#like thinking about it…peeta had a crush on katniss to start and katniss wasn’t aware

[winksasleeplesseye]

now that I think about it…leon definitely fell first and amara fell harder and that’s on peeta and katniss level vibes/trope

[theartofdreaming1]

Slightly paraphrased, but Peeta talking about that moment he developed his crush on Katniss is just too sweet 😊

As usual, my thoughts regarding this week’s prompts and random thoughts on chapters 22-24 are below the cut (sprinkled in some psychology thoughts again).

heart

Honestly, I think the people in Panem would perceive the whole everlark storyline the same way we perceive and react to our ships on tv (desperately wanting to reach through the screen, shoving the characters forcefully together, screaming “And now, kiss!”); especially the Capitolites who barely recognize the tributes (or people in the districts, in general) as people. The people in the districts would definitely view the whole thing more under a “reality tv” kind of lens, questioning how much of the relationship is real or not (we know that Finnick certainly thought that the entire thing was just a spiel, until Peeta hit that forcefield). The time spent in the cave must have been pretty convincing, though.

mind

I think that Katniss is still torn here - On the one hand, she kind of wants to believe that Peeta is actually into her (remember the happiness she felt when Peeta told her how his crush on her began, and it all added up and seemed so real), but on the other hand she’s terrified of that possibility because A) lingering trauma from her mom’s depression in response the Mr. Everdeen’s death, B) Katniss never even considered falling in love, so that’s a sudden unexpected thing to deal with, and C) maybe it’s just for the sake of the Games; and wouldn’t that hurt, getting your hopes up only to learn it was only for show? (How about we ask Peeta about that?)

soul

Yeah, that quote about Peeta only eating stale bread also struck me as quite sad. It just further adds to his understanding how there should be more to life than just survival, though. (One day, I’ll make that post about Peeta, Katniss, and Maslow’s pyramid of needs, I swear! I’ve already gathered some research material)

Chapter 22

My mother’s hand strokes my cheek and I don’t push it away as I would in wakefulness, never wanting her to know how much I crave that gentle touch. How much I miss her even though I still don’t trust her. - Ugh, I can’t... Katniss misses her mom, misses being cared for😢 I’m so glad we’re going to see her patch up her relationship with her mom in CF... On a different note, Katniss craving that gentle touch just perfectly illustrates why she’s so drawn to Peeta, who is generally such a gentle soul (I mean, he’s literally the person stroking her cheek here 😊)

He [Peeta] doesn’t seem angry about my tricking him, drugging him, and running off to the feast. Maybe I’m just too beat-up and I’ll hear about it later when I’m stronger. But for the moment, he’s all gentleness. - As I was saying... 😉

“I’ll go hunting soon,” I say. “Not too soon, all right?” he says. “You just let me take care of you for a while.” - I love them so much😊🥰 And then Peeta makes sure she’s well-fed and hydrated, he rubs her cold feet and tucks her into the sleeping back... and she let’s him! 💗

“He [Thresh] let you go because he didn’t want to owe you anything?” asks Peeta in disbelief. “Yes. I don’t expect you to understand it. You’ve always had enough. But if you’d lived in the Seam, I wouldn’t have to explain,” I say. “And don’t try. Obviously I’m too dim to get it,” he says. - Oof. This exchange here is interesting in many ways: 1) it highlights their different experiences, tied to their different socioeconomic backgrounds, basically, and 2)  that Katniss is very much aware of this difference, but we also see hints of her own ignorance here - because Peeta didn’t have to starve in his childhood, she thinks that he can’t possibly understand this level of hardship; but there are other ways in which one can suffer/lack fundamental needs, which brings us to 3) Peeta’s response about being “obviously too dim to get it”; I think this is a clue to his mom being also verbally abusive towards him: she called him “stupid creature” when he burnt those loaves of bread for Katniss and when he’s losing it in the attic of the Justice Building in D11 in CF he is mad that Katniss and Haymitch keep things from him “like [he’s] too inconsequential or stupid or weak to handle them”, which - to me - sounds like he’s tired of being treated that way (i.e. the way his mother treats him)

“I want to go home, Peeta,” I say plaintively, like a a small child. - God, this is a teenager in a murder-arena who feels like wanting to go home is a childish notion instead of a totally legitimate wish for anyone in that situation, regardless of age 😢

It’s not that Peeta’s soft exactly, and he’s proved he’s not a coward. But there are things you don’t question too much, I guess, when your home always smells like baking bread, whereas Gale questions everything. What would Peeta think of the irreverent banter that passes between us as we break the law each day? Would it shock him? The things we say about Panem? Gale’s tirades against the Capitol? - Geez, Katniss, give Peeta some credit here! A) It’s not like Peeta can walk around District 12 talking publicly about the injustices happening there - she and Peeta hadn’t even talked with each other before the reaping, whereas Gale is her best friend who rants to her while they are outside the confines of D12 and B) Peeta is literally the one who introduced the whole “not a piece in their Games”-idea to her; why would he be clutching his pearls over Katniss and Gale’s irreverent banter?! Just because Peeta didn’t live on the brink of starvation (she again brings up how his house smells like bread and - at this point - still thinks that the family running the bakery actually gets to eat what they produce just like that), doesn’t mean he doesn’t see how shitty life in D12 is - he can still want better conditions for those who are worse off than him!

“I did do the right thing,” I say. “No! Just don’t, Katniss!” His grip tightens, hurting my hand, and there’s real anger in his voice. “Don’t die for me. You won’t be doing me any favors. All right?” - Well, we’ll see this song and dance again in CF...

And while I was talking, the idea of actually losing Peeta hit me again and I realized how much I don’t want him to die. [...] And it’s not about what will happen back home. And it’s not just that I don’t want to be alone. It’s him. I do not want to lose the boy with the bread.” - I wish CF Katniss would remember this moment when she is questioning her motives about saving Peeta’s life in the arena - You. Care. For. This. Boy! You. Value. Him. For. Who. He. Is!!!

This is the first kiss that we’re both fully aware of. [...] This is the first kiss where I actually feel stirring inside my chest. Warm and curious. This is the first kiss that makes me want another. - Whoo! Is it hot in here or is it just me? 😉

I’m struck by his immediacy now. As we settle in, he pulls my head down to use his arm as a pillow; the other rests protectively over me even when he goes to sleep. No one has held me like this in such a long time. Since my father died and I stopped trusting my mother, no one else’s arms have made me feel this safe. - He makes her feel safe in a murder-arena!!! 😭 This is the kind of stuff that makes everlark just a top tier romance, tbh

Peeta telling Katniss about his crush starting on their first day of school 🥰😭 - and her reaction to it... For a moment, I’m almost foolishly happy - yes, because you have a crush on him, too! - and then confusion sweeps over me. Because we’re supposed to be making up this stuff [...] So, if those details are true... could it all be true? - YESSSSSSSS!!!

“You have a... remarkable memory, “ I say haltingly. - as a severely socially awkward person... I felt that lame response in my bones 😅

“You don’t have much competition anywhere.” And this time, it’s me who leans in. - God, this would be such an amazing moment if it didn’t get tainted by that immediate sponsor gift, which just serves to muddle Katniss’s feelings with her sense of survival, further complicating her relationship with Peeta... *sigh* 

Chapter 23

“What was that you were saying just before the food arrived? Something about me... no competition... best thing that ever happened to you...” “I don’t remember that last part,” I say, hoping it’s too dim in here for the cameras to pick up my blush. “Oh, that’s right. That’s what I was thinking,” he says. - Peeta is the master of being a cheeky little shit and adorable flirt at the same time

“So, since we were five, you never even noticed any other girls?” I ask him. “No, I noticed just about every girl, but none of them made a lasting impression but you,” he says. - I appreciate that while Peeta has had a crush on Katniss forever, he clearly didn’t spend the entire time pining after her, oblivious to the rest of the world - he has a life outside of Katniss Everdeen, but ultimately, it all lead back to her

A disturbing thought hits me. “But then, our only neighbor will be Haymitch!” “Ah, that’ll be nice,” says Peeta, tightening his arms around me. “You and me and Haymitch. Very cozy. Picnics, birthdays, long winter nights around the fire retelling old Hunger Games tales.” “I told you, he hates me!” I say, but I can’t help laughing at the image of Haymitch becoming my new pal. - Laugh all you want, this is going to end up being your future anyway 😄

He [Haymitch]’s at something of a disadvantage because most mentors have a partner, another victor to help them whereas Haymitch has to bready to go into action at any moment. Kind of like me when I was alone in the arena. I wonder how he’s holding up, with the drinking, the attention, and the stress of tring to keep us alive. - Katniss is already worrying about her “new pal”, I see ;)

Maybe he [Haymitch] wasn’t always a drunk. Maybe, in the beginning, he tried to help the tributes. But then it got unbearable. It must be hell to mentor two kids and then watch them die. - Honestly, that sounds absolutely awful...

Poor, Katniss, when she learns of Thresh’s death :( - But no one will understand my sorrow at Thresh’s murder. - It’s horrible how compassion and basic human decency gets construed as ‘weakness’ in the world of Hunger Games (esp. the Capitol)

Then I escape into sleep, comforted by a full belly and the steady warmth of Peeta beside me. - Honestly, I think a word analysis of THG-series could be interesting; how often does Katniss mention “warmth”, “steady/steadiness” “safe/safety/security” in connection with “Peeta”?

“We make a goat cheese and apple tart at the bakery,” he says. “Bet that’s expensive,” I say. “Too expensive for my family to eat. Unless it’s gone very stale. Of course, practically everything we eat is stale,” says Peeta [...] Huh. I always assumed the shopkeepers live a soft life. And it’s true, Peeta has always had enough to eat. But there’s something kind of depressing about living your life on stale bread - Katniss is starting to realize that the lives of the merchants isn’t a cushy as she thought; also, in a way, we see a “prettier” version of how Panem treats the districts overall -> feeding the districts just enough that they can do their work (plus/minus a couple of people who’ll die of starvation, but at a small, for Capitolites insignificant margin), but not so much that they are in good shape to rebel; here, the merchants of D12 have just enough that they can live a “decent” life (they know it could be worse -> the Seam), but they don’t have enough to live a free, comfortable, self-determined life either. This also just further drives a wedge between the inhabitants of D12 (the merchants won’t want to rebel because they don’t want to get ‘demoted’ in their lifestyle, starving like the people from the Seam, and the Seam folk feel resentful towards the merchant people, while also not having the resources to rebel, due to their awful socioeconomic conditions)

What would be my life like on a daily basis? Most of it has been consumed with the acquisition of food. Take that away and I’m not really sure who I am, what my identity is. - It’s so sad who Katniss has been so consumed with ensuring that her most base needs are fulfilled that she barely has had the time to really figure out who she is and what she wants from life (If we’re talking Maslow’s pyramid of needs, Katniss would primarily be stuck on the lowest tier 😢)

At least, we’ll be friends, I think. Nothing will change the fact that we’ve saved each other’s lives in here. And beyond that, he will always be the boy with the bread. Good friends. - Honestly, Katniss counting on being good friends with Peeta after the Games is the highest honor she can bestow on him at that moment (she’s so into him, lol); of course, knowing that their relationship is going to be a bit rocky once they’ve come back makes this thought a little sad... but we also know they’ll make up (and out ;) in the future

Peeta licking his plate and blowing a kiss out to Effie is such an adorable goofball-moment 😊

I cover his mouth with my hand, but I’m laughing. “Stop! Cato could be right outside our cave.” He grabs my hand away. “What do I care? I’ve got you to protect me now,” says Peeta, pulling me to him. - This moment would be so cute (also, Peeta’s so confident in Katniss’s skills to protect him, which is adorable - toxic masculinity who?) but... Ugh, he’s just so giddy here, it kind of breaks my heart for when he learns later that (at least some) of Katniss’s reactions were just for show

“If we want food, we better head back up to my old hunting grounds,” I say. “Your call, Just tell me what you need me to do,” Peeta says. - Love how Peeta’s always ready to follow Katniss’s lead :)

Ideally, I’d dump Peeta now with some simple root-gathering chore and go hunt [...] “Katniss,” he says. “We need to split up. I know I’m chasing away the game.” [...] “Show me some plants to gather and that way we’ll both be useful.” - Teamwork! If it weren’t for Katniss worrying for Peeta’s safety, they’d be on the same page here

“What if you climbed up in a tree and acted as a lookout while I haunted?” I say, trying to make it sound like very important work. “What if you show me what’s edible around here and go get us some meat?” he says, mimicking my tone. - I really like how Peeta’s challenges Katniss here; he doesn’t just go along with everything she says, while still being quite reasonable

I feel like I’m eleven, again, tethered not to the safety of the fence but to Peeta, allowing myself twenty, maybe thirty yards of hunting space. [...] I allow myself to drift farther away, and soon have two rabbits and a fat squirrel to show for it. - I don’t know, but Katniss feeling tethered to Peeta makes me think of Mary Ainsworth’s attachment theory, according to which children with a secure attachment to their primary caregiver use  their “attachment figure as a safe base to explore the environment”... Of course, Ainsworth’s Strange Situation was conducted with young children, but attachment styles are supposed to influence the relationships we form with people in our later lives as well (including romantic relationships)... I dunno, just a random association that popped into my brain 😅

Chapter 24

Peeta’s a whiz with fires, coaxing a blaze out of the damp wood. - Heh, Peeta sure knows how to handle fire, huh, Katniss (or should I say: Girl on Fire?) 😏

I order him into the sleeping bag and set aside the rest of his food for him when he wakes. He drops off immediately. I pull the sleeping bag up to his chin and kiss his forehead, not for the audience, but for me. Because I’m so greateful that he’s still here, not dead by the stream as I’d thought.  - Aww, this is so sweet (and domestic)!

It’s funny. I feel almost as if it’s the first day of the Games again. That I’m in the same position. [...] But no, there’s the boy waiting beside me. I feel his arms wrap around me. - They are a team! Katniss doesn’t have to face the horrors of the Games alone anymore! It keeps boiling down to this.

[captainseaweedbrains]

Yoga Poses

@a-catgirl-universe asked for the prompt: I’d love to read Everlark doing yoga. Weird craving I know!

Not weird at all! This was a lot of fun to write! I hope you enjoy! 

Summary: Katniss and Peeta try yoga for the first time. One of them is good at it and the other...not so much.

“I feel ridiculous,” Katniss muttered, trying to touch her foot to the back of her head while pointing her front foot down and balancing all her weight onto her right arm. “How is this supposed to be relaxing again?”

“Are you even focusing on your breathing?” Peeta asked, somehow succeeding in this destroyer pose they were both trying to follow from the Youtube video Madge sent them with the promise of 30-minutes of pure relaxation. He took in a deep breath and slowly let it out as the woman on the screen instructed before unrolling himself from the position. “Do you need help?”

She wanted to say yes, but his smirk was far too amused and he did a poor job hiding the amusement from his voice. Falling on her stubborn ass was preferable to Peeta helping her untangle herself.

“I’ve got it,” she snapped, trying once more to wrap her free arm behind her torso. The woman in the video made it look so easy. She even had the audacity to be smiling, acting like this was the best thing in the world! Katniss’ arm felt like it was going to fall off, that her pointed toes would be crushed under her weight. Her arm wavered, despite all her years of archery, but she refused to give in to the pain. She gritted her teeth. “This is personal now.”

“Personal?” Peeta did laugh at her now, his curly blonde hair hanging loose in his face. He pushed back said curls and sat down on the couch in front of her, taking a swipe from his water bottle. “Against who? You and Youtube yoga lady? She’s a professional, Katniss. It was a losing battle from the start.”

