Rising Storm

Chapter 22

Katniss

I walk slowly to the door of my dressing room and see my worst nightmare standing on a maniquin in the corner. "Of course," I growl. "What better color for a funeral shroud than white?"

"I'm sorry," Cinna says softly. "But they gave no other option. After all, the Capital voted hard for this one. They want to see you in their wedding dress." I nod and self conciously lay my hand on my stomach.

"And it will still fit?" I ask.

"I've made a few alterations," Cinna says. "They shouldn't be able to notice your little one, especially after they notice the main event, they won't be looking at your middle." I nod and look up at him.

"Alright then," I say. "Lets do this then." He helps me step into the layers and layers of white lace, each which are each carefully laced onto my body. There are thousands of pearls embroidered onto my dress, and lace of swallows in flight. I touch one between my fingers and sigh.

"What is it?" Cinna asks as he works on my hair.

"I would have loved to wear this dress," I say softly. "Any other day of my life, I would have adored this dress. But I feel like all it is is a reminder of everything I will never have."

"Just don't let them see your pain," Cinna says. "And remember. Give them a twirl. It'll help them see you all." I nod and he ties a white ribbon on each of my wrists, which allows my skirt to be lifted and I can walk easier. I step down off my pedestal. And Cinna pins a long veil to the back of my head. I glance in the mirror but quickly turn away, not wanting to look any longer at a the lost future. I walk out of the room and down the hall without another thought.

I'm gathered with the other female tributes. I notice a dress made of lights. Cashmere's gown of gold and jewels. Enobaria's warrior like armor. But i stand out, and get looks from all of them. None of them say a word until Johanna Mason steps forward in her dress of papery birch bark to stand beside me.

"Snow's idea?" She asks. I nod and she reaches forward and straightens the thin gold chain around my neck, a mockingjay necklace from Peeta for my 17th birthday. "Make them pay for it." I tilt my head as if to ask what she means, but shes already walking up to get in line. I hear agasp as Effie and the others walk up. I turn to see her crying.

"Oh Katniss," She squeaks and I open my arms to let her hug me. "You would have made such a beautiful bride." I glance at Peeta over her shoulder and he just gives me a sad smile. Effie pulls away and straightens my skirt, taking a good look me again.

"You do look good sweetheart," Haymitch grumbles and I nod to the old drunk.

"Thank you, but its all Cinna's work," I say and Peeta comes to stand next to me.

"Not all of it," He says and I feel his arm on my waist. I look up at him and lay my head lightly on his shoulder. I feel a tear try to slip from my eye, but I don't let it.

The interviews start as normal. Some are angry, some, like Cashmere tearfully bid their fans farewell. Finnick reads a poem to his great love. Johanna hilariously curses them all out and gives obscene gestures. But finally, it is my turn. I walk out and the crowd is silent. I know what I'm going to do. I've known from the moment they announced what I would do in this moment. As expected, Ceasar asks if the Mockingjay might have another song for them. I step slowly to the microphone and hear the music I wrote begin to play. The muscicians bringing my song to life. Thanking God I didn't let them see the lyrics, I begin singing.