17. Rules, Regulations and Personal Matters

In the small hotel room, that is very plain by Capitol standards, Peeta, Haymitch and I, are told by Effie, and a few of her friends-who apparently form our welcoming committee-about the Freedom Ball being held tomorrow night. While Haymitch and I sit staring up from the couch, Peeta is over on the chair. He and I haven't spoken since last night. Not since our hug and our tears and the eventual steps taken towards our separate rooms. I didn't sleep much last night, but when I did, it was Peeta rocking me in the dream hammock instead of Prim. I feel embarrassed just thinking it and blush slightly. I let go of my thoughts and sit up straight listening intently to what Effie and friends are saying.

The Freedom Ball was President Paylor and the council's idea and they have been preparing for it for at least a month. There will be food, dancing and conversation.

"The Freedom Ball is a celebration of our country's freedom." Effie says moving her hands about as if she is conducting an orchestra "It is a celebration of our liberation from the Hunger Games, the oppressive rule and the pain and death of the war." As she speaks, I imagine that the words have been written somewhere and she now has them memorized and it is almost comical the way she speaks about the Games as if she herself was never a champion of them. From the description of the Ball, I can tell the New Capitol is working hard at trying to remove the stench of the Games from everyone's lives. And this is one adjustment that I am perfectly fine with.

As she nears the end of her speech Effie exchanges glances with her comrades and then looks at the three of us seriously before saying in a dry curt tone, "There is however, one rule." Haymitch groans as if the very idea of there being even one rule is too much for him to handle. He really does need a drink. "There is to be absolutely no talk of the Games. No talk of the war, no talk of the past." Although Peeta is looking a little confused, I am fine with the rule. I don't need to talk about the Games or the war. I lived through both.

"It was the President's decision." Effie says by way of explanation, "She said that she's seen firsthand what the terrible memories of the war and the Games can reduce even the strongest people to." It might be my imagination but it seems as though Effie is struggling not to look at me or Peeta as she says this. "And tomorrow night, is all about the joy and the happiness that our country is looking toward."

Effie pauses for a moment as if thinking something over for herself "Though…I guess they might want to introduce you all: the last of the surviving victors…?"

I don't even consider it as I hear Haymitch and Peeta saying with me. "No."

"If this is going to be a show, then you can count me out, right now." Peeta says in a voice laced with angry resolve.

Haymitch nods "We don't need any special treatment. Just let us fall in with everyone else." I smile. I didn't have to say a word as both of them have spoken my thoughts. We're still a team even when we're not trying.

"Oh no. Oh no." Effie says quickly, and the horror that flashes through her eyes lets me know that she is more terrified about the idea of us not attending than I imagined. "I just meant…well, they said something about honoring the war veterans. That's all. There will be no show, no show whatsoever." Peeta and Haymitch exchange looks as I think it over quietly. Recalling the war, my counting game rushes through my mind 1. Cinna, 2. Finnick, 3. Boggs, 4. Coin, 5. Prim…and as I tick off the names, I know why I am doing it; because these names are what I have to show for my war efforts. And I don't feel very honorable.

"Whatever, the President does, let her know that I don't want to be recognized." I say finally, careful not to meet anyone's eyes, focusing instead on the round grey ashtray. The room falls silent.

Soon one of Effie's teammates pipes up "Okay, well, if everyone's in agreement, then we're all done here." As they exit the room Effie lingers and then walking back over to us she says matter-of-factly, "I don't know if you're aware but you three do also have personal matters to attend to. Peeta and Katniss the two of you are expected to attend a council meeting this evening at 8. Being on time for that is most important, but the rest of the day, before the ball, is yours." She turns to Haymitch "You know that Plutarch and the others would like to speak with you." Back to Peeta, "Peeta, sometime today you need to be sure to visit Dr. Aurelius, and also there is someone waiting to meet with you for lunch."

"Someone who?" Peeta asks.

"I don't know, dear. An old acquaintance I suppose. Bonji can tell you more about it."

"And who's Bonji?" says Peeta.

"Why, your very own Capitol tour guide, of course."

Then Effie turns to me and says in a lower, more measured tone, "And Katniss? Your mother is expecting you at the hospital. As soon as possible."