“Me and you.” Just a little longer, she willed her arm. Just hold it out a little bit longer.

“Me?” he asked, incredulously. “How did I make this personal? It was your idea to try this. I wanted to go swimming.”

“I’m the flexible one,” she said, the strain in her voice evident, even to her. Little beads of sweat pricked at her temple, stinging her eyes. “I’m supposed to be good at this.” Her muscles screamed, calling for defeat. Two more breaths and that was it.

Deep breath in…deep breath out. One.

“I can definitely vouch for that,” Peeta winked.

She chose to ignore that quip, focusing on her breathing instead. “Trying to breathe here, Peeta.” He mimed zipping his lips and she glared at him for a moment before taking her last breath in and releasing it in a quick rush, the muscles in her arm folding in as gravity took her down.

“I win,” she proudly proclaimed, detangling herself and rolling on her side, smiling up at him.

He smiled fondly back at her, teasingly poking her in the hip with his foot. “Wasn’t aware this was a competition.” He helped her up off the floor and handed her her water bottle.

“Everything is a competition, if you try hard enough,” Katniss said before accepting the bottle and downing half of its content in one go.

Katniss had to admit, now that her body wasn’t screaming in pure agony any more, she felt pretty relaxed. Maybe this was the relaxation Madge was referring to. Content and well-hydrated, she kicked up her feet, giggling when Peeta dragged them onto his lap, tracing the bottoms of her feet and causing her to kick and squirm when he found her tickle spots.

 “Shall we inform Madge she has two new yoga pals?” Peeta asked, still tracing along the bottom edge of her foot.

Katniss snorted and took another sip of water. “God no. Gale’s told me how those classes go. I refuse to subject myself to that torture in public. Our living room was bad as is.”

“Until you won.”

“Until I won,” she smiled, pecking him on the cheek. “But seriously, that was the longest thirty minutes of my life. Let’s never do that again.” She stretched her body like a cat, groaning when her joints popped. “I think I learned about some muscles I didn’t even know existed.”

“Hm.” Peeta tapped on her toes in thought. “So you wouldn’t try yoga ever again?”

“Nope.” She stretched again, yawning. “Not if you paid me.”

He slowly nodded, frowning slightly. “I guess there goes my afternoon plans.”

“Afternoon plans?”   

He pushed her feet off and stood, nonchalantly collecting his computer off the floor and turning it off. “Yeah, I figured once we learned a few poses from this, we’d want to test our flexibility elsewhere. Guess I was wrong.” He shrugged, heading to the kitchen. “I’ll see if my brothers still want to head to the pool. Maybe get a few laps in before it closes.”

“Peeta, wait!” she called, leaping from the couch and jumping onto his back, her arms and legs wrapping tight around him. “I’m totally open to your first plans,” she said, peppering his neck with kisses. “Let’s do that, instead.”

“Thought you were done with yoga?”

“A girl can change her mind.”

[everlarkficexchange]

I Choose You

Written by: @wendywobbles

Prompt 51: Katniss E, the Valedictorian of Panem High school, is perfect in all fields of life. And that is the crush of awkward, average in studies, not so popular, never had a girlfriend, often bullied Peeta M. Not only does she have a very popular friend circle but also a handsome, popular boyfriend Gale H. Will she even want to be his friend? Is his crush doomed to fail? Eventual Everlark) [submitted by @white-dandelion-seeds]

AN: I hope I did your prompt proud. The title comes from a Sara Bareilles song that I love.

——————————————-

Peeta Mellark walked quietly in the door and leaned against the wall at the school assembly. He hated these things. Being trapped here for an hour while Principal Trinket droned on and on about what was coming up in the next semester was hell.

They had just returned from their autumn break and Peeta was counting the days down until this last year of school was finished. His experience in Panem 12th Region school had been long, dull and miserable.

Not for the first time he wondered if his dad had lived how his life would have turned out. Would he have been a popular jock with lots of friends and confidence instead of a feeling like a ghost in these hallways? He hoped college would be different. As far as he knew none of the dicks from his year would be attending Capitol U.

He had no idea what Trinket was talking about but he became aware the second the speaker changed……Katniss Everdeen was at the podium and saying hello to everyone. Instantly he paid attention.

Katniss Everdeen was in Peeta Mellark’s eyes the most perfect woman to ever walk the earth. She had long dark hair, clear olive skin and grey eyes.

She was a distance runner for the Panem 12th Region Athletics team. She trained hard , Peeta knew this because he had often seen her running in the early hours of the morning when it was his early shift at the Bakery or sometimes he would see her on the trails when he was out running she always had a smile and wave for him as they passed.

Her grades were always high, again Peeta knew this was down to hard work and not just luck.

Sometimes he would see her at the library when he was hiding out avoiding Cato and the other Jays and his maths whizz brother Leon had been tutoring her since last year.

She has a quiet confidence, and strength that just drew people to her and had a wide circle of friends but would make time for everyone whether it was a quick hello or a longer more in-depth chat. It was no wonder when she ran for student council she was elected president.

With a confident smile the object of Peeta’s affection began to speak

“Hi all! Hope everyone had a wonderful break, I know I did. Principal Trinket has given me a few minutes of the assembly today to talk about our Winter Formal. This year we are looking to do something a bit different and we are hoping that you guys will help us come up with a theme. This is the last 12th Region dance some of us will attend and we would love to make this something a bit special, but right now our ideas aren’t hitting the mark and I know that there are so many talented and creative individuals here so we’d love to hear from you.”

She looked behind her and Annie Cresta, her Vice President, handed her a cardboard box covered in silver paper. She held it up for all to see

“Okay, I know this probably looks a bit basic but this box will be left in library until next Friday. If you have an idea put it in. We will then post the suggestions online and then we can vote for our favourite. Easy right? I can’t wait to see what people come up with.”

“Thanks for listening and don’t forget Friday is the big Game against D13’s Coin Cavaliers and once again the 12th Region’s very own Mockingjays are out to destroy them. Show you school spirit by wearing black and orange. Go Jays!”

All around Peeta students began to cheer, he just rolled his eyes and slipped quietly away.

*********

For the rest of the day school was buzzing with excitement for the game and Katniss announcement. Peeta was glad when his final class was over and headed to his locker to collect his bag.

“Hey Bread Boy” called Johanna Mason, a short shaved head girl that somehow had become one of Peeta’s closest and dearest friends

“Yes Jo?”

“So are you making any suggestions for the Winter Formal? I’ve got mine in – Roller Disco with night vision goggles. Great, huh?”

“Seriously Jo? I mean while I can certainly appreciate the theme, how exactly would a person fund all those glasses……” he smiled.

“I’m the ideas woman, the reality is her ladyship and her minions area of work…speaking of which. Anyway I gotta go, see you later handsome “ and with that Jo sprinted away.

Peeta looked up and saw Katniss Everdeen walking down the corridor. She was carrying an armful of books, a bag and a bottle of water, had an apple wedged in her mouth and her shoe lace was beginning to open on her ever present black Cons. Peeta was thinking how this looked like an accident waiting to happen when Katniss reached up to take the apple out of her mouth, stepped on her now undone shoe lace and tripped herself up sending everything flying.

“Katniss! Oh my god are you okay?” Peeta was by her side in a flash and quickly helped her right herself.

Surprisingly she burst out laughing “Oh my god! I can’t believe that just happened. Thanks Peeta, I’m ok.” He started to help her pick up her stuff when Gale Hawthorne appeared.

“Katniss? What happened? You ok?” concern was all over his features.

“Fine, fine I tripped Peeta was just helping me collect my stuff.”

Gale nodded but proceeded to take the books Peeta had in his arms “Well I’m here now. Mellark you can …go do whatever it is you do. I got this.”

Peeta felt his face flame but kept his mouth shut previous experience had thought him that answering back to people like Gale usually ended up badly for people like Peeta.

“Sure. Whatever” he mumbled and moved to step away.

Katniss meanwhile shot Gale a glance that would have felled a lesser man, but Peeta imagined as Katniss’ boyfriend Gale was probably used to her looks so he just ignored her.(Imagine being able to ignore Katniss thought Peeta)

“Thanks again Peeta. Hey before you go, do you have the details of the English assignment? I can’t find where I wrote it down.”

“Sure, hold on” Peeta rummaged in his backpack and pulled out a notebook. He pulled out a sheet and copied the details onto the paper for her.

“Ummm here you go” he said handing it over.

“Katniss? Are you ready I’ll carry this stuff to your car” huffed Gale.

“Go ahead I’ll be right there. I just want to check something with Peeta” She called without looking at Gale.

“I’ll wait.”

“Dunderhead” muttered Katniss under her breath so that only Peeta could hear her, keeping her voice low she began to speak “Um I was wondering if you were going to submit any ideas for the dance. When we were kids I remember you always had a great imagination.”

Peeta blinked and stared and Katniss “Um no. I don’t….I mean I’m not interested in that kinda thing you know. I’ve never even been to a school dance.”

“Oh…right. Sorry I just, I guess I’ll see you in class or something.” Katniss seemed embarrassed and Peeta wanted to die. This was how he spoke to the girl of his dreams….Leon was right he was an idiot.

As she turned to walk away he called after her “Wait! I may not have an idea but um I’m pretty good at art and design maybe,I mean if you needed it, I could help you guys work on pulling it altogether?” he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“That would be fantastic! I know you’re headed to Capitol U next year to begin a Fine Art Degree so absolutely we would love your help.” Katniss smile was a mile wide as she said all this.

“Ok. Well keep me posted. Oh and Katniss you should probably tie your shoelace” Peeta smiled and her and began to walk away. It was only as he turned the corner he realised something. He had never mentioned getting into Capitol U …how had Katniss known that?

********

“So what did you need from Mellark?” asked Gale.

“Gale you were standing right there when I was talking to him - English homework and he’s offered to help with the dance.” said Katniss taking her bag from Gale. She reached down to grab the apple that she dropped and popped it in a bin as she walked by.

“Help how? Loser never goes to anything school related.”

“So? What has that got to do with anything? And he’s not a loser. Look Gale we need help with this dance and I’m happy to have someone like Peeta come on board-“

Gale cut her off “ Ooh I get it now, you get the nerdy runt to do all the work and you take the credit.”

“Shut up Gale. When have I EVER treated anyone like that? I can’t believe you would even think I would do that.”

“Oh relax, it’s High School not the real world.”

Sometimes Katniss goody two shoes attitude really annoyed Gale. Kill or be killed that was Gale’s motto(not literally of course) but sometimes you had to be ruthless on and off the field.

“Let me make it up too you… how about a movie?”

“Can’t I have to get home to help dad. I’ll round up the gang maybe we can all go see something on Saturday?”

Frustrated Gale rolled his eyes before responding “Katniss I meant …..”

Katniss knew exactly what he meant and after going out a few times two years ago, Katniss wasn’t going down that road again, Gale however still thought they were perfect for each other and was always trying to get her to agree to a date.

Katniss blundered on pretending not to have heard him “It’ll be a fun way for everyone to relax after Friday’s game. I’ll text everyone later unless you want to do it?”

Gale clenched his jaw frustrated at Katniss he wanted to say something more when his phone rang. It was Cato.

“I’m late for practice. Talk to you later” and Gale took off running towards the sports field.

A grateful Katniss watched Gale sprint away, glad of the reprieve from his hints and outright declarations that they would make the perfect couple.

She hopped into her car and got ready to head home, when out of the corner of her eye she saw the hunched figure of Peeta Mellark walking out and heading towards town, she watched him til he was out of sight.

There was something about Peeta that made Katniss want to get to know him better but the blue eyed blond boy kept himself to himself. She had has crush on him since the first day of school when he drew her a picture of her teddy bear.

She smiled recalling how upset she was being separated from her bear and was missing him something terrible on her first day. Seeing her tears Peeta had marched up to her pencil in hand and asked her what he looked like and under her guidance had drawn a pretty good depiction of Snowball Abernathy.

Katniss still had the drawing; her dad had laminated it years go and she used it as book mark. The bear was also still knocking around, slightly bedraggled, more grey then white these day but still loved.

She sighed remembering a time when they were younger and Peeta was much more open. It all changed when his dad died though he seemed to retreat from childhood.

********

Katniss knew from Peeta’s older brother Leon that it hadn’t been easy after Mr M had died.

She had met Leon when her parents hired him to help her with her maths. Leon was like a skinnier less good looking Peeta. He was in college locally hoping to be a teacher and he loved maths and tutored a few kids.

As Katniss and he worked together they became more friendly.He was kind and funny and talkative.

When Katniss got accepted to Capitol U to study Engineering she was overjoyed and then Leon told her Peeta had been accepted to CU too.

“That’s amazing! What program? I wonder if we’ll run into each other. That would be cool.” Katniss gushed. She was practically vibrating at this piece of news.

And had completely forgotten who she was talking too. She couldn’t stop the blush that crept up her face.

Leon felt a grin spreading over his face “Careful Everdeen or I might think you have a crush on my baby brother……oh my god you do!!!”

That was a few weeks ago and Leon kept encouraging her to talk to Peeta and teasing her that if she let the year pass without saying anything he would tell Peeta before graduation.

Katniss knew though her secret was safe. Leon was very protective of Peeta, and from what Leon had told her-and what she knew from the past herself and gossip- the death of Mr Mellark had hit the whole family hard.

The oldest Mellark brother Sean had taken over running the place full time (this had always been the plan but the death of Sean Snr meant things moved a lot quicker). He quit full time college and moved home.

Leon and Peeta helped out but right after her husband died Mrs Mellark seemed to “disappear” leaving Sean 20, Leon 16 and Peeta 13 to carry on.

The older boys tried to stay on top of everything.- the house, the business, school even dealing with their mom- but their home life was chaotic following in the weeks following their fathers death.

It was a lot to cope with, and they tried to do it all without any help - scared that if they let people know what was going on their family would be further torn apart.

Katniss remembered when Peeta came to school in the same hoodie for 5 days –not really a big deal but Cato Snow grabbed this and began to tease Peeta.

“Hey Smellark. Don’t you have any CLEAN clothes?”

His goons soon joined in for weeks whenever they could get Peeta alone they went at him, they pushed him, squirted hand sanitizer on him, threw water on him.

Some of the other kids tried to tell Cato to stop but no one wanted to make themselves a target so most just ignored what was going on. Katniss did too, and the memory still pained her.

It all came to a head one Monday afternoon Peeta finally snapped and swung at Cato. Peeta may have been quiet and smaller then the others but in the past number of weeks a fire had raged in him.

This particular Monday Cato had decided that Peeta needed a hair cut and got Tom Marvel and Derek Blight to hold him down and started to hack at Peeta’s hair.

It was the final straw for Peeta, to this day no one knows exactly how he did it but Peeta got loose and punched Cato busting his nose, the sight of the blood caused Marvel to flee. Blight wasn’t quick enough and Peeta managed to leave him with a black eye. Peeta picked up his bag and left the school vowing to never return.

While this was going on, an anonymous tip off was left with a children’s care charity begging them to check on the Mellark’s. A young case worker Finnick Odair took the call and hearing how distressed the girl in the end of the call was decided to make a house call.

He met a shaken, tattered Peeta at the house on the front step.

“Hey kid? You ok?”

And for the first time since his dad died and the bullying began Peeta cried and his story just tumbled out

Finnick met with the rest of the family. Mrs. Mellark was very obviously depressed, the boys were grieving but had no time to process everything that was happening as they desperately tried to keep things going. A decision was made to contact Mrs Mellark mother, Sae.

