Prim's Hunger Games

Part Two: The Goodbyes

I sit in a rich chamber, filled with plush sofas and furniture. The soft fluffy carpet feels softer than my whole mattress and bed at home. I run my fingers through the sofa's fabric. I even touch the ornate glass lights until I'm told to stop it by the peacekeeper that's watching my every move through his darkened mask. An attendant comes in and offers me a beverage but I'm not up for that. I ask when my family are coming. All I get is a brisk reply of "soon."

After what seems like a lifetime of waiting, the door bursts open and i'm on my feet. I see my mother and Katniss and I don't hesitate to launch myself into their arms. And then we're crying. We're all crying, even Katniss who never does.

"Prim," she chokes out, "I'm so sorry I was going to volunteer, they took me away."

This just makes me feel worse.

"Any advice?" I ask, I know Katniss knows how to get food.

"Hope for trees. Climb trees to sleep in at night. Stay off the ground and hide. Don't fight until you have to."

I nod.

"You're quick Prim. I've never told you but you have good aim. Don't go into the cornucopia. You can grab a backpack from an unoccupied corner of the Cornucopia. Don't go to feasts."

I'm listening intently so I can remember as much as possible.

"Eat as much food as possible in the capitol. You need strength for the arena. As soon as the gong sounds get the hell out of there. Get your pack and run away. Find a water source and try it in small amounts incase it's poisonous. Don't eat any berries. You know pine trees?"


I nod my head.

"You can eat the insides of those. Eat animals if you can. You can climb fast, you're light. Don't light fires, if it gets cold, stick it out until morning. Play solo unless you absolutely have to. With alliances you will eventually have to break it off. Don't fight until you have to, keep your calm and wait for everyone else to stop surviving."

This is good, I need to listen.

"When you're in training. Maybe throw a knife once or twice, in an unoccupied corner of the gym. Make it feel comfortable your hand. Don't show of your skills. You must try the edible plants station. The more food you can get the better. Also, snares, try working with string and wire, be able to catch meat. I know this will be hard for you, but I believe in you."

Now I truly am in danger of crying, but I know I can't.

"How can I possibly win? I'm only twelve! I could never beat an eighteen year old!"

"That's why you lay low. Wait until there's only a handful of players left. You can make it. I know that Prim." She kisses me on my head.

"Prim I haven't said the most important part yet."


I tilt my head to the side. What could be more important than survival in these games?


"If you don't make yourself memorable, you could have your face projected into the sky at any minute. If you're not telling a good story, then you could die."

I'm confused, what does she mean?
"What?" I ask.

"It's all a big television show. We've seen the Gamemakers do things to manipulate the tributes. You need the capitol people to remember you. Get a good score. You can be the little girl from district twelve. Let the remake centres do what they want to you. In your interview be calm. Show off your skills. You're the little girl from district twelve, but she will not be underestimated. Even though she is small, she will fight. Tell him your strong points but don't give away too much. Say you're quick, hard to catch and know survival skills. You're brave and you will NOT be underestimated. That can be your story."


I'm nodding now because I know what she means. And I'm so grateful that I don't have to think of this alone. Although she doesn't know it, Katniss has already given me a huge advantage.

"Thank you so much Katniss." I whisper.

"It's ok, little duck." She replies. Now wipe those tears away." She uses her thumb to wipe away the tears. "You can't cry, save it for the train where there aren't any cameras. You need to be strong."

I nod. "Now, repeat to me, what do you have to do?" Katniss says.

"I can eat pine. Work with edible plants station and knots and snares. Work on a knife a bit, feel it comfortable in my hand. No Cornucopia, get away fast with a small pack. Test water slowly and show off some skills in the interview. Stay hidden, sleep in trees and wait for the handful of competitors to shrink. I'll try Katniss. I really will."

"Specify in blades, they're the most common weapon in the arena, stay away from the careers, have the audience on your side. You can do it Prim. We'll be waiting for you back in District Twelve."

"Oh! I almost forgot." She walks towards me and hands me a picture. It's old. Very old, about five years. It's of our whole family. My mother, Katniss, little seven year old me and my father. He was blown to bits in a mine explosion five years ago. Now I truly am in danger of crying. This simple gesture leaves me weak. This is one of my mothers most prized possessions. She has few pictures of my father.

"Take this with you." She says. A stray tear stains my cheek. I wipe it away with my thumb.

"Thank you."I whisper.

My mother and I exchange a few words. And then the Peacekeepers come in and we're asking for more time but they're taking them away, away from me.

"I love you Prim!"

"I love you too Katniss. I'll really, really try," I promise.

And with that they're gone.  

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