Dandelions in the Spring

Chapter 1

After eating a satisfying breakfast of bread rolls, cheese and strawberry jam, I head upstairs to get dressed. I draw the curtains closed, so that Haymitch or any other neighbors won't see me, and turn on the light. From my wardrobe, I pull out peach coloured top, a brown skirt, and a pair of brown leather lace up flats. As I step out of the bedroom, I glance at myself in the mirror. Thirty years has changed me, and the girl staring at me now looks very different from the war stricken girl who existed years ago. But of course, some things never change, never leave; the memories, the scars both mental and physical, and most importantly, my love with Peeta.

I approach the fence hesitantly, the one separating District 12 from the woods. I haven't been over here for a while, so I cautiously draw nearer, and place my ear inches away from the wire. The usual hum, which sounds eerily like Tracker Jackers, is today absent. The fence has been de-electrified, though if it is permanent, I am unsure. Relishing the feeling of freedom that washes over me, I carelessly squeeze through a gap in the fence. Suddenly, the world of District 12 melts away, and I am transported back in time, a sense of nostalgia churning inside me. The fresh scent of pine trees is so welcoming, the sun warms my chilled skin, and the lush green surrounds make my heart jump. It's as if nothing has changed after all this time, and the thought is comforting.

I allow my feet to take over from my mind, and lead me to my personal paradise. As I continue walking, things click in my memory, and I begin to realise where I am going. I allow my mind to take charge again, as I travel through the familiar meadow of daisies, and I know I am almost there. In the distance, I see a brilliant sparkling blue, which is the lake. Unable to wait any longer, I kick off my shoes and sprint to the edge. My feet sink into the long, mushy grass, and I almost topple over. The lake is beckoning me, and I answer just as hungrily, hurriedly stripping off my clothes, down to my underwear and bra. It feels so great to swim freely, without cameras burning holes into my back. I float around for a while, remembering all the times I've come here with Prim and my father. I even swim around underwater, with my eyes tightly shut, and the paranoid part of me feels as if I'm swimming into some Capitol pod. Once my fingers have become as wrinkled as raisins, I figure its time to get out. Of course, I have forgotten to bring a towel. All this free time is making me irresponsible, but I don't mind. Instead I sit on the rock, like a mermaid, soaking up warm rays of sunlight. I then put my clothes and shoes back on, and walk home with my heart feeling a lot lighter than it was this morning.

I cross the courtyard of the Victors' Village, which doesn't even need to be called that anymore, as all the surrounding houses are built to equally high standards, and sort of blend in with the Victors' Village. Even so, the circle of houses, which was once the Victor's Village, is still discernible. I cross Haymitch's path, and make a mental note to visit him later. As I approach my own house, I notice a figure standing on the doorstep, waiting. I know it isn't Peeta or Haymitch, so I automatically draw back, tripping over a shrub. The rustling noise captures the figure's attention, and the person turns around sharply. Then a voice calls out, 'Katniss!' and the familiarity of the voice makes my mind spin. 'Mum?' I call out into the distance.