She arrived in a day and scolded her grandsons for not calling her sooner and hugged the life out of them.

She sought out her daughter and held her close as she wept and wept.

Then the five of them sat on the sofa together and Sae told Finnick she was sticking around for as long as was needed and he helped her to find the help her family needed.

Peeta however refused to talk about what had happened and wouldn’t confirm the bullying. He hoped by keeping his mouth shut Cato would leave him alone. (It hadn’t. Although Cato no longer actively sought him out he still tormented him)

When Peeta returned to school a few days later people seemed to give him a wide berth the story of his Hulk like anger had scared people. It made him sad.

When he went to his locker he found a bag there and inside was a paper dandelion, a packet of coloring pencils and notebook.

Peeta was confused and wary but the yellow flower was the first thing he remembered seeing in color; since his dad died life had just been grey. He smiled, just a small one but somehow this flower made him feel something he hadn’t felt in a long time -hope.

********

On Friday the school was buzzing. Peeta had on a black tee shirt and orange cons showing his school spirit.

He had noticed Katniss that morning in her black skinny jeans, a Jays orange jersey, black oversized cardigan, in her braided hair there was an orange ribbon and on her feet a pair of orange cons. He smiled when he saw them.

He was just slipping to class when she called him

“Hey Peeta! Look we’re foot twins.” She bounded over to him and stood toe to toe with him. His heart was pounding.

She pulled out her phone “Can I take a picture?” and she aimed her camera down before clicking a few snaps.

“I think yours look better” she smiled and looked up at him, suddenly aware how close she was to him.

“I’m sorry Peeta I’m such and space invader” she stepped back “like I was saying yours look better, they have that lived in Cons look, mine are brand new they need breaking in. I’m gonna put this on Instagram, want me to tag you?”

“Why? Why would you tag me? I mean we’re not exactly friends, besides I don’t think Gale or his friends would appreciate any part of me appearing on your feed. I have to go Katniss.” Peeta smiled sadly and walked away.

Katniss couldn’t understand what she had said or done but she quickly deleted the post.

********

When the dance committee opened the silver box they found a good deal of papers, half though were filled with utter rubbish- crude drawing, bits of gum wrapped in the paper and some downright dangerous suggestions -roller skating with night vision goggles???

The most surprising thing was that even though the students had been given free reign most were standard dance ideas. According to Delly Cartwright this was because despite claims to want to express themselves and be individuals most teenagers just wanted to blend in and follow the herd, and in the end there were only five familiar themes to choose from.

1. Winter Wonderland/Snow Ball /Yule Ball

2. Once Upon a Time(Fairytales and stories)

3. Enchanted Forest or Magical Garden

4. Candy land

5. Masquerade Ball

Students were just handed a ballot paper and asked to vote for their favourite and with the result revealed at the following weeks assembly.

The winning theme in the end was the Enchanted Forest, and Katniss was secretly thrilled. Now the theme was picked it was time for the hard work to begin, and time to see if Peeta was ready to join the dance committee.

********

Peeta and Jo were sitting on one of the benches outside the school when Katniss walked over.

“Hey” she called

Peeta waved, Jo gave a nod.

“Peeta, if that offer to help out with the dance is still on the table the dance committee is meeting tomorrow after school to get things moving. I was wondering if you’d like to come along and get an idea of budget, how we can pull off the theme and if we can actually make something out of nothing” Katniss joked.

“I don’t know Katniss-“ but before he could finish Jo interrupted

“He’ll be there. What time and can I help too? My dad owns the forest out past Turn 4. He might be able to help with some stuff for decoration.”

“Ok, well we be in Room 17 from about 4 pm and Jo it would be great to have more help. I’ll leave you guys to it then. Bye”

As she walked away she missed the glare Peeta threw at Jo and the grin that spread across her face.

“What? You have been crazy about her for years. Now’s you chance to woo her” grinned Jo

“She has a scary boyfriend or did you forget that? A boyfriend who has no issue with beating a guy like me and might I add he has the connections to dispose of me where no one can find me.” He muttered darkly

“I dunno I know what people say but, I don’t think they are a couple….. anyway never mind that it’ll be at least one fun memory we’ll have of going to this place before we head to Capitol.”

********

Over the next few weeks Peeta’s life and routine took on a different one. The initial meeting of the dance committee had been nerve wracking but the other members, along with Katniss made him and Jo feel very welcome.

Peeta was wary at first but there was no punchline, he wasn’t a joke to anyone and surprisingly he started to enjoy the meetings.

The other members Annie Cresta, Thom Dalton, Brian Turner or Beetee as he was known, Delly Cartwright and Cecelia Hubert were a mixed but fun group.

“Hey Peeta, can you take a look at this?” Katniss called

“What’s up?” he asked.

“This…. I think I did it wrong…..it looks..” they two of them tilted their heads looking at the mess in front of them Katniss was supposed to be making centre pieces from twigs adorned with lights, and flowers.

“I think you’ve glued things on upside down, it’s okay we’ll fix it” he tried not to laugh. Katniss was the least crafty person he had ever met.

“I like the arch way, you’ve made it look really spectacular, it will make the entrance look so special. You have really helped us to set the theme, you and Jo.”

“Well you know us art nerds” Peeta mumbled as he undid some of Katniss handiwork.

“I don’t….but I’d like too” Katniss whispered in a low voice.

Peeta didn’t dare to look at her but kept going with what he was doing. He wasn’t sure what to say. He took a deep breath and prepared to ask her what she meant when suddenly the door burst open and there stood Gale, Cato and the other Jays players.

Gale was wearing what looked like doctors scrubs while the others were dressed in tacky sexy nurse outfits that no nurse in their right mind could wear and work in.

“Hey Katniss”

Peeta would swear he felt Katniss stiffen beside him, then she took a deep breath and turned to look(along with the rest of the room)

Gale unravelled his sign which said “I’m no doctor but it appears you’re suffering from DATELESSNESS. My suggestion is…..” meanwhile the rest held up signs that read “A date with Gale?” And “What more could you want?” And “A dose of Vitamin G!”

“No!” she shouted and the laughter and shouts of the Jays stopped.

“Just no! I told you this last night, the night before. You NEVER listen to me? I don’t want to date you or even go to the dance with you. I’ve tried being polite but it’s gotten me no where, please leave me alone and stop this. I’m not your girlfriend. I don’t want to be. Just stop”

“You selfish b-“ Gale started towards Katniss but Peeta stepped in front of her.

“I wouldn’t take another step or utter another word Hawthorne. Just take your guys and go. Or would you like me to call Miss Trinket?” Peeta’s voice was low and calm. Thom and Beetee had stood up too and walked towards Katniss and Peeta.

“Or what Smellark?” spat Gale.

“Funny, real funny but I think after 4 years you guys could have gotten a bit more creative with your insults. Cato, why don’t you take Gale and the guys and leave. Katniss has refused Gale’s offer, there is nothing else to be said.”

In the crowd of guys a few looked angry but others just looked confused about what had gone on. Had Gale really been hassling Katniss? He made it sound like she had wanted this big fuss but what if she hadn’t? The team started to move away and soon the room was cleared.

“Umm thanks guys…now where were we?”

“Hey Everdeen, I thought that guy was your boyfriend?” asked Jo confused by what had happened.

“Nope. Never was, never will be. He’s never been my type” Katniss smiled

“Interesting…..and would you type maybe be a little less male perhaps?” teased Jo much to the amusement of the others

“Sorry Jo, I’m not into girls, but I do know that Delly happens to think you are real cute.” And with a shocked squeak from Delly the whole committee burst into giggles.

Once everyone had settled down Katniss walked over to Peeta.

“Hey Peeta? Thanks for what you did for me with Gale. I don’t know why he has to act like that you know?”

“Katniss it’s ok really. I’ll walk you to your car after we’re done here if you want? In case he’s still around.”

“Thanks, but I should be ok. Right I better get these to Annie.” She nodded her head at the closed box in her hands that she had picked up from somewhere.

“What’s in it?

“Flowers! I may not be much good at making centerpieces but if you need a paper flower I’m your girl” she grinned as she said this “open the box and have a look.”

Peeta’s stomach dropped when he opened the box there were daisies, roses and right at the top yellow dandelions like the one given to him all those years ago.

“Peeta? Are you ok?” a worried Katniss asked.

“Yeah. Sorry just zoned out. These are really pretty. I better get back to the trees.”

Peeta worked quietly for rest of the hour to trying to figure out why Katniss had given him the flower all those years ago and the pencils and notebook which became his companions. In the notebook he drew his fears, his hopes covering every page and when it was full his mom bought him a new one. Even now he always had a notebook in his bag.

“Peeta? Can I give you a lift home?” asked Katniss Peeta startled at her voice he looked around and was slightly shocked to see they were the last people there. He hadn’t heard the others leave.

“Ok.” He shrugged and gathered up his stuff.

“Katniss? Can I ask you something?” Peeta was nervous but he needed to know why she did what she did.

“Sure.” She nodded

“After…. the Cato incident there was a paper flower and art stuff left in my locker. Did you do that?”

He watched her hands tighten around the steering wheel and she took a deep breath before she answered.

“Yes. I just wanted to give you something nice you know. Those guys were so mean and the rest of us should’ve done more, told the teachers. I watched you almost disappear and I hated that the light in your eyes dimmed so much. Your family was going through so much.”

“You were just a kid Katniss,it’s ok. Really. We got help. As a family we’ve survived. What else could you have done?” He reached over and put his hand on hers, it was awkward in the car but he wanted -no needed- her to know that he was ok.

“Your flower gave me hope, gave my life some color at a time when I had none. Thank you for seeing me, at a time when I felt no one did.”

“I always saw you Peeta.” She was looking at him now Peeta wanted to look away her gaze was almost too intense.

“You’re a painter. You’re a baker. You like to sleep with the windows open. You are the noisiest walker I have ever heard. And you always double-knot your shoelaces.”

“I know these things because I’ve always watched you and yes I know that’s crazy and I sound like a stalker but I need you to know this because we’re going away to college soon and I would like to at least be your friend but what I really want is to know you better and Leon knows and he told me that if I didn’t tell you I liked you he would.”

“Slow down… what?”

“I like you. A lot. Your stupid brother found out and has been teasing me. He said he would tell you before I could especially since we’re going to be at the same college next year. If you just want a friend that’s fine but I would really like to go on a date so you could get to know me…. and then…..well who knows….”

“Okay.”

“Okay like let’s go on a date or like I’m going to get out of car and run away?”

“The first one.”

**********

And so they had their first date 2 nights later.

And their first kiss that night too.

Peeta asked Katniss to be his girlfriend on their third date.

They went to their dance together and danced under the canopy of trees and flowers they had helped create.

They had their first fight when Peeta struggled to understand what a girl like Katniss saw in him. He questioned why? He kept expecting things to fall apart and doubted what they had was real.

Eventually his mom took him aside and told him that his problems were bigger then him and a professional would be better placed to help him.

“You deserve happiness Peeta,let us help you find it.”

He started seeing Dr Aurelius with Katniss, his family and friends supporting him every step of the way.

He told Katniss he loved her one evening when they were in her parent’s house. They were watching a stupid movie and she was laughing. He watched her eyes crinkle, her chuckles ringing in the air as she sat there in a panda onesie and he blurted it out.

She smiled at him and throwing her arms around his neck she told him the same, placing tiny kisses all over his face.

And then they graduated. The one person who didn’t was Cato Snow who was expelled following a positive drug test and several reports of bullying.

Gale never spoke to Katniss again.

A few of the Mockingjays team had apologized for their part in the dance proposal telling Katniss they had believed Gale when he told them that it was her idea.

Neither wanted to go to the end of year dance, instead they went with some of their friends to a small cabin by a lake and had a quiet celebration.

And later, in the quiet of the night after they had spent time having their own private celebration. Katniss sang to Peeta

Let the bough break, let it come down crashing

Let the sun fade out to a dark sky

I can’t say I’d even notice it was absent

‘Cause I could live by the light in your eyes

I’ll unfold before you

Would have strung together

The very first words of a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right

I choose you

I will become yours and you will become mine

I choose you

I choose you, yeah

There was a time when I would have believed them

If they told me that you could not come true

Just love’s illusion

But then you found me

And everything changed

And I believe in something again

My whole heart

Will be yours forever

This is a beautiful start

To a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right

I choose You

I will become yours and you will become mine

I choose You

I choose You

We are not perfect we’ll learn from our mistakes

And as long as it takes I will prove my love to you

I am not scared of the elements I am underprepared,

But I am willing

And even better

I get to be the other half of you

Tell the world that we finally got it all right

I choose You, yeah

I will become yours and you will become mine

I choose You

I choose You

I choose You

She had just finished and Peeta was about to say something when Johanna shouted.

“Seriously?? It was bad enough listening to you two screwing each other senseless now I have to hear you sing?! Keep this up and you’ll have to find a new roommate!”

After their laughter subsided Peeta turned to Katniss and whispering quietly he said.

“I choose you too. Always.”

[holidaywishes]

not all monsters do monstrous things...

Part 2: The Girl

  Summary of Series: Delly Cartwright lost her best friend, Peeta, to the games. Now, the one that took him seems to have a soft spot for her.

  Summary of Chapter: Delly’s P.O.V of the events of the last chapter.

  Warning: Some fluff, some angst, some violence

  Author’s Note: I’M BACK WITH ANOTHER CHAPTER! These two obviously were easy because they’re just P.O.V’s of the same events but I still had fun writing them whether anyone reads them or not! I’m aware that the Hunger Games Fandom is almost entirely asleep but I’ve reread the books and re-watched the movies, so I’m back in it. I’m also going to put in here again that the story idea is from a fic I read by Ophelia Tate (I believe that was the name) on FanFiction.net -- so full credit to her! If anyone does end up reading this series, I hope you enjoy it and ship Delly and Cato as much as I do! Also, have to make another note about the GIF. Credit goes to whoever made it, I found it on Google and it wouldn’t bring to the page where I could give credit, but whatever, it’s not mine don’t @ me. You know the drill!

  masterlist

  the other masterlist

xx

Delly’s P.O.V

  You sat beside Peeta’s youngest brother for most of the games but as more and more tributes lost their lives, you invited the Hawthorne’s and the Everdeen’s to watch with you. It helped a little, having everyone together, and the closer it got to the end, the more it seemed like Katniss and Peeta might both make it home.

  “It’s just a role, you know,” you said to Gale, who had abruptly gotten up in the middle of the viewing to put his empty glass in the sink, “they’re not actually in love.”

  “He is,” Gale stated with a hiss, “maybe he knows it can’t work so he’s playing it up more than he would, but Peeta is definitely in love with Katniss”

  “But she’s not in love with him...” you said

  “Does it matter?” he asked and you furrowed your brow, “if they both get out of this alive, it will be because they’ve convinced everyone they’re in love. Which means--” he stopped himself, not wanting to admit his feelings

  “Which means you can’t be with her”

  “And you can’t be with him”

  “I gave up on Peeta and I being together a long time ago,” you smirked, “he was always in love with your dear Girl On Fire.”

  “I just want her to come home safe. If she has to pretend to be with him, so be it. At least she won’t be fighting for her life.” A few days went by and the district couldn’t focus on much else other than the games

  “I think they’re going to make it” someone would say

  “They’re so in love” another would coo

  “I’m so excited to see them back home” another would sigh. The feelings were echoed by everyone in the district but it was still too early to say, at this point there were still six tributes left. You couldn’t deny that you thought Peeta and Katniss’ chances looked good because of what they were selling but you didn’t want to get ahead of yourself. And then, the moment came, when you knew it was over.

