I ran. That was the only thing I could do. A boy chases me through the woods. But he wasn't the reason why I was running. It was the dagger he held so tightly in his fist, poised to strike its target. And that was me. His eyes were red, blood thirsty, as his pace quickened. I couldn't go any faster. But I couldn't stop. All of a sudden a trees root popped up catching my foot causing me to fall. Before I could get up and run, I felt a coolness of the blade on the back of my neck. Slowly I rolled over to see him standing over me, the neck still at my throat. I knew he was going to kill me, but I couldn't find it in me to hate him. Because it was the one and only person I would ever love. Peeta. Blinding sunlight is that last thing I see before he raises the dagger to end my life.

I sat bolt right up in my bed. My hand covered my mouth, to keep me form screaming for my father, like I did when I was little. I sat there for a while trying to keep myself from either breaking down or screaming. That dream was surreal. Giving on last shutter, I get up and quietly walk to my window to see how early it was. As I looked at the sun, I determine that it was around six in the morning. Against my instincts to crawl back into bed, I walked over to my closet and got dressed. Today was the day of the Reaping for the Hunger games. The Hunger Games is a game that our Capitol made up to show how they can easily do what they want with us by taking kids and having them kill each other. I made my way down to the bakery where I fined my dad.

"There you are Katniss." My father said. "Could you ice the cupcakes for the Reaping today."

"Yeah. Sure dad." I said, grabbing my smock and icing material.

As I start to ice the first cupcake, there's a knock at our backdoor. Father and I knew who it was. Gazle. Peeta's friend. Even at that thought a spark of jealousy shot through me. Everyone knew she and Peeta were best friends. Some thought they were more. My hands balled into fists and my jaw clenched.

"I'll get it." My father said, taking note that I night rip off Gazle's head off if I answered the door.

As he got the door, I continued icing the cupcakes; I started to lose myself in my work. As I started to finish my last cupcake, the sound of my mothers' voice made me jump.

"Katniss you good for nothing whore!" She yelled down the stairs. That's when I realized that I was supposed to wake her and my brothers up around ten minutes ago. Once she was into the bakery, my body was shacking all over. As she came up to me, she raised her hand ready to hit me. That's when my Father walked back in and stepped in between me and my mother.

"Great job with the cupcakes, Katniss." My father said, hugging me, turning me around so my back was to my mother. "I swear you have a gift." He said as he broke our embrace.

Before my mother could say anything a gong sounded. That was our five minute warning, telling us to get to the town square.

"Get ready honey." My father said.

I didn't say anything and ran up the stairs to get ready. I chose a sky blue hand-me-down dress that comes down to my with a leather strap around it. The dress was from my mother. I also wore flat shoes that come up to my ankle. When I come back downstairs, my father, mother, and two older brothers are standing at the door waiting. With me at the back we make our way to the square slowly. My youngest brother and I sign in before we're herded into our sectors. Those who can't be put in the hunger games stand around the ones who can. Some people bid on who will be picked. I try to find Peeta in the crowd but had no such luck. Soon Effie, the women from the Capitol that picks the names from the bowls who will be in the hunger games. As she talks, my mind wonders to a memory I always think about.

I was about to turn twelve when this happened. It was raining hard that night. I was baking bread when all of a sudden I hear my mother screaming. When ever my mother screamed it meant someone would be hit. As I look out the window to see what got her riled up, I see Peeta Evergreen, looking scared. I also notice that he was thin. Very thin. I knew instantly he was dyeing of starvation and no doubt along with his family. As he scurried away from the trash can. I watched as he sat under a tree behind our pig trough. He pulled his knees to his chest and berried his face into his knees before his body started to shake with sobs. I knew what I had to do. Without even thinking or caring what the consequences were I put the bread to close to the fire, burning it. When my mother saw the burned bread, she started to scream then hit me hard on one of my eyes.

"Now no one will want that bread. Make yourself useful and give it the pigs!" she shouted before going back to her work.

I walked outside into the rain the hot bread singeing my arms. I chose the fully burned one to through into the pigs' trough. I ripped pieces off and through them in. I avoided Peeta's gaze until the two badly burned bread was gone. That left two semi burned bread left. I looked up and my eyes were met by a pair of beautiful blue eyes. Our eyes were only locked for a minute but to me it felt like a life time.

"Katniss hurry up and get your ass back in here. And this time don't burn the wretched bread!" My mother scratched from inside the house.

I looked through the window into the kitchen to make sure my mother wasn't there watching me. When I was sure she was no where in site, I turned back to Peeta who was now looking between me and the bread like he had figured it out. Peeta's smart but there was no way he would be able to know why I did it. He most likely will think I did it because I felt pity for him, but the truth was I was deeply in love with him.

I tossed the two breads to him. Peeta looked at them hesitantly, still looking at me then the two bread loafs then back to me. I nodded my head once. Without even hesitating, Peeta grabbed the two loafs, stuffed them into his shirt, then took off running towards the part in district twelve called the Seams, where I knew he lived. When I got back inside, my mother was waiting for me looking even angrier. By the look of it, she saw what I did for Peeta.

"What the hell was that?" She yelled.

"I-I gave the boy some bread." I stammered, my whole body shacking. My dad wasn't home at this time, so there was no way of postponing the beating I knew was sure to come.

"Why did you give him that bread? That bread was for the pigs!" My mother yelled, moving her arm a little. That's when I saw it as the light from the fire danced across it. Across the metal part of the belt.

My whole body started to shake even more. "He-he was starving. He would've died if I didn't." I said backing away from her. "Besides, you said the bread wasn't good. No one would've wanted it. So I thought that, since no one would want it and he needed it to feed himself and his family, I would give it to him so he wouldn't die."

That set her off; she came at me with the belt. She held me down and started to beat me with the belt. Soon I was covered in my blood, and then she started to beat me with her fists. Though, it wasn't long before my father came into the room.

"Sweety, have you seen Katniss. She's not in her-" my father started to say, but stopped midsentence. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY DAUGHTER?" My father all of a sudden shouted.

I felt my father push my mother off me. Then I felt his arms pick me up and my head rested against his chest, my body was still shacking. It took a long time for all the yelling to stop. It took a little bit longer for my father to bandage all of my wounds. The next morning, I had to go to school with a black eye, I easily hid the others by wearing a sweater. When my friends asked what happened, I just told them I got into a fight with my brother and that was the end of that, though my father never went anywhere without me and he didn't even talk to my mother for a whole month. He's still mad at her for it.

I've never regret what I did that day. I knew if I didn't burn that bread he would've been died. Even the thought of that made me shutter. To think of Peeta laying down, cold, not move, never to breath again, to never speak again, that would be an empty life for me. I couldn't live like that. I would rather die then live through that life and with the guilt of knowing I could've done something for him. The only thing I wish I could redo was how I gave him the bread. I should've walked up to him and handed him the bread not just tossed it near him. I was pulled out of my thoughts by Effie saying it was time to pick the girl for the hunger games.

