The man in the white dress suit smiles at us, eyes sweeping up and down the lines of soldiers in superior satisfaction. He smells like roses and blood, and though I hate the smell, I endure it. I have to stay focused on the mission at hand.
His eyes pause when they come to me and a displeasing tightness forms around them. He walks up the line to where I stand in my Peacekeeper uniform, my helmet tucked tightly under my right arm.
"Katniss Everdeen, step forward."
I do as I'm told, keeping from looking to him questioningly.
"Tell me, why are you here?"
I stand a little taller, propping my chin up more so that it's parallel to the ground. "I'm here to serve the Capitol to the best of my ability. I serve as a soldier to keep the districts safe from the uprising of the rebels and their allies. I will stand between the districts and the rebels and destroy any threat I encounter. I will do everything to keep the Capitol standing. Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever."
The other soldiers join the cry. "Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever!"
I glance over at Peeta in his uniform. He nods to me and joins the chant, louder than the rest.
President Snow just smiles and continues walking.
