The Hunger Games 2 - The Flames

Chapter 3

Then and there i was ready for the games , i didnt have to worry at all , i was ready to protect my fellow tributes that were from district 12. The note Mark gave me was still in my grasp , i couldnt be bothered to read it so i stuffed it into my pocket. "Alright , its curfue now time to go to bed , shoo!" Effie stood up and shooed us off , just as my dad got grasp of my arm. "Amanda , we need to talk" dad said in a deep tone , so i followed him to the top of the train where mum and dad first had a chat without that traitor Haymitch. " Whats wrong dad?" , "I need you to watch out for Primrose , your mothers been worrying and calling everyday to see if shes alright." , "i was already planning to protect her and Uncle Vicky , i havent thought about Mark ye..." , "Good , as long as your saving your family" , " What abo.." , "Lets get inside , it getting cold , i'll tuck you in" , "Dad! im not 3!! , im 16 in 3 days!" I knew it was a joke but he still thinks im 3 , he keeps cutting me off before i say Marks name , he must know about the note.

After dad and i said our goodnights and he tucked me in as if i was young again , but i didnt hesitate. The light were switched off , i couldnt see anything but the light outside as the train zoom past it , i shuffle around in my bed thinking of why dad didnt let me finish. I remember the note i put in my pocket , i sat up and turned up the lamp on , the note was folded into 4 , i open it making sure no one knew i was awake past curfue. " Today , i see the my tributes , next day i go into the arena , i hope not to die , as my one wish i hope to save and protect you , i havent said this to you face to face , im afraid to show you who i really am , you are strong , you are wonderful , i dont see you as just another child a victor had , i see you as a normal happy girl , everytime i see you , i try not to blush , but i cant hide this for long , i wanted to say i really like you , i hope one day you'll be with me and we could both be victors , i dont really want to kill you or myself." i couldnt believe what i just read. He must really mean this , i dont know what to do , this was the first time a guy has ever gave me something like this and explained everything as if it was a poem , no guy like him ever thought of me as just one of them , others thought of me because of my parents "Katniss and Peeta Mellark" i respect Mark , im glad he came along and hes on my protect list.  I sat there thinking , my head started paining me in the head , i decided to call mum to see if she knew what i could do , " Mum , im so confused right now , Mark gave me a note explaining his feelings for me what do i do?" , " Sweetheart , if he likes you thats him , but there isnt much i can do about this , all i can do is just say 'Follow your heart it will decide for you'  need anything else im here okay" , " alright mum , thanks , i miss you" , " I miss you too , just please please come back alive" , "Dont worry , i learnt alot from Uncle Gale , i'll be fine and so will Aunt Prim."

I finished the phone call with mum and went to sleep putting the note back into my pocket so i could take into the arena with me.

It was morning , my prep team came waltsing in like they owned the place , they pulled me out of bed cause i wasnt really bothered to wake up so early ,  after i was out of the bed they stood me up making me stand straight , Carlon brought in a long clothing line with different costumes , they dont expect me to wear all that in the ceremony today are they?. Just before Carlon closed the door of my room , i saw Mark pass by shirtless , his skin was so toned and abs were in right state , i didnt know he looked that amazing , he must have gotten contacts but who cares , hes perfect , the door closed. Carlon skims through the clothing line to probably see an outfit that might match Marks , then he pulled out a dress that had a clear cover over it , it said it was reserved for Amanda Mellark , how could be reserved for me , then there was a knock at the door as Octica walked over and opened the door, "Oh hello , Mr . Mellark sir" it was my dad , what could he possible want? "Hello , just came to see how my lovely daughter is getting on and if she loves the dress" the dress? , wait , is that the one mum wore at the quater quell?. Before my dad came in , the dress was being put on by Porta and Carlon , They added a head piece "Perfect , just like Katniss" they fall back on the chair behind them.

"Theres my beautiful daughter , your looking amazing just like your mum did" dad gave me a knudge on the shoulder making me laugh , i get it i look just like mum but with dads hair colour. "You and Mark will look amazing in the same chariot" dad included "Mark?" , "Yes , hes wearing the costume i wore which is exactly like yours but more men version" , " I thought you didnt like him , i mean you cut me off last night twice" . " I dont , i like him , hes charming like me and i know he likes you cause he told me , that why i said loved ones and cut you off" , " He isnt charming like you , hes handsome and wonderful , whats Aunt Prim and Uncle Vicky wearing?" "You'll see , now im going to go now , i dont wanna waste your prep teams time" he gives me a kiss on the forehead as he slowly gets up holding on to his artifical leg. Porta , Octica and Carlon continued making me over.

I was ready for the ceremony , we are slowly approching the Captial , as Effie and Dad slowly take each tribute out one by one , i come out last i see Mark out not far from where i was , i ran up to him and gave him a hug. "Thanks for the note i thought it was really sweet of you" i looked up in to he glasses free blue eyes. " Its all from the heart , now its just a day till the arena and i might never see you again , i just want to say i love you" his face flashed bright red catching the eyes of the camaras , but he didnt care , he grabbed hold of my hand. "You wont lose me , i'll protect you" I added as i looked down at my feet. We came to a pause were we will get on to our chariots , we walked into the elevator , as only just me and Mark were in the elevator. "I know you will , and i pledge to protect you aswell" Mark added as the doors closed infront of us. "I love you" i bursted out with a calm tone. "Im glad you do" he smiles as he turns to face me as he kisses me. "  Lets get out there and have fun and protect eachother." the elevator door opens as a breeze blows in. I shiver to the coldness " You cold?" , " Yeah , its freezing out here" i replied as his arm wrapped around my waist pulling me into his warmth. "Feel warm?" , " A little" i blush as we make our way onto the chariot , there was 2 of each district , but there was only one of district 12 why?.

Both me and Mark look around for either Dad or Effie. "MARK , AMANDA!!" we hear a shout coming from the  far end of the of the pale room. It was dad running towards us , he was out of breath and stopped at us to huff and puff. "Whats wrong Peeta?" , " we're ...... " , "we're what dad?" , "we're short of tributes now" , "What do you mean Peeta?" , dad looks at Marks arm wrapped around my waist for warmth as he smiles " Glad to see you together when did this happen?" , "DAD! for god sake dont change the subject , what happened ? why are we short?" , " Your uncle Vicky passed away" , "WHEN!" i started to panick as Mark hugged me to calm me down "Just few minutes ago when he got the the train" , " i thought iwas last"

"There has been a change for district 12 , as now there is only Mark Madson and Amanda Mellark , sorry for the confusion but 1 tribute passed away as sickness and agony , but District 12 make your way out" Dad pushed me and Mark towards the chariot as we got on the he pressed button on the headpieces which we were lit alight. Our chariot was pulled away by 4 horses , i look back to see an ambulance taking Uncle Vickys body away with Aunt Prim crying behind. We go further out as the crowd cheers and gasp as Mark holds my hand to know everything was alright. i just smiled and waved to everyone as we approach the Captial arena