  “CATO!” the girl, Clove, from District 2 screams, “CATO!” she shrieks once more, crying out for her district partner but he is nowhere to be found. Tears begin falling from her eyes as she accepts what is now her last moment before a rock is crushing her temple. You could’ve sworn you heard something as her lifeless body fell to the ground; something in the background, a whimper or a scream. You couldn’t quite tell but when no camera’s focused on it, you assumed it was nothing. After Clove died, you knew, as well as anyone you watched the games with, that Cato would come after Thresh, then Katniss and Peeta. He was too strong for either of them to fight off alone, so you made your peace with your loss. Choosing to leave the games early that night and look at a picture Peeta had drawn for you years ago.

  “It’s a sunflower!” His young voice rang in your ear, “it reminded me of you. So lively, so bright. Always pointed toward the sun.” You cried for him, this version of Peeta you’d lost long ago, and the boy you’d lost to the Hunger Games.

  “Goodbye, Peeta.” you whispered to yourself, holding the image close to your chest. You remember it too well, the final day of the Hunger Games. You clutched Prim’s hand tightly as her sister fought Cato atop the large, steel Cornucopia where the games had begun; only for Katniss to be flung into the large pile of ravenous mutts below. Prim whimpered into your shoulder as you stared at Peeta, one of the final two, and you hoped he’d fight all the while knowing he wouldn’t win against Cato. You watched as the two blonde boys faced each other, Cato panting angrily and Peeta furrowing his brow.

  “DO SOMETHING PEETA!” Peeta’s older brother, Flint, yelled at the screen

  “He’s terrified” his mother scoffed but you didn’t see it that way. You’d seen Peeta terrified before. During the broadcast, sure, but also whenever he’d accidentally burn something in the bakery or do something to make his mother angry. The look he was giving Cato right now wasn’t one of terror, it was of pain. How could you blame him. Without Katniss, being a victor meant less than nothing. She was the only thing that made the games worth fighting in, she was the only thing he was willing to fight for. And now that she was gone, you knew what he was planning, forcing your eyes to well up with tears; letting them fall only when he stepped off the Cornucopia to face the same fate as Katniss.

xx

  You had wanted to put the games behind you for good, but that’s not the way it worked. Especially not when you lose someone to the games. Today was the start of the Victory Tour, so you dressed in a soft yellow dress in memory of both Katniss and Peeta. Two Peacekeepers guided you and Peeta’s family to the front of the square, while two peacekeepers did the same for Gale’s family and the Everdeen’s. Your eyes wandered around the square, taking in everyone’s anxiety as they slowly filed in after you. When Cato took his place on stage, he looked taller than you anticipated but younger than he did when he was on T.V. The blood that covered his face must have shielded his youth from Panem.

  “I would first like to thank you for coming out today,” he started, his voice steady at first but it slowly began to falter as he caught sight of the crowd, “this is not an easy speech to make. The lives you’ve lost will be, uhm, will be felt by-- will be felt by the Capitol. Your sacrifices are -- will be missed.” When Prim let out a small sob, Cato turned his focus to her, straying from his carefully scripted speech, “Katniss was incredibly smart and, with the way she treated Rue, I could tell she had a big heart. Peeta had remarkable strength,” he turned to face yours and Peeta’s families. His eyes trained themselves on you and, try as you might, you couldn’t look away, “but for all his strength, he was kind, truly.” The words felt true but they quickly vanished from thought when Gale spoke up, calling the boy from District Two a murderer in a booming voice while Prim pleaded for him to stop

  “You don’t care about them. You don’t care about us!” Gale said, pushing aside Prim so he could confront the large boy who stood on the stage.

   “The Captiol thanks you for your sacrifices. Peeta and Katniss will be mourned.” The words were par for the course from a victor, undoubtedly something that was fed to them from the Capitol. You let out a whimpered sigh at the words but before you could even think to shed a tear, Gale was lunging forward. As Cato tried to walk off the stage, Gale ran to him, cocking back his arm and balling his hand into a fist

  “GALE!” You screeched, even though you knew it was useless, “GALE DON’T!” you repeated, just as Gale released his fist, missing by an inch as Cato turned to face him. You could see anger forming across his features and you feared for Gale’s fate as the boy in front of him, who was now the newest victor, pulled back his arm to throw a punch in return, but he hesitated when he looked behind the curtain on stage. Then, as if Gale knew he only had one choice, he balled another fist, only this time it connected with the side of Cato’s face and blood flew from his mouth at the blow. You and Prim screamed as the Peacekeepers separated everyone, frantically trying to get Cato to safety and discipline Gale. As they tore Gale away, you ran after him followed quickly by his family as well as Prim and Clara. When you finally reached him, you saw his arms tied to the whipping post at the side of the square.

  “I thought that was only there to scare us,” Rory asked, his voice trembling as he knew he was wrong, “they’re not going to actually use it...”

  “It looks like it” Vick replied, a harshness in his tone to cover the fear you knew he had

  “Boys, enough!” Clara and Hazelle rebuked while you and Prim started to walk to untie him. Maybe it was just a scare tactic, you thought to yourself and you could tell Prim was hoping the same thing when two large arms stopped both of you in your tracks

  “Stop right there” roared two Peacekeepers as another stepped closer to Gale. It was the Head Peacekeeper’s outfit, but it wasn’t Cray, you could tell from his movements. When he took of his helmet, you realized it was Romulus Thread and your eyes went wide. He was a callous man, a man who loved the Capitol almost as much as he loved to watch the citizens of this district bleed.

  “NO!” you heard Prim scream when you both saw Thread pull out a whip, “NO! STOP!” she yelled again after the first lash cut Gale’s back. Peacekeepers continued to hold you and Prim back, restraining the rest of your friends and family when they tried to approach, while Gale suffered enough lashes to drain him of all breath

  “STOP!” you screamed alongside Prim now, fighting to get out of the Peacekeepers grasp as tears streamed down your face uncontrollably.

  “ENOUGH!” a voice boomed from the back of the square, silencing everyone there, even Thread stopped his movements. You and Prim looked at each other briefly before the Peacekeepers released their hold on the two of you. You ran to Gale’s side not knowing if the guards would snap out of their trance-like state but needing to help the boy who had become as much of a friend to you as Peeta was. Prim followed quickly behind, frantically untying the knots at Gale’s wrist as you tried to wake him up, hearing him groan lowly, before you helped Prim. When his body finally dropped, he landed on top of you and you felt all of his weight begin to crush you. Prim took one of his arms around her shoulders and you did the same, as you began to walk him to safety

  “Mr. Berenger, sir, I--” you heard Thread whimper

  “Why would you whip this boy?” Cato questioned in a voice all of District 12 had associated him with, “because he mourns his friends? Because he is in pain?” The words he used forced you to stop. Even though his voice was callous and angry, there was sympathy to his words

  “BECAUSE HE ATTACKED YOU, SIR!” Thread yelled as he straightened his posture, only to be met by Cato’s larger frame

  “I don’t need your protection, sir!” Cato countered, sneering down at him as he towered over the new Head Peacekeeper. You watched as the District 2 victor released Gale of his charges and forbid Thread of these acts again. Something about him now, as he fought for a stranger who had just attacked him, reminded you of Peeta.

  “Delly, come on,” Prim whined, making you realize that you’d completely ignored Gale, “what are you doing?”

  “Oh my gosh!” you gasped, doing your best to get your friend to the Apothecary, “I’m so sorry.” When the two of you set Gale down on the table, Prim made fast work of his wounds; soaking them in alcohol to sterilize them, cutting up old cloths to try to cover them as Gale screamed

  “Delly, hold him down,” Clara said as he writhed in pain, “we can’t help him if he won’t stay still.” You stood up, Gale’s right hand clutching your yellow dress as you pushed his shoulders into the table. His screams became quieter and you didn’t have to hold him down anymore

  “He should be okay for a while” Clara said as you pulled a chair close to sit next to him, watching his breath rise and fall in his body before another stream of tears fell from your eyes and you clutched his hand

  “You shouldn’t have done that Gale” you whispered and he seemed to groan in response. Suddenly, you felt a small breeze run through the door, causing you to look up and a gasp to escape your lips. Why was Cato here? you thought to yourself, hadn’t he gone back to the train? You stood up to put a sort of barricade between Gale and Cato before you whimpered “please, he didn’t mean it. He wouldn’t have gone further than a punch, he was just upset..” You pleaded as Cato stood by the door, wiping the water from your face and putting a hand on Gale’s shoulder

  “It’s okay,” he said, holding his hands up, palms forward, in reassurance, “I’m not going to hurt him or take him away. I just wanted to see how you– how he was doing…” More kindness, you thought, this was not the boy that the games had shown you. You furrowed your brow but decided to seat back down

  “The lashes have exhausted him and he’s lost a lot of blood” you said as you rubbed your thumb gently across the back of Gale’s hand, watching as he slept soundly.

  “I’m sorry” Cato whispered, much to your surprise and your head sprung up at the apology, your eyes growing wide as he stared at you. The mark at the side of his face from Gale’s punch was slowly forming into a purple bruise but it didn’t take away from his features. His bright blue eyes seemed to pierce through the tension, making you increasingly comfortable in his presence, and you found yourself examining him. You had always thought Gale was broad but, looking at Cato, he seemed small in comparison, “you must think I’m a monster...” he finally said, snapping you out of your head causing you to clear your throat before you spoke

  “Because of this?” you said, “this was the Peacekeepers, not you.”

  “Because of the games” he corrected, “I’ve watched those deaths more times than I care to admit. I saw how they portrayed me. How everyone else must have seen me.” You thought about it for a moment. Thinking about how cruel he was to Katniss, how he tormented the younger children in the arena and how he used Peeta throughout the games. It would be easy for you to say that he was a monster and no one in 12 would disagree with you, but you couldn’t help but consider everything he’d done for Gale in the square

  “I don’t envy you at all,” you finally said, turning your body in your chair, ever so slightly, to face him more direct, “having to train your whole life to be taught to kill other children. Many your own age or younger. I’ve never understood why death, and the deaths of so many children, was the price the Capitol wanted to collect. You had to do awful things to bring pride to your district and I am very very very… sorry.”

  “Sorry?” he questioned and you nodded

  “Yes,” you said, “to have your life mapped out for you, without your say, couldn’t have been easy. I’m so very sorry that this is the life you were led to believe was all you could have”

  “You’re so kind...” he almost whispered and you smiled to yourself, thinking about how you’d connected that word to him earlier, watching as his eyebrows scrunched together, “no one has shown me this much kindness in my life.” The idea made you sad, that he had never known kindness, but he was from District 2, they weren’t known for kindness there.

  “I don’t think you’re a monster, Mr. Berenger,” he looked at you intently as you spoke softly, “I think you’re lost. Trying to fit an image that the Capitol and your own District has created for you.” He appeared as though he wanted to say something more when someone came through the door, nearly tearing it off it’s hinges.

  “CATO!” a man you recognized barked, it was Cato’s mentor, Wade, “you can’t be here. We have to go. Now!” He brought a frantic energy into an otherwise peaceful space, causing your breathing to increase

  “Take this,” Cato said, handing you a small silver box that he’d had in his jacket pocket, “it’s not much but it should help with his healing.” As you took the box from him, your finger grazed the palm of his hand and you swore you could feel a spark.

  “Thank you” you replied with a smile before he was pulled out of the Apothecary and out of the district. You were left alone with what had happened for only a moment when Prim entered the room

  “What are you doing?” she said, leading you to turn around sharply to face her

  “Here. This is for Gale, from--”

  “The victor?” Prim interjected, taking the box from your outstretched hand, and you nodded, “what are you doing?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Delly, don’t play dumb.”

  “Prim.. I really don’t know what you mean...” She stood silently in front of you for a minute before eventually moving toward Gale

  “Do you think I’m blind? or stupid?” she scoffed, shaking her head

  “Of course not--”

  “Then why are you being so friendly to the person who killed my sister?!” she practically yelled

  “We were talking, he dropped the charges on Gale. Thread won’t do this again, he promised!”

  “Oh sweet, naïve, little Delly,” she sighed, “the promise leaves with the victor”

  “Prim...”

  “HE KILLED YOUR BEST FRIEND!”

  “NO HE DIDN’T!” you shouted in return, shocked at your outburst, “Peeta jumped.”

  “He still killed my sister” she said softly and you walked closer to where she stood

  “I know,” you replied, “he just seemed so... broken. I’ve seen that before, from Peeta, and I just didn’t want him to think that our district is full of cruel, angry people”

  “But we are angry! Why aren’t you?”

  “What good does it do me, Prim? To be angry? That boy has never known kindness, maybe if someone had shown him some, he would’ve done the same to those tributes!”

  “He’s not a boy, he’s a monster!” she yelled and you furrowed your brow, trying to get her to understand

  “You didn’t see what I saw”

  “You’d rather defend a murderer than say something unkind about someone else?!” she argued

  “Enough! Both of you! Stop!” Clara yelled as she walked in the room, “Gale has to rest and your bickering will only agitate him. Delly, I think you should go home, your parents are probably worried sick about you.” You dropped your head, nodding in agreement, before laying a small kiss to Gale’s forehead

  “Delly..” he moaned and you looked up at Prim and Clara

  “Gale?” you said

  “Prim.. Prim’s right” he groaned

  “Don’t move, Gale” Prim said, placing her arms on his back

  “He killed our friends. And so many others..” he tried

  “Gale..”

  “Prim’s right, the promise goes with the victor. Thread will do this again”

  “Okay, that’s enough,” Clara said, “enough talking. Delly--” she tried to send you home again but Gale sat up

  “Believing someone is kind is dangerous, especially when they’ve proven they’re not.” You could tell he was angry as he mustered up the strength to stand in front of you, however hunched he may have been

  “I can’t be angry with him for Peeta jumping off that Cornucopia” you admitted

  “Then be angry that he showed Katniss no mercy. Be sad that your friends and family had to watch someone they loved die”

  “I don’t want to be sad anymore, Gale,” you added, “I miss Peeta everyday but I can’t be sad forever”

  “Why not?”

  “Because he’s gone. They’re gone. But we’re here. And we should be happy to be alive”

  “LOOK AROUND, CARTWRIGHT!” he yelled, “Is any of this actually living?!”

  “Gale...” you whimpered

  “Listen to me, Delly, he is not kind. He is not lost or weak or any of the things that you told him you thought he was.”

  “You heard that?” Gale scoffed, holding onto the table to keep himself steady

  “He is manipulative, that’s how he won the games. He’s a monster. Delly,” he whispered angrily, as tears began streaming down your cheeks, “he’s not Peeta...” You looked up at him, seeing his grey eyes full of nothing but rage, and shook your head at his callousness before running out of the Apothecary. You couldn’t explain to him, any of them, why you were being kind to Cato, you could barely explain it to yourself, but there was something that made you want to comfort him. If for no other reason than the knowledge that you’d never see him again.

[littlemisssquiggles]

Hello! What do u think about the chances of rosegarden being canon? Personally I feel that currently Oscar's crush on Ruby is slowly growing more, he already admires her alot. As from Ruby it's pretty clear we are not at the stage of crushes ^^; , but she does care for Oscar which is great! I'm just wondering if there'd be a possibility of Ruby reciprocating Oscar's feelings? Like i wouldn't mind much if they don't become canon, its not all about the ships (maybe slightly heartbroken tho :'))

I’m hopeful anon-chan. This squiggle meister would definitely love a romance betweenour two honest souls but for now, I’m mostly just enjoying watching their bondgrow and blossom into something special. This is why I’m starting to favour theidea of Oscar sort of professing his love for Ruby by sacrificing himself toprotect her. If Ruby learns how Oscar really feels about her from the get-gothen we can get the opportunity to see Ruby slowly fall in love with someonewhich is something we’ve never seen from her. Sure watching Oscar gush overRuby, giving her all them soft side looks is adorable. However, to me I’m actually waiting on the moment when Ruby realizesthat Oscar might mean more to her than she realized.

