People crowd around me, adding makeup, styling my hair, making me look beautiful. I feel as if I am in the Capitol, which is quite ironic since 13 is meant to be its opposite. I am handed a long pole and Fulvia shoves me up to a small stage.
-"Okay Katniss," Plutarch's voice booms through the speakers around me, "Whenever you're ready."
Thick, gray smoke rolls into the room and lands by my feet.
-"People of Panem, we fight, we dare, we end our hunger for justice!"
No matter how many times I rehearsed that line, it still was as lengthy and uncomfortable.
-"Let's try that one more time Katniss," Plutarch states.
It's very obvious that I am awful at this, but no one has the guts to say it. We run through the line a few more times, but I see no improvement.
-"I think that's enough." Plutarch says, exasperated.
I step down from the stage and lean the pole against the wall. Both Peeta and Gale walk to me, but Peeta stands to the side once Gale grips my arm.
-"You did good." He sounds genuine, even though he is wrong
-"Thank you." I reply. "I need to head to the hospital. I have another appointment there."
-"See you at dinner." He kisses my cheek.
-"You're going to the hospital?" Peeta approaches me.
-"Yeah, you would think they would get me out of them now that I'm the Mockingjay." He laughs.
-"I need to go there too, same reason as you I assume."
-"Mentally disoriented?" I say, holding up my wrist.
-"Exactly." We both laugh.
-"I wasn't any good today," I sigh, "It won't be any help to the rebels if they broadcast this."
-"Editing can work magic, you know." He tries to reassure me.
-"I never thought I would say this, but I wish Haymitch were here." He stops, a huge grin plastered on his face.
-"I'm definitely going to tell him that once he is back." We laugh, and I smack his arm. However we get quiet, both realizing that it's a matter of 'if' and not 'when'.
-"They'll get him out," he cups my cheek, "I know they will."
-"He doesn't deserve this," I look down, "I dragged him into that arena, it's not his fault. I should be in his place."
-"Nobody should be in his place. I'm not sure what they're doing to him, but it can't be anything good."
-"I just feel guilty."
-"Don't." he says, and embraces me. I snuggle up in his chest.
-"Thank you, Peeta." He smiles, and I hold his hand until we get to the hospital.
YOU ARE READING
The Other Slip
FanfictionWhat would have happened if Effie picked the other slip instead, the day of the Quarter Quell Reaping? This story explores this theory throughout the end of Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Hope you enjoy! :)