Her World

KPOV

"You know Katniss," Cinna started. "If you're going to be acting like this tonight, everyone will see something is wrong."

I sighed and started picking at a loose thread at the hem of my dress. Tonight would be Mayor Undersee's celebration in honour of mine and Gale's upcoming marriage. I grimaced and shifted in my seat. Cinna's fingers touched my hair lightly, letting loose strands fall to frame my face. He grasped my shoulders and turned me to face the mirror.

"Ah, I seem to like this look of yours," he smiled. "Shows the fragile and soft side of you, don't you think?" My skin had been powdered with the faintest of glitter and had my hair pinned up into a messy chignon bun. My dress was a simple one- white, strapless, and trimmed with white lace. A silver heart necklace rested around my neck, the only piece of jewellery I was wearing aside from my diamond earrings.

"Cinna," I whispered. "How am I supposed to save one, without hurting the other?" The question had been in my mind, replaying every second of the day. It wasn't something I could answer, at least not easily. But, was there even a solution? I doubted there was.

Cinna simply looked at me. Those carefree eyes showed that he also did not know. Cinna looked away and paced in front of the window. The sky had changed colour into a dim purple, letting a few stars twinkle here and there.

"We'd better get going sweetheart," Cinna said. "Don't want to be late for your own party, would you?"

I smiled and stood up. Little did he know, I wanted to be as late as I possibly could.

"What is this? A carriage?" I said.

"From what I see? Yes, a carriage. More exact, a wagon being pulled by horses, sweetheart," Haymitch slurred. He chuckled and let his head loll to the side.

"Has he been drinking?" Gale asked from beside me.

"When has Haymitch not been drinking?" I retorted.

"Touché," Gale murmured. Mayor Undersee's mansion wasn't far from Victor's Village, but travelling in horse and carriage would take a while to get there. Prim suddenly felt sick so my mother decided it'd be best for her both of them to stay and rest.

Cinna shied away from Haymitch, more or less likely because he was on the verge of collapsing. A little while later, the mayor's house appeared in the near distance. Lights shone from the windows and the main entrance doors were wide open, streaming with music and laughter.

The carriage came to a stop and Gale opened the side. Haymitch suddenly twitched and fell out. His eyes shot open, and he stood up. He wobbled from side to side and was caught by Cinna for support. I smirked and let Gale step out first. He held out his hand for me to hold and helped me step down.

He kept his hand in mine as we walked down the stone pathway lined with white roses and lights. I shivered. Roses. Of all flowers, those would be the ones chosen.

I breathed in and kept my eyes on the door. Gale walked along side of him, giving my hand a squeeze every so often. Cinna and Haymitch trailed close behind, Haymitch mumbling something about wanting more liquor. Our footsteps echoed along the cobblestone path, the small puddles rippling gently. Lengthy satin curtains willowed across the French doors and white streamers hung lightly on the apple trees lining the edge of the house. We reached the entrance and just as I had expected, pairs of eyes seemed to instantly catch sight of us.

"Ah," Haymitch started, standing on his toes and squinting his eyes. "I must reunite with a dear friend of mine over there."

He left with a sloppy grin and disappeared in the crowd. Gale shifted from one foot to the other, unsure of what to do with so much attention. Cinna placed a light hand on my back, urging me to move forward. A silence passed over the room, parting as we walked particularly to the middle.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Mayor Undersee spoke, appearing out of nowhere. "Alas, our guests of honour have arrived!" An eruption of cheers followed right after, smiles and hollers sounding.

Gale wrapped an arm around my waist, bending to whisper in my ear, "Anything wrong? You look distant."

I took an unnoticeable breath and smiled. "I'm fine," I whispered. Him looking still unconvinced, I took hold of his hand and squeezed it. He relaxed and smiled back. Noticing Cinna had left our side, I relied on Mayor Undersee for what was going to happen next. He picked up a glass of bubbling champagne and offered me one as well. I waved a no thanks and instead handed it to Gale. He took it and took a small sip. He grimaced and pursed his lips. I giggled.

A small orchestra sat grouped in the corner, beginning to play another piece. Violinists and cellists played with passion and gentleness. A beautiful sounded in my ears, creating a subtle atmosphere in the room. People started to dance, gliding across the polished floor.