An interesting way the Writers could writethe RoseGarden romance is if they have Oscar have a life and death experience that he comesback from and after that, he becomes very open with his feelings for Ruby. Hetells Ruby off the bat that he loves her but he doesn’t necessarily need her togive him an answer or return his feelings if she doesn’t want to. What Oscargenuinely wants is to be with Ruby. He wants to be by her side, watching overher, protecting her, getting to know her. From the moment Oscar met Ruby, he’sobserved that she is an important person on the team.

Even without Ozpintelling him his own insight on Ruby Oscar already knew she was a special personfrom the moment he laid eyes on her Silver Eyes. Oscar was already fascinatedwith Ruby from the start but through getting to know her as a person, he’s cometo understand that while she’s this strong and inspirational huntress, she’s alsojust as fragile and vulnerable as anyone else, despite them placing her on apedestal sometimes. Oscar wants to be a support to Ruby. He wants to be therefor her and do what he can to help her achieve their goal of protectinghumanity.

This is a something that I remembered seeingdone in the Hunger Games. In its second book and movie, CatchingFire, Katniss already knew how Peeta truly feltabout her. It wasn’t Peeta fumbling around trying to hide how he felt while itwas obvious to everyone else except his love interest. Nope. From the first film,Katniss was fully aware of Peeta’s love for her (she even took advantage of itfor helping the two gain brownie points with the sponsors and supporters fromthe Capitol when President Snow wasn’t buying into their star-crossed lovers charade).Part of what I liked and enjoyed about Pee-Nisrelationship was watching Katniss slowly fall for Peeta for him and how sheultimately came to see him as someone special and important to her to the pointthat she’s able to genuinely reciprocate his feelings in the end---well…beforehe got kidnapped and tortured but you get what I mean.

That’s something I wouldn’t mind seeing donefor the RoseGarden pairing if romance is in the cards. I would actually likeOscar to be very upfront about his love for Ruby but not in a way that makes itseem as if he’s forcing his feelings onto her. Oscar has always been more orless respectful of Ruby due to his admiration for her and I’d like to think that even ifhe did admit his love, he wouldn’t want her to feel uncomfortable around him like he’s demanding her to answer or even return hisfeelings.

No. Oscar just wants Ruby to know and understandhow he feels about her. As a person who’s expected to become someone else,Oscar would much rather spend his time having Ruby learn to like him for him.He doesn’t need her to love him back if she doesn’t want to. He’d actually bemuch more content if she just likes him forhim because he wants her to get to know him as the individual person she believed him to be.

Though so young, Oscar is actually more mature than he looks. So I feel like he’d showcase the same maturity when it cameto his feelings for another person. At least…that’s how I’d like to perceiveit.

I’d love to see Ruby get to know Oscar as himwhile also knowing how he feels, among other things and have that sort of playout. I know it’s an unorthodox way to writing a ship but it could beinteresting if done right. Plus I’m really invested in seeing Ruby fall in lovewith someone (particularly Oscar cause y’know he’s my first choice) or justdevelop a crush and see how the show will chose to portray Ruby coming to termswith her feelings and dealing with them.

I’m so used to seeing Ruby act like a fierceand valiant leader and handle mature responsibilities and problems on her roadto becoming a huntress and save the world that for once, I’d just like to seeher act like a teenaged girl worrying about boys and her looks/sex appeal tothe opposite sex. Themes that we’ve never seen done for Ruby.

I’m still salty that in all of RWBY, we’vehad Weiss, Blake and to some extent Yang have bits of romance or at leastmoments where they garnered the attention of the opposite sex or…both in termsof Blake. Ruby, not so much. In a group of four lovely ladies, I’ve alwayswondered how Ruby measured herself next to her teammates in terms of looks.Like does she see herself as being beautiful or pretty or does she try not tothink about that because she’s never cared about her looks or had reason to. I’mjust curious about that with Ruby.

This is why I have hopes for RoseGarden. Let’s bereal. Oscar is the first male character around Ruby’s age to give her that softgoogo-eyed look and I don’t think the Writers would introduce that if it wasn’tgoing to go somewhere, y’know what I mean? And let’s not forget that last season;you can almost say that the admiration and interest between Ruby and Oscar wasmutual since Ruby was the one who usually approached Oscar.

She hasn’t done much of it this season exceptfor that one time in V6 C4 but…I do think the Writers are setting up somethingwith these two kids.

I’d like to think that it’s going to be a romance but I’m stillgathering evidence on that. Personally I’ve mostly been enjoying the Writers slowlybuilding upon Ruby and Oscar’s friendship and how much they care and look outfor each other.

I loved how Ruby defended Oscar (and Ozpin) in V6 C1and how she even helped Oscar out during the Manticore fight. I loved how Oscarprotected Ruby from Ozpin in V6 C2 and how Ruby comforted Oscar in V6 C4. Iloved how when Ruby was distressed in V8, Oscar stepped up to help her. I lovedhow in C9, next to Nora, Ruby had one of the most animatedly excited reaction tosee Oscar safe and sound after he went missing. Seriously look at her little bounce of delight to see him. 

I loved how Oscar’s eyes lit up like aChristmas tree when Ruby complimented him about her new combat gear.

Heck I loved how when Ruby was looking alldistressed over her Grumple Qrow, Oscar was kind enough to give her words of reassurancelike the good support he is.

I just lovethese two Rosebuds in general and how they have each other’s backs! This is why I can’t wait for the finale. I have some RoseGarden theories for the V6 finale that I can’t wait toshare. But for now, what I’ll say is let’s just watch the budding Rosebuds bondcontinue to blossom and grow anon-chan. Because that’s part of the fun.

~LittleMissSquiggles (2019)

[savvylark]

Crush it

A College AU Everlark drabble for @katnissdoesnotfollowback based in this promptshe wanted Everlark-ed. @lynamloveseverlark and @xerxia31 were an extra pair of eyes and listening ear.

Part 2

My heart is pounding out of my chest. This isn't how it was supposed to go.

It wasn't supposed to feel like this. Buried in his strong arms as he pulls her closer. We watch the sun slowly lower and set the field ablaze in deep oranges and reds. He smells so good, a fresh and sweet smell mixed with an herbal and musky manly scent that bring to remind feelings of strength and safety.

I look up to gaze into his deep blue eyes. So unlike his brother's, uniquely dark with a pointillism of green on the center.

Here I am spouting painting techniques I've learned, even in my inner dialogue he's made such an impression.

Purely acting on an urge to express my feelings in this moment, I stretch my neck forward to capture his perfect plush lips.

Kisses aren't supposed to be this sweet yet awaken my whole body at the same time, but of course, this is what Peeta Mellark does to me. With his kindness, his laugh, the twinkle in his eyes, his very nature.

I'm taken under a tidal wave of emotions by this man with strong arms and ocean blue eyes. I'm in too deep and I don't think I want to resurface.

XXXXX

I take another sip of my beer and stare down my friend and crush, Rye Mellark. His icy blue eyes twinkle. He gives me a playful wink and continues ribbing my best friend Gale over some team rivalry.

I try not to blush but I can't stop thinking about the way Rye looks at me.

Like I'm the only girl in the room.

But he won't admit it to anyone.

We've been playing this game, and doing this dance for too long. I like him, he likes me. We  make each other laugh until our sides hurt.

For being a terrible flirt, regardless of all the hints I've given, Rye won't make a move.

I'm legitimately bad at flirting. I replay in my mind a few things Madge has taught me. Touch your hair, bite your lip, make eye contact, then look away, touch his shoulder, laugh when he's trying to be funny, whisper in his ear. If he sees that you're interested and less guarded it might help.

I smooth down my more feminine attire, take a deep breath and make a move.

“Hey stranger.” I greet Rye, and attempt to touch him playfully but I end up petting his forearm, pull my hand away and pretend that wasn't weird.

Make conversation, I tell myself.

I stumble over my words and end up saying something stupid about how pale he is and how tan he gets in the summer.

Gale looks at me with amusement at how terribly this is going.

“Are you okay?” Is there something in your hair? Here, I can help you.” Rye asks as he reaches for where I am continually rubbing my hand on my hair. Clearly not coming off very flirty.

I don't know what to think when I realize probably a third of the people here at Gale’s party are aware of my intentions. It's even more embarrassing that I'm failing.

I try biting my lip and give a sweet look but I'm already so embarrassed. I look away and take a sip of my beer just as Rye whispers in my ear “You look really pretty Katniss.”

I suck in a breath and inhale my drink. Sputtering and coughing, which draws everyone's concern.

Great, now I have everyone's attention.

Rye pats me on the back in an attempt to help, but I retreat to the bathroom.

Two hours into the evening no progress has been made in my mission of getting Rye to admit he likes me as much as I like him.

I found Rye chatting up a busty blonde girl that I've seen around campus. I'm not one for competition.

I stomp off into the kitchen for another drink.

I find Peeta, Rye’s younger who I vaguely remember is in a few of my freshman requirement classes. We officially met a few years earlier at one of Rye or Gale’s parties.

Peeta and I haven't really talked… Well ever. He was always the golden boy type and had plenty of attention from girls. While I'm a little darker and grittier and kind of a guy's girl.

Not the sweet doe-eyed kind of girl golden boys want.

But Rye on the other hand…

“Hey! How's your night going?” I asked Rye’s brother.

“Good. School year is over. I won a few rounds of beer pong. Are you happy to have the whole summer break ahead of you?” He asks.

I bob my head and take another swig of beer. It's not easier coming home, just working a lot of hours and playing Taxi to my almost 16 year old sister. But normal college kids are relieved so I play along.

I nod and play with my hair as I rattle off a few summer plans, hiking, camping, the usual shenanigans with Rye and Gale while trying to stay out of trouble, biting my lip to hold in my laugh.

“And your birthday is coming up isn't it?” he asks.

“How did you--” I ask, but he cuts me off.

“I decorate the cakes, you know?” He smirks.

We continue to talk in the kitchen long after we've refilled our drinks. Rye’s brother surprises me. He’s clever, funny and charming, I knew that. It's his self deprecating humor, his shy smiles and the way he says my name that makes me more at ease.

My cheeks hurt from laughing and I smack his arm playfully when he teases me.

I didn't realize how lost in conversation I've been until Rye pops in, “There you are! Oh, Silver-eyes with my silver-tongue brother I see.” He tries to say in a playful tone, but it comes off a little jealous.

I whisper in Peeta's ear “I think you're brother's jealous.”

I smile as our eyes meet, his deep blue ones widen, try to hold in a laugh, but we've been laughing so much that it's just under the surface.

Rye makes a competitive face at his brother, like a basketball player stealing the ball from a rival, and puts an almost possessive arm around me.

“We have a game to play, and I need my favorite partner.” Rye explains as he leads me away from his brother.

I smile back at Peeta and shrug my shoulders.

Peeta laughs and shakes his head back at me.

Talking to Peeta made Rye jealous.

That's when I formulate my plan, if I date Peeta, casually, so not to hurt anyone, I can get Rye to admit his crush on me and act on his feelings. I have the entire summer break, if things go awry we’ll be back at college in the fall and can easily avoid each other and any awkwardness.

Xxxx

I approach Peeta at the bakery, he's working up front and Rye's shift doesn't start until later. Not that I know my crush’s work schedule or anything, Rye just told me when he would be in.

I order my birthday cake and suggest that Peeta comes the party Gale is throwing for me on the beach Friday. It's May, so it's a little cold to go swimming, but perfect for a bonfire in the sand.

I bite my lip in thought. Then meet Peeta's blue eyes. “Um, maybe we could spend some time together?” I suggest, then look down and fiddle with my receipt.

When I look back up Peeta smirks. I think he's on to my plan, if anyone knows Rye is trying to hide his feelings for me it's his own brother. Peeta's not really one to be tied down to one particular girl so, I don't really feel like I would be toying with him if we keep things casual. I think he's up for a bit if fun this summer.

He gives me an amused look, “Sure.”

We swap numbers and make plans to check out the new Avengers movie next week.

“I don't think I've ever seen a superhero or action movie with a girl before!” Peeta tells me when I suggested Infinity War.

“Well, you're not hanging out with the right girls.” I answer back with tint of my head and smile.

“I guess not.” Peeta hold my gaze of a full 30 seconds, his eyes seem to dance. He shakes his head and laughs.

“See you tomorrow at the beach?” I confirm, he has to be there for this to start out the way I'm hoping.

“I'll be there alright.” he nods and flashes that perfect smile that makes most girls weak in the knees. Not me. I mean maybe a little but not really.

It's just a family trait, I tell myself.

[everlarkbirthdaygifts]

Happy birthday cavesandbeaches!

On this 8th day of October, we want to wish @cavesandbeaches a very happy birthday! For your special day, @mega-aulover​ has written a special story just for you!

PROMPT: High school/college setting. Smut is fine.

A/N: @cavesandbeaches Happy Birthday!!! I know it’s not smut but it is filled with fluffy Everlark beginnings. Special thanks to my wonderful beta @norbertsmom who I 💖.

Rated: G

Title: The Start of Something Wonderful

Katniss grumbled as she sat in the theater, “Ugh, why do they always fall in love like instantly, and the next minute they’ve got their tongues down the other’s throat?”  The movie was called ‘The Start of Something Wonderful.’ In the movie, the two protagonists knew of each other for years but had never spoken, yet within the span of what seemed like a few hours they were declaring their love for the other and were unabashedly making out at at a carnival.

While Katniss didn’t discount love at first sight, she didn’t think people behaved the way they acted in the movies. She was a firm believer that to fall deeply in love you had to get to know the person. She rolled her eyes when the woman squeaked out a cheesy line about destiny as they ate cotton candy.  

Katniss shook her head. She wondered why she’d let her sister pick the movie. Primrose loved those gushy romantic movies. Katniss was more an action film type of girl.

“I love this,” Prim whispered. “Thanks for bringing me and my friends to the movies, Katniss.”

Her sister gazed at Katniss; her blue eyes shined with joy. Seeing her sister happy was why Katniss was sitting in the theater watching a sappy movie.  When it was over Prim and her friends were all chatting together at Sae’s Dinner in a booth across from her.

Katniss had her calculus book out, studying for her midterm. She scowled at problem number eight; it mocked her. Two years ago Katniss decided to got to the local state school Merchantville College. It offered her a great financial aid package. She could still be close to her sister and help out at home.

Scowling at the page she was glad her major wasn’t too heavy on the math. She had avoided taking math for four semesters. She wasn’t bad at it, but it was never her favorite subject, even back in high school.

“Katniss.”

Startled, she glanced up to see Peeta Mellark standing by her booth. His wavy blond hair fell over his forehead and those blue eyes of his were trained on her. Her brain suddenly became empty as she stared dumbfounded at him.

Peeta was the boy who she could never forget. He saved her life and that of her family. He had given them two loaves of bread from his parents bakery on a weekly bases, after her father died in mining accident just before she turned twelve. Those were a rough times, her mother became catatonic the day after she deposited the insurance check.

