What if Katniss didn't Volunteer? (Complete) (2013 Watty Award WINNER:)

Part 5

So here I stand, waiting in my tribute parade costume. I must say it is something different, just not exciting. Cinna, instead of putting us in something that represents what our district gives to the capitol, he has given us the opportunity to show everyone what it's really like in our district. Since I help my mother a lot with the healing, he has put me in the same kind of outfit as a doctor. Like, white pants, white shirt, white shoes and a little medic hat. Peeta, has on a white apron over some blue pants, and a nicer looking shirt than he would actually wear at the bakery, and a hat. It's interesting to me, I just don't know about the Capitol people. Our sponsors.

"Are you ready Prim?" Said Cinna who was on my left.

"Yes." I answered. "Just a little nervous." He said

"Don't be, they haven't seen anything like this before, so this will be a great surprise." Then he smiled his friendly smile again,

"Ok."

Screams! They were so loud. The roar of the crowd was too much for me to handle and I thought as though I may pass out. I started to lean backwards, but a large hand grabbed me.

"Prim? Are you ok?" Peeta asked me. I stood back up and shook my head a bit to clear myself..

"Yes, just a bit surprised." He still had his hand on my arm. "I'm ok now." He let go but looked at me with eyes as though he were making a decision.

"Prim," He said "I'm going to get us some sponsors."

Then, without warning, he picked me up and threw me over top of his shoulders. He must have felt pretty sure of himself because the motion was swift and careful. The crowd was going crazy! No one had ever done anything like this before. Were they shocked that when we were about to be thrown into an arena to try to kill each other, yet we were so close? It is very confusing. I catch a look at us on the big TV screen and we look like we are sibling. Actually, we really do look alike. We both have blonde hair and blue eyes. I try to climb into the head of a sponsor seeing us, but we had already made it down to the end of the road and were in front of the President's mansion. President Snow raised his hands to hush the crowd. President Snow was a fat man with a white beard. From here, his eyes looked red. He looked like an animal about to strike his prey. When the crowd had finally settled down he raised his glass.

"Welcome tributes! We are delighted to have you here in the Capitol for the 74th annual Hunger Games!" At that, the crowd went nuts! Screams and cheers and laughs. We were going to die and they were cheering! I hate this place and I hate the people who live in it!

"we wish you, Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" Then the chariot started forward again I was still on Peeta's shoulders. My head almost hit the ceiling when we went under the doors.

We were suddenly surrounded by Cinna and Effie and Portia-Peeta's stylist- and our prep teams. But someone was missing.

"Where's Haymitch?" I asked, suddenly wondering how much he drank tonight. "Is he passed out somewhere?" This comment got a couple of laughs, but not from Effie.

"Actually, young lady, he is talking to some people for you and Peeta. Apparently, they liked your brother sister stunt out there and may sponsor you. Depending on your training scores and your interviews of course. You should be happy; he has never stayed this sober for any other tributes before. You may have a chance at surviving the first day" She seemed mad by what I said and she turned away from me and walked. Everyone followed her so I decided I better too.