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CATCHING FIRE -- CHAPTER 4
Katniss returns to her room on the train after speaking to Haymitch. She begins to weigh in on her options. She knows that if she continues with the path that the Capitol is paving for her, she will probably get married to Peeta. If they then have children, in all likely hood their kids will be chosen to participate in the Hunger Games (Katniss knows that the Capitol probably rigs the drawing that determines who fights in the Games). She also knows that running away with her family is not worthwhile.
Effie shows up the next day and the two head out to dinner where Katniss gets to eat her favorite foods. She is forced to eat only with Effie since Haymitch is being his old drunken-self and hasn’t shown, Peeta is probably still asleep, and Cinna was up late working on Katniss’ wardrobe. Katniss had to get up to have her prep team prepare her for the tour.
Later, during lunch, Katniss can’t eat much. She has too much on her mind. To make matters worse, the train has to stop for about an hour for repairs. The train’s issue freaks Effie out and Katniss snaps at the anxious Effie, letting her know that the train schedule isn’t that important.
Katniss decides it’s time to take a walk outside. She goes a little way and hears somebody following her. She thinks it’s Haymitch, but it’s none other than Peeta. Peeta says sorry for the way they ended things after the Hunger Games. He wants to try to rekindle their friendship even when they aren’t in the spotlight.
Katniss agrees with his idea and they begin their first conversation as friends. When Katniss refuses to fess up about what is troubling her, they simply talk about their favorite colors. She knows that she shouldn’t speak of President Snow’s visit and so she next asks Peeta about his paintings. They return to the train, hand in hand, to look at Peeta’s work.
Peeta shares his paintings, vivid paintings of the Hunger Games, with Katniss. She remarks on how much she dislikes them since she has been trying to dismiss her memories of the Games. They both confess to each other that they have constant nightmares about their experiences in the arena.
Soon, their train approaches District Eleven. The district is heavily fenced and there are even watchtowers to prevent escape from its borders. There are long stretches of orchards, like the one where Rue worked.
Next, Peeta and Katniss have to head on out to get ready. Ironically, Katniss is dressed in an orange garment (orange is Peeta’s favorite color).
Effie clues them in on what will happen during their stop at District Eleven. They will be part of a ceremony in front of the Justice Building in which the mayor speaks, and the victors speak. Peeta will talk on their behalf and put in some kind words for the deceased tributes of District Eleven, Rue and Thresh. Following the ceremony, they will have a special dinner.
Before leaving the train, Cinna makes sure to pin Katniss’ mockingjay pin on her. They then are escorted to an armored truck that will take them to their destination.
Later, during Peeta’s speech he honors Rue and Thresh. He surprises everybody when he announces that he wants to give a month worth of his and Katniss’ yearly victory spoils to the families of Rue and Thresh each year.
When Katniss eyes the sad face of one of Rue’s sisters she knows that she must speak in honor of the District Eleven tributes. Katniss thanks the people for their sacrifice and especially speaks fondly of Rue. Rue’s mockingjay song is whistled in the crowd by an older gentleman, and then all of the people press their fingers to their mouth in a gesture of love and praise towards Katniss. Katniss is in disbelief since she accidently roused up the spirits of the people.
As they enter the Justice Building for dinner, they pause momentarily to grab a bouquet of flowers that Katniss left outside. This momentary pause gives them enough time to watch as Peacekeepers shoot and kill the old gentleman who whistled Rue’s tune.
by Suzanne Collins
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