8 | The Darkest Hour

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Chapter Eight
THE DARKEST HOUR
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┌───── · ° ➶ ✧ ➶ ° · ─────┐Chapter EightTHE DARKEST HOUR └───── · ° ➶ ✧ ➶ ° · ─────┘

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Caesar reaches out to touch Katniss' headpiece. The whites has burned away, leaving a smooth, fitted veil of black that drapes into the neckline of the dress in the back. "Feathers," says Caesar. "You're like a bird."

"A mockingjay, I think," she says, giving her wings a small falp. "It's a bird on the pin I wear as a token."

A shadow of recognition flickers across Caesar's face, and I can tell he knows that the mockingjay isn't just her token. That it's come to symbolize so much more. That what will be seen as a flashy costume change in the Capitol is resonating in an entirely different way throughout the districts. But he makes the best of it.

"Well, hats off to your stylist. I don't think anyone can argue that that's not the most spectacular thing we've ever seen in an interview. Cinna, I think you better take a bow!" Caesar gestures for Cinna to rise. He does, and makes a small, gracious bow.

The audience who's been stunned into silence, breaks into wild applause. I can barely hear the buzzer that indicates that her three minutes are up. Caesar thanks her and she goes back ot her seat.

Peeta makes his way to the stage and Caesar greets him. They have been a natural team since they first appeared together a year ago. Their easy give-and-take, comic timing, and ability to segue into heart-wrenching moments, like Peeta's confession of love for Katniss, have made them a huge success with the audience. They effortlessly open with a few jokes and fired and feathers and overcooking poultry. But anyone can see that Peeta is preoccupied, so Caesar directs the conversation right into the subject that's on everyone's mind.

"So, Peeta, what was it like when, after all you've been through, you found out about the Quell?" asks Caesar.

"I was in shock. I mean, one minute I'm seeing Katniss looking so beautiful in all these wedding gowns, and the next... " Peeta trails off.

"You realized there was never going to be a wedding?" asks Caesar gently.

Peeta pauses for a long moment, as if deciding something. He looks out at the spellbound audience, then at the floor, then finally up at Caesar. "Caesar, do you think all our friends here tonight can keep a secret?"

An uncomfortable laugh emanates from the audience. What can he mean? Keep a secret from who? Our whole world is watching.

"I feel quite certain of it," says Caesar.

"We're already married," says Peeta quietly. The crowd reacts in astonishment, and I turn my head over to Katniss who buries her face in the folds of her skirt.

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