The more Katniss thought about it, the more she realized she should have been throwing kicks rather than punches at the Peacekeepers. Something told her she'd still be able to kick Peacekeepers in the future which cheered her up a little. But was even better, was to know that Haymitch didn't hate her, at least back then. She let out a small laugh when he said someone had to be a jerk to her. "Oh, I'm so honored it's you." She said sarcastically but unlike her usual tone, it was more light like when she was with Ceasar on stage just being herself, without all the walls of crap. When he said he was sorry too and that she'd get out of it in the end, she wanted to say it wasn't about her anymore, that it never was. She was more determined to keep everyone else alive, not really caring if it cost her life. Peeta was safe and if the other three could be saved too, she could happily stand in front of a sword or arrow and never open her eyes again.

Haymitch then moved an arm around her which she found herself accepting.

Though she knew everyone was betting, or rather supporting her, she didn't feel like she wanted it anymore. She wanted to keep everyone else safe and she would do whatever she could to protect from the mess she had made. It was her responsibility to handle, not Haymitch's or Gale's or Prim's. In her mind, they needed to focus on someone else. Katniss hated being the center of everything, the pressure wasn't as bad as the thought that the others would die to protect her. Of course that's what she wanted to do for them but they needed to have hope in their own survival as well or they were a bit screwed, watching everyone's back except their own. For the thousandth time, she felt herself swallowing the urge to tell Haymitch that he wasn't as alone as he thought and that she was doing her best to look after him, as he had done for her.

Instead she enjoyed his warmth, very aware it could fade away forever.

There was a knock and Katniss removed herself from the safety of Haymitch to see Effie standing in the narrow hallway. "Effie, I'm really sorry. You had nothing to do with what happened. I shouldn't have said those things to you. I know we don't get along but you have supported me and..." Katniss really hated babbling and Effie seemed to tell the girl was sincere enough as she said it was fine and then that she was getting everyone to watch some footage with Peeta. Katniss got up and smiled to Haymitch. "Lovely, come on, guess our Mentor wants to talk to us." Katniss couldn't help but find amusement. She had hoped to relieve Haymitch of Mentor duty but this wasn't how she pictured it turning out. She headed out and went to go find her sister and Gale so they could all gather together. She felt a lot better, which was hard to believe but her mind was back where it was supposed to be and perhaps the fact she and Haymitch were friends again, had something to do with her high spirits.

Gale couldn't believe that people in the Capital ate such sweet treats all day long. Part of him wondered how they could wake up to a bowl of cold cream and chocolate. It was really outrageous to think that these people weren't spoiled and close minded fools. Gale still had to commend them on having interesting food to eat. "I have no idea." He shrugged when Prim asked what the cool creamy bowl was. If anyone could help them it would be Effie but Gale hadn't gotten to see much of her. Katniss told him stories from time to time when they were hunting, when there was nothing else to talk about. Katniss spoke of Effie's micromanaging and fashions. She also said that while Effie could be annoying, that Effie was probably one of the more considerate people in the Capital and that Effie did have a mind of her own, even if it wasn't voiced that much, probably due to the Capital's strict rules and whatnot. 

When Primrose then began to investigate other candy items, he watched to see how she enjoyed them.

From the look of things, they weren't harmful. Then again, it wouldn't make much sense for them to be poisoning Tributes before there was even some sick twisted audience. Gale picked one up and popped it into his mouth. It was interesting. He wondered how Katniss had felt about such foods but recalled her house not having a lot of these things which probably meant they weren't to her liking. He glanced to Prim, studying her. He could tell these Games would change their dynamic. He didn't want to smoother her and they were already trying to find their footing among all the drama that was unfolding. He figured he might need to give her some space, as much as he didn't want to. He looked up and saw Katniss walk in, looking better than when she left. "Hey catnip, everything okay?" He asked her. That was a bit of a loaded question and he began to fear the dynamic between him and Katniss would all be in jeopardy too. He didn't want anything to change. He wanted Prim and Katniss safe but there was nothing he could do about it except try to keep up with everything. He walked over and pulled her into a hug.

"Yeah I'm better-" She was cut off by his large hug. She did enjoy Gale's hugs, which said a lot. "Come on guys, we're going to watch some of the past Victors and see what we're up against." Katniss knew it wasn't the most warm of introductions to the Games but they all needed to get focused. Gale kissed her cheek and pulled away from her. His hands rested around her back as he looked to Prim, not sure what else he could say or do for her. She hadn't been too responsive so he could just hope that Katniss would be able to do something.

Before Gale could ask about Haymitch's attendance, he saw him lurking in the doorway. "Alright...let's go." Gale sighed and followed them out and found Effie by the door. The six of them took a seat as Peeta started to select different pieces of footage. Gale was uncomfortable watching them. He knew he'd be in the arena in about 10 or 12 days from now but it had yet to really hit him hard the way it had with Prim and Katniss. He had things and people to live for but he was still trying to remain calm for his friends and he was sure his own silent storm was slowly gathering, getting ready unload anytime now. He sat beside Prim and felt compelled to grab her hand but he stopped himself from doing so, unsure if she needed him or not. Katniss had pulled an arm around her sister, who was on the other side of Primrose. "She looks pretty formidable but she's gotta be what 20-21 by now." He commented as they saw footage of Johanna Mason pretending to be weak but then winning the Games. She wasn't like Katniss but the two could clash and that worried Gale. Some of the others would be much older though, which could be an advantage.

"After this we can eat dinner and get ready for bed, we do need to be rested, as tomorrow we arrive in the Capital and from there, you'll be handed off to your Stylists who will get you ready for the Opening Ceremony tomorrow night. It'll be wonderful." Effie said and looked to Gale and Prim. "You'll both be spoiled rotten." She smiled. Katniss leaned over and told Prim that she'd finally get to meet the amazing Cinna.

Gale, on the other hand, wasn't too eager for the primping. If Katniss could put up with it, he could though.