The Mockingjay's Daughter

Chapter 8

I scowl, and sit up. I wonder what goes on in that woman's head! Why does she run such a tight schedule, with making people get up so early. I yawn mid stretch, and stand. My legs wobble, but I can maintain. I don't feel like changing out of my outfit from the night before, so I just leave it on.

We can't be far from the Capitol by now, so it doesn't matter what I wear. They will change me out of what I'm wearing for the opening ceremonys, which is pretty much for the Capitol to choose who they will bid on. I leave my hair in the braid, and quickly run down the hall to the dining car.

Effie rushes past me, her face bright red, and mumbling something about how obsurd Haymitch is being. I move around her, barely keeping my balance, and push open the door.

Both Haymitch and Birch sit in chairs, side by side, laughing about something I can't comprehend.

"Sit down! Sit down sweetheart, I don't bite!" Haymitch howls and ushers me over, spilling black coffee with some type of alcohol in it. I scowl, and sit in the chair across from him. At least he seems more sober now.

"So, any tips for in the games, you know to help us survive." I ask, impatient.

"Well here's something for starters Katniss, stay alive." He says, splashing more of his drink onto him. He curses, and tries to rub the coffee stain off.

"My name isn't Katniss." I snap at him, following with an eye roll.

"Well sweetheart, your just like her. In the best, and worst of ways." He says, "You even have her attitude."

I scowl and ask him again, "Now do you have any tips for me?"

"Well, I was just talking with Birch about this, and I don't feel like repeating it." He hisses.

"I don't see how that's fair! He get to know and I don't!" I hiss at him and slam my hand down on the table in anger. I quickly ease out of the mood when food comes.

I fill myself on eggs, bacon, ham, things called hash browns, and other food that I have no idea what it is. I am offered two drinks, hot chocolate, or water. I quickly answer with hot chocolate, and am handed a cup with the brown liquid inside. Birch dips bread in his, taking small sip occasionally, but I quickly chug it down. Haymitch ends up sending his food to the ground, and a Capitol worker come in and cleans it up. I roll my eyes, and quickly finish the rest of the meal.

When I finish, Birch is still eating slowly, Haymitch keeps drinking his clear liquid from a bottle, and occasionally dumps some in his coffee. The room wreaks like awful spirits, and is starting to make my sick. So while Haymitch is still partially sober, I ask questions.

"So, now will you give me more advice, since you seemingly couldn't before." I say, crossing my arms and glaring at him.

"I told you, stay alive, now could one of you guide me to the alcohol car?" He says, practically mumbling.