I want to say thank you to everyone who read and enjoyed my first chapter. I do appreciate constructive criticism as I really am new at writing any piece of fiction such as this. I would love for people to review the chapters when I put them up, and if there's anything you think I could work on or do better on, let me know, and I'll most likely try my best to heed your words (Unless it's essential to my plot line in which case you'll just have to wait to see how things turn out), and of course review if you have nothing negative to say and just want to show some love :D
Ah! Also to finnicko-loves-anniec, thank you so much for your review! You pointed out a couple of things that I was already insecure about and will try not to repeat. As for the elevator scene, I'm moving the time-line of things around a bit so they won't always be in the order of the books, but the order of my mind. Trust me though, I would never leave something as monumental as the elevator scene out, in fact, you might see it sooner rather than later.
Now! On with the Joniss!
Chapter Two: Vorfreude: (German) The joyful, intense anticipation that comes from imagining future pleasures.
I've been lying in bed for about four hours now. Sleep has eluded me and in its place is my racing mind. I've tried to think about home, Prim, my mother, and even Buttercup, to no avail. I've even tried to make up fictional scenarios in my head such as having super powers like invisibility, or living in a different kind of universe. Which is something I sometimes do to help the sleep overtake my mind, but it has all been useless.
Those eyes.
That's all I can think about. The fluid, perfect motions of her body and weapon as an extension. Her movements flawless and the ripple of her muscles truly something to be admired. It's the last thing though. At that last moment when all her movements and actions with the weapon that seemed a part of her, ceased. Her eyes burning through mine like a hot coal on a helpless piece of paper. The feeling I got in my gut in that moment was something new to me. A very foreign feeling.
So new and foreign in fact that I refuse to think about it anymore. My brain will surely explode if I give those dark and intense eyes one more minute of thought...'What color were those eyes anyway? They were dark but they didn't appear to be completely brown.. Maybe hazel?' My eyes squeeze shut and I slap myself with both hands on each side of my face. 'Ah! this is exactly what I shouldn't do! Okay Katniss, just stop thinking stupid thoughts, she is an enemy. Think about her killing you with that axe in the arena, which is a real possibility, and surely that will change your perspective.' This actually doesn't help very much either, as my brain had the audacity to think that it may be a pleasant way to die.
So I roll over and pray for sleep to take me. I finally clear my mind and let my form relaxe slowly, one body part at a time. This does the trick as I can finally feel the edges of darkness creeping up on me, threatening to swallow me up. Which is exactly what I want it to do.
Right before the last vestiges of consciousness leave me, I allow those hard, captivating eyes in my imagination to pierce my soul once more.
When my eyes open, I'm in the training center again. This time I'm alone; free to do whatever I please, so I do. I walk over to the bow that I disregarded earlier in the day. I pick it up and run my fingers up and down the length of it. It's smooth and its weight feels wonderful in my hands.
Instead of going to the simulator like I normally would, I turn and there are a series of stationary targets ahead of me, the room now void of everything but them. I pull an arrow from the quiver on my back, knowing it wasn't there earlier, but also knowing it would be there when I reached for it. I pull the string of my bow back, just grazing my lips. My form has no errors and I can feel that my shot will be perfection.
I release the arrow and just as I knew it would, it hit the target dead center. I let a smug smile tug at my lips, which quickly dissipates when I feel a presence coming up behind me. It didn't feel hostile or malicious, and something told me to stay still instead of turning around. They gradually got closer and closer and the twisting in my gut from the anticipation grew stronger. Then they were right behind my back, perfectly sculpted arms sliding around my waist as I felt cool silky lips brush my ear. The shudder that ran through my body was like a small earthquake.
"You're a pretty good shot, 12. I'd love to see what else this body of yours can do." The voice was very much feminine but low and husky. Her breath was warm as it tickled my ear, and my knees threatened to give way. I put my hands over hers and leaned back slightly into her body. I turned my head to confirm what I had been suspecting. It was her.
Those eyes. Penetrating my soul and begging me to dive deeper into hers, and deeper I wanted to go, but I was afraid. Just as I clawed my way out of their spell and dared to drop my gaze for a moment, she was gone. Leaving me suddenly cold and alone.
When I opened my eyes it was slowly. Trying to mull over the dream in my head before it was lost to the burning of daylight.
Why is this girl plaguing me so? I try to recall her name from watching the games of the past, but I keep coming up blank. I hardly remember any of the games because I was too busy trying to make sure that Prim wasn't reaped and the three of us were taken care of. The only thing I do remember about the games is that they were hard to watch, and I didn't want Prim to see such horrific things, so we occupied ourselves with other activities during those times.
I decide to ask Haymitch about it later and try to push it to the back of my mind. There are more important things to be thinking about now. What with my imminent death approaching I should probably have my mind elsewhere. Like how to save Peeta.
I've already told Haymitch that Peeta's the one that has to survive, no matter what. Peeta's a good guy. He's kind, caring, and brave. Any woman would be stupid not to want him, and I guess that makes me a complete moron.