Katniss tried to keep it together quietly. She’d learned quickly how to make electronic payments, and from what little savings she had in her piggybank she was able to buy the basics: milk, cereal, cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. They lived off of that bread. It all ended when a social worker came to visit their home. Had it not been for their father’s mentor Haymitch stepping in, they would’ve ended up in foster care. She’d never been able to speak to Peeta, nor had she been able to repay his kindness.

“I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Peeta Mellark.”

“I’m sorry about your dad,” she blurted out. His father had passed just a few weeks ago. His mother wasn’t doing too well. No one thought his mom would take her husband’s passing so rough. Mrs. Mellark was always yelling at her husband. She was cruel and a known tightwad. When she’d found out Peeta was giving them bread she acted swiftly; he came to school one day with a black and blue mark on his face. He said he got it from wrestling with his brothers, but Katniss knew the truth. Mrs. Mellark was heavy handed with the boys.  

“Thanks.” He smiled at her. “Can I sit down?”

“Sure.” Katniss felt like she had cotton balls in her mouth. She wasn’t exactly a social butterfly and talking to boys felt like running a marathon with lead weights attached to her ankles. Peeta was the one boy she quietly kept track of.

She’d always been aware of him. She knew he had exactly seven freckles behind his right ear. She knew the shade of blue his eyes became when he was excited or upset. She was acutely conscious of how good looking he was. Katniss felt fluttering in her stomach; her cheeks burned. Only Peeta could make her feel this way.

“Hi stranger, what can I get for you?” Greasy Sae appeared by the booth.

“Hi Sae. I  had a craving for some of your cheesy fries and tea.” Turning to her he asked, “Katniss do you want another cup of tea?”

Katniss wanted to say no but she stopped herself. She glanced at her sister and friends. They were each bent over a tablet or phone. They were going to be a while and she needed the caffeine. “Yes, please.”

“Any milk, creamer, half and half?” Sae asked as she wrote the down the order, but Katniss knew Peeta wouldn’t put any sugar or milk in his tea.

“Not for me, but milk and sugar for Katniss,  thank you.”

“Be right back,” Sae said.

Katniss was surprised he knew how she took her tea.

Peeta asked, “So how are you?”

She cleared her throat, “I ah…”

“Let me guess, suffering through calculus.” He smiled easily when she nodded. “Even back in high school you hated math.”

“How did you know?” Katniss was amazed that he knew this about her.  The tips of his ears turned pink. This intrigued her.

She watched with fascination as his long pale blond lashes fluttered down before he glanced back up at her. “I ah, had a huge crush on you in high school.”

“You had a crush on me?” Katniss blurted. This was the last thing she expected to hear from the most attractive boy in her class.

Her world was turned upside down.

“Yeah, I did. I mean I still do.” He gave her an eager look, then he cleared his throat. “You were the only girl I had eyes for, but you had a boyfriend.”

“I didn’t have a boyfriend.” Katniss shook her head.

“Yeah the tall guy, who graduated in the same class as my brother.”

Flabbergasted Katniss said, “You mean Gale.” She shook her head. “Ugh no way , Gale’s like my brother; sheesh, we even look alike.”

“She’s telling the truth,” Greasy Sae stated as she brought the plates to the table. “Gale was her friend and fourth cousin on her paw’s side. Though I tell you even if they weren’t related Gale never had a chance. This girly here has a type, just like her paw.” Greasy winked.

Embarrassed that people knew her business, Katniss searched for an exit.  

“Wow all this time I thought you two were an item. I always, well-,” he ran his fingers through his hair. “I feel like I was cheated out of the opportunity to ask you out.”

Katniss felt her heart racing faster than a car on a race course.

He hadn’t touched his food, but his eyes were glittering. “But I, ah…” his cheeks turned pink. “Katniss, I want to know if, um you if you want to...or would consider, going out with me?”

His voice was so unsure and it melted her heart; her cheeks burned brighter. She glanced down at her hand. She was gripping the pencil tightly.  She was embarrassed because she’d never been on a date. Even though she was in college at the thought of college her eyes flew to him. “Wait aren’t you going back to school?”

“Actually I decided to transfer to Merchantville College. My brothers don’t want any part of the bakery. My mom hasn’t been the same since dad died, and I can keep the business going. Before I went to school I was running the place for my dad. He’s the one that wanted me to go away to college. I just wanted to stay local.”

“I am truly sorry about your loss; your dad was a nice man to me and my sister. Though I am glad you’re staying.” Katniss bit her lip and tentatively reached out and touched his hand. His hand slowly engulfed hers. It felt wonderful. She could feel the heat emanated from her cheeks. “I’d love to go out with you.”

At her acceptance Peeta smiled. Dreamily he said, “This is just like the movies.”

Katniss remembered the title she’d been watching. “It’s the start of something wonderful.”

[ellanainthetardis]

i have a Prompt for the queen : Jo asks Effie for advice about a man she likes or a crush or something

Here you go! [X] or [X]

Always Love

Plutarch’s house was impressive and everythingEffie would have aspired to once upon a time. Five years after the war though,she found it… lacking. It was tooostensibly grand, not quite as cold and soulless as her parents’ house had beenbut close enough that she felt uncomfortable in it.

The crux of the matter, she decided as sheslipped away from the room where everyone was gathered to get some air on thebalcony, was that she missed Twelve and their home even if they hadn’t beengone for more than two days by that point.

It would be a long week, she mused. A very, very long week.

She just hoped they would survive this fifthanniversary of the rebellion.

The garden at the back of the house was small,which was not surprising given that the house was in the heart of the city, andthere wasn’t much to see in the dark aside for the high hedge that separatedthem from the neighbor’s property.

She leaned against the stone balustrade andlistened to the echoes of voices inside. Plutarch’s and Fulvia’s dominated, ofcourse, trying to pretend everything was fine just like they had been from thestart of the evening. The tensions though…

Katniss and Peeta had remained in Twelve,declining to attend on the condition that they would make a filmed apparitionat the local celebrations. Annie had been spared the chore on account on herson but she would be expected to show up on camera in Four too.

The rest of them hadn’t been granted the sameliberty. Well, aside for her whohadn’t been invited and strongly advised to stay as far away from cameras asshe could manage. It had enraged Haymitch to the point he had clearly statedthat he would come with her at his arm or not at all. Apparently, they weremore interested in parading Haymitch around than in keeping the last breathingescort from the public.

Still, Haymitch hadn’t wanted to come in thefirst place, had dragged his feet all the way and she could understand him.

Cressida and Polux, at least, were happy to bethere and to see everyone. Gale Hawthorne seemed equally content to seeeveryone again – except for her, who he had not only ignored but been as rudeto as he could get away with when Haymitch was glaring at him. It suited Effiejust fine, she didn’t really like him. Beetee’s behavior was awkward both withher and Haymitch but she figured it had to do with the Hummingbird Operationthat Twelve’s victor had never forgiven the rebels for. The two of them hadalways been good friends but Effie had the feeling that this friendship wasforever damaged. For the same reasons, Haymitch was cold and distant withPlutarch, treating him more like a colleague than a friend, and in turn it madeFulvia defensive and passive-aggressive. And since she and Fulvia had no lovelost for each other, it made for a tense situation.

“I still say you’re a cheater and one day I’mgonna find out how you do it.” Jo declared, joining her on the balcony.

Effie flashed her an amused smile, glancingback at the sliding doors before fishing a cigarette from the packet Johannawas offering her. Haymitch was busy nodding at whatever Cressida was tellinghim, clearly bored given the way he was making his whiskey twirl in his glass.What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.

Johanna seemed unconcerned by the less thanstellar evening they were all having – and if Effie had found a way to decline Plutarch’sinvitation to dinner she would havebut, just as he was impossible for the Secretary of Communications not toinvite them, it was impossible for them to refuse without insulting anyone. Thepool table in one of the smallest drawing rooms had been a nice surprise thatthe two of them had jumped on. It had brought back memories. She and Johanna hadhad a habit of playing pool whenever the possibility arose…

… and of Effie kicking her butt – which she hadbeen pleased to notice was still a thing.

“I am simply that good.” she grinned, wedging the cigarette between her lips andcupping her hands around it so Johanna could light it despite the small breeze.

It was a bit too cold to be standing out therewithout a coat for too long but it beat going back inside and facing theawkwardness so she wrapped an arm around her stomach and stomped her right heelto warm her foot. She was glad she had opted for the high-waist dove greytailor pants instead of a skirt even if the lilac blouse she had paired it withwas a little too thin for the weather. The brand new purple shoes she hadbought that afternoon – because there was noway she would come to the city and notdo some shopping, to Haymitch’s utter despair – were killing her and whileit was a familiar sort of ache, it wasn’t one she had felt in a while. Wintersin Twelve required boots to travel through the snow and in summer… Thelandscape wasn’t exactly heels-friendly.

“It’s weird, right?” Johanna cringed aftermaking sure the sliding door was closed and nobody could hear them. She perchedherself on the stone balustrade, her back to the garden, watching what wasgoing on inside. “Too much like before.”

“I know what you mean.” she sighed, flickingashes and resolutely keeping her back to the room.

She didn’t want to see.

Haymitch had been good at keeping his alcoholconsumption to a minimum during the last couple of years. She hadn’t asked himto stop and he had never promised he would but she liked to think they hadfound a compromise that worked for everyone. He went on binges sometimes, baddays happened, she understood that, but for the most part, he kept to two orthree glasses a day. Enough to stop the shakes, not enough to get drunk. It hadbeen a painfully slow process to reduce his daily amount and she was only tooaware of how fragile a balance it was.

They had been back in the city only two daysand already he was compulsively refilling his glass. And tonight… Well, tonightwasn’t helping. By her count, this was his fifth glass of whiskey that evening,not counting the wine at dinner, and she was fairly sure he had already downeda couple before they arrived at Plutarch’s.

The problem, as Johanna had pointed out, wasthat the whole thing was too reminiscent of the Games. A special train had beencommandeered for them by the government, the hotel they had been directed towas as lavish as the penthouse had been, prep teams and stylists had beenassigned to them, there were schedules to follow, a ridiculous amount ofevents, red carpets and parties to attend, people they were expected to knowthe names of… Haymitch hated all of that with passion.

The fact that Effie had been more or less toldto keep a low profile wasn’t helping.

He had stubbornly – and loudly – told Plutarch that he would go nowhere without her and thus the government’s half-cooked plan towhisk her in and out by side doors had been tossed through the window. Effiedid her best to satisfy everyone by staying close to Haymitch but not beingtoo… flamboyant.

“What’s the deal with Haymitch and Beetee?” Joasked.

Effie took a long drag of her cigarette andblew out the smoke, watching it being carried away by the wind. She wasn’t surewhat Johanna knew or not of what had really happened with the Capitol childrenat the City Circle and it wasn’t her place to reveal it. The information wasconfidential for a reason. “They had a disagreement about something. Do notconcern yourself with it.”

Johanna watched her with clear suspicion butthen shrugged and focused on her cigarette for a while. Silence didn’t lastlong though. “Gale doesn’t like you much.”

“You don’t say.” she deadpanned. “It completelyescaped my notice.”

Seven’s victor chuckled. “Can’t blame him. Idon’t like you much either.”

“You like me a little.” she accused with somefondness. She didn’t think she and Johanna would ever manage to be friends inthe traditional sense of the word but… Sharing a cell created bonds that werehard to undo or deny. Sharing a family also made it difficult not to getsomehow closer.

Annie, Johanna and little Finn visited Twelveevery winter so the boy could enjoy some snow and they all spent a week in Fourin summer. It had been a thing for the last four years and if Effie hadanything to say about it, it would continue to be.

“You’re not the worst bitch.” Jo admitted witha wince, as if it was physically painful for her to say as much.

“Why, thankyou.” she replied, rolling her eyes. She took a quick drag before going on.“I am not very fond of him anyway. Not only is he a rude young man but hishistory with Katniss alone…”

“What kind of history are we talking here?”Johanna cut in. “She fucked him?”

Effie hesitated, watching the red glow of hercigarette. “I do not think so. And reallymust you be so vulgar all the time?”

“Then, what?” the victor insisted. “’Cause hewas following her around like a puppy in Thirteen. It was sickening to watch.He had it bad. Maybe not worse thanPeeta but bad.”

“She never discussed it with me.” shecountered. “From what I know he was her best friend and from what I gatheredfrom Haymitch and Peeta, she might have had feelings for him at some point.They had a fallout during the war.”

“And she chose Peeta.” Jo snorted. “Must suckto be the default guy.”

“Peeta is notthe default guy.” she frowned. “And why are you so interested in this all of asudden?”

“Just making sure I’m not stepping on anytoes.” Johanna dismissed. “Not that I care much but I like to know what kind ofmess I’m going in for.”

Effie blinked and then groaned. “Please, do not tell me you plan on seducing GaleHawthorne.”

“Won’t tell you, then.” Jo snickered, crushingher cigarette on the stone balcony only to immediately tug another one from herbattered packet.

“This is a terribleidea.” she warned, crushing the bud of her own cigarette in a similar fashion.She glanced back at the room because she wasn’t sure where to dispose of itproperly but since nobody was paying them any attention and Plutarch had astaff waiting hand on foot on him, she simply tossed it on the floor and nudgedit toward the edge of the balcony. “Truly, Johanna…”

“Not thatterrible.” Seven’s victor cackled and Effie was startled to realize herbrown eyes were sparkling. Johanna’s eyes neversparkled and certainly not like that.“That guy knows how to use his cock.”

“Jo!”she exclaimed in outrage. However her curiosity won over her offended sense ofpropriety. “How do you even know…”

“After the whole execution disaster.” Johannashrugged. “We were stuck here for weeksbefore we were cleared to go to Four, remember?” She remembered little thatdidn’t have to do with Katniss’ trial. That and trying not to let her demonsget the better of her had been her only focus at that time. “He was waiting tobe transferred to his command in Two. He was pissed, I was bored.”

“You slept with him.” she stated just so it wasclear and out there.

“Oh, yeah.”Jo confirmed with a salacious grin and a wriggle of her eyebrows. “Saw himaround a few times too. He came to Four for work a couple of years ago. Istopped in Two on my way to Seven once or twice…”

“You are having an affair with Gale Hawthorne.”she heard herself squeal like a teenager, her eyes wide. She couldn’t have beenmore stunned if Haymitch had come out right there and had asked her to marryhim.

“Not an affair.”the victor denied with a growl. “We just fuck.Sometimes. Used to, at least.”

The happy spark in Johanna’s eyes vanished andthe more familiar scowl was back on her face. The way she took a drag of hercigarette could only be described as angry.

Effie had knownthis meant trouble. Gale Hawthorne was trouble. She was ready to bet he hadbroken up whatever had been going on and had sent her on her merry way now thathe had had whatever he wanted. Men were cruel like that. They grew bored. Theygrew stupid.

Not everyone could be lucky enough to find aHaymitch.

“What happened?” she asked, careful to keep hertone neutral. Much like Twelve’s victor, Johanna had a thing for sympathy. Theyboth tended to mistake it for pity.

“Went to his room last night.” Johanna saidafter a few seconds. “Naked.”

Effie pursed her lips in disapproval becausewhile she admired the tactic – had in fact used it a few times herself – shewas pretty sure that the victor hadn’t bothered hiding under a dressing gown ora coat and had trounced around the hotel corridors in her birthday suit. “Of course, you did.”

Jo shot her an annoyed glare but continued herstory. “He opens the door, looks at me and tells me we’re not doing thisanymore. You believe that? I was there. Naked.And the guy has the nerves to tell meto pack it?” Effie turned around to glare at Gale through the sliding doors. Hemust have sensed that he was being the target of very angry stares because he looked at them, still talking toPlutarch, and lifted – far too cocky –interrogative eyebrows. Johanna actually growled. “Asshole.”

