Chapter Text
It was January 6th.
Christmas break was over, and it was time to go back to school.
This year was different though, because instead of going back to my old school in 12, I would be going to a new school in the Capitol. Not just any school either.
I was going to Panem High.
I wasn’t too nervous about joining a new school. I’m not a shy person; I just prefer to be alone most of the time.
I felt weird wearing the Panem uniform.
Scarlet red jumper with the school’s mockingjay symbol on the breast, a blue blouse underneath. Black flared trousers to go with my Doc Martens.
As someone who was used to no school uniform, it was different.
I was different.
Gale had ridiculed me over going to Panem High – like it was my choice.
I never asked for this.
I never asked to be in the games.
I never asked to go to this new school.
I would’ve been perfectly fine exactly where I was, but saying no to the Capitol was dangerous.
I wasn’t the only one who had been invited to Panem High, although he had started with everyone else at the beginning of the school year, while I had decided to start later.
Since the games, Peeta often came to check on me and see how I was doing; sometimes he would even come with baked goods. I never know how to feel about Peeta. We’re not friends or anything – at least I don’t think so; we’re more like acquaintances.
More people who would be at Panem High were my dearest friends Madge, Maysilee, and Merilee. Unlike me and Peeta, they didn’t have to be invited and had enough money to be there already. The 3 of them had already been at Panem High since 9th Grade, and so I was excited to be going to the same school as them again.
‘Katniss…’ Prim said in a sleepy tone as she took in my new look.
‘Morning, Little Duck.’
Prim smiled up at me, the 2 braids she slept in now a mess. “The Panem uniform looks good on you.”
“Really?”
‘Yeah.’
I smiled back at her, not fully trusting what she was saying, but appreciating the kind gesture.
“How are you feeling about your first day of school?” My younger sister asked me the important question, ‘Feeling grand, Prim!’ Prim walked up to me, wrapping her arms around me and trapping me in the tightest hug ever. “They’ll love you Katniss. I know it.”
‘Thanks, Prim.’ I felt tears prickle in my eyes, but I couldn’t cry in front of her. “You better go find Buttercup now. I caught fresh fish just for him yesterday.” The time I spent catching that fish for Buttercup could’ve been spent on revision. Stupid cat. “I need to start heading out too; it’s an hour-long train ride to the Capitol.”
“Bye Katniss; good luck! Love you!” Prim said in a gentle, soothing tone.
“Bye, Little Duck. Love you more.”
Then I was out the door. Embarking on my journey to the Capitol.