After the war (A Mocking jay sequel)

Chapter Two- The Capitol

Katniss's POV-

It's Caesar Flickerman. He says something about a reunion and other stuff. I barely listen until I hear my name and Peeta's name. We are supposed to go back to the Capitol in three days! We have never gotten a call about this, and just then, the phone rings. Giving us a heads-up before they aired it to Panem would've been nice. But now we have to go. I think that was the point.

3 days later...

Katniss's POV-

Peeta and I are packed for the Capitol and leave in an hour. I'm dreading the trip.

We end up leaving a little earlier. The paparazzi crowd our house. I hate the spotlight, but I guess that's what comes with saving the country from a dictatorship.

We barely get to the train on time, with everyone following us and blocking our way. I really want to give them death glares, but Peeta insists I wave and smile, and so I do.

At the Capitol

Katniss's POV-

As soon as we get to President Paylor's mansion, I go see her. I am furious. Peeta tries to calm me down by reminding me that she is now the ruler of Panem. That just makes me madder.

When I reach her office, I don't even bother knocking; I go right in.

"Hello, Kat-" I cut her off and say, "What the hell was that?" I pause. "Announcing to Panem that I would go to a reunion I didn't even agree to go to, or want to go to!! I'm not ready! My wounds are still fresh!" I yell.

I try to compose myself.

President Paylor stares at me for a few moments and says, in an oddly calming tone, "All of our wounds are still fresh. And let's be honest with each other, our wounds will always be somewhat fresh. We need to show all of Panem how you're doing. You don't have to be okay. Just explain how you're doing and socialize for a few minutes, and then you can leave."

I pause, shocked, then say, "That's it?" She nods. "That's it."

I take a moment to process the information and ask, "Well, if that's it, then why didn't you just call before?" She puts on a smile and says, "Because I knew you'd hang up the moment I mentioned coming back to the Capitol and wouldn't hear me out." I nod. I'm still a little mad. I leave the room and turn to Peeta.

"So that's all she wants us to do? Tell Panem how we're doing, socialize with others for a few minutes, and then we can leave?" I ask. Peeta nods. "Yep. I guess so." I shake my head. "What is it?" Peeta asks, concern on his face. "It's too easy," I reply. Peeta looks at me, confused. "She wouldn't have mentioned on live TV that we were going to the Capitol without warning me first if it were something this simple. Something big is gonna happen, and I want to be ready."

Peeta looks at me. He knows it's true, but being the good, amazing guy he is, he gives her the benefit of the doubt. I feel that's why we're so good together. He gives the good side of things, and I give the bad, though not always.