The Sword's Other Half

Arriving in The Capitol

I walk into the food cart to see Haymitch and Peeta talking. “That’s a good way to get killed,” Haymitch tells him.
    “What’d I miss, Haymitch?” I ask as I take a seat beside him.
    “I was just giving some life-saving advice,” he tells me.
    “Like what?” I inquire tilting my head slightly in question.
    Peeta turns to me, “I was asking about how to find shelter.”
    “Which would come in handy if, in fact, you were still alive,” Haymitch tells him.
“The best way to stay alive; however, is to get people to like you. I don’t think you’ll have trouble with that, Sweetheart,” he tells me. I smile at him and pass him the jam for his toast. “Thanks, Princess.” He looks at both Peeta and I and explains further, “Well, when you’re in the middle of The Games and you’re starving or freezing, some water, a knife, or even some matches can mean the difference between life and death. And those things only come from sponsors. And to get sponsors you have to make people like you.”
“There it is,” Peeta says as he goes to the window.
I run over and stand next to him looking out at the waving crowd. I smile widely at the crowd and wave back kindly causing them to cheer louder. After the train parks we are escorted to prepare for the Tribute Parade.
I am laid out on a table to be washed and waxed. I did my best to hold in the pain from the waxing but I still flinched a couple times. After the waxing I lay on the table in wait for Cinna; my stylist. The door opens and a voice suddenly speaks up causing me to sit up to see a normal looking Capitol citizen. He is a shorter dark skinned man with normal hair and clothes, “That was one of the bravest things I’ve seen. With your friend. My name's Cinna.”
“Hi, Cinna. My name is Melissa. It’s nice to meet you. I’m sure I’m in capable hands,” I tell him with a gentle smile.
Cinna smiles and sits next to me, “I’m sorry that this happened to you, and I’m here to help you in any way that I can.”
“Most people would just congratulate me, Cinna. This is a nice change of pace,” I tell him.
“Well, I don’t see the point in that. So tonight, they have the Tribute Parade. I’m gonna take you out and show you off to the world,” Cinna says.
“So you’re gonna pretty me up?” I ask jokingly.
“You don’t need help with that. But I will help you make an impression. Now usually they dress people in the clothes from their district,” he says.
“We’re coal miners,” I say.
Cinna shakes his head, “Yeah, but I don’t wanna do that. I wanna do something that they’re gonna remember. Did they explain about trying to get sponsors?”
“Yeah, Haymitch mentioned it earlier.”
Cinna stands up and begins to play with my hair, “I just think somebody that brave shouldn’t be dressed up in some costume, now should they?” Cinna proceeds to dress me up then escorts me to meet Peeta. (AN: Her outfit is the same as Katniss but it is sleeveless to show off her soulmate mark and her hair is in a side dutch braid over her left shoulder.)
We are doing final touches to our outfits. “Okay, this is safe. I promise.  It’s not real fire. These suits are built so you won’t feel a thing,” Cinna tells us.
“Looks pretty real to me,” Peeta says.
I look at him and smile, “That’s just because Cinna is good at what he does.”
Cinna smiles at me and asks, “You ready?” I nod and smile at him. “Don’t be afraid.”
“I’m not afraid. I trust you,” I tell him.
Cinna helps me onto the chariot and we follow the other Tributes to the middle. I smile and wave at all the people cheering. Peeta grabs my unoccupied hand and I let him raise it up making the crowd go wild. We finally pull up next to the other Tributes and President Snow begins his speech.
“Welcome. Welcome. Tributes, we welcome you. We salute your courage and your sacrifice. And we wish you Happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor.” The crowd cheers as we return to the back.
“That was amazing!” Cinna tells us when we see him.
“We are all anybody’s going to be talking about,” Portia says.
“So brave,” Haymitch sarcastically says.
I smirk at him, “Are you sure you should be near an open flame?” 
He matches my smirk, “Fake flame? Are you sure you…” Haymitch stops and stares behind.
Turning to see what he’s staring at my eyes meet with bright blue ones. Suddenly my right arm is engulfed in pain. I grab it and cry out as I fall to the ground. My eyes never leave those blue ones as the owner of the eyes falls to the ground repeating my actions while staring deeply into my eyes. I feel Haymitch and Cinna quickly kneel beside me in worry but I never move my eyes away from his.
“Oh my God,” Haymitch says as he looks between us. I tear my eyes away from those beautiful blue ones long enough to look down at my arm which isn’t in pain anymore. My right arm now holds a completed sword the new side containing angel wings. I look into those blue eyes in disbelief and shock. Haymitch begins to lead me away and I never break eye contact until I can’t see him anymore. I suddenly feel sadness engulf me. 
Effie breaks me out of my thoughts, “So each of the districts gets their own floor. And because you’re from 12 you get the penthouse.” After taking the elevator we reach a very beautiful looking room. “So this is the living room. I know, I know. Now, your rooms are right over here. Why don’t you go clean yourselves up a little before dinner?”

After showering I sit on my bed and play with a remote that changes the wall’s scenery. I pull up an image of some woods. I can hear the birds chirping and the wind blowing through the trees. I sit on my bed and think. ‘Well time to bite the bullet.’
{AN: Italics is Melissa speaking in her head to Cato and bold is Cato speaking to her.}
    So, do I get the pleasure to know at least the name of the one I’m destined to be with?
    Damn, you scared me. Hehe, my name’s Cato Hadley. What about you, Beautiful.
    Well, aren’t you a charmer. I’m Melissa Fae Knight. I’m sorry, a Career like you ended up with someone like me. I will totally understand if you want to either reject the bond or to keep it hidden.
    Whoa, whoa. I wouldn’t want anyone else. We were destined to be for a reason. I may be a Career but I’ve never been like everyone else. I just hide it well. I am so lucky to have you as my soulmate. You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen and from what I can tell from you’re half of the mark and just talking to you, you’re just as beautiful on the inside.
    How’d I get so lucky?
    That’s my line.
    I have to go. Effie is calling me for dinner. Can you meet me on the roof later? I want to talk to you more but this time in person.
    I wouldn't miss it.