As she walked towards the girls bowl I got stiffer and stiffer with every step she took. She stuck her hand into the bowl, grabbed a piece of paper and walked back to the podium. I held my breath as she read the name, hoping it wasn't mine. This was going to be the year I finally pluck up the courage to talk to Peeta.

"Primrose Everdeen." She said. "Primrose come up."

I didn't know her. But as she walked towards the stage I didn't couldn't seen her but I saw her tuck the back of her shirt into her skirt.

"Prim!" I heard someone say. "PRIM!" I heard the voice that brought a sinking feeling into my chest. It was Peeta's. I watched as he tried to reach Prim. "NO! I VOLUNTEER! I VOLUNTEER!" He shouted. "I volunteer as tribute in Prim's place."

"I'm sorry but you can only go in the place of another boy." Effie said. I saw Peeta's face fall and Prim's had gripped his leg. "Only a girl can go in her place. But you can defiantly go for the boys' position." Peeta didn't say anything but nod and started to walk towards the stage with Prim still clinging to him.

I could see the pain in his eyes as he knew the only way for either of them to win was for one of them to kill the other. What I did next, I didn't even know how or why I did it. At first I couldn't move I was frozen in place. Then I t something in me triggered. I couldn't let Peeta's sister go into the hunger games. I couldn't let him worry about his sisters' safety and watch him be slaughtered. I broke free from the crowd and ran towards Prim. But before I could reach her Peacekeepers grabbed my arms and started to pull me away. I wanted to shout I volunteer but I couldn't find my voice. But as they dragged me farther and farther away I got myself to make a sound.

"I volunteer!" I shout. "I volunteer." Everyone looks at me stunned but I didn't care. "I'll go in the place of Prim." I say panting.

"Wonderful!" Effie says most likely happy that we have not one but two people from district twelve that volunteer as a tribute.

I start to make my way to Peeta who still had Prim gripping his leg, but Prim had a grateful and pleading look in her eyes. Peeta had a suspicious glare. I just kept on walking until I was next to Peeta before we could walk any farther, Peeta started to pry Prim's fingers off his leg. Just as he got her fingers off him, Prim clutched his arm instead. Then Gazle grabbed Prim and hosted Prim onto her shoulders before going back into crowed. You would think Prim would've been easier to handle in this situation, but she put up a fight. She kicked and screamed for Peeta as Gazle took her away.

Silently, Peeta and I walked up to the stage. Effie asked for both of our names.

"Peeta Everdeen." Peeta said, without any emotions.

"I'm betting then that that was your sister." Effie said.

"Yes." Was all Peeta said.

"And what's your name?" Effie asked me.

"Katniss Mellark." I said.

Effie was about to say something when the town drunk and the only person from our district has won, came up on stage. He was beyond drunk and started swearing at the cameras, but I think it was aiming at the Capitol, but I couldn't tell what he was saying. Then he threw up and fell off the stage. Before anyone could do anything the anthem started. At the end Peeta and I had to shake hands. Slowly I stretched out my hands for his. As his warm hands slipped into mine, warmth spread from his hand into my body. All too quickly though our hands broke apart and Peacekeepers ushered us into the Justice Building.

Peeta and I were escorted in different directions. I was led into a small poorly lit room with only a few pieces of furniture. There was a leather coach, a floor lamp, a small wooden table, and two walls filed with books. The floor had wall-to-wall carpeting, which was rare in district Twelve. The only hoses in district twelve was in victor's village. Victor's village is a cul-de-sac where many house were built for the ones who win the Hunger Games, other know as victors. There's only one house that's occupied, and it's by Haymitch the town drunk.

All of a sudden the doors opened and my two brothers came into the room. Neither of us said anything. We just stood there in awkward silences. Then my youngest older brother finally spoke.

"Watch yourself out there, sis." He said.

I couldn't say anything back because a big lump was forming in my throat. I just nodded, trying to hold back my tears. Then, to my surprise, both of them stepped forward and pulled me into a three person hug. At this, my body turned against me as tears steamed down my face and onto my brothers' shirt.

"I'm sorry about your shirts." I whispered to them.

Before I could say anything more, the Peacekeepers came in and escorted them out of the room. I wasn't alone for long. My mother walked through the doors, looking almost happy. Probably happy that she'll finally be rid of me.

"Maybe this year our distinct will finally have another victor." Was all she said before leaving.

At first I thought she meant me, but I quickly realized she meant Peeta. I'm sure both of us knew I was going to die. I knew she was right. There was no way I could win, but Peeta could. There was no doubt he could make it to the top five at the most. I, most likely, will die in the first two days. I was brought out of my thoughts when I saw my father came through the doors. The look on his face broke all of my defenses. He had tears streaming down his face. Without thinking I ran up and hugged him tightly. Out of all my family members, my father was the only one that was the closet to me and the only one that I truly loved. My brothers are okay and I know my mom hates me and I hate her. My father was the only one who loves me.

"Dad what am I going to do?" I mumbled into his shoulder.

"I don't know." Was all he said.

Then something occurred to me. "Don't let his family starve." I said.

"But Gazle-" he said.

"I don't care what Gazle does." I said. "Just make sure they eat more then enough and get enough."

I couldn't let Peeta's family starve while he's in the games. Even though Gazle would bring in game, I still wanted to make sure they were okay.

"I will." He said before we fell into silence.

We stayed wrapped in each others arms. Before I knew it, Peacekeepers came in and said his time was up.

"I love you dad." I said more tears streamed down my face, as I realized this will be the last time I would see him.

"I love you too, sunshine." He whispered back to me. Sunshine was an old name he used to call me when I was younger.

Then the Peacekeepers dragged him out of the room. I knew my dad would be my last visitor, so I quickly whipped my tears, hoping I wouldn't look week when we walked to the train. I was surprised to see Prim walk into the room. Her face was stained with tear tracks. I was confused as to why she came to visit me. She ran up to me, and wrapped her arms around me. Unconsciously, I wrapped my arms around her.

"Thank you for taking my place. I would've died in those games if you didn't." Prim said.

"Well I didn't think you could make it far and I wouldn't want Peeta to see you die." I said.

"Please, try to bring him home." Prim said, looking up at me with tears in her eyes.

"I will." I said. "My father the baker, he'll bring you food each day. Just in case you ever get hungry."

"Thank you." She said.

Then the Peacekeepers came in saying her time was up. "Bye Prim." I said.

"Bye. Thank you." Was all she said before fallowing the Peacekeepers out of the room.

The doors opened again. This time it was Peacekeepers saying it was time to go on the train. My teats died, so I didn't look totally week. As I walked out of the Justice Building, Peeta was already there waiting for me. Peeta had no emotions and even looked boarded. Once I came up to Peeta's side, we had to wait for a while as people took our pictures. After a while we were ushered into the train and out of the sight of the cameras. On the train, the speed is exhilarating but you couldn't really feel it. Effie showed me to my room before leaving to go look for Haymitch.

In my compartment, I look through the drawers until I find a plain green shirt and blue pants. I strip off my dress and quickly change into the other clothes before curling up in the bed. It was softer and more comfy then the one back in district twelve. The blankets were soft like an animals pelt. My eyes became heavier and heavier the more I laid in the bed. Just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard Effie knocking on my door saying it was time for dinner. I reluctantly get up and fallow her down the corridor and into the dinning room. Peeta was already in there, the chair next to him empty.

