Katniss listens to the newcomer’s insistence that where she had come from was not all that bad. She wonders for a moment if she was brainwashed. Perhaps it was just perspective. From where Katniss was standing, tyranny, in any form, was something that needed to be stopped. But she supposed she could somewhat see what Castalla was saying.
All throughout history there have been wars fought on the premise of perception. Each side was born into a way of thinking and eventually, adopted it into being. Younglings were raised in that mindset, taught to believe what the regime believed. And on the opposite side of the battle field, the same could be said about those individuals. They were all born to one side and taught the ideals of that group of peoples. So really, she could be living amongst a group of people that others think are tyrannous. Perception - it was a great lesson - one she needed to teach her son.
She looks out over the city, looking down at people as they laugh and smile and enjoy themselves. It is so hard for Katniss to fit in with them when she feels nothing but darkness and sorrow inside. So when Castalla invites her to join her, Katniss politely shakes her head. “Please, go enjoy yourself.” She looks back at Castalla, trying not to appear rude in her refusal to join her. “I must get home to my son.” Kibou was old enough to take care of himself, but Katniss would still use him as an excuse if she needed to. She simply was not feeling social tonight. Perhaps tomorrow…perhaps next week, perhaps sometime in the future she might feel like being happy again.
@Castalla - a little closer