I noticed Haymitch standing near a table, a glass filled with scotch in his hand. Some 'friend' he had to reunite with. His head bobbed in tune to the song, his fingers swaying in the air. A few women passed him and laughed behind their feathered fans. They looked at him with pity as he saluted their presence. I smirked and looked around for Cinna. He was conversing with what seemed to be other stylists, considering their gaudy hair and outlandish scarves.

Realizing it would be awkward if Gale and I just stood here, I urged him to the nearest table with vacant seats. He scoffed and pulled me to a stop.

"The whole point of a ball is to dance, sweetheart." He tugged me towards the polished floor. I shook my head and stood my ground. It wasn't that I was an uncoordinated dance, I just felt self-conscious about attempting to move co-ordinately and gracefully at the same time.

"For someone who's not afraid of the wilderness and weapons, it's quite funny seeing you have trouble with dancing," Gale snickered.

"Oh quiet," I said. "Dancing is easy for me. Just move side to side and look like you know what you're doing." I smiled and shrugged my shoulders. He placed a stray lock of hair behind my ear and rested his hand on the back of my neck. He kissed my forehead and beckoned me to dance with him. I sighed and obliged with a grudging response.

"Remind me why I decided to dance with you?" I mumbled.

"You can't resist my stunning good looks and carefree personality," he answered, waggling his eyebrows and giving me one of his grins. I rolled my eyes and let him twirl me around. I noticed that a large circle had formed around us two, leaving the floor to us and a few other couples. It was a cliché I admit, but there was nothing I could do about it. Gale seemed to notice the attention and buried his face in my hair, undoubtedly hiding a smile. The song came to an end and a soft applause started. Gale and I bowed, which seemed really formal for me.

Much chatter began, and the crowd retreated to different people. Cinna approached us and handed me a glass of red liquid.

"It's not wine, is it?" I asked. He shook his head and said it was a juice of some sorts. I took a few sips and didn't realize just how thirsty I really was. Finishing the glass, I placed it on the nearest waiter's tray and made my way back to Gale.

Cinna drummed a finger against his chin and murmured, "The ball's a bit.."

"Over the top?" I asked.

"Hm." Cinna agreed. Come to think of it, how long have we been here? I sighed and hoped the end would come soon. Tiredness was beginning to creep its way to me and I stifled a large yawn. Time seemed to fly pretty slow tonight.

PPOV

"Ready?" I asked.

She sighed. "Yes, but don`t you think I'm a bit-"

"You're beautiful." I broke in. My eyebrows furrowed as the words passed my lips. They had a different taste, a whole new mood. She was indeed a beautiful sight, but it wasn`t the same. It didn`t not feel the same as I said the words to her. A smile spread across her face. I cracked one as well, hoping it would pass for a genuine one.

"Ready?'' she in turn asked me. I nodded and held my arm out. She set her slender hand atop mine and we walked out of the room. We started to walk down the corrider, to the peak of the ivory staircase. The marble floor was gleaming and my eyes darted down to my reflection. Was this me? Or just a reflection of what I wanted others to see? I had no answer. Not right now. But hopefully, someday.

KPOV

"You should really control yourself," Cinna told Haymitch.

"Oh relax," Haymitch slurred. "It's a party. I have the right to get drunk here. I have the right to drink all I can. You know why? Because I have the right!"

I looked at him with much confusion. That made absolutely no sense. What should I expect though? As smart and strategic the guy was, he was pretty stupid. Sometimes. Gale chuckled and caught my eyes with his. He leaned in but stopped mid-way. I raised my eyebrows and saw that something had caught his gaze. I realized the loud chattering had once changed to whispers again and fumbled for the cause.

Cinnas lips pursed and Haymitch's eyesbrows slightly lifted. I turned around and felt my body go slack. Standing side by side, on top of what seemed like the world right now, was Peeta Mellark and Madge Undersee.

One word.

SORRY.

Loads of school work and stuff. I've gone through some changes. Trying to get back on track.

Would it be too much to ask for reviews...?

Thank you for those being patient though, means the world to me.

-TRUsong