"Where's Haymitch?" Effie asked brightly as both of us took our seats.

"Last time I saw him, he said he was going to take a nap." Peeta said sounding board.

"Well today was very tiring." Effie asked sounding been happier if that was possible.

I think Effie was gland of Haymitch's absents. Who could blame her? He was drunk and wasn't that kind sober or not. Soon the meal came out. It was magnificent. There was a thick carrot soup, green salad, lamb chops, mashed potatoes, cheese, fruit, and a chocolate cake. The one thing that spoiled the meal was Effie's comments on our table manors. Saying we had better manors then the kids last year. The kids last year were two from the Seams, so they didn't know any better. Peeta, who was also from the Seams, still had great table manors. I guess he learned at an early age how to eat with a fork and knife. Though at the end of the dinner, he made a point of using his hands and using the table cloth as a napkin. This didn't seem to rub Effie the right way.

After the meal, I was having a hard time keeping the food down. I could see Peeta's face was also turning slightly green. The food was so rich that we should've taken it slow but the food was just so good. Effie doesn't seem to take notice of our state. She whisks us into the next room; where there are a few coaches stationed around a T.V. we watch the recaps of the Reaping from each district. I try to make mental notes of each tribute but only a few stick out. A monstrous boy who lunges forward to volunteer from district two. Then there's a fox-faced girl with red hair from district five. A boy with a crippled foot from district ten. Lastly the two tributes from district eleven. The boy is huge and seems very strong. The girl looked a lot like Prim. They were the exact same size and look a little bit alike as well. The only difference is the girl from district eleven had olive brown skin and big brown eyes. When her name was called no one stepped forward to take her place.

Then they showed the Reaping in our district. Prim's name being called. With Peeta trying to save his sister from the Games. Learning that only a girl could take Prim's place. Then, me rushing forward to take Prim's place. Us waling up on stage. Effie wanting to know our names. Haymitch falling off the stage comically. Us shaking hands. Then it cuts to the anthem, before the program ended. After watching the recaps I started to wonder what was going through Peeta's head. Effie seemed more concerned with the state her wing was in after Haymitch practically molested her before he started to cuss at the camera and fell off the stage.

"Your mentor has a lot to learn about presentation." Effie said, huffily.

This mad me laugh. "He was drunk." I said. "He's drunk every year."

"More like every day." Peeta added. This made both of us laugh.

"Yes." Effie hissed angrily. "How odd you two find it amusing. You know your mentor is your lifeline to the world in these Games. The one who advises you, lines up your sponsors, and dictates the presentation of any gift. Haymitch can well be the difference between you life and your death!" Effie said matter-of-factly.

Just then Haymitch came into the room looking even more drunk. "I miss super?" he asked in a slurred voice. Then, of all things, he vomited all over the carpet before falling into the vile mess.

"So laugh it up!" Effie snapped before fleeing the room.

Peeta and I just sit there taking in the scene of our mentor trying to raise himself up from the slippery puddle of vomit that came from his stomach. The smell almost brings my dinner back up but I somehow kept it down. Peeta and I take one of Haymitch's arms each and helped him to his feet, trying not to step into the vile puddle.

"I tripped?" Haymitch asked. He tries wiping his nose only making the vomit smear all over his face.

"Let's get you back into your room and clean you up." I said, starting to guide Haymitch to his room.

We walk Haymitch to his room, well more like carry him to his room. Once there we haul him into the bathtub and turn on the shower, though he didn't seem to notice. Peeta looked a little green, realizing that we had to undress him to actually wash him.

"I can take it from here." I say.

I didn't have a problem with nudity. I've seen plenty of naked men and women from the years of watching the games. Peeta looked at me like I was crazy or just as drunk as Haymitch.

"Are you sure?" Peeta asked, nervously.

"Yeah. I'll be fine." I reassured him.

"Alright." Peeta said still uneasy. "I could send one of the Capitol people to help you."

"No. I don't want them." I said.

Peeta left, still seeming uneasy. Once the door was closed, I turned back to Haymitch who was staring up at me. I go down onto my knees so I was leveled with Haymitch's body. As quickly as I could, I stripped off his clothes which wasn't pleasant but was bearable because he cooperated through most of it. I keep his underwear on though, not wanting to see what was underneath. Once he was stripped down, I grabbed a sponge and soap and started to scrub him down the best I could. There was only so much I could handle. After rinsing him down one last time, I haul him out of the bathtub and drag him across the room and lifted him into his bed. I was now grateful that I carried those sacks of flower everyday. They were a good replacement for weights, though it didn't show.

I didn't tuck him in for fear he would vomit on himself again, so I put his head over the edge of his bed but cover the rest of his body with blankets. I was beyond exhausted after I left his room, dragging my feet across the train to my own. I can't help but pause at Peeta's bedroom door, my hand reaching up to knock but stopped short. I sighed and placed my hand against the door instead, whispering a goodnight to the wood before going to my room. I collapsed onto the bed after I changed into fresh nightgown. I didn't even bothering to get under the covers. Placing my hands under my head, snuggling into the pillows. My last thought was of our families. Peeta's probably missed him dearly, while mine was probably happy there wasn't another mouth to feed.

The next morning I was aroused by a knocking on my door and someone's all too perky voice saying we had a big, big day. I groaned but somehow managed to drag myself out of my bed. I dressed in a simple black shirt and dark blue pants. As I got into the dinning room for breakfast. During breakfast Peeta and I talk to Haymitch.

"You're suppose to give us advice." I said anxusly.

"Here's some advice. Stay alive." Haymitch said before bursting out laughing. Peeta and I exchange a look.

"Very funny." Peeta said. Then he all of a sudden hits the glass of liquor out of Haymitch's hands. It shattered as it hit the ground, the red liquid going everywhere. "Only not to us."

Haymitch seemed to thinking about this for a second before punching Peeta square in the jaw, knocking him to the ground. Haymitch seems satisfied and started to reach for the bottle of liquor. Without thinking I drive a knife into the table barely missing his fingers.

"Well what's this?" Haymitch said. "Did I actually get a pair of fighters this year?" At this moment Peeta gets up from the floor. I could see the fleshy bruise on his jaw from Haymitch's punch.

"Don't put any ice on that. The other tributes will think you got into a fight. What's better is that you didn't get caught. Even better." Then Haymitch turned to me. "Can you hit anything else with that knife?"

No. I couldn't through a knife for my life. But this was the only chance I would get to have a chance at helping Peeta win the games. I dig the knife out of the table. Then I through it at one of the wall arts that looked like a bow and arrow shooting range. Surprising Haymitch and myself, I hit right in the middle of the circle. Haymitch looked deep in thought before he spoke.

"Okay, I'll make a deal with you. You don't interfere with my drinking, and I'll stay sober enough to help you." Haymitch said. "But you have to do exactly what I say."

"Fine." Peeta said reluctantly.

"So help us." I said. "When we get tot the arena, what's the best strategy at the cornucopia for someone-."