“We can make him pay.” she immediately offeredbecause that was what you did when a man hurt a friend. “I can… Oh, I can start rumors about him havinga micropenis.” She didn’t have the influence she used to but a word here and ahint there should do the trick. There were a ton of journalists following themaround for the celebrations after all. “Orwe could trip him down the stairs at the ball tomorrow. Falling in front of ahundred cameras might bruise his ego.”

Jo didn’t appear to have heard her, too busybeing locked in a staring down contest with the young man. “He’s such an ass. Fuck him. Why can’t he be happy with what he’s got? Any other manwould be glad to have that much. Asshole has the nerves to turn me down when Iknock on his door naked?”

“I toldyou I did not like him.” she huffed, shocked by the smug smile Gale was nowtossing Jo.  “Handsome men always feelthe need to collect conquests and he looks arrogant too.”

Seven’s victor spared her a brief look beforegoing back to her glaring. “You’ve got it backwards.”

“I beg your pardon?” she frowned.

Jo’s foot kicked the stone pillar of thebalustrade with obvious frustration. “Okay, so maybe it happened more than just a few times.”

And Effie’s mind flashed back to Anniementioning Johanna had been going away for a few days at a time now and thenthe last time they had visited them. Seven’s victor had claimed she needed thespace and Annie had just beamed proudly because she was doing alright alone withher son. And since Finn had always been the main focus, nobody had spared athought for what Johanna had been doing away from Four.

“So… It is a relationship?” she hesitated.

“No.”Jo spat. “I’m not the relationship kind of girls. It’s justsex. Awesome sex. At least it was until he went and fucked everything up.”

“By telling you he wanted to put an end to whatseems to me like a casual relationship regardless of the label you want to puton it?” she teased a little.

“By telling me he fucking loves me.” Seven’s victor growled. “Didn’t ask for it, didI? Told him I just wanted the sex and he went on and on about how he couldn’tdo this another time… Like I care what sort of twisted thing he had going onwith Katniss.”

Effie was starting to get a full picture andshe cleared her throat, choosing to inspect her manicure.

“You just asked me about it.” she pointed out.

“Not ‘cause I care.” Johanna denied. “Just toknow. Whose side are you on anyway?”

She ignored that last accusation. “Thisconversation about his feelings… Did it happen last night?”

While the victor was naked in the corridor…

“Last month.” Jo grumbled. “The asshole said hewasn’t going to sleep with me anymore until I figure out what I want. I commitor no more sex.” Seven’s victor made a face. “I told him to go fuck himself. That I was done.”

“But you went to his room last night.” shegrinned.

“I thought maybe he was done being an idiot.”Johanna muttered. “Clearly, I was wrong.”

Effie briefly bit on her bottom lip, restingher hip against the balustrade to study the younger woman. “Do you like him?”

“I like his cock.” Jo retorted crudely. And toofast.

“To the risk of you trying to behead me with anaxe…” She let her sentence trail off but when she only got a glare and noactual threat, she went on, deciding that Johanna had only been seeking heradvice the whole time without actuallyasking. “It seems to me you do havesome feelings for him.” Seven’s victor opened her mouth and Effie hurried inspeaking before she was interrupted. “I am not saying you are in love with himbut perhaps… Perhaps you do like him?Might he be more than just a sex-friend?”

“People don’t go from fuck buddies to… Whatever he wants us to be.” Jo scowled.

“Haymitch and I did.” she offered.

“Please, Trinket.” the victor scoffed. “You’vebeen in love with him for how long?”

“And he did not want anything to do with that.”she shrugged. “Because he was scared of what would happen if we left the casualfor something more serious and, at the time, he had his reasons but now we are safe, Johanna. If you are afraid of…”

“I’m not afraid!” Jo snarled, raising her voiceenough that it carried inside through the closed door. Effie was aware thateveryone had frozen to glance  at them.While most of their friends were good enough to pretend nothing was amiss, Galewas still staring. And now Haymitch was too. Seven’s victor didn’t seem tonotice, too busy glaring and sneering at her. “I’m not afraid and if you everaccuse me of that again, I swear…”

The threat in the victor’s voice was real andEffie probably should have heeded it because, unlike Haymitch, she wasn’t allbark and no bite. She had long moved past her fears for Jo’s abrupt mannersthough. Compared to what Peacekeepers could do…

“You lost people you loved and you feel guiltyabout it.” she interrupted in a soft voice. The first time the Capitol hadtried to sell her, Johanna had stabbed the man, which had resulted in her wholefamily being murdered. In the victor’s mind, she was the one who should be deadand Finnick alive. Never mind the fact that she had been forced to see hermentor, the man who had supported her and helped her after her family’s death,die right in front of her eyes. There was plenty of guilt to go around. “Andyou are scared it will happen again. You feel that way about Annie and Finn toobut you do not have a choice in keeping them with you, do you? At least you donot feel that you have a choice because you think you oweit to Finnick to take care of them. A lover, now… Letting him in would be your choice ultimately. Openingyourself to that possible pain…”

“You’ve become a head doctor?” Jo mocked butEffie didn’t let herself be distracted.

“It isscary, Johanna.” she granted. “But it can be wonderful too. If that man loves you… If he truly loves you…”

“Maybe I can’tlove.” the victor spat. “Ever thought of that?Maybe I don’t even want to. Maybe Ijust…” Johanna shook her head. “What do I even talk to you for? You’re no fucking help. You can’t understand…”

“Oh, I think you can love.” Effie countered. “You love Finn and Annie. And I thinkyou might be a little bit in love with that man too. You cannot let fear ruleyour life or you are letting Snow win. It does not matter if he is dead. If yourun away from something good because you are too scared to lose it… Then youlet him win. And you know what Finnick would say about that…”

Johanna had jumped on her feet at some pointduring her little speech, hands balled into fists and dangerous scowl on herface. For a second, Effie wasn’t sure she wasn’t going to get punched and shewas only too aware that Haymitch and Gale were both making a beeline for thebalcony.

“Fuck you.” Jo spat and then stormed out,bumping into Gale’s shoulder in the process.

“You’re okay?” Haymitch grumbled, immediatelyreaching for Effie’s arm.

“I think Johanna would like an escort back tothe hotel.” she told the younger man firmly. Gale stared at her and then noddedbefore taking off after the victor, to the puzzlement of everyone left in theroom.

“What’s going on?” Haymitch insisted, a frownon his face. “Since when does Jo need an escort anywhere?”

She chuckled and wrapped both arms around hisneck, watching him grow red with embarrassment because they were in public –and not the familiar audience of the children either. Still, she was pleasedwhen he held her waist, pulling her against him.

“Love, darling.” she offered mysteriously,kissing him before he could figure it all out. “Always love.”

[everlarkficexchange]

when we’re underneath the lights my heart’s no longer broken

Written by:  @omercilessmoon

Prompt 92:  High School Musical au:  Katniss and Peeta as Troy and Gabriella.  [submitted by anonymous]

Rating:  T

Summary:  Panem High School puts on a production of High School Musical.  Part 1/?

Author’s Note:  The title is from “Just for a Moment” by Joshua Basset and Olivia Rodrigo.  Katniss’s audition song is “Wondering”, sung by Julia Lester and Olivia Rodrigo.

* * *

“I’m not here to audition.”

Peeta meets her grey eyes by accident; he just doesn’t want to look at Ms. Trinket’s curly pink bob (which he was certain was a wig) or her shiny green pantsuit (which looked like tin-foil that was spray-painted metallic green) and had fully intended on staring at the wall just behind her and not on Katniss Everdeen.

Her eyebrows press together and she frowns.

Oh god.  A blush starts up the back of his neck, turning his skin scarlet all the way up to his ears.  He clears his throat, tearing his gaze away and tries again.

“I’d like to join the crew,” he says.  “My brother did set design last year. I can help paint trees or something.”

Ms. Trinket shakes her head.  “I am well aware of how your previous director ran your school productions,” she says, footsteps echoing as she paces across the stage.  “I, however, require everyone to read.”

“I haven’t even seen the movie,” he replies.

A stream of murmurs fill the air; indistinct.  They move low, swirling around his ankles like fog.  Delly taps Madge on the knee, who passes her comment to Katniss:  “Is he for real? Who hasn’t seen High School Musical?”  The two blondes share a look and giggle.

Ms. Trinket doesn’t bat an eye.  “Then we’ll be seeing a fresh interpretation!”

He’s about to say something else.  The words are on his lips, but he sighs and reluctantly takes the script from her hand.

A frosty pink nail taps on a highlighted section and he reads for a moment before starting.

“My parents’ friends are always saying,” he starts, the words rolling off of his tongue easily.  Though it’s not like the movie’s version, his performance is endearing.  “‘Your son is the basketball guy.  You must be so proud.’ Sometimes I don’t want to be the basketball guy.  I just want to be, you know, me.”

Peeta looks up for approval, meaning to look at the director, but his eyes find hers again.  He can’t read her expression, eyebrows are still knit together and lips still in a downward pout, but something in her eyes doesn’t match the rest.  He stares back, his own face now scrunched into concentration.

And then he’s asked to sing.

Madge tries to lead him through Breaking Free, but he can’t read sheet music to save his life, and he doesn’t know the song—any of the songs—of course, because he hasn’t seen the movie.

He manages, just short of disaster.

There’s no applause.

After the first audition, he’d clapped before realizing that he wasn’t supposed to.  The sound was loud and thunderous, almost awkward. He wishes that he had applause now to drown out his nerves.

* * *

Katniss is the last to audition.

She hates watching the other auditions, even the warmups.  She tries to focus on her breathing, to calm the restless nerves prickling just underneath her skin.  Her sheet music suffers as she twists it, breaking off small bits of paper and scattering the pieces on the floor.

She almost doesn’t get up during the last call for Gabriella.  A look from Madge motivates her to force her legs to move beneath her, heavy, as if her shoes were filled with lead.

She’s no stranger to performing.  She has been in previous school productions, is part of her church choir and has performed for her father countless times.  Though, it’s different now. She feels alone, no lingering presence of his soul to guide her through auditions as before.

She doesn’t need a script for Gabriella’s monologue and it sets her apart from the others.  She’s memorized it from watching the movie countless times, and she does… okay.  Despite her attempt to mask her voice as cheery, her words fall flat as she recites, “Go Wildcats!”

It isn’t until Katniss settles at the pianoforte, which has been moved from the music room to the theatre, that she becomes someone of consequence.  Her fingers shake as she starts to play a melody that isn’t an approved song.

She ignores the screech of a chair moving across the floor and the shrillness of Ms. Trinket’s voice as her eyes focus on notes in front of her.

Katniss awakens, her voice like magic.

Seems like a part of me will always have to lose Every single time I have to choose Swore that it felt right, but was I wrong? Is this where I’m supposed to be at all?

Smooth low notes flow from between her lips, sung into something sad and regretful.  Ms. Trinket’s words stop in her throat.

If I could go back and change the past Be a little braver than I had And bet against the odds Would I still be lost? Even if I woke up in my dreams Would there still be something I’m missing? If I had everything Would it mean anything to me?

She sings a verse and the chorus and promptly stops.  Her movements are almost robotic as she collects her sheet music and walks back to the corner of the stage, her eyes trained on the floor.

* * *

Ms. Trinket is a firm believer in first impressions and on principle, does not do callbacks.  She spends most of her night going over her audition notes and placing them into her red binder behind the director’s copy of the script.

* * *

The cast list is posted before the first bell on the following day.

Peeta doesn’t look at it.  He doesn’t need to, walking past the group of students surrounding it on his way to homeroom.  His audition was just formality. He knows Katniss got Gabriella.  The rest didn’t matter.

Rye intercepts him partway, grinning ear to ear.  “Congratulations little brother,” he says, patting a hand on Peeta’s shoulder.

“For what?”

“The cast list?” Rye shakes his head.  “I thought you’d be more excited.”

“I haven’t seen it.”  Peeta blinks, unfazed.  “You saw her audition.”

Rye shakes his head.

He drags Peeta to the bulletin board outside the theatre and it’s second from the top in Ms. Trinket’s careful printing.

Troy Bolton (understudy) …  Peeta Mellark

“I told you to sign up, but I didn’t think you’d create some sort of elaborate plan!”  Rye says.

Peeta hardly hears his brother as he’s overcome with dread.  “This wasn’t the plan,” he says.  

Join the crew and talk to the girl.  That was the plan.

Peeta didn’t know how his brother had found out about his crush.  He’s never mentioned it.  He’s spent his whole life working up the courage to talk to her, creating plans and rehearsing opening lines she’d probably hate anyway.

“If you worked in the upcoming musical, you’d have some common ground,” Rye had suggested at dinner one night.  Ms. Trinket had approached him last semester to be the stage manager. He knew all of the production details weeks in advance and tried to help Peeta.

Peeta would need all the help he can get.

He’s not a performer and can barely make eye contact with Katniss without blushing.  He’s the understudy, thank god, but he’s still going to be practicing with her.  Or at least, he hoped he would.

The first bell rings, signalling class in three minutes.

“First rehearsal is Thursday at four,” Rye winks.

[everlarkficexchange]

Four Steps to Being Single

Written by: @wingletblackbird​

Betaed by: @butrfac14

Prompt 24: Canon Divergence. Through the years Katniss can’t stop paying attention to Peeta and she’s actually aware of it. When they settle as victors in district 12 or when the time for the victory tour comes (whichever you prefer) she can’t keep herself away from him and the line between friendship and something more becomes blurry until it disappears. [submitted by anonymous]  

Rating: General

Four Steps to Being Single

Step 1: Go For the Impossible

I couldn’t say when it started, noticing Peeta Mellark. Well, I mean, I know when I first noticed him, as in learned his name. It was after he gave me the bread and risked a beating from his mother to do it.

  “Who’s that boy?” I’d asked Madge casually one day. Although I’m not certain I succeeded at casual, since it is not in my nature to inquire about strangers, let alone ones from Town. I tried to cover by saying that I thought my father used to trade with his family.

  “Peeta Mellark,” Madge told me. “He’s my cousin’s best friend. He’s quite nice.”

  And so he was.

  I waited for the other shoe to fall, but it never did. He never in word, gesture, or deed made me feel small. Never, to my knowledge, boasted, bragged about, or mocked my situation to his friends. Never cornered me and asked for favours in return. That was why I first watched him. He sometimes watched me too, and I figured that must’ve been because he was checking up on me, the starving girl he saved. It wounded my pride a bit, and I clung to the resentment like a shield, watching to see if there were anyway to repay him. There really wasn’t, not in scope. Approaching him would probably make things worse if it got back to his mother anyway.

  So I watched him then not because I feared his price, but because nothing should hurt this kind boy. I watched him to see what the smallest acts of courage and kindness could wrought. My life saved, my family saved, and through my mother and sisters’ healing hands, who knows how many lives touched? All because of Peeta Mellark. No, I could never repay him. Even now, he gives me hope. When all I see is cruelty, and death, and hard-heartedness, there existed that one person who not only was kind, but resiliently so, even in the face of personal cost. Yes, I watched Peeta Mellark, but when did it go from hope, and gratitude, and fear to….attraction?

  I don’t know.

  I watched him hanging around with his friends and was glad he had them. Marvelled at his talent as an actor at school plays. Seethed when he was teased for his gifts, for his height. Watched as he excelled in wrestling after his growth spurt. The broadening of his shoulders, and the development of his muscle mass gave me comfort in the fact that he was more able to protect himself now.