I'm up and ready by the time they come to retrieve me. Today is the day for interviews with Caesar. I'm sure Cinna has prepared a remarkable dress for me to wear. Though I know I would love anything he makes just because it's him.
When I reach the group they're all talking animatedly at the breakfast table, only to fall into complete silence when I arrive. 'I'd bet Buttercup that they were talking about me.'
"Good morning sweetheart. Ready to say 'I do'?" Haymitch is grinning from ear to ear with a cup in his hand. Full of what I'm sure is the day's morning round of liquor.
I know that mine and Peeta's charade of engagement has to stick, but surely he couldn't mean we were going to perform a wedding today? On screen no less. Please let it be that he's being sarcastic as usual.
"What do you mean?" I say this with a slight nervous edge to my voice that I'm hoping they all catch on to.
"Snow wants it to be as convincing as possible, right? He's asked you to wear what would be your wedding gown for the interview today." The sigh of relief I let escape doesn't go unnoticed by Haymitch as he grins into his cup. Peeta doesn't miss it either though.
"Don't worry Katniss, we won't have to do the real thing and seal it with a kiss." He tries to sound amusing but I can tell there's a little sorrow in his downcast eyes.
"Well I think it would be a lovely affair, even if it were a façade." Effie says with the same air of delight she always tries to carry. I can't help but give her a small smile that she gladly returns.
"Don't you worry your braided little head, sweetheart, Peeta told us all about the googly eyes you were making at a certain female victor. I guess now I see why none of your male suitors ever caught your attention." It seems Haymitch is in a very good mood today, while mine is quickly turning sour.
The blush that comes to my cheeks is unbidden and too powerful to stop. I look at Peeta with an accusatory glare and he returns it with a look of sheepish guilt that has a hidden twinge of jealousy, and I pretend not to notice.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I try my best to play it off and wish for the best, but I guess good things don't happen to me like that.
"Her name is Johanna Mason. She's the victor of the 71st Games, from District 7. She pretended to be weak and helpless until the very end, where she massacred the remaining tributes. She's a force to be reckoned with but if she takes a liking to you she might just be a force we can work with." I soaked up every bit of this information with gusto, trying not to make it obvious how much I've been fiending for the intel. Haymitch tips his cup in my direction with a wink and a grin. 'Johanna Mason, eh?'
I hesitate when his words about working with her sink in, "Won't getting close to her only make her a force that's harder to take down in the end? I still don't get this allies thing. All but one of us has to die anyway. There is no way they will let us get away with multiple winners again." I'm almost pleading with my eyes because I just know that he knows something I don't, and I want in on it.
"More than one of you survived the last games, so don't count yourself out so quickly Katniss. You never know what could happen in that arena. Tomorrow is another day of training, and another chance for you to get to know some of the victors. The day before the games I want you both to come to me with who you've chosen to be your allies." 'Great. A cryptic answer and a push to be 'friendly' again, ugh.'
"There are a few harmless looking victors. I know of at least two that wouldn't be hard to come by for an ally." Peeta is talking between bites of his food when I realized I haven't even eaten yet. I sit down and start topping my plate. I glance up at him for a second, "Like who?"
"Well... there's this couple, at least I'm just kinda assuming they're a couple, that were at the fire starting station yesterday. They couldn't get it going but were muttering things to each other and glancing at the observers above. They seem to mostly be brains and no brawn, and I figured that was something we could use more of." He's already finished with his food by the time I've taken a few bites.
"Oh we could definitely use some brain assistance with you two." Haymitch is snickering now and I can tell his morning cup of booze is kicking in.
Effie tries to lighten the mood, "Well just be your normal outgoing self, Peeta, and it shouldn't be hard to convince them that it would be a win-win for everyone. And Katniss…well I think you should just follow Peeta's lead." Effie says this with a smile but it feels like she's talking to a child that she's not sure can cross the street on their own.
I find myself getting a little irritated, "Why does everyone think I'm so incapable of getting along with people!? I already made one sort of almost ally-type friend-ish person yesterday. Her name is Mags and she taught me how to make a fishing line." I make an indignant noise as I dig into my food with a renewed fervor.
"Katniss, I'm not so sure she would be extremely helpful to us. Yes she's nice and can make knots and fishing lines but will she slow us down? We have to think of these things. However I do know that Finnick is very protective of her, so if you're in with Mags, then we might have Finnick as an ally too." By this point Peeta is glancing between me and Haymitch, almost as if he's looking for praise with this statement. He's not disappointed.
"That's right Peeta, good observational skills. Finnick's not the type to abandon Mags, so Katniss making good with her yesterday was a great thing. Finnick is strong, smart, and loyal, but he's also conniving. He'd be a great ally to have." Haymitch gives Peeta a nod of his head before turning back to his cup and getting serious again. "We can worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. Right now we need to get together what you two are going to say for your interview".
...
