Chapter 55

Peeta

I slowly walk back to my room. The interviews went as well as they could have. My tribute's scores were seven, five, seven, eight, and 3 sixes, I think most of the tributes got sixes, and I am perfectly fine with that. They seem to be okay with it too.

But the interviews and training are finished. Tomorrow is the games. I get a queasy feeling in my stomach just thinking of the horrors to come. I know as much as they do of how the arena will look. It could be terrible, like the clock. Or a regular arena with trees or mountains or hills. No one really knows until the tributes step onto their pedestals.

"Peeta," someone says. I turn to see my tributes standing there. All of them, grouped together; Diamond, Rocky, Ty, Talia, Striker, and Quimby. They shouldn't be here, not together. I think they know that, though they don't seem to care. 

"We wanted to thank you," says Talia.

"Okay. Why?" I ask.

"For mentoring us," Ty speaks up.

"That's my job."

"But you tried to save us," Rocky says. I nod, completely empty of words to say.

"I know you don't want us to be here," Talia whispers. "Thank you for voting no. For trying."

"Your welcome," I say. They all nod and split separate ways. That was odd, considering the fact that most of them hated me on the train. But I think we've grown to tolerate each other, at least. I'm not entirely sure if that's a good thing. Sending kids I hate to die wouldn't be nearly as hard as this. How can I watch them fight and kill each other in the arena? I can't-I won't. I told Katniss that I wouldn't watch this, and I stand by my word.

I try pushing the thoughts of the games from my mind and walk back into my bedroom.

I'm not sure of what to do now. I want something to distract me from everything, but I know I can never get it. What is there to do? I don't think Katniss can even attempt to distract me now. They refuse to allow us to sleep in the same room tonight. They're too afraid we'd turn on some of our tributes and make secret plans or something ridiculous.

I rest my head on my pillow and think of the horrors to come. Sure, I'm not going to be a tribute this year, but I still know these tributes. I know the feeling of being in the arena. I just wish that no one else ever had to endure it, but I know that was impossible now. It's too late.

***

When I wake, it takes me a few seconds to take in where exactly I am. I realize with a pang of fear that I am the Capitol. And today is the day I've been dreading. Let the 76th Hunger Games begin. 

Sorry for the ultra short chapter, but I'm updating another right now ;) I hope you liked it, anyway! Be sure to vote!