The Other Slip

Chapter 3

I stand there stroking the coal-colored horse's neck, trying to avoid any type of interaction. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Peeta talking to a figure I identify as Finnick Odair, the male tribute from District 4. He's still pretty young, as he won his games not too long ago and he was only 14. Haymitch and Peeta have been praising Finnick lately, as well as some other tributes. They've been trying to convince me to make allies, but there's no point; no alliance is going to be prioritized over an old friendship. I continue caressing the horse as I notice Peeta walking away, so I set my attention on the horse. I wish I didn't though, because the crunching in my ear startled me.

-"Hello Katniss." Finnick says, as if we've been friends forever.

-"Hello Finnick." I respond, deciding to play along.

-"Do you want a sugar cube?" I hear him continue to babble along but his words fade out as I notice Peeta and Haymitch observing us. Infuriated that they set Finnick up to try and get me to warm up to him, I walk away from what was barely conversation and decide to go to Cinna.

-"Any instructions for the chariot ride?" I start up the conversation.

-"No waving or smiling this time. I just want you to stare straight ahead, as if you're above it all." he answers, walking me back to my chariot.

-"Easy enough." I say as I step into the chariot.

-"Hey sweetheart." I hear Haymitch snicker as he gets in the chariot.

-"Turn it on once you're ready." Cinna says as I grab the remote from his hand. He steps away from us and makes his way back to Peeta and Portia.

-"I guess we're going to find out what happens when you have me around an open flame." Haymitch chuckles, quoting me from a year ago. As much as I hate to admit it, I would much rather have Peeta by my side than snarky Haymitch. However, my temporary selfishness isn't going to make me regret my decision of getting Haymitch to volunteer. I just ignore Haymitch's comment as we ride into the audience's view, flames engulfing our outfits.

-"Nicely done." Cinna congratulates us, the remainder of our flames flickering in his green eyes.

-"We missed our girl on fire." Peeta says, smiling at me. I smile back and leap off after Haymitch. I stay a bit behind the rest of the group as we walk back. After a few steps, Peeta slows down enough to end up next to me and matches my pace. He doesn't say anything, just looks at me and smiles reassuringly. I instinctively grab his hand, but then question my action. Why was I taking his hand? We aren't in front of an audience or camera. I come to the conclusion that we might encounter a Capitol citizen wanting to meet their idols. I'm not in the mood to think about my feelings towards Peeta, which usually leads me to think about my feelings towards Gale. My confusing feelings are not something I want to deal with just a few days before the games. I didn't even have a plan for the games. Last year my goal was simple: get back home to Prim. If Peeta were in the arena with me, his survival would be the goal. Instead there's Haymitch, and in his shape, it's not likely he'll win. It's selfish of me to solely think about my own survival as a goal.. I start getting a headache again, so I just let it rest and focus on my footsteps.