible rescue." Which was true but it didn't mean we didn't have a plan.
"So it's…futile," she sighed. "Katniss and Peeta are entering the arena? There is no rescue plans?" Cinna nodded his head. I bit my lip from telling her the truth.
End of Flashback ––
However, there was one thing Effie was adamant about. She insisted we tell Peeta and Katniss that after the interviews, we were having dinner with President Snow at his well-guarded and fortified mansion. My stomach lurched just the thought of having dinner with the devil himself let alone being in his presence. Visions of food poisoning and wine laced with arsenic danced in my head.
It was a well-known fact that Snow's life was threatened daily not by gunfire but other methods like poisoning his food and the air he breathed. Which was why he forced his son's family to let live with him. Who would want to murder his only living grandchild,
Amelia Cassiopeia Snow?
Certain factions in the rebellion believed that she was open game. Years of murdering Panem's children was unanswered, her death would be retribution avenging hundreds that had been murdered under her grandfather's regime. To me, she was still a child in my eyes whether her last name was Snow. She was innocent.
But I digress in my train of thought. "Haymitch, what is going on?" Peeta asked his face drawn and weary.
I pulled the envelope from the coffee table. Peeta's eyes were transfixed when I opened the envelope and read the contents. "Snow is…he wants all of you to come to dinner tonight?" Peeta repeated.
"Yes," Cinna answered. "After the interviews, we will be escorted to his mansion."
"Why?" Katniss asked.
"Good question," I said as I rubbed my chin. "I don't want you to worry. This is just…I'm not really sure what it means but we will be okay."
"And in the mean time, we want you and Katniss to enjoy whatever private time you have left. As a treat, I don't either of you to be cooking tonight. So I asked the Chef to make you pizza."
"Pizza?" Katniss asked. "What pizza?"
"Oh, Katniss," Peeta said with a big smile on his face. "You're going to love it. It's flat round bread with tomato sauce, cheese and anything you want on it. Last time I only had a pepper…pepper…oh I forgot. The last dinner party I went it, they had little finger servings of it. I could have eaten 20 pieces."
"Pepperoni," I supplied. Peeta loved it but his appetite at the time was nonexistent since the only thing he wanted was to go home. It was that night he disappeared for a few hours causing me to age another decade.
"I told the Chef, to lay out the meats, cheeses and vegetables so you can build your own pizzas," Effie added. "Make a night of it by doing nothing but eating and relaxing."
"And among other things," I teased as I ruffled Peeta's hair. I leaned over to his ear. "Do you need a fresh supply of condoms?" Peeta pulled back, his cheeks turned bright red and dimpled. He pulled his hand back and shoved me on the chest. For a young man who lost his weight, he was very strong.
"I heard that," Katniss muttered as her cheeks pinked as well.
"You have an very sick obsession with our sex life," Peeta said.
"Haymitch, that is infantile and inappropriate," Effie chided me. Suddenly, she grabbed Katniss' hand and pulled her upright. "It's time. Beauty is hard work though I must say Cinna really doesn't have much to worry about when it comes to the both of you."
"Katniss is beautiful no matter what she wears or makeup you put on her," Peeta said with sincerity. Katniss smiled at her boyfriend's compliment. Before departing she placed both hands on his cheeks and lightly kissed him.
"See you later," she said.
"See you later, love," he returned.
To say that my tributes made an imposing beautiful pair was an understatement. Once dressed, they looked enchanting and formidable. Cinna dressed them well. Katniss and Peeta were dressed perfectly for the interview. Though I had to admit I was bit concern of Cinna's design on Katniss' dress. On the material was a Mockingjay silkscreened into her long gown. I knew that Cinna was defiant but to be so obvious to those familiar to the symbol was dangerous to himself. I rolled my eyes. How I did manage to get myself into this predicament. Peeta was Snow's number target as he was adored by the Capitolites, and his girlfriend, Katniss defied and fought with tributes and threatened Seneca Crane's life during the Talent Program. And finally, Cinna a well-known and famous designer was basically flaunting the rebel's signature icon on Katniss' dress. What more did Snow need to prove that Cinna and I were apart of the rebellion against him? I should make T-shirts.
