The Mockingjay Returns

Part 9: Together? Together.

Haymitch sits on the sofa across from Peeta and I. As far as I know, we're only about 5 miles away from the Capitol.

Earlier today, I'd  been getting ready for arrival with my new stylist: hair curled back into perfection; nails painted; outfit selected; makeup applied. Peeta's obviously also been getting ready a little. I notice he is clean shaven and is smartly dressed.

"Okay," Haymitch says. " I know you two know how to handle yourselves adequately in public but do you have any questions?"

We both remain silent; we know what we're doing. Then, Peeta says " Three things: who's gonna be there; is this going to be filmed; and um... do we still have to act in love?"

Peeta's last question surprises me. Personally, I had not thought about acting in love. Do we really still need to convince the people that we are in-love? And I dread the answer Haymitch could give...

"All of the victors will be attending and a few other faces of the rebellion will be there."

"Okay" says Peeta, gesturing to Haymitch to go on.

"This event will be televised to the whole of Panem."

Peeta and I exchange looks.

Now it's the answer to the final question...

"And yes, I would advise you two to still act in love." And there it is. "We must keep the people satisfied. If you were acting in-love before, you still must now. Maybe it's not quite such a big deal this time. But if you don't at all, those who believed in you two and admired you might change their opinions, realising it was fake, or not so fake, before. It's the safest option. Okay?"

This is bad news. I thought I was done with the star-crossed lover act 3 years ago. But no. That's the Capitol for you. But certain things worry me. What if Peeta has a flashback? I'll have to be with him at all times in order to sustain this act. And we are in the place where Peeta got hijacked, which could make things even worse.

But I just smile at both of them as if nothing's the matter at all.

***

We arrive in the Capitol a little later than anticipated. The train stops at a posh station and we are greeted by loads of random Capitol people.

A Capitol attendant ushers us out and we step outside under a blanket of stars. The evening is cool and fresh but still warmer than at home.

We follow the attendant to a car and get driven all the way to the President's Mansion, which will soon be Paylor's mansion. It looks just as grand as before: the ancient brick towers up above Haymitch, Effie, Peeta and me, and we all stop to take it all in. It looks like a mixture of beauty and creepiness; I can't decide which. We keep following the attendants all the way through the large timber doors which are opened by another kindly looking Capitol attendant.

Somewhere on the way in, I grab Peeta's hand. At first I'm not really sure whether I'm doing it for the cameras or just for myself, but I soon realise that it's for the latter. I need all the comfort I can get in this place, and judging by the wary look on Peeta's face, he does too.

I relax my grip on his hand and feel his warm pulse racing against mine, enjoying the sensation that I used to be so accustomed to. We give each other a half-smile, full of nerves.

We walk into the dining room and, sat on chairs or sofas in groups chatting, are all of the remaining victors, plus a few more familiar faces.

Sat on the white sofa nearest the door in a small group, guarded by an attendant, is Enobaria, Annie and Johanna. Sat at the other side of the room is Beete and Gale... Gale! And finally, Paylor, Plutarch and two Capitol people I haven't met sit next to the fire around a tiny table.

Peeta and I find a place on our own and sit. I glance at him. We don't need to start our star crossed lovers act yet, and seem to have made a non-verbal agreement to just sit in silence while it lasts. But then Paylor walks over.

"Hi Katniss, Peeta," she says giving us a welcoming smile. "As the ceremony takes place tomorrow, you haven't missed much. I hope you've been working on your speeches!"

"Yeah," says Peeta half-heartedly. "So you become President tomorrow evening, and Katniss is pardoned the next day?

"Yes. Katniss, you'll be coached by Effie on how to present yourself on stage."

I see Peeta's eyes shift to behind Paylor suddenly. I follow his glance and see that he's looking at Gale. It's hard to admit, but in a way I've missed him, at least the way we used to be, though I don't want to talk to him.

But then, Peeta shifts his glance again and I see his pupils dilate...
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Hey,
Okay finally, another update! The story's going to get quite good now! I don't want the whole story to be in the Capitol, so I'll try and make this bit only a couple more chapters x
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Thank you