I woke up hearing noises around me. From what I could tell, I was back on the train, and there were people sitting around me, speaking loudly. They seemed to be arguing about something…my eyelids felt too heavy to lift, and my arms seemed too tired. I let out a slight groan, before the voices all became silent. I could almost feel them starting at me. I felt a warm hand on my forehead, pushing my hair back.

"Katniss?" someone spoke softly, while stroking my hair back.

It was Peeta. I finally managed to open my eyes, and I realized that I was back on the train, safely tucked into my bed. I opened my eyes wider to see Peeta sitting on the bed by my side, and Effie leaning against the door. Haymitch was at the other side of the room, his face washed over with relief as I gained consciousness. I had slight butterflies in my stomach when I saw his reaction, but as I slowly tried to prop myself up against a pillow, I felt a sharp pain instead. I gasped, and Peeta helped me adjust myself against the headboard of the bed. I must've hit my head when I fell down.

Haymitch cleared his throat, and said to the others, "I think I'll talk to Katniss alone for a while," as Peeta slowly stood up and left. Effie still looked worried, but she shuffled outside as well, closing the door behind her. Haymitch looked at me and sighed. I hated feeling so vulnerable and weak…I just wanted to know what had happened. I had seen that man get shot…and when the crowd raised their arms in the salute…it all seemed too synchronized. Haymitch sensed my thoughts, and took a seat next to me on the bed, whilst maintaining a safe distance.

"What's going on, Haymitch?" I asked, wanting to get right to the point.

Haymitch took a moment to think over what he was about to say, before clearing his throat once more.

"Katniss, I can't tell you everything, but you have to trust me. You need to keep up a good show for the rest of the tour. We have to be careful though, after that stunt you pulled with the nightlock berries," he said.

I was becoming more and more confused.

"But…why was that man shot?" I asked, mainly to myself.

Haymitch only raised his eyebrows in return, since he knew that I already knew the answer. Like the nightlock, the salute had been a sign of rebellion- of defiance. And we all knew how the Capitol handled any sort defiance.

"Listen Katniss, all you have to do is keep your relationship convincing with Peeta for the rest of the tour…you have to make it believable," he told me. "For the rest of the tour, you won't be making speeches at the ceremonies…you'll only smile and accept whatever they offer you graciously," he continued. "I need you to stay out of danger, Katniss, and you need to be careful," he said, looking right into my eyes.

I nodded as I held his gaze. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but whatever it was, he held back. He stood up and left, probably on his way over to the bar cart. I hated staying in bed, so I tried to get up. Besides the pain in my head, I was in a good enough condition to take a shower.

Over the next couple of days, we continued our journey through each district. As Haymitch had informed me, we were no longer allowed to make speeches, and we were hurried around everywhere by the Peacekeepers. During the ceremonies itself, there would be Peacekeepers surrounding the stage looking towards the audience, weapons ready. Everything was monitored, and we did not have any privacy until we were boarded back onto the train.

Our last stop, and the one that I was dreading the most, was the Capitol. The last thing I needed was to see Snow's face…my thoughts were interrupted when the stylists knocked on my door, ready to prepare me for my grand appearance. Cinna had chosen a beautiful gown for me to wear that was fiery red, reminding everyone that I was the Girl on Fire. As I stepped out of the train with Peeta by my side, zealous Capitol citizens swarmed around us, eager to congratulate us. It took all that I had to hide my disgust, and replace my grimace with a smile.

Eventually, we were guided into a massive hall. Everywhere around us, people were fluttering around in their ridiculously extravagant outfits. A long table split the room, and was loaded with lavish decorations and appetizers. I stood there as Peeta made conversation with some of the wealthy sponsors. He was good at that, getting people to like him…it was something I had never been too good at. In fact, it was Peeta who had made me desirable to the Capitol, as Haymitch had reminded me before the Games. I hated the fact that I still owed Peeta so much…I hated feeling indebted to anyone. I looked around for a familiar face, but then I remembered where I was. I despised everyone here.

That's when I felt someone's hand on the small of my back. Before I could turn around, I knew who it was. The unmistakable scent of blood…with roses…wafted towards me. Snow.

"Katniss, Peeta…Welcome," he spoke calmly. As he looked at me, his icy eyes pierced through mine. Peeta said something to him, but I wasn't paying attention. I focused all of my energy on Snow, thinking about how much I despised the man standing in front of me.

"Katniss, would you come with me, I would like to speak with you privately," he said, as if I really had a choice. I didn't reply, I just followed him through the crowds until we arrived at some office. The guards on the outside shut the door behind us, locking me in a room with the one man I hated the most.

"I'm running short on time, so I'll just tell you, Katniss…I have an offer for you. It's an offer that you will hopefully accept, because if you deny it…let's just say that there will be consequences…" he muttered, making my blood boil thick.

What he said after that made me freeze still. I couldn't move. I couldn't even think. It only made my hatred for him rise to a whole new level. Before I could think twice, I lunged towards him, only to have him dodge my grasp. Before I knew it, there were guards holding me back. I didn't yell- I couldn't. I just stood there panting as the guards maintained their grip on me. Snow let a smirk play across his face, telling the guards to let me go. They reluctantly released me, and returned outside, shutting the doors behind them.

"I take it we have a deal, then," Snow whispered.

Before I could do anything, I found my feet running in a random direction. A couple heads turned as I pushed past crowds of Capitol citizens, their accents swarming through my head, blocking my thoughts. I slowed my breathing so that I wouldn't pass out- that was the last thing I needed. Then I saw him.

He was standing there, drink in hand, as per usual. Judging by his appearance, he had already had way too much to drink, which was probably his goal. If there was someone who despised Snow more than I did, it would probably by Haymitch. I envied him in that moment. I wanted to drown everything out too. I made my way towards him, and when he saw me, he turned in my direction.

"Enjoying the party, sweetheart?" he slurred, as he leaned against a wall. Then his expression changed. He must've seen the look on my face. I had been shaking, but all of a sudden, I felt oddly calm. His eyes, now a look of genuine concern, bore into mine.

"Snow wants to sell me, Haymitch. He threatened to kill my family if I didn't agree," I said, letting the words sink in, as the world around me crumbled to bits and pieces.