  I watched him become so popular, you’d never guess he’d ever noticed a girl like me. But he never stopped being gentle or nice. I knew his schedule, observed in gym class that he always double-knotted his shoes, remembered his shifts at the bakery. I was just keeping tabs on him like I should given the debt owed. Right?

  And if I ever got upset when girls talked about him, it was only because they were vain, self-centered, and shallow. Peeta Mellark was owed more than that. That’s all. I was like his little protector, because I owed him. No other reason. I really never thought otherwise, never gave much thought to it at all. I can never peg when it started, only the moment of realisation.

  It was so simple.

  It was a cold winter’s day; I had come a bit too early to trade at the bakery, so Mr. Mellark had invited me to wait inside for a bit, and taken my coat before giving me my bread. Peeta was on the early rotation that morning, and he’d been the one to package it. He’d been the one to escort me out, and he’d been the one who had courteously and gallantly gotten my father’s coat. He hadn’t just helped me slip it on either. (And I was intimately aware of every movement as his arms went around me, and his fingers brushed my shoulder, just so.) Oh, no. That’s not good enough for Peeta Mellark. Peeta took the time to help me button it up, then to roll up the cuffs on the sleeves that were far too long for my bony arms.

  “It’s fine. I can do it myself.” I’d bit out, never liking to feel vulnerable, being the center of attention, and Peeta made me feel that way, which is why in spite of myself my tone came out harsher then I’d have liked, especially given who I was talking to.

  “It’s alright. I don’t mind.” He’d smiled at me, and it was shy, hesitant, gentle, hopeful, sincere and so blue. My body thrummed like I’d unwittingly placed my hand on the electrified fence. I opened my mouth to make a quick retort about personal space, but my mouth felt dry. I couldn’t focus it, so I bolted out like a crazy person. I was never looking him in the eye again, but I couldn’t shake the feeling. Now that I was aware of it, I was aware of it.

  Still, I reasoned, all told, if I must endure this feeling, like all creatures of the wild. Better instead to pine for the boy I can never have, because that way there’s no need for awkward refusals and explanations. No chance of having to deal with it all. I am never getting married, or having kids. As for Peeta Mellark, the popular, golden boy, wrestling champion noticing me? He may as well fall in love with the mud on his boots. Really, I was absolutely safe.

  Step 2: Enforce Boundaries

“It was all for the Games,” Peeta says. “How you acted.”

  “Not all of it,” I say, tightly holding onto my flowers.

  “Then how much? No, forget that. I guess the real question is what’s going to be left when we get home?”

  I look up, but I don’t really know what to say. The depth of feeling I felt when he almost died, every time he almost died, when they separated us, it’s so deep I’m not sure I can see the bottom. It’s like being afraid of heights. I never dreamed he might feel for me what I did for him. Or rather, I dreamed it upon a rare occasion, but never presumed it would ever, ever be reality. Who could have seen this coming? And was it real? My caring for him might have been, but most every way I acted was for the cameras, and now that they’re gone…

  I can’t have kids. I can’t go through that. How much is going to be left when we go home? I don’t know. He can never be more than my friend. He’d move on though. Probably. There are loads of women who’d want Peeta Mellark, victor, many more than would have wanted him before. I would just get in the way.

  I look down at the flowers in my hand. The wild onions which remind me of my life before the Reaping, of Gale. He’d hate me being with any Townie. He barely tolerates Madge, and while I’m not inclined to let Gale dictate my friendships, I’m not in the mood to deal with the fallout either. I wish things would go back to the way they were before, simpler, without the blood of children on my hands, before Peeta and I had ever shared a conversation, when it was safer. And maybe that would be better for him too, a clean break. I don’t know how to say this the right way without crushing him. I’m not good with words at the best of times. Peeta is fidgeting and huffing and clearly expecting an answer.

  “I don’t know. I–we’ll be neighbours. We’ll see each other. I don’t–”

  “It’s fine.” He cuts in abruptly raising his palm towards me in a gesture to stop. “It’s fine. I should’ve seen this coming. It’s fine. I’ll just…stay away. Won’t mess things up for you.”

  “Peeta, wait!” I call out, but he’s marching off to the train, his shoulders are so tense they remind me of rocks. I drop the flowers to the ground and collapse. Mid-sob I realise I don’t want to be caught crying out here, so I head straight to my room and lock it where I lie on the bed. I cry until I sleep. You’re not supposed to feel loss for people who are alive.

  Peeta and I don’t talk again for weeks.

  I miss him. I try to go through the motions of being who I used to be. The girl who hunts in the woods with her friend, Gale. It doesn’t work though, because that Katniss doesn’t know what it feels like to be in the games, to be the prey, to be on the receiving end of Peeta Mellark’s affection. Even when I’m not having nightmares, I dream of him. I hunt. I come home. I see his house, and I worry. I yearn, and it scares me so much I rush back inside and try not to think about it.

  As time goes by, I know this isn’t feasible. There’s the Victory Tour, and mentoring, and Peeta and I will always be neighbours. His words, I’ll stay away, echo through my ears, and I know I have to find the courage to talk to him, because I don’t want that. I never wanted that. I hadn’t told him that. We’re going to have to work together anyway, get along. So I storm across to his front door, and in my determination knock far more harshly than I likely should. I’m scared I’ll lose my nerve.

  “Katniss?” I have clearly woken him up. He’s been sleeping even though it’s almost noon.

  “Did I wake you?” It’s a stupid question given he’s bleary-eyed, and his hair is sticking up every angle, and his shirt is all rumpled, but it’s supposed to be polite, isn’t it? And I’m no good at this stuff.

  “Um, yeah.” His voice sounds hoarse from sleep and he blinks a few times to orient himself. “Why don’t you come in?”

  I nod, and brace myself to enter, preparing for what, I’m not even sure. His house is much like ours, but his colour scheme is different. It’s clear he hasn’t done much with the place. Hasn’t tried to personalise it. He lives here, but it doesn’t look like he considers it home.

  “Is there anything, you’d like to drink? Eat?”

  “No, it’s fine. I just wanted to talk.”

  He sighs, and looks resigned to misery. Frankly I feel a touch annoyed at his melodrama, but I follow him into the living room and sit on the sofa across from him.

  There is an awkward silence. If I ever had a biography written about me, it ought to be called just that. Unless I’m in the woods. Silence is a language in the woods, and I’m a native speaker. Peeta isn’t making it easy either.  He’s leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees, watching me intently. I feel pinned. Clearly I am required to start this conversation.

  “I don’t want you to think I want you to stay away from me.” He looks nonplussed. So I clarify, as I grip and ungrip my hands in lieu of biting my nails. I am stiff as a board on this stupid sofa. “You said that at the train stop, that you’d stay away. I don’t want that.”

  “You don’t?” He asks tentatively and his head rises just slightly. I can see hope glow in his eyes, but it’s so fragile a baby’s breath could puff it out.

  “No. I mean, we have to work together, and I–”

  He huffs, interrupting me, and leans back against the sofa, shaking his head. He looks put out.

  “Look, Katniss, if this is about the Tour, or the Games, or the cameras. I won’t let you down, but I’m not…just…” He waves his hands erratically in frustration. “Don’t lie. Don’t say you want me around when you don’t.”

“I’m not!” I shout. I am incensed he would think that of me, and I’ve had more than enough of his self-pity. “I never said that. Why would you think that? Look, I’m not getting married, okay? I’m not having kids. It’s nothing to do with you.” I cross my arms and my legs petulantly. I am mad. He should know it. Idiot. “I decided that years ago, so you can stop acting like a kicked puppy, because it’s really getting annoying.” My tirade slows as I see poor, Peeta’s jaw hanging open. “Look, I don’t want to hurt you, but I can only be your neighbour, okay? I’m pretty sure that’s what I said in the first place. It’s nothing personal.”   

  Peeta nods slowly, like he’s absorbing it all. Finally, he apologises.

  “I’m sorry. I…I just thought you were doing what you had to do, and I’m grateful you were looking out for me too, but I didn’t think that meant you wanted to be around me. Why would you? And I thought Gale might be upset. And–”

  “He is. He doesn’t like people from Town, but it’s not like that anyway. I told you. No marriage. No kids. Gale knows how I feel.” I shrug. “Now you do too.” I look away, because I can’t make eye contact with him, and I don’t know what to say. I almost feel like I’m lying. Fortunately, Peeta has never been troubled by such things.

  “Well,” he says wryly after he collects his thoughts, “what’s your favourite colour?”

  We grin.

  Step 3: Maintain Boundaries

Having Peeta’s friendship makes things easier, so much easier. I don’t have to hide from him, or explain things. Mom and Prim understand the flashbacks, and the nightmares, but I don’t want to talk to them. Prim is so young, and with Mom…it’s just hard. I don’t want to add to her burdens. Gale would rather pretend nothing happened, yet somehow still seethes. Peeta though, he was there. He knows me. He goes through it with me. When I jump at loud noises, he quips a one-liner with an empathetic look in his eyes. I am still Katniss, just extra jumpy. He has an entirely different approach to handling nightmares though. He paints. I don’t know how he can stand it. I try to avoid that part of my life entirely the way you jerk your hand off of a hot oven. Peeta feels he has to remember it though.

  “It helps to realise that it’s just a nightmare,” he explains. “When I paint it. I have control over it, distance.”

  “But you still have nightmares.”

  “Yes, but it happened. I don’t know if I want to forget what happened there.” He glances at me out of the corner of his eye as we examine his work. “Should Rue be forgotten?”

  Tears fill my eyes, and I want to glare at him, but I can’t. I let him wrap his arms around me, and I press my face against his warm, strong chest, and the tears flow. I do nothing to stop his affection. He rests his cheek against the top of my head.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispers. “I just want to find some meaning in it.

  “There isn’t. One man’s power trip. Capitol cruelty.” It’s risky saying it, but I don’t care.

  “I know, but…I survived, and I can’t get past that I am alive, because so many aren’t. Good people. Children like Rue. I need to…acknowledge that. Live somehow in a way that doesn’t dishonour that.” He’s choking up now too, and I hug him tighter. We stay like that for a very long time, until our arms hurt, and it’s hard to stand. Then we sit, and stay wrapped up for even longer. I feel safe.

  It doesn’t entirely stop the nightmares, but sharing with Peeta does decrease their severity and frequency. At least when I wake up, it can be easier. I am up every morning to check on the snare line for Gale, and when I return, I help Peeta with his bread routes. Peeta bakes where I hunt. He takes cat naps while the dough is rising, or the bread is in the oven. True to his desire to make his survival mean something, he delivers the bread to the Community Home, and leaves other loaves in the trash bins in Town where he knows starving Seam children will find him. When he first brought me with him I wanted to lean up and whisper in his ear that I thought he was amazing, that I desired him too. But I don’t. I can’t.

  Instead I tell him he has inspired me. It’s true. I decide my so-called talent will be gardening and botany. It’s just a cover so I can plant berry bushes, and fruit trees, and vegetables inside the fence. Maybe, it’s not much, but I know what a difference even two loaves of bread can make between life and death. I think of Rue in the plants, how she wanted me to win. Peeta’s right. This makes me feel like, somewhere, she’s smiling.

  That’s the only downside to being with Peeta really. He does something seemingly small, and I almost combust. It’s the yearning, the want to run my fingers through his hair, to hold his hands, to caress his jaw, to sit on his lap, to kiss him until I can’t feel my lips. I never do, and it takes more discipline than I expect, since I know he would welcome my attentions. I guess I am the Girl on Fire. I spend a lot of time gazing at him when I know he isn’t looking. When he’s painting is an excellent time. Peeta gets so focused, still, hinting at entire worlds locked away inside him. His hands are gentle, but precise, as he places each stroke of the brush. I pretend to read in the corner, but more often than not, I just watch him, bask in him, the knowledge he is alive, safe, for now.

  Sometimes I fall asleep in that corner, and Peeta will pick me up, carry me to bed, and carefully tuck me in. One time, I groggily grasp his hand and ask him to stay. So he does. He crawls into the bed alongside me and I nuzzle into his chest as he wraps his arms around me and I drift off dreaming of warmth and sunshine.

  It starts a pattern. I join Peeta in his morning catnaps, and I like it so much, I take to dragging blankets down and creating a nest in front of the fireplace during mid-afternoon, when everyone, insomniac or otherwise, gets sleepy. Maybe it’s just an excuse, but I’ll make any I can to spend more time in Peeta’s arms. Sometimes, more often than not, if I wake before him, I run my fingers through his curls, or down his cheek. I kiss his forehead, and eyes, and nose, and cheeks, and sometimes even his lips. He sleeps like a log so he never notices. I doubt he’d mind though, so I keep doing it, because when affection bubbles up inside me, this is the best way I can think of to handle it. That, and fussing over him, or bringing him meat. I’m not good with words, so I just do stuff and hope people understand. Prim used to tease I was like Buttercup bringing in trophies of dead mice for his loved ones. I resent the comparison, probably because it’s accurate. Peeta and I call each other every night, especially when the nightmares are bad. Often I slip over just to be sure he’s still breathing.

  We never have to worry about anyone interrupting us. Sometimes Peeta visits his family in Town. Even more rarely, his father, and occasionally one of his brothers will drop by. They aren’t a close family. Peeta confesses his mother pitched a fit at the idea of living so close to the Everdeens, then said it was too far from the bakery, and didn’t look good, or whatever. The truth is she’s a witch. When Peeta says it’s just as well, they never got on anyway, the woebegone look in his eyes makes me wrap my arms around him, and I do kiss him on the cheek. I rest my head on his shoulder. It’s not right the way they treat him. I don’t understand it. I never even wanted to love anyone, and I couldn’t help myself. Worse still, I feel bad for being so hard on him when he stopped talking to me for awhile, because I can understand now why he leapt to all the wrong conclusions. If your family rejects you, I suppose you come to expect it. It hurts my heart. I want to wrap him up in cotton wool and place him on a really high shelf where nothing will ever wound him again. I feel like a dragoness who hisses and spits at anyone who would dare try to steal her gold hidden deep in a cave, except it is not gold I guard, but my golden boy, the sunshine boy, the boy with the bread. Hiss. My sweet boy. I really am very feral.

  “We can be your family.” I whisper into his ear one day as we are lying together, and it is worth every bit of anxiety I feel to see the lazy grin spread across his face.

  “I’d like that.”

  Mom and Prim are healers at heart. They take Peeta in like he’s a wounded puppy.

  It’s ironically the best summer of my life. I don’t worry about food, or warmth, or winter. I go on picnics. I swim in the lake. I teach Peeta to swim, (which is playing with that fire, but I regret nothing.) I stargaze. I curl up like a cat, and stretch when I get up. The only struggle is Gale. I wish it wasn’t so, because he has been my support for years, but I find I have to hide most of my life from him. He resents me living in Victor’s Village, I think. He despises hearing about Peeta. He won’t talk about the mines, which I don’t suppose I can blame him for, but that only leaves the woods and his family to talk about. Since Hazelle keeps me informed about that, it’s really just the woods. It wouldn’t be an issue, the woods have always been ours, except his bitterness spills out over sometimes. His eyes flash, and his jaw tenses. The air feels sharp and dangerous. I can’t abandon him though, and I cannot even fathom how awful it must feel to be so trapped. I garner the impression he feels cheated out of something. I do what I can to lift his spirits, have him enjoy his one day above ground. We find our new routine, But the last Sunday before the train comes he presses a kiss on me.

  “I had to do that. Just once.” He says before storming away. I don’t know what to make of it. I stand stupefied for awhile, never having