'I'm a dead man.' I muttered under my breath as I watched the city's landscape pass us by. The hovercar that picked us up for the interview glided through the city highways. Peeta held onto Katniss' hand in a tight grip. "Did you say something, Haymitch," Effie asked as she waved a golden fan across her face. She was all gold, literally from head to toe. Her wig glittered as the same color of her eyelashes. Her lips, eye shadow and nails were gold. She looked ridiculous, like one of Snow's golden statues situated in his garden.
Cinna wore a simple silver metallic suit with dark purple patent shoes. For some reason he didn't look bad, it suited him. Though I admit he could have foregone wearing the silvery eye shadow on his eyelids.
As for me, I balked as Effie handed me a suit of metallic purple to wear for the interviews. Purple? What the hell was she thinking? In the end, I wore blue suit 'that matched the color of my eyes,' Effie stated.
Half an hour later, we stood at the backstage where other tributes and their mentors waited their turn. Caesar Flickerman's interviews were part of the Hunger Games program. It was to announce the score from the Talent program and give each participant a chance to talk about themselves before entering the arena. Since District 12 was last, Peeta and Katniss had to wait. How long, one never knew? Caesar himself talked and blustered too much that the program usually ran overtime from it scheduled programming. Also, everyone from the Capitol to the other districts anticipated the interviews from The Star-Crossed Lover of District 12. They were the favorite topic.
As usual, Cato, Clove and the pair from District One were sending death glares at my tributes. "Don't look at them, Katniss," Peeta said to her as they stood next to each other. I could tell Peeta was tempted to comfort her but he knew better. They were a team but displaying any affection at this time would weaken them. Everyone knew they were devoted to each other, others thought of that kind of relationship made them look weak while others thought it make them strong and formidable.
No one knew that they would die for each other. They were their own weakness. The program was allotted three hours from end to finish. We knew by hour two that the program was going over schedule. The more time passed the more restless and unease Katniss felt. "Peeta, I don't know if I can do this," she said.
"You can, and you will," he encouraged her. "You know why? Do you know why I know you can do this? Because had you been able to, you would have volunteered for Prim. You would have taken her place in this very spot with me. Because if you had volunteered I would have followed after you. I would have volunteered to be with you."
"No, Peeta––"
"Yes, but because she was reaped, I knew that you would have been devastated. You love your baby sister so much you would have taken her place. And I would still be standing here beside you. You can do this."
"Oh, Peeta," she said his name low and soft.
"I don't know if you believe in fate," Peeta said. "I don't if I do, but here we are. At this moment in time, I don't regret anything we've been through. You and I were just…meant to be."
Effie sniffled, Cinna had a hand over his mouth while I fought to…stay brave for them, my wards and tributes.
Finally, the time came for Peeta and Katniss' turn. "Katniss will go first," I announced. I took her hands. "Remember take a deep breath. Think of Prim, like Peeta said. You are doing this for her as well as for yourself. Make her proud."
Katniss turned to Peeta as she held onto his hand. "Thank you," she said.
"I'll here waiting for you," he returned.
To our surprise, Caesar made an announcement. "My dear ladies and gentleman," he started. "…the fact that our program has run over past it's scheduling. It is with great pleasure to announce our next two tributes."
"What's going on?" Effie asked me.
"How the hell do I know," I blustered in confusion and impatience.
"I have been told that as a treat I will be interviewing the tributes of District 12 simultaneously," he continued. "It would be wrong of me to interview them separately. Don't you agree?"
"What?" Peeta mouthed as Katniss gaped besides him.
"Can he do that?" Effie asked.
"Well obviously he can and will." This is good since I knew Katniss was nervous and a little scared. Peeta would be beside her.
"Please, let's have around of applause to our…my favorite tributes, The Star-Crossed Lovers of District 12, Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen." Both of them were in shock that I literally had to push them towards the stage.
"Go, go," I said. "Don't just stand there. The sooner you get this done, the sooner you go home." That got Peeta moving dragging Katniss with him. His hand tightly wound around hers.
"Don't let go," I heard Katniss say to Peeta before the roar of applause and screams surrounded the stadium. It was so loud the floor shook. The applause and noise ended five minutes later.
"Please, please. Everyone settle down," Caesar pleaded with the audience. Peeta held onto Katniss' hand in duration of the applause. "Whew, you thought people have never seen you before, Peeta." They sat opposite to Caesar. "It is good to see you again."
