Up In Flames

Chapter 12

So you guys probably hate me. Understandable, I havent been a loyal updater. I just hope you haven't all stopped reading, I've had exams this past month, but that's not a good excuse really. But I will continue to write, and try really hard to finish this story. (I will finish it)

Disclaimer: oh Collins, I am not worthy! I definitely do not own the hunger games

Our interviews are tonight, but tomorrow, the real thing starts. No more silly dresses, or luxurious Capitol delicacies, tomorrow we are reminded why we are really here. Tomorrow, I start the fire.

We go through the works, preparing for our interviews. Haymitch tells me I've got about as much charm as a dead slug, but I don't care. I don't need to be charming tonight. Effie makes me walk in heels, with books on my head until I want to rip my feet off. And then there's the task of making me look what the Capitol deems "Acceptable". But finally it's all over, and Peeta and I wait quietly on the sideline, ready for our turns.

I'm not really watching, I'm too busy thinking about my own interview. But I do notice that Rue does splendidly, she is so sweet and charming in her blue gown with gossamer wings. I suddenly begin to panic about what to say, realizing that I have no idea what Peeta's plan for the interview is. I don't know if we're meant to show off, or hide on the sidelines. And I go out before him, so what's said is said. My palms are sweaty, and I can't stop shaking. I look to Peeta, who flashes an encouraging smile.

All of a sudden, Thresh is finished, and I'm being ushered onstage. Is it wrong to make too big of a deal? Cinna grabs my arm and whispers in my ear.

"Dont overdo it Katniss" he whispers, hand on my shoulder."Be honest." and I'm pushed out, almost stumbling across the glittering stage.

I find sanctuary in my seat, grateful that my wobbly legs don't have the task of holding me up.

Suddenly, Caesar is leaning close to me. "Katniss?" he asks.

"What?" I exclaim, broken from my trance.

"A little nervous are we?" he says, chuckling. "I asked, what your favorite part of being in the Capitol is?"

"Oh... Definitely the lamb stew." and everyone laughs.

The rest goes smoothly, I try to answer politely, and not show how much I hate them all. Since I have no other plan anyways.

And then I'm twirling, letting flames dance along my legs. Glittering, reflecting the yellow lights swimming around the stage. I'm breathtaking.

Once I'm seated again, it seems to be time for the serious questions.

"So Katniss, tell me," says Caesar. "What is going on with you and your district partner?"

"Oh." I say, surprised. "I've known Peeta for a long time."

"So you're together?"

I nod curtly, my face becoming warm.

"How sweet!" exclaims Caesar. "How did you guys get together?"

This is not a question I want to answer.

"He saved my life when I was younger, and I couldn't just ignore that. I guess he crept up on me and wouldn't let go." I attempt to smile sweetly, angry that I've been forced to share such personal thoughts.

Caesar looks touched, placing his hand on his heart.

"It's so touching" he says. "Well that's our time, Katniss Everdeen, the girl who was on fire!"

Finally I'm finished, no longer under the harsh lights, and stares. All I can wonder is what Peeta is going to say.

It takes me a moment to focus, but I see Peeta, in a black suit, up onstage. He's already laughing, probably making jokes. It continues like that for a while, Peeta comparing people to bread, and Caesar laughing. Then it gets a little more serious, to the stuff the Capitol actually wants to know.

Caesar leans in, placing a gloved hand on Peeta's shoulder. He asks something very quietly, and I can't tell what he's saying.

Peeta sits back, smiling before answering. "I wanted to propose to her, I mean, I've loved her since I was five years old."

"Really?"

"Yup, the first time I heard her sing... It was amazing, the moment I heard her voice, I knew I was a goner." Peeta sighs. "When Katniss sings, even the birds stop to listen."

"Well, it's too bad she didn't sing for us earlier."

"Oh, you wouldn't have been able to get her to. She would deny that she has any talent."

"Ahhhh.." Caesar sighs. "she seems like a wonderful young lady"

"She is, I'm just so sad that I'll never get to marry her"

The crowd goes wild in sobs, screaming about how terrible it is.

"Well, I wish the best for both of you" Caesar pats him on the shoulder, standing up. "Thank you Peeta Mellark, from District twelve!"

Peeta walks off slowly, a look of relief etched on his face. As soon as he reaches me, he wraps me in his arms, holding me close.

"Why did you say that?" I ask him, whispering in his ear.

"Say what?" he questions in the same tone.

"That you wanted to propose to me" I see people watching us so I wrap my arms around his neck.

He doesn't answer me, and instead presses his lips against mine softly. I kiss him back angrily, he still hasn't answered my question.

"Peeta" I urge. He pulls back, looking frustrated.

"I love you Katniss" he says out loud. "I've loved you for such a long time. I was going to ask you, once you turned nineteen, when we'd be free from the reaping" he sighs. "I was going to get your father's permission, and then I was going to get down on one knee and ask you to be mine forever. But that wont happen, because we're here now, and I'm not going to ask you next year in May" he lowers his voice again. "Because next year, when you are supposed to turn nineteen, one of us is going to be dead"

And he turns and walks away, without another word.