Prep time before going on camera with Caesar is always hectic. People running around every which way, attacking my face with all kinds of makeup, and jerking my body to and fro with whatever outfit I'm to wear. This time it's the 'wedding gown'. It's really quite beautiful and amazing. It's big, really big, and white with all kinds of intricate designs sewn in.
I'm rehearsing what I'm going to say in my head, wondering what exactly Caesar will ask me, with Effie moving around adjusting my dress here and there and trying to give me advice.
I hear someone's heels walking up to my right, and the hairs on my body stand on end because I know. It's her. Johanna. The girl that's been swinging an axe around in my thoughts for a little over 24 hours now.
"Really? A wedding dress?" She says it with disdain but the look in her eyes when she gives me a once-over has something else in it. Something I can't place but when I finally realize I'm losing myself in her eyes while attempting to recover from hearing her real speaking voice for the first time, I shake my head a little and try to form a coherent reply.
"Snow's making me wear it."
'Phew. I think I did good. Straight face, calm demeanor, and definitely not showing signs of thinking about the dream I had last night. Which I wasn't thinking about to begin with...aaand now I am, great. ..She sounds even better than she did in the dream'
She snaps me out of my thoughts when she takes a couple of steps forward…no, I wouldn't call them steps. She saunters towards me with that familiar smirk on her face.
She gets closer and speaks this sentence just like she slammed that axe down yesterday, "Make him pay for it."
Oh gods she was so close I could see the fire in her eyes which has my whole body burning and I think I'm about to start sweating. 'What is wrong with me? Why am I reacting this way over a complete (and dangerous) stranger? Someone who I will eventually have to kill or watch die?' I'm smiling back none the less as Caesar announces my name and I step out on stage.
...
The interviews went as well as they could go I guess. I'm apparently a pregnant mocking jay now thanks to Peeta, and everybody held hands like we were going to play red rover with the capitol. I got to spin in the dress Cinna made for me and have it transform beautifully before everyone's eyes during my interview. Johanna screamed angrily into the microphone for her interview, and I couldn't help but to be impressed by her boldness.
Peeta, Haymitch, and I are making our way to the elevator to go back to our floor. I'm suddenly exhausted from all the emotions of the day, and I'm uncomfortable in this dress. All I want is to go back to my room and collapse in my bed.
Just as the doors to the elevator are about to close, a hand appears to make them reopen, and in steps the cause of most of my emotional exhaustion as of late.
"You guys look amazing." Well now i'm fucking wide awake. She's looking right at me as she says it. Her eyes moving from head to toe and it feels like it lasts an eternity. Then she glances at Peeta and Haymitch and starts to turn around right as I have the good enough sense of mind to mumble a "Thank you".
"My stylist is such an idiot. District 7, lumber, trees. Ugh, I'd love to put my axe in her face." She's…undressing. She's slowly peeling off her layers and revealing her skin and I'm completely dumbstruck, left without coherent thoughts or words.
"So what do you think, now that the whole world wants to sleep with you?" She's still turned around but I'm assuming she's referring to me. 'Since when did the whole world want to sleep with me?'
"I don't think that th-" I'm cut off by her turning around sharply and piercing me yet again with those eyes.
"I wasn't talking to you." She stares me down for what feels like an agonizingly long time, though it was only a moment, and I can't help but to start fidgeting in place.
She doesn't break eye contact when she turns slightly with her back to Peeta and says "Unzip?"
Peeta stutters out a "S-sure" and starts to pull down the zipper on the back of her dress. I'm so incredibly envious right now for reasons that I don't want to acknowledge. She's still staring at me, daring me to look at her freshly uncovered parts, and I want so badly to let my eyes roam over the skin of her newly exposed body as she starts peeling the dress off, but I can't break the gaze. If my eyes waver I'll feel like I have lost, and for some reason she makes me feel like I want to win, at everything. She makes the headstrong qualities in me come out and never want to back down. She makes me feel challenged. So I struggle to press on, and I realize I can finally see and memorize her eye color. Dark green.
She's officially completely naked, and it is literally taking all of my will power not to glance down, just once. I can tell in my peripheral vision that she is flawless, that her skin is creamy and smooth, her breasts are ample and perky, and '…okay I have to stop.'
My heart is beating so fast and hard and I just know that color is forming on my damned cheeks. 'Curse my inability to control where my blood goes'. Speaking of which, I feel a light throbbing between my legs that I've never really felt before. I'm not naive enough to not know what it is, but it takes me by surprise none the less, as it's not a sensation that I'm very familiar with. My jaw is still slack and I'm squeezing my legs together tight to try and relieve some of this sudden pressure.
"Thanks, let's do it again some time." Seriously, this eye contact isn't normal right? Does she do this with the other victors? Most likely she's just trying to intimidate me.
And just like that she's gone, but the heat pooled at my lower regions certainly is not.
Thanks to everyone who is keeping up with this and finding it interesting, to say the least.
I delivered an elevatah scene and the next chapter will skip to the last day of training!
Also tell me what y'all think about switching to Johanna's point of view every once in a while. I'm toying with the idea but i'm just not sure yet. Outside opinions welcome.
-Joniss for life