"It's good to see you again as well," he said.
"I'm sorry that your second visit to the Capitol is under horrible conditions," Caesar stated.
"Not as sorry as me," Peeta quipped back.
"And how are you Ms. Everdeen?" he greeted Katniss.
"I'm fine, thank you for asking," she returned short and sweet.
"She's very shy, is she not Peeta?"
"Well, I have to admit I don't think she's ever met anyone like you before?" I held my breath. Dear God, was Peeta about to insult Caesar?
"What do you mean?"
"Like me when the first time I met you, she's never seen…anyone with purple hair before." The audience and Caesar were still. Seconds later, he laughed and the audience joined him.
"Oh, Peeta. Still charming and delightful as ever. Is he not?" he addressed the crowd as they applauded Peeta.
"Katniss looks very beautiful tonight, Caesar? Don't you agree?" Katniss blushed as she eyed her boyfriend.
"Aw, spoken like a true gentleman," he quipped. "You have to say that about your girlfriend."
"It's the truth," he returned as she squeezed her hand. "It's the truth."
"Now before we go ahead with the interview, we have a special preview of the Talent program," Caesar announced. Usually scores were announced. The performance themselves were never aired. However, it seemed that Snow made an exception.
Effie gasped besides me, "Oh my God, Haymitch. Can he…is he allowed to do that?"
I was exasperated. "Effie, will you please stop asking me annoying questions," I demanded. "You know Flickerman better than I do."
"And what are you insinuating?" she bickered back.
"Will you two please stop arguing," Cinna chimed in.
Before I could argue back, Caesar explained. "I was given permission by President Snow himself because of the rating both you and Katniss received. But before we reveal your score let's take a look, shall we?"
Five minutes, later I literally had my mouth open and eyes wide in disbelief and shock. Peeta scored a 10 which was rare while Katniss––she rated 14. A number beyond the scale. It was unheard of.
"Oh, Haymitch," Effie gushed in joy and celebration. "Our kids…they scored higher than anyone. Katniss' score is phenomenal." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "What's wrong? They did exceptionally well."
"Too well," Cinna commented.
"Too well?" Effie uttered. "What does that mean?" I knew I told Katniss and Peeta to do well but to score that high––their performance had repercussions. "I don't understand why you both look so…displeased."
"Explain it to Goldie, Cinna," I said between clenched teeth. I was angry. Not at Peeta and Katniss but to Crane and Snow.
"Effie, with both Katniss and Peeta scoring that high," he explained. "They pretty much placed themselves as targets. How do you think every tribute must be feeling right now? Remember the higher the score the more sponsors you get."
"Well, isn't that the point of why we want Peeta and Katniss to score high?" Effie queried.
"You're missing the point, Effie," I said in frustration and annoyance.
"Who wants to be sponsors to tributes who scored low? Every mentor will jockeying to get sponsors for their tributes. You might as well just claim Peeta and Katniss as victors even before the arena begins. And nobody likes a show off."
"Oh," Effie said.
"And it was bad enough that tributes from 1 and 2 are targeting Peeta and Katniss, now all of them will be ganging up on them to get them out of the arena first," I concluded.
Snow knew what he was doing when he permitted Flickerman to broadcast Peeta and Katniss' performance. He made sure to enrage and encourage other tributes to eliminate Katniss and Peeta first. They will be hunted now. Every mentor will advise and recommend it.
"Quiet," I shushed Effie as she started to speak. "Talk later, I want to listen to the interview."
"…had expected such a high score, you both must be very proud," Caesar commented.
Katniss nodded while Peeta spoke, "Well, it's expected that we do our best Caesar, you didn't expect Katniss and I do badly, did you?" Caesar laughed.
"Of course, not," he gushed. "Anyway, I am dying to hear about the two of you. How you met and how long you have been together?"
"Peeta and I are here in the Capitol together," Katniss started. "It is the worst and best thing that has happened. Circumstance brought us together, I would change a lot of things in my past but meeting Peeta is not one of them. Maybe I'm being selfish, but I am glad that he…is here with me."
"I don't regret a single moment or time we spent together," Peeta interjected. "If you must know, I've had a crush on Katniss since I was five." The audience awed and oohed. "How we got together, I never regretted it. The only thing I would change is her, being here with me."
