Chapter 4

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The rest of the train ride is a blur. I vaguely remember eating and sleeping, probably with nightmares from the arena. I was in a haze after being reaped.

What I DO know, now, is that we've arrived. We're here, in the grandiose Capitol.

I almost can't resist. After all, I had only seen the Capitol on a low-quality television set that every family in Panem is required to have in their homes. But I want to start playing the Games now. I have to set up a character for myself that will attract sponsors. I don't have to reach far to come off nonchalant and arrogant.

So, as Maysilee, Lon, and Eloise gather around the window to witness the beauty of the city and our home for the next week or so, I stay in my seat. Of course, I do steal a few quick peeks, I mean, it's the CAPITOL. But I manage to give off the vibe I want.

--

We're hurriedly brushed off to the building where we'll be staying for the next few weeks, called the Training Center. That's where we will prepare for the Opening Ceremony, the Interviews, and, hence the name, train for the Games.

We step into the large metal doors, but we don't go quickly enough for me not to see its greatness. The building is steel and miles high, with glass windows as smooth as water. Capitol-induced, not to my surprise.

Effie escorts us to the elevator, where we step inside and press the number of our district, 12. I expect the ride to be long. After all, we will be staying at the very top, being District 12 and all. But soon enough, the doors are opening.

We're shown to our rooms, and then they let us alone for a few hours. The Opening Ceremony is tonight, and pretty soon we'll be busy prettying ourselves up for that. At least someone's decent enough to give us some down time before the party starts.

Oh, wait. That's for admiring the Capitol. I see it in my room. Why does everything have to be Capitol, Capitol, Capitol? I sit down on my bed. Of course, it's made of silk fabric and down stuffing. Lovely. I take one half of the beautiful and intricate sheets in my right hand and the other half in my left, and I rip them violently.

There, that's better.

I decide to take a nap. I'm exhausted after the Reaping, and it's not like I'm going to have a lot of time to sleep after this. Might as well get some rest now while it's still possible. I'm out right as my head hits the pillow.

--

I'm in a desert. How in the hell did I get here? I turn as I see a boy, very big and very strong, charging towards me with an axe. What the heck?

An then it hits me. I'm in the arena.

Wait, he's trying to kill me. And I'm trying to survive. I need to get home. This won't do. But he's on me before I can react, and in a matter of seconds drives the axe into my skull. Why don't I feel anything?

My blood spills over the ground, and I still can't feel a thing. Then, I see her. My mother, with her sad eyes and cracked lips. She's here?

"Mom!" I shout. Well, at least I try to. But no sound escapes my mouth. Oh wait, I'm dying. That's right, I just got violently stabbed with an axe. That must be why there's red liquid spewing out of my mouth. Gross.

"Haymitch! Oh Haymitch..."

It's my mom. She's crying. She's shouting for me. Suddenly, I'm lying in a wooden box. What's happening? Some people I can't make out place a lid as long as my body on top, and now I can't see anything. Then, I feel myself being lowered.

They're burying me! But, this can't be happening! I'm not dead yet!

"Mom! Where are you?" I try to shout again, but again, I can't speak. Still, all I see is darkness."

I can hear my mother calling still.

"Haymitch! Don't go...don't leave me like your father did!"

Mom? No! I'm not leaving! I swear. I didn't mean it, I swear I didn't...

"Haymitch!"

I hear my name being shout again, but the voice is higher pitched. I feel myself being shaken. No! Stop it! I need to get to my mother! Stop! She needs me...

"HAYMITCH!"

My eyes snap open. It's Maysilee. She's standing over me. She's in my room. Wait, I left the door unlocked?

"What are you doing here?' I snap.

"You're sweating."

I didn't realize it. I notice that Eloise and Lon are also in here. Oh, and look who it is. Effie. Well, I didn't plan on it being a wake up Haymitch party in my room.

Still, I'm shaken up by my dream. Or should I call it nightmare? It's not my blood gushing or the boy with the axe that terrifies me. It's my mother. The pleading in her voice. Begging me to return. I have to go back for her. She needs me. I have no doubt her words will haunt me for the rest of my days, which could be only a few weeks.

No, I can't afford to be thinking like that. I'm coming back. For her.

"Haymitch, the Opening Ceremony is tonight. It's time to see your stylist. Are you alright? We can't have you looking like that for the audience."

Oh, Effie. Sometimes I'd wish you'd just shut up. And, to add to that, I'm hungry.

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