A/N: For this part of the story, or any part with dialogue in the book, I will be rearranging it. Meaning, if Katniss says "I am going to die." In the book, I might make her say "I am not going to survive, no matter how hard I try." I've never really liked taking dialogue directly from a book, feeling that the work is less mine and more the author's. So, if that is going to be a problem, I apologize. If not, read and review!

Peeta's POV

After all the guests have left, I am ushered out of the Justice Building and into a waiting car. From there I am driven a short distance to the train station. I step lightly out of the car and trudge behind the Peacekeepers. They lead me into the building, which is already swarming with reporters. They stuff there cameras in my face and bark questions, which I ignore.

Looking around, I see Katniss staring at me from a screen above my head. She looks so much like the girl version of Gale, I feel a wrenching in my gut. I miss him already, and I haven't even arrived in the Capitol yet.

I am sheparded onto the train, pausing only for the cameras. Once inside, Katniss and I are led to seperate apartments. They are very lavish, with a shower that sprays hot and cold water. I had a shower at home, but it was faulty, and only sprayed freezing water. I linger under the hot stream, relishing in it. When I get out, I feel slightly guilty. Everyone else in my District is stuck living like dogs. They will never know what it feels like to live like a rich person.

I guess that's what I get for dying.

It isn't long before I am called to dinner. Entering the dining room, I see Effie Trinket is already there, but Katniss is absent.

"Where's Katniss?" I ask, settling into a chair. The food looks delicious, full of foods I have never seen before, and many I have.

"Let me go get here." Effie stands up and slips out the door. A few minutes later, she is back with Katniss.

Katniss sits beside me, and Effie sits at the head of the table.

"Where did Haymitch go?" She mutters, looking around as if he's hiding somewhere in the room.

"Wasn't he going to take a nap?" I remind her, digging into the food.

"Ah yes. It had been quite the day, with the Reaping and all." She smiles, looking relieved.

We eat in silence with, the sound of chewing and slurping the only noise.

"I'm so glad you eat like civilized people. I remember some tributes who ate like wild animals. It made me sick." Effie Trinket sniffs, and I nearly choke. Looking beside me, I see Katniss stiffen. It's clear she remembers those tributes, as do I. They were two starving children from the Seam.

The rest of the meal is silent, except for Effie's contemptuous sniffs as Katniss has decided to eat with her hands. I smile slightly at this gesture that reminds me so much of Gale.

After dinner, we are ushered into a room to watch the other Reapings. I try to close my eyes through most of it, but can't help watching ours. Watching how Katniss volunteers for her little sister and no one volunteers for me. Watching Gale retrieve Prim and feeling an ache in my heart knowing that might be the last time I see him.

"Haymitch needs to learn publicity skills." Effie grumbles when the Reapings finally end.

At this, I can't help but laugh "He's an alcoholic. He spends half the day drunk, and the other half passed out."

"Always." Katniss smirks.

"Thinks it's funny?" Effie snaps, "Haymithch sets everything up. Gifts, sponsors, everything! He advises you, gets your popularity up, helps you win. Helps. You. Live."

Katniss and both stare at her, suddenly realizing the seriousness of it.

At that moment, Haymitch stumbles in. Drunk of course.

"When are we eating?" He hiccups and throws up all over the rug.

Lovely.

"So keep laughing. Laugh while you still can." Effie hisses and slips out of the room.