The Two Volunteers: Unplanned

Chapter Twelve

Today is the day of the Reaping and every possible outcome has ran through my head at least 10 times. I had absolutely no sleep last night so I am hoping when we get on the train that Effie will be able to give me something to help me sleep, nightmares or not I think I am willing to deal with them to get some rest. 

Prim didn't have a very nice night either, I heard her tossing and turning in her room. She didn't come to me though, and I didn't go to her. I know what she was thinking about, the same thing she will think about until she is 18 whether I am here with her or not. That would be so terrible, if I had to mentor her in the Games. Of course I would stop at nothing get her out of there and back home, I couldn't care less who the male tribute is. Prim is too important to me. 

I decide I should get up and get ready, Cinna will be here soon with the prep team to get me ready. I need to shower before they get here though so I head into the restroom. I undress and step in, the temperature of the water as hot as it can go. I wash my hair and clean my body, then I just stand in the water and think. 

I am not looking forward to today, I am very nervous about who I could be mentoring. I really fear for Posy the most because she won't stand a chance. But my mother could be in there, Haymitch could. Greasy Say could still possibly go in. The Reaping Bowls with hold Prim's name, my names, Peeta and his family, Madge and her parents, and so many more innocent people who should be safe that aren't because of my attitude. 

If I could redo it, I would take my family and leave. We would just disappear one day and never be seen again. We could be living in the woods, eating rabbit meat cooked over a fire, sleeping in thermal sleeping bags during the winter and on the run from the Capitol. I feel we would be more safe than we are now, even with the threat of freezing to death or being mauled by a wild animal. 

Now is probably a good time to get out, I can hear voices downstairs that tell me Cinna is here. I step out and wrap myself in a robe, walking into my bedroom and sitting for a minute before the come upstairs. It also gives me some time to think about Peeta. Luckily, unless some Quell like this pops up again Peeta will be out of the Reaping next year. Of course if he were to be picked next year I would do the same thing I would do for Prim, work tirelessly to make sure he gets back no matter who the female tribute is. I can't afford to lose him. 

He came to see me yesterday evening, maybe he was trying to calm my nerves about today but it wasn't going to work. At the time it did kind of help, he got my mind off of it for awhile. After he left though, the Reaping and Quell echoed in my mind all night. I wish I could have asked him to stay, especially after how I've been thinking about him. Ever since I talked to Madge the day before I have let the thought of me actually caring for Peeta in more than just a friendship sort of way run wild. I know I shouldn't but I couldn't help myself. 

My door opens before I can ponder on that idea any longer and in comes the prep team, all smiles and different colors. To be honest, they remind me of children. Naive and ignorant. They see the dangers we face as a Game, and it's hard to blame them when they have been brainwashed all their lives. 

"Katniss, why is it I can never get you to leave me your nails?" Octavia says when she sees them. I have a habit, it's hard to break and with all the stress I have been under lately I completely chewed them off. "Luckily, knowing you, I brought the fake nails. Although Cinna doesn't want us to make you look over the top so we have been restricted."

"How so?" I try to sound interested in their sorrow. 

"Hair and nails only." Flavius says. 

"Which includes waxing, and darling your eyebrows need to." Venia says. They get started, my hair being curled with a braid going over the top of my head. Venia gets to work on waxing my legs and she has a lot of fun with my eyebrows. Octavia goes to my nails, placing the fake ones on with care. They are overall black as coal with a flame. I suppose I haven't outlived the girl on fire thing yet. Just as they are finishing up Cinna walks in. Looking over their work he decides they may now leave so he can do my make up and get me dressed.