A lot of this part may differ from the movie because it was mainly based around how Katniss and Peeta reacted/looked out for eachother, but as you've read, theres no Peeta in this version! So I've sort of had to include things that are twists in the book, this is from Katniss' P.O.V unless I suggest otherwise!
Please don't forget to comment ideas about the games etc, as they will have to be alot different. Thanks!
I knew that the train would be something of a high standard, but I didn't expect this. Chrome and mahogany everywhere, it even smelt new and luxurious. We were pushed into a long room, and made to sit down on padded leather seats. I didn't want to move, I just wanted to sit here forever. I hadn't even bothered looking at Gale; I knew if I did, I wouldn't be able to control the words that'd exit my mouth. I was so confused about everything. My emotions had been bundled into a suitcase and thrown to the back of my mind, I didn't want to be angry or sad or regretful, and I just wanted to remain emotionless. But that’s when he spoke, Gale, who had such a broad voice, had been reduced to a shaky mess. "Katniss... Why" he splutters everywhere trying to hold his tears back, "Why won't you look at me?"
"Why did you volunteer? Why did you leave your family? How could you be so stupid Gale, how could you...” I'm screaming at him but I get no response, turning round I notice Haymitch and Effie had walked into the cabin, but Gale sat there, still and lifeless. "Manners Katniss!" Effie shoots a look at me, if only looks could kill, that'd be ideal right now. "Off we go Haymitch, they need to sort this out" she says in her squeaky capitol voice, dragging a drunken Haymitch from the room. "Are you going to answer me? Or just sit there mute for the whole journey. Or even the whole games? Or is that your plan? Act all innocent even though you're tall and to well built to be from 12?" Silence. I had no idea why I questioned his build, I mean, it doesn't quite add up, that he’s so well build but from District 12. No one is well built in District 12.
"What does my height and build have to do with anything Katniss? I volunteered yes, I don't know why I did now, and it seems totally pointless." His seam grey eyes had clouded over with tears, matching the eyes that Peeta had in the Justice Building. "Why did you volunteer? You have everything you want at home! Back at District 12!”
"But now you're here, I wouldn't have you. Just like you wouldn't have Prim if you hadn't of volunteered!"
"Don't you dare use Prim and me volunteering against me in this? You volunteered for someone you've never spoken to? Why? To see your best friend for an extra day or two?"
"See that’s the thing Katniss, some things that I've never told you. I do know that boy, Peeta Mellark, I know he saved your life when you were starving before we met; I owed him for saving you. So I volunteered." Gale had given up looking at me now; instead I sat perched, starring at him. How... How could he know about that, about me and Peeta? I didn't know what to think or say anymore. This had just made me feel worse, if that was possible. So I just got up and walked out. Walked anywhere. I needed silence, I needed to feel nothing. But every little thing reminded me of a painful emotion, something I couldn’t shake off. Why did I care so much Gale had volunteered? It's his choice. But there was more to it. More than he was letting on.
It wasn't long before I awoke to hear mumbles coming in from the cabin behind. I had no idea how long I'd been asleep, but somehow I had drifted off. I followed the noise of talking until I found myself in the breakfast cabin. "Nice of you to join us sweetheart" Haymitch managed to spit out before taking another gulp of Whiskey. I could smell it in the air, the same smell as some of my mother’s healing ointments, I hated the smell, it reminded me of poor ill souls, bundled on the table and left for my mother and Prim to try fix them up. "What were you talking about before I came?" I looked around for at least a glimmer of interest off Haymitch. Nothing. I take it we're not going to get anywhere if he carries on drinking, but no one dares to take the glasses or flasks away, everyone knows the reason why he drinks. The games did this to him, and years of mentoring. He'd been doing this for nearly 25 years now.
Gale was opposite Haymitch, staring blankly out of the window, probably waiting to see the first glimpse of the Capitol. "So, any tips for us Haymitch?" Gale spits out. "Oh you who think you have a choice? Like the other how many? 20 or so I've mentored. If you really want some advice I think you two should stop arguing and get people to like you. Oh not what you thought? It's alright being all strong willed, but when you're hungry, thirsty, injured, who do you, have to save you? Sponsors. Getting people to like you is the key part to stay alive. But you're not doing such a good job at the moment, get smiling and waving out of the window when we pull up. That should make a good first impression. Or you can both keep pugging about that argument you had." So that was it, Haymitch's wise words. I didn't even expect him to be so honest. But I guess I should try making good impression beings as though I'm not good at getting people to like me.
