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We are working on my book of plants together and I complain about the practices of the new peacekeepers, when Peeta suddenly says: "Kings could do that too, you know."
I stare at him. What’s he talking about?
Peeta notices my confusion. “They used to have kings to rule people, back in the old days. Instead of presidents, I guess. They lived in huge houses, had many servants and could do whatever they liked.”
That does sound like presidents. I frown. “So what’s different about kings, then?”
“I’m not sure,” Peeta blushes a bit. “My grandmother used to tell me stories about them. I suppose kings not only ruled over their people, but also cared for them?”
I snort. “And why would they do that?”
Peeta shrugs. “Maybe people were good back then.”
I roll my eyes and go back to sorting plants. But not before I catch a glimpse of Prim sneaking away from the door.
In the evening, Prim brings me a cup of warm milk and sits on my bed.
“You would be a good king, Katniss,” she says quietly.
Trust Prim to believe in Peeta’s fairy tales. I force a smile and ruffle her hair. “Female kings are called queens, stupid,” I say in the lightest tone I can manage.
Prim glares at me defiantly. “A good queen, then.”
Later, when Prim is gone, I sink on my bed and stare at the ceiling. Me, leading a group of people? Prim doesn’t know what she’s saying.