"Don't say that," Katniss scolded him. "I want to be here with you."
"So exactly how long have you been together?" Caesar persisted of knowing their relationship as he ignored Katniss' distress.
"Not long," Katniss spoke. "As a matter of fact…" She proceeded to explain their relationship. How Ivan harassed her and how Peeta saved her life that night. "Everyone by now knows that Peeta was unjustly punished for a crime he didn't commit. He saved me from Peacekeeper Ivan. We've been together after that incident."
"And her family healed and save me," Peeta noted.
"Yes I see, but is it true that no one was caught? The person who murdered Peacekeeper Ivan is still at large," Caesar pressed.
"It's not a subject we talk about in length," Katniss stated.
"Yes, the most important fact is that it's in the past and we don't want to discuss it," Peeta said with finality, leaving no room to argue.
"I see," Caesar said. "Katniss, we know of the unfortunate accident that took your sister, Prim. You were chosen to take her place."
"Yes, my sister Prim…is gone," she stated.
"My condolences on your family's loss," Caesar said with sincerity. "I just want to say that the Capitol will be rooting for you or at least I will during the games. Is there anything or anyone that you want to say a good bye to? Any last words." Peeta nodded his head at Katniss. She spoke first.
"I just want to say to mom and dad," Katniss began. "Thank you for everything. For being the best parents that Prim and I could ever have. To Prim…I know you are in safe place now––you will always be loved where...ever you are. I miss you." The auditorium was quiet that I swore you could hear a pin drop.
"Peeta?"
He turned to the camera his head held high. "Dad, Rye," he said. "There are no words to describe how much you guys mean to me. Don't be sad, Dad. I'm okay. I really am. And Rye, don't be angry too long. I expect you and Delly to have more kids and live happily ever after. Live the life you were meant to have. Honor Graham and I by living your life to the fullest and happiest you can be. And Delly, let Rye have his sugar fix every once in a while. He loves you so much. I love you all. Live for me that's all I want."
The room remained quiet for a few seconds then the audience stood from their seats and applauded. The noise boomed in the air. Men and women screamed, "Peeta, Katniss." Like a chant and a prayer. I was ready to collect Peeta and Katniss from the circus of admirers and fans when Peeta stood up and pulled Katniss to her feet.
"Before I let you go, Katniss, please tell me the name of your designer because I must tell you, he is a genius and an artist," he said. "Peeta was right, you look ravishing and beautiful.'
"Cinna," she answered him.
"You look absolutely divine and gorgeous," he continued to gush. I wanted to vomit. "It's perfection and a masterpiece." Effie smiled and agreed as she nodded her head.
Katniss then whispered to Caesar. He raised his hands. "Everyone before ending this program, I want to thank all the tributes and their mentors for a successful evening. It has a delight. And drum roll please." He gestured to the music director off the stage. "Ms. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, The Star-Cross Lovers of District 12."
Peeta led Katniss to the front of the stage. He let go of her hand. I held my breath because I didn't know what was going on. As Katniss stood in front by herself with Peeta at short distance to her left, she looked back at Cinna. Cinna nodded his head as if he was instructing or giving her permission. To do what, I didn't know.
The music began. Katniss bowed her head and looked down on her dress and she started to…twirl? What the hell?
She twirled a few times, and each time her dress lit on fire. She was ablaze like an avenging angel. Once she stopped she turned her head and pointed her hand to Peeta. From her fingertips, a flicker of fire shot from her hand and headed towards him.
Calm and collect Peeta stood with his right hand extended to her then he too burst into flames. His fire didn't burn as bright as Katniss, but he burned just the same. "Katniss Everdeen, the Girl on Fire," Caesar shouted.
Noises from audience thundered inside the auditorium. The building shook from its' foundation as the ground groaned beneath us. "Katniss. Katniss."
"Oh my God," I muttered beneath my breath as I turned to Cinna. His eyes twinkled with amusement and…defiance. I shook my head. "You do realize that you made matters worse." He snickered back at me. Effie was too elated by the spectacle and the attention Katniss' actions raised.
"It's going to be a long night," I predicted.
AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. It is shorter than usual but I will update sooner. Please look for another chapter on Friday. Thank you for our patience and for sticking around. Hope you all of you had a safe and fun Easter for those who celebrated and have a great week.