"One thing at a time." Haymitch said sound tired of me already. "In a few minutes, we'll be in the Capitol. There you'll be instantly prepared for the Tribute Chariot Ride. So let's just calm down and relax a little."

Haymitch was right. Within a few minutes we were in the capitol. It was like nothing I've ever seen as I looked out the window. There were people there waving and cheering as we entered the Capitol. I smiled and waved back. I could feel Peeta's eyes on me. I turn around to see him staring at me like I was insane.

"Some of them could be rich." Was all I said wit a shrug before we're whisked off the train and into a weird looking building.

I soon learn this place is called the remake center where they, get rid of all the blemishes from our bodies before we meet our stylist. At first it wasn't that bad. The people who help me I learn that they will be my prep team. All they do is talk and gossip as they comb through my hair and wash my body. At first I was uncomfortable at showing them my body but soon I got use to them. Once my body and hair was washed they did started to pluck my eyebrows, which wasn't that bad but still hurt. Then they moved onto my legs.

They placed weird sheets of paper that was covered in some kind of sticky substances. They left it on there for a while. Then they ripped it off, the sound echoing of the room. This caught me by surprise, causing me to yelp loudly.

"Sorry." A woman named Venia, said.

They replied this action, with the both legs, arms, torso, and where ever else there was hair on my body besides my hair. When they were done, my body was burning and very soar. Then my prep team left me a lone in a room. I laid there for a while. Then I heard the door open, and in came an African-American male who looked like he was in his early twenties. But what struck me was how normal he looked. Most people in the Capitol had crazy make up and hair. He only had a small shade of golden eye shadow on and that's it.

"Why'd you do it?" He asked abruptly.

"What?" I asked confused at his question.

"Why did you do it?" He asked again. I was still confused. "Why did you take the place of his sister in the Reaping? Why didn't you just let them both go?"

I could feel heat rush to my face. "I…um…" I stammered nervous about telling him.

"It's okay. You can tell me." He said. "My names Cinna."

"Katniss." I said a small smile tugging at my lips. "I…uh…took Prim's place in the Reaping because…I didn't want to see her get killed."

"There's more, isn't there?" Cinna said.

"Yes." I said defeated. "I've…uh…had a crush on Peeta since we were kids."

"So you couldn't watch him see his sister be slaughtered in front of his eyes." Cinna said, taking a step towards me.

"That and he has a great chance of winning. I didn't want him to go home without his sister, so I thought I could sacrifice myself." I confess. It felt good to get that off my chest.

"Well that's very noble and brave of you." Cinna said with a smile.

"So what are you going to have us do?" I said. "You're just going to do something to make us look good."

"I'm here to make an impression. Two people who would do anything like that during the Reaping, doesn't deserve to be dressed up in silly costumes." Cinna said, a mischievous smile playing across his lips.

"I hope not." I said the same smile dancing across mine.

Soon I find out what was his big plan. A cape of fire. That is Cinna big master plan. They want to kill Peeta and I before we even get in to the arena. Cinna puts me into a full body black jumpsuit with large ankle high boots. They're a bit bulky but not as hard to walk in them then I thought it would be. Cinna gets this gloppy stuff and works it into my hair.

Then we meet up with Peeta and his stylist, Portia, before going down stairs and waiting in our Chariot. Peeta sat next to me while Cinna and Portia sat across from me. On the way Cinna and Portia explain that the flames aren't real. They're special flames that wouldn't hurt us at all. I still didn't feel all that safe.

"What are we going to do?" I whispered to Peeta.

"I'll rip yours off if you rip mine off." He whispered back.

"Deal." I said.

If we get them off quickly they won't burn us to bad. When we finally get to our Chariot, we get in and wait. From here I could here the opening music begins. It's easy to hear, blasted around the Capitol. Massive doors slide open revealing the crowd-lines streets. The ride lasted about twenty minutes and ends up at the City Circle, where they will welcome us, play the anthem, and will escort us into the Training Center, which will be our home. Well more like prison until the Game began.

First, tributes from District one ride out in a chariot pulled out in a snow-white horses drowned chariot. They looked so beautiful, spray-painted in silver and wearing tasteful tunics glittering with jewels. District 1 makes luxury items for the Capitol. You can hear the roar of the crowd. They are always favorites. District 2 got into position to follow them. Way too soon, we are approaching the door and I can see that between the overcast sky and evening hour the light is turning gray. The tributes from District 11 are just rolling out when Cinna appears with a lighted torch.

"Here we go then." Cinna said.

Before either of us could say anything, he lights our capes with the flames. I gasp waiting for the heat, the burning. But there's nothing happened. There's no burning only a faint tickling sensation. Cinna climbs up and ignites our headdresses.

"It works." He said smiling proudly. "Now remember, heads high, smile. They're going to love you." Cinna jumps off the chariot then seems to get another idea. "Hold hands." He shouts.

"What did he say?" Peeta asked, turning towards me.

"I think he said for us to hold hands." I said.

I reach for his hand only half way, afraid he'll reject me. He surprised me by grabbing my right hand in his left. Cinna gave us a thumbs-up. At first, the crowd is scared but quickly realizes that the flames where apart of our show. I was stunned that I couldn't do anything but look ahead then I saw my picture on one of the TV's and forced myself to put on my most dazzling smile. That got the crowd going.

The doors have only just shut behind us when we're engulfed by the prep teams, who are nearly unintelligible as they babble out praise. As I glance around, I notice a whole lot of the other tributes are shooting us dirty looks. Then our flames all of a sudden go out.

It takes me a while to realize my hand was gripping Peeta's in a vice grip. I force my fingers to let go of his hand, letting both of us massage our hands.

"Thanks for keeping a hold of me. I was a little shaky there." I said.

"It didn't show." Peeta said. "I'm sure no one noticed."

"I'm sure they didn't notice but you." I said. It was true. From what I could see it was the crowd was focused on him. "You should wear flames more often. They suit you." I said smiling.

Peeta surprised me by leaning down and kissing me on my cheek. I felt heat rush to my face and my heart going into over time. Before I could do anything, Effie is there escorting us into the elevator. The Training Center has a tower designed exclusively for the tributes and their teams. This will be our home until the actual Games begin. Each district had there own floors.

Once on our floor, we're told to go get changed in our quarter was larger. It had a beautiful bed, carpet and other furniture. I strip of my outfit and go into the shower washing away all the makeup and undoing my hair. Once out of the shower, all I had to do was push a button and my whole body and hair is blow-dried. I quickly grab a shirt and black pants, before I go down stairs. As I come down stairs, I saw Cinna.

"Oh Cinna, how are you doing?" I ask walking up to him.

"Quite well. You did great at the opening ceremonies today." Cinna said, smiling at me.

"With a lot of help from you," I said, meriting a laugh in return.

"Have you seen the roof? You get the best view of the City up there." Cinna said.

"No I haven't, care to show me?" I said.

'At least there something to do.' I thought.

I fallowed Cinna down the hall and through one of the doors, which opened up to a stairwell. We walked onto the roof, where the wind howled all around us and it's was nearly defining. Cinna was right when he said it was the best view of the City. I don't think there's any area that isn't lit up. I wandered over to the small railing and looked out over the large City.

