Once our prep teams have finished babbling praise about our costumes and how we held ourselves perfectly, Katniss turns to me. I think she is about to speak to me, but she just looks at our intertwined hands then releases them. I realise just how tight she was holding them, and we both have to massage our hands to get the blood circulating again. "Thanks for holding on. I was getting a little shaky there." I tell her.
"It didn't show. I am sure no one noticed." Katniss assures me, Katniss? Reassuring me? She defiantly has a different side to her, one I have never seen.
"I'm sure no one noticed anything but you." I tell her honestly, "You should wear flames more often" I smile back at her; no girl can make me smile so true like this. She is special. A faint hint of happiness flickers in her eyes. Does she finally see how I feel about her? Apparently not. I see her give a slight confused face and she is obviously deep in thought. She then reaches up on her tiptoes and kisses me on the cheek… right on my bruise from Haymitch.
She thinks she is being so clever doesn't she? Does she really think I can't see what she is doing? I know what's going through her head. She does not want me to see her as a weakling. My father, Graze and I are apparently 'People people', we can understand people more than others. I won't follow it, although that kiss on the cheek made me feel otherwise. Warmth is still surging through my body when I touch my cheek. But I know better.
The training center is a tall tower situated in the town square, opposite the president's mansion. It's almost like he prefers to personally keep an eye on us. All the time.
There are twelve floors (Plus the roof) besides the main floor, above ground. There are- only god knows how many floors could be below this very building. Each floor belongs solely to one district. Meaning Katniss and I are on the twelfth floor. At least we must have the best view, well, besides the roof.
Once everyone in front of us has been to their floor, we go in. I offer to press the button and we start to go up at a great speed. I've only been in an elevator once before, to say goodbye to my family, how I wish I could see them right now. Though, that one is a lot more- well basically, it's really old! It has this horrible smell which I can't describe and it only, probably goes around 3mph.
Whereas, this one is made, of crystal or glass. In the Capitol, the more extravagant the better, so I presume it is crystal then. Also, this one most likely goes at 20mph, so we are at our floor in no time. I look to Katniss and she actually seems to be enjoying herself. Really, an elevator ride is all it takes to make her smile? She is even prettier when she smiles. I didn't even think that was possible.
When Effie steps out of our elevator, I am instantly annoyed. She is staying here with us? I thought she just escorted you to the Capitol, and then left you to your own devices. But apparently, no, she helps us with sponsors; I suppose that's good so Haymitch isn't by himself. She also keeps us (and Haymitch) on schedule, another good thing, because Haymitch and, I suppose, Katniss aren't very well organized. He's always late to the reapings and any social events. Whilst Katniss is always late to school and her classes.
So, both Haymitch and Effie are seeing Katniss and I into the arena. I just hope for our sakes, that they keep that calm ability to talk to each other without fighting. Otherwise we are in trouble. BIG trouble.
Effie seems happier than ever today, because of our costumes. She keeps going on and on about how she has never escorted any tributes like us before. I kind of feel sorry for Effie, how ecstatic she can get purely by some fire on a leotard. What does go through the Capitol citizen's heads?
Effie continues to talk about how she has being talking us up all day, trying to get us sponsors. "I've been very mysterious though. Because, of course, Haymitch hasn't bothered to tell me of any of your skills and talents. So I've done the best with what I've got. How Katniss volunteered to take her sister's place in the reaping. How you have both been able to overcome the barbarism of your district!" Barbarism? Is she seriously talking about etiquette? At moments like this. Whilst she pretties us up to die. And she wants to talks about barbarism, maybe she should look in a mirror.
"Everyone has their reservations, naturally. You being from a coal district, but I was very clever and said 'if you put enough pressure on coal it turns into pearls!'" She is kidding right? The 'catchphrase' is 'if you put enough pressure on coal they turn into diamonds' although, neither of them is true.
"Unfortunately, I cannot seal the sponsor deals, only Haymitch can do that. But do not worry, I'll hold him at gunpoint at this very table if it comes down to it!" At least she is willing to help fight for our survival, well. More like fight for her promotion.
