It's Always Been You

Chapter Nine; Forced

"Katniss!" Effie squeals as she embraces me in a hug. "How was your honeymoon, darling? Oh, the ceremony was beautiful, I cried so much. You looked stunning!" She babbles on as I follow her to the dining room of the tribute center. Peeta and I were asked to come back to the Capitol to do a post-wedding interview, and since the reaping is next week, I know that there will be several things to talk about tonight.

"The honeymoon was nice, very peaceful." I say, taking a seat at the dining table. I greet Cinna and Portia, and Peeta sits next to me. Haymitch is on my left, and the rest sit across from us.

"I'm glad you had a nice time, sweetheart." Haymitch sneers, pouring me a glass of wine. I grin as I take a sip of it. Haymitch has put something that probably wasn't permitted in it, because it's abnormally strong. I look over to him, and he mouths the words 'to ease your mind.'

I shrug, gulping the drink quickly and picking at a piece of bread. As everyone makes small talk of the reaping, and what to expect with the interviews tonight, I sit in silence, not even touching my food. Dinner lasts about an hour, and I hate every moment of it. I settle with just eating a few pieces of chicken before going off with Cinna to get dressed.

As we walk down the wide corridor, I don't say anything. There is nothing to be said. Cinna gives me a look, frowning and shaking his head. He finally breaks the thin ice, speaking softly. "How was your honeymoon, truly?"

"It was nice." I say, following him into the prep room. "I didn't have much on my mind, and I was able to relax for what feels like the first time in a year. The beach was very calming."

"Good. I'm glad you were able to have a nice time." Cinna pulls a long, red lace dress out of the closet, handing it to me. "I designed it so it would fit your body nicely, but wouldn't be too uncomfortable like always. Now that you're married, President Snow said that we should give the vibe that you'll be less revealing, because Peeta doesn't want all of Panem to see what is his 'exclusively.'"

"You're joking," I whisper, shaking my head. "So now, he's going to control my sexuality with Peeta? That's private, and the whole world shouldn't be assuming that were even having sex! This is absolutely ridiculous!" I hiss, wanting to fall to the ground in a pool of sobs. I lean up against the wall, holding in my emotions the best that I can.

"I'm sorry that this is how you have to live, Katniss." Cinna starts, trying to comfort me the best he can. "I know it seems terrible, but at least you don't have to wear those short, revealing dresses anymore..."

I shrug.

"I'm going to go check on a few things with Portia, I'll be back in five minutes." The door slams behind him, and I jump, my heart racing. I want to rip this stupid dress apart, but I do as everyone says. I slip it on, but it's not as easy as usual. The dress is skin tight at the chest, and my breasts are completely exposed. There is only a small amount of fabric covering my nipples. I look in the mirror in disbelief. I feel even worse than before. Was Cinna tricking me about the whole 'less revealing' look? When he returns, he looks at the dress for a moment, giving me a puzzled look.

"Oh my god, Katniss. I must've used the wrong measurements, the dress wasn't supposed to fit like that. Take it off immediately." I take the dress off, handing it to him. He measures around the top of the dress, raising an eyebrow. "Actually, I used the correct measurements. I think you have have moved up about two bra cup sizes.

My jaw drops, and I'm still left with nothing to say. I shake my head. "Why the hell would I grow two bra cups in only three weeks? I wouldn't be surprised if Snow drugged my drinks so I'd look sexier."