Our District was probably half the size of the Capitol, maybe smaller. We often didn't have any electricity and rely on candles to light the rooms. Many nights my father and I would sit by the open oven to keep warm, so that we could see one another. I'd probably never have a night like that again; probably never see my father's kind, loving face again.

"Why do they let us up here? Wouldn't a tribute try to jump?" I ask Cinna.

"You can't jump off it," he said, reaching a hand out. I jump a little at the zap, then his hand is jerked back; some kind of force field. "Let's go down stairs. It's dinner time."

"Oh! I know you!" I looked up to see Peeta.

He was pointing to the red headed girl who was serving us, how could he possibly know someone from the Capitol? The girl looked terrified and shook her head with franticly before she ran away from the room. Peeta turned his attention back to the table confused.

"Don't be ridiculous, Peeta. How could you possibly know an Avox?" Effie snaps and looked a little angry. "The very thought."

"What's an Avox?" Peeta asks everyone around the table.

"Someone who committed a crime. They've cut her tongue so she can't speak." Haymitch cuts in. "She's probably a traitor of some sort. Not likely you'd know her."

But my mind is reeling, caught on the fact that these Avox people have had their tongues cut out, their voices taken from them. I shuddered at the thought of it. I was pulled out of my thought as Peeta was trying to come up with an excuse as to why he thought he knew the Avox girl.

"Delly Cartwright. That's who it is." I said. I gave Peeta a look telling him that he awed me. "I kept thinking she looked familiar as well. Then I realized she's a dead ringer for Delly."

"Of course, that's who I was thinking of. It, just have been the hair." Peeta said giving me a grateful look.

"Something about the eyes, too." I said.

The energy at the table seemed to relax. After dinner we were told tomorrow was going to be our first training session. Peeta and I walk down the hall until we were out of ear shot.

"Have you been onto of the roof?" I ask. Peeta shook his head. "Fallow me."

I led Peeta up to the roof. At first, Peeta seemed a little nervous about being onto of the roof but after showing him that there was a force field he seemed to settle down. We walked over to the garden onto of the roof. We didn't talk for a while.

"How do you know her?" I finally ask.

"We were hunting in the woods one day. Hidden, waiting for game." Peeta whispered, pretending to examine a rose.

"You and your father?" I asked.

"No, my friend Gazle." He said.

'Of course, always with Gazle,' I thought to myself, bitterly.

"Suddenly all the birds stopped singing at once. Except one. As if it was giving a warning call. And then we saw her. I'm sure it was the same girl. A boy was with her. Their clothes were tattered. They had dark circles under their eyes from no sleep. They were running as if their lives depended on it." He said before falling silent for a while.

I pondered on what he just told me. I thought back to the time when I noticed the birds stopped singing one time. It was back in first grade, when one of the teacher asked if anyone knew a valley song. Without thinking, my hand shot up. She asked me to come to the front of the class and asked me to sing. Then I try to imagine Peeta and Gazle in the woods, hiding from this fleeing pair. But I couldn't. That is a side of Peeta that I don't know. I had no idea of the Hunter in Peeta, except for what I see in the game he brings in every day to my father.

"The hovercraft appeared out of nowhere," he suddenly continued. "I mean, one moment the sky was empty and the next it was there. It didn't make a sound, but they saw it. A net dropped down on the girl and carried her up, fast, so fast, like the elevator. They shot some sort of spear through the boy. It was attached to a cable and they hauled him up as well. But I'm certain he was dead. We heard the girl scream once. The boy's name, I think. Then it was gone, the hovercraft. Vanished into thin air. And the birds began to sing again, as if nothing had happened."

"Did they see you?" I asked him.

"I don't know. We were under a shelf of rock." Peeta said, his eyes staring ahead of him.

He was completely lost in the memory of the Avox girl and their brief encounter. I couldn't be sure, but I thought I saw guilt in his eyes. I suddenly want to wrap my arms around his and comfort him. I want to hold him and keep those bad memories at bay. But I also know that he wouldn't let me. He would reject me, step out of my reach, and look at me with uncomprehending blue eyes. He has no idea what kind of effect she has on me.

"You're shivering," Peeta suddenly said. I hadn't realized I was shivering until he pointed me out. He pulled off his jacket off and wrapped it around my shoulders. I smile at him, accepting his jacket full hardily.

"Were they from here?" I asked, returning his attention back to the story. My fingers fumble a little at the top button of the jacket, my finger felt numb. Seeing I was having a hard time fastening the jacket around me, Peeta stepped forward and fastened it for me. He took a step back then nodded.

"Where do you suppose they were going?" I wondered out loud.

A boy and a girl fleeing from the Capitol and ending up on the outskirts of district twelve. Something bad had to have happened to make them run from the Capitol. But where could they have expected to have gone past district twelve? District thirteen had been destroyed, as the Capitol liked to remind us on a regular basis, and there wasn't really much to see beyond Panem.

"I'd leave here." I suddenly say, forgetting to whisper.

I glanced around nervously, thinking that a spy camera and microphone might have picked up on what I said.

"I'd go home now if they let me. But you have to admit, the food's prime." I said trying to sound causal. "It's getting chilly. We better go in, your friend Gazle. She's the one who took your sister away at the reaping?" I ask him as we make our way back to our rooms. I already knew who she was.

"Yes. Do you know her?" He asked me.

"Not really. I hear the boys talk about her a lot. I thought she was your cousin or something." I said not looking at him. "You favor each other."

"No, we're not related." He said me.

I nod my head and avoid his gaze. "Did she come to say goodbye to you?" I'm not entirely sure why I'm asking him, and I can see he was looking at me curiously.

"Yes. So did you father. He brought me cookies." Peeta said suspiciously.

This surprises me a little. He hadn't mentioned that he was going to see Peeta. Although he had always been fond of the Everdeen's, of course he would try to look after the children of the woman he once loved so dearly.

"Really? Well, he likes you and your sister." I said.

Peeta looked a little uncomfortable at this. Perhaps the idea that my father and I might have talked about him and his sister at some point, and then I felt like I had to give an explanation.

"He knew your mother when they were kids." I said quickly.

"Oh, yes. She grew up in town." Peeta said.

His mother hadn't really talked much about her life before the Seam, obviously not about my father. I realized that we're at the door to my room. I quickly pulled off his jacket and gave it back to him.

"Thanks for the jacket." I said.

"See you in the morning then." Peeta said once we were

"See you." I said, before closing my door. I crawled into my bed, not caring to change into a night gown and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, I decided to shower first before putting on black shirt that had red and silver stripes on its sleeves and blue pants that was laid out for me. Today was our first day of training. I was surprised nobody has come to call me for breakfast. As I walk out of my room, Haymitch is walking down the hallway as I leave my room.

"Ah Katniss, just in time. Good morning." Haymitch said.

"Good morning, Haymitch." I said falling instep beside him.

We make our way to the dinning room and sit down to eat. Soon Peeta joined us. "So, let's get down to business. Training. First off, if you like, I'll coach you separately. Decide now." Haymitch said.

