Prim's Games

Chapter three

It is not a long ride to the train station from the Justice Building. We ride in a car, which is amazing for me as half of the Seam is too poor to own cars. When we come to the station it appears to be overflowing with reporters and cameras. Peeta has been crying too. His eyes are puffy and he shakes. I, however, decided to stop crying a while ago because I realised it would get me nowhere.

The reporters take photos and try desperately to ask questions. We are led to the train and hop on.

There's no turning back now, I think to myself. The train is so fast that it will take us to the Capitol in less than a day!The tribute train is so fancy that we are all assigned our own chambers. There are drawers just packed with clothes. But I don't want to change, these clothes are my last connection to home.

After relaxing for who knows how long Effie Trinket comes to collect me for dinner. Peeta is already there. He still has a grim look etched into his face. He tries to smile at me, but he shouldn't have, it makes me feel worse.

"What an eventful day it has been!" Effie says, trying to make conversation. Peeta gives her a look that could boil eggs. I'm grateful for her trying, it would be awkward to sit here in silence. "Where's Haymitch?" Effie asks.

"Napping" Peeta says flatly. Effie rolled her eyes.

"Is that code for passed out somewhere?" Effie asks. Peeta smiles in reply.

We eat dinner, I'm not holding back anything considering this is the most food I've had at once in my life. Effie looks a bit disgusted at my manners and appetite but I don't care. What've I got to lose? Once we finish, Effie jumps up from the table muttering something about all the things she has to plan. I grin evilly at Peeta.

"Want to play a prank on Haymitch?" I query. Peeta looks at me in shock, then his expression slowly turns into a grin.

***

We are in Haymitch's room. I'm holding Effie's make-up kit and Peeta's holding a bowl of warm water. Peeta careful slips Hamitch's hand into the bowl of warm water.

"What will that do?" I ask.

"You'll find out in the morning." He replies.

I hold the make-up kit in my hand, having no idea what to do with it. I'd never put make-up on myself before, let alone anybody else.

"Here, let me help you with that." Peeta helps. He clasps the lipstick and smears it over Haymitch's lips. I grasp the purple eye shadow and put it on his eyelids, hoping that's where you put it. Peter holds the glittery silver eye liner and decorates his eyelids.

I giggle as we decorate. We were actually having fun together, even if we did have to go into the games in a few days. At least we would have memories like this to help us through. My sister Katniss would never do something like this, she was to serious and down-to-earth. She'd be disgusted if she saw me right now, she'd say that it was a waste if time.

Haymitch stirs. "Run!" Peeta whispers rather harshly. I run to my chambers and don't stop until I'm there.

Haymitch was going to get a surprise in the morning, that's for sure.

***

I wake to Haymitch's screams in the morning. Yesterday I woke to birds twittering, today I wake to screaming. I guess that I should be getting use to that, especially if I'm going into the Hunger Games. I slowly make my way towards breakfast, still in my pyjamas. Peeta is at the table already, trying to suppress his laughter. A giggle explodes out my own mouth when Haymitch walks in. He looks ridiculous. If it weren't for his clothes I'd think he was a girl.

"You two did this to me, didn't you?" He asks, followed by more curses when he looks in the mirror again.

"I have no idea what your talking about." I reply innocently. Unfortunately, Effie chooses that exact moment to walk in and ask if anyone had seen her make-up kit. Haymitch glares at us. "You two are cheeky, that's going to help you in the games."

"How?" Peeta asks.

"If people think your cheeky and funny, you'll be able to get sponsors."

"And on that note it is time to see your competitors."

Haymitch makes us sit through all the other districts reapings. They are just as awful as as our own. But in districts one, two and four it is an honour to be elected. A guy from two volunteers for another, not to save him, but because he wanted to go into the games!

In District Eleven a girl my age is chosen. She has dark skin and big brown eyes. Like me, no one volunteers for her. She is left standing on the stage alone. I make a mental note to talk to her, we must have a lot in common.

When they show District twelve's reaping my face go's red with embarrassment. I'm making such a big deal, screaming and crying. Now the other contestants will have the lowest expectations of me ever. But is that a good thing or a bad thing?

I guess I'll find out in the games...