"Why would you coach us separately?" Peeta asked immediately, which perks me up a little.

"Say if you had a secret skill you might not want the other to know about," Haymitch said.

"I don't have any secret skills," I said with a shrugg. "And I already know what yours is, right? I mean, I've eaten enough of your squirrels."

"You can coach us together." Peeta said, and I just nodded in agreement.

"All right, so give me some idea of what you can do." Haymitch said, looking between Peeta and I.

"I can't do anything." I said looking down at my food. "Unless you count baking bread."

"Sorry, I don't. But I know you're pretty handy with a knife. That can come in handy." Haymitch said before turning to Peeta. "Peeta what about you? I know you can take a punch but can you take a knife to the head?"

I could tell he was joking but I didn't find it all that funny. I couldn't image Peeta being stabbed without getting nasus or angry. If that did happen I would avenge his death, then ask one of the Careers to kill me. A world with out Peeta would be a living hell.

"Not really. I can hunt." Peeta said bring me out of my thoughts. "With a bow and arrow."

"Are you any good?" Haymitch ask.

I smirked a little at that question. Peeta was far better then good. I know this because my father always buys her squirrels, but only when my mother wasn't around or else my mother would report him to the Peacekeepers. Though, I had my suspicions that Peeta celled to the Peacekeepers, as well.

"I'm all right." Peeta said.

"He's excellent." I said to Haymitch. I wasn't going to let Peeta down grade himself. "My father buys his squirrels. He always comments on how the arrow never pierces the body. Peeta hits everyone I the right eye, all the time. Same with the rabbits he cells at the butcher. He can ever bring down a whole deer."

"What are you dong?" Peeta asked me, suspicion clear in his voice.

"What are you doing? If he's going to help you, he has to know what you're capable of." I said looking straight into his blue eyes. "Don't underrate yourself."

Peeta just glared at me. "What about you? I've seen you in the bakery. You can lift hundred-pound bags of flour. No girl twelve years old could do that." Peeta snapped. "Tell him that. That's not nothing."

"Yes, and I'm sure in the arena will be full of bags of flour for me to chuck at people." I shot back. "It's not like being able to use a weapon. You know it isn't."

"Katniss is strong." Peeta said turning back to Haymitch who was watching our little exchange. "She can lift hundred-pound bags of flour and wrestle. She came in the second in our school competition last year after her oldest brother."

What use is that? How many times have you seen someone wrestle someone to death?" I said sarcastically.

"There's hand-to-hand combat. All you need is to come up with a knife and you'll at least stand a chance." Peeta said, his voice rising. "If I get jumped I'm dead!"

"But you won't! You'll be living in up in some tree eating raw squirrels and picking off people with arrows." I said my voice also rising. "You know what my mom said to me. She said 'maybe district twelve will finally have a winner.' Then I realized she didn't mean me. She meant you."

"On, she meant you." Peeta argued.

"She said, 'he's a survivor that one.' He is." I said, not turning away from Peeta's intense gaze.

That seemed to pull Peeta up short. His eyes looked distant before completely clouding, as if he was going back into a memory of some sort. His facial expression was blank, no trace on any emotions. What was he thinking of? Before I could pounder this any longer, Peeta seemed to snap back into reality.

"Only because I had someone help me." Peeta said quietly.

Me eyes flickered down to the roll of bread in his hands. He was remembering the rainy night when we were kids. When I tossed him the two loafs of bread. Why was he brings that up now? I had no idea how to react so I just shrugged/

"People will help you in the arena. They'll be tripping over each other to sponsor you." I said, not helping the bitterness that seeped in my words.

"No more then you." Peeta said.

I just rolled my eyes before turning back to Haymitch. "He has no idea the effect he can have." I said, refusing to look at Peeta.

The room filled with silence after that. I didn't know why I said it, but it was true. Then I started to worry. Did he take that as a complement or and insult? I meant it as a complement, because it was true. He was the most extraordinary boy I've ever known. If only he knew how I felt. If only… I took a quick glance at Peeta, only to see he was glaring down at the roll in his hands. The muscles in his jaw were clenched, tightly together.

"Well, well, well. Peeta, there's no guarantee that there'll be a bow and arrow in the arena." Haymitch said breaking the silence after about a minute. "But during your private session with the Gamemakers, show them what you can do. Until then, stay clear of archery. Are you any good at trapping?"

"I know a few basic snares." Peeta muttered, as he started to calm down.

"That may be significant in terms of food." Haymitch said satisfied, before he turned to me. "And Katniss, he's right. Never underestimate strength in the arena. Very often physical power tilts the advantage point. In the training center there will be weights but don't reveal how much you can lift in front of the other tributes. The plan's the same for both of you. You go to group training, spend time trying to lean something you don't know. Throw a spear, swing a mace, learn to tie a decent knot. Save showing what you're best at until your private sessions. Are we clear?"

Peeta and I just nod. "One last thing, in public I want you by each other's side every minute." Haymitch said.

Peeta and I started to object, well mostly Peeta. I didn't have a problem with that at all. I would love to spend time with Peeta, seeing as my time on earth is ticking by with every second. Haymitch slammed his fist onto the table shutting both of us up.

"Every minute! It's not open for discussion. You agreeded to do as I said. You'll be together, you'll appear amiable to each other. Now get out. Meet Effie at the elevator at ten for training." Haymitch said.

Peeta and I stand and leave. Peeta stormed off ahead of me and not far behind I hear the loud bang of him slamming his door. I just rolled my eyes and quietly close my door. I crawl on top of my bed and just look at the wall, thinking why Peeta was so upset about this. Did he hate me that much? Could this have been a mistake? No! If I didn't take Prim's place she would definitely be killed, I couldn't let that happen. There mom already lost her husband. It would've been even harder to lose both of one of her kids. Plus, if Peeta was worrying about Prim's safety, he might be killed as well. But to him all I could be was another tribute for him to kill. I looked over at my clock to see it was ten minutes till ten. I got up and quickly brushed my teeth and hair, before running down the hall to the elevator were Effie is waiting. Soon after I arrived, Peeta appears in the same shirt as me with a twelve on the back. All three of us went into the elevator and went down stairs into the training room.

The training room was a large room, with many different stations. There was a knot tying, archery, weights, combat, swords, knifes, survival, camouflage, and a lot more. When we enter the room, the rest of the tributes were in a circle around a woman who looked very athletic. Once we joined them, the women told us that for the next three days we would be in here training and enhancing our skills before our private sessions with the Gamemakers. Then she went on, telling us about the many different stations. She also told us that we couldn't fight with the other tributes before the games started, before she dismissed us.

"Where do you want to start?" Peeta asked.

I was surprised he was fallowing Haymitch's orders, since he was pretty upset about it not to long ago. I looked around at the Career tributes showing off there skills, trying to intimidate the rest of us. Then I saw no one was at the knot tying station.

"Suppose we could go tie some knots." I said with a shrug.

Peeta just nodded and started to walk over, with me trailing behind silently. I didn't want to irritate him more. Once at the knot tying station, the trainer there seemed very delighted that we had chosen him. We spent about an hour or so learning to make a decent trap and snare. Peeta excelled in this skill while I struggled with it, so Peeta insisted we stayed there until I had mastered the simplest trap and snare. After that we went to the camouflage station. It turned out I wasn't half bad at this, and the trainer there was thrilled with my work. I could make my hole hand blend into the fake tree that they had there. Peeta, on the other hand, had some trouble but seemed to be fascinated on my work.

"I make the cakes." I explained. When I looked up I saw that Peeta was watching as a the tribute from district two send a spear through a dummy.

"What cakes?" Peeta asked, not turning around.

"At home in the bakery. The iced cookies, cupcakes, and cakes." I said starting to wash off my hand.

"Nice, if only you could frost someone to death." Peeta said, his words dripped with sarcasms.

"Don't be supior." I said mockingly. "Besides, you don't know what's in the arena. Say there is a giant cake-"

"We should move on." Peeta interrupted.

I just rolled my eyes and washed off the rest of the paint from my hand, then fallowed Peeta to the next station. That's how next three days went. During training we got a lunch break. All the Career's spent lunch together, obviously. Peeta and I acted as if we were just two friends hanging out instead of two tributes plotting how to kill each other. Somewhere along the way, the girl tribute for district eleven started to shadow us but I was sure she was watching Peeta.

On the second night, as Peeta and I walked to bed I said, "Someone needs to get Haymitch a drink." It was true. Haymitch had been getting irritable and seemed on the edge. I heard Peeta make something of a laugh but stopped short.

"Don't. Peeta said not looking at me. "We shouldn't pretend if no one's around."

I felt a sharp pang of hurt at his words. did he really think I was pretending to try and be his friend. Did he think that low of me? Well if he did so be it. I was tired and didn't want to argue.

"All right, Peeta." I said before going into my room.

That was the last time we talked, aside from being in public. In training Peeta and I had mastered all the basics in the survival stations and some weapon and fighting. We steared clear of the weights and archery. All too soon, our private session with the Gamemakers came around. Peeta and I sat in silences as they called tributes names. They started with district one, then went down the row till district twelve. Soon Peeta and I were the only ones left.

"Katniss Mellark." A voice called.

I stand and start to walk to the door, forcing my head high. "Remember what Haymitch said about being sure to throw the weights." Peeta said quietly, causing me to stop short.

"Thanks. I will." I said looking over my shoulder at him. "You…shoot straight."

I saw him nod his head, before I turned back around. I walked into the training room, to find only a few of the Gamemakers were actually concentrating. I could tell that they had been eating and drinking. They had to sit through twenty two other tributes showing what they could do best, and must have had wine delivered to them. I could tell it wasn't going to go well for me or Peeta. For me, this fact didn't really bother me. I knew I was going to die. That was inevitable. But Peeta…no! I couldn't think about that at that moment. I had to focus if I wanted a score higher than two.

I don't go off with a good start. First, I just start chucking heavy balls around. They felt like they were made for lead or something equally heavy. The first few don't go very far, about a food or two. One rolled out of my hand, causing me to jump back in hopes of avoiding a bad foot injury. By some miracle none of the Gamemakers were paying attention to me at that point. Only one or two seemed to notice that there were loud bangs here and there. I started to realize I wasn't going to get any points if I kept this up, so I started to through things I knew. I chose to throw smaller balls, and it was a lot easier.

Most of them now were landing five feet or more away. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that the Gamemakers watching me were smiling in approval and others were now watching me, too. Though the majority of them started to sing or an attempted to sing. It just sounded like a drunken animal in pain. In frustration, I picked up the heaviest weight and throw it. To my udder surprise and some of the Gamemakers as well, the weight landed around fifteen feet away. The loud bang of the weight hitting the ground stopped the drunken Gamemakers singing. I looked up to see almost all of the Gamemakers with a shocked expression.

"You may go now." One said. I was guessing it was the Head Gamemaker.

I politely bowed to them before walking to the elevator and heading up to the twelfth floor. I was somewhat angry with those Gamemakers. I know they had a long day and were probably board or drunk, but they could at least act like they were paying attention. It wasn't that much to ask, was it? Besides, they would have their fun once the twenty-four of us are in the arena and they can do whatever they want to us. Once on my floor, I went to my room and just lounged around. After a while I heard someone shouting then a door bang shut.

"What's going on?" I asked coming out into the hallway to see Effie and Haymitch knocking on Peeta's door and shouting for him to come out.

"We don't know," Effie said, sounding distressed. "Peeta has locked himself in his room, and refuses to come out."

"How did your session go today, anyway?" Haymitch asked.

"It went okay." I shrugged. "I'm going to go back into my room."

Back in my room, I just sit on my bed like usual and stare up at the ceiling, thinking what could've caused Peeta to be this upset. I must've fallen asleep, thinking of Peeta, because I was woken up by the sound of Effie knocking on my door saying it was time for dinner. Dragging myself out of my comfy bed, I walk out of my room and down to the dinning hall. I notice I was still in my training uniform but I didn't care. Cinna, Portia and Haymitch were already there sat when I came into the room. Not long after I sit down, Effie and Peeta show up and take their seats.

Throughout dinner, Peeta kept his eyes down cased not saying anything. As the main course was being severed Haymitch asked the question that I'm sure was on everybody else's mind.

"Okay enough small talk. Just how bad were you?" Haymitch asked.

"I don't know that it mattered. By the time I showed up, no one even bothered to look at me. They were singing some kind of drinking song, I think." I said before Peeta could be burned. "I threw around some heavy objects until they told me I could go."

"And you?" Haymitch asked.

"I shot an arrow at the Gamemakers." Peeta said quietly. Everything went silent. All knives and forks stopped moving with everyones eyes on Peeta.

"You what?" Effie said horrified.

"I shot an arrow at them. Not exactly at them. In their direction. It's like Katniss said, I was shooting and they were ignoring me and I just... I lost my head, so I shot an apple out of their stupid roast pig's mouth!" Peeta said, not looking at any of us.

"And what did they say?" Portia asked gently.

"Nothing. Well, I don't know. I walked out after that." Peeta said. I couldn't help but smirk at what Peeta had done.

"Without being dismissed?" Effie said, shocked.

"I dismissed myself," Peeta said, defiantly.

"Well, that's that," Haymitch said, then picks up a roll and butters it to resume his meal. "What were their faces like?"

A small smile stretches across Peeta lips. "Shocked. Terrified. Uh, ridiculous, some of them. One man tripped backwards into a bowl of punch." Peeta said lifting his head.

That got all of us to laugh. Even Effie had a small smile on her lips. Once dinner was over, we went into the living room to see what scores we got. They go by district, so first was district one then two then three and so on. Most or the Careers got either an eight or ten. Too soon for my liking, it was our turn to see our scores. I was beyond surprised to get a score of nine. Everyone was surprised to see that Peeta got a score of eleven. Rarely would someone get a score that high, even a Career usually wouldn't get that high.

"Good job. I knew you could do it." I said with a small smile, stretching out my hand for him to shake.

Peeta shook my hand, before we were ordered to bed since tomorrow night was our interviews and last day in all before the games started. The next morning there was a familiar knocking and someone saying we had a 'Big, big day.' I groaned and rolled over on my stomach, forcing myself up. I hop into my shower and wash quickly before getting dressed and heading towards the dinning room.

"Morning, Catnip." Haymitch said, as I come into the dinning room. I frown at the new nickname but don't say anything as I take my seat.

"Morning-" Effie starts to say.

"I want to be trained separately." I blurt out before I could stop myself. "I…I want Peeta and I to be trained in private."

"Are you sure?" Haymitch said. I just nod, not wanting to talk about it.

"Is there a particular reason why you changed your mind, Katniss." Effie asked gently.

"I'd rather talk about that later." I said, as Peeta came into the room and took his seat across from me.

Everyone is silent for a long time. This fact doesn't go unnoticed by Peeta. "So, what's going on? You're coaching us on interviews today, right?" Peeta said.

"That's right," Haymitch said, with a small nod.

"You don't have to wait until I'm done. I can listen and eat at the same time." He said making me wince. He couldn't any more.

"Well, there's been a change of plans. About our current approach." Haymitch said. I silently curse him in my head. Just say it. Just tell him. I couldn't do it myself, he knew that.

"What's that?" Peeta asked, confused.

"Katniss has asked to be trained alone." Haymitch said.

Well, now the cats out of the bag. I kept my eyes glued to my food not wanting to see the anger or betrayal on Peeta's face. I wanted to be trained alone for the interview because there was something I didn't want Peeta to know.

"Good." Peeta said. I felt a pang of hurt. He didn't even care. "So, what's the schedule?"

"You'll each have four hours with Effie for presentation, and for with me for content." Haymitch said. "Peeta you'll start with Effie."

After breakfast, Haymitch go to the living room to start thinking what I should say during my interview. I sit on the sofa amd he sits in the chair across from me. For a while we just sit in silnce.

"So, trained alone?" Haymitch asked raising his eyebrow.

"In the arena…I want to protect Peeta. I want him to live," I said, not looking up at him. "But he can't know that's my plan. He wouldn't want me to. You've seen how he is. Peeta doesn't like to be protected."

"Why?" Haymitch asked. "Why do you want to keep him alive in the arena?"

"Because…I….because…I…uh…" I stammered trying to get the words out. "Because…I love him." I finally said.

There. It's out and can't be taken back. Hopefully Haymitch wouldn't laugh too hard at me. But as I look at Haymitch, he seemed to be deep in thought. Maybe he was expecting this, that he could tell I loved Peeta. What would he make me do to keep Peeta alive?

"And we need the sponsors to like you." Haymitch said. I just nod.

"What about Peeta?" I asked. "He doesn't have much of a likeable manners, to most people." I said, feeling a little guilty for saying that.

"Well Catnip, you're going to tell the world that you're in love with him" Haymitch said.

At that I went into a state of shock. I kept opening my mouth to say something, but quickly closed it not knowing what to say. My thoughts were all jumbled up, I couldn't think straight. How could I do that? I couldn't even tell Peeta. How on earth would I tell Peeta?

"Tell them." I repeated. "How? I can't even admit it to him?"

"Then you can finally reveal your feelings." Haymitch shrugged.

"How would I fit that into the interview?" I asked.

"Ceasar will ask you about a girl back home, he often does with a lot of the tributes. Especially those who are as charming as yourself. I have a feeling you and Ceasar will get along very well in your interview." Haymitch said.

"What if he doesn't?" I asked.

"Then work it into the interview." Haymitch said. "Though he won't believe you."

I just nodded. I already new that. Peeta would most likely just laugh at that. Hopefully he won't be mad. Would he ever believe me? Or would he think it was all an act for the cameras. After that we go over on what I should do, which is just act charming and stuff. Then it was time for lunch. I barley had anytime to each my lunch before Effie pulled me into my room for training. My session with Effie was pretty easy since all I had to be taught was how to sit and walk in high heals. Effie seemed pleased that I was easy to train. Then Cinna came in and showed me my dress. It was bright pink with flames at the bottom. After trying on the dress I was able to relax the rest of the night, because tomorrow was our interviews. I somehow found myself back on the roof thinking about tomorrow, the whole world would know my feelings for Peeta, and Peeta would hate me. I walked back down and disappeared into my room. I crawled into bed, my last thought was hoping Peeta wouldn't hate me to much.

The next morning I'm awoken by my prep team. I'm forced to take a shower before the prep team can get me ready. They work on my hair and make up which surprisingly takes most of the day and well into the afternoon. Then Cinna comes in, dismissing my prep team. I smile as he helps me into my dress. Then we're rushed down stairs where I see Peeta in a tux.

Just before we are brought onto the stage, Haymitch appeared behind us and hissed, "Remember, you're still a happy pair. So act like it."

Ceasar seemed to bounce up to the stage. He looked the same as he did every year, except he had dyed his hair blue this year. He began with solo jokes to warm the audience up, before he called the tributes up to where he stood. Each interview was three minutes long and at the end a buzzer would go off to signal the end of that Tribute's time. I concentrated on each tribute as they step up to Ceasar. As the line slowly and slowly get shorter I started to panic. What if he didn't ask? How would I get in that I love Peeta. I'm last so it gives me a little more time.

But all too soon it's my turn. I wait until they call my name before going up to Ceasar. The row of the crowd was so intense I couldn't even hear myself think. I shake my hand with Ceasar before taking my seat.

"Katniss, welcome to the Capitol!" Ceasar said enthusiastically. "Tell me, you're a baker's daughter, am I right?"

"That's right, Ceasar." I said smiling.

"So how does the bread here in the City compare to that back at District Twelve?" Ceasar asked.

"Not quite as fresh as back home, I have to admit." I said joking.

"Tell me, what is different about the Capital then back home." Ceasar asked.

"Those showers are really problematic!" I giggled. "I'm not sure what buttons I've been pressing, but please tell me; do I still smell of roses?" I joke.

"You must be missing home?" He asked.

"Of course." I said, my face going a little grave. "I miss my father."

"What about a boyfriend back home? Waiting for the return of his baker?" He asked me, and I realized it was time to put mine and Haymitch's plan in action. I shook my head in response.

"Beautiful girl like you. There must be some special boy. Come on, what's his name?" Ceasar pressed.

I made a point to sigh. "Well, there is this one girl. I've had a crush on her ever since I can remember. But I'm pretty sure she didn't know I was alive until the reaping." I said.

"He have another girl?" Ceasar asked sympathetically, my thoughts flickering to Gazle. I always thought they had a thing for each other.

"I don't know, but a lot of girls like him." I said, remembering how often the girls at school had whispered of Peeta and how handsome he was.

"So, here's what you do. You win, you go home. The he can't turn you down then, eh?" he said trying to lighten the mood.

"I don't think it's going to work out. Winning...won't help in my case." I said, knowing I had the audiences attention now.

"Why ever not?" Ceasar asked me.

Here goes nothing. "Because…he came here with me." I finally said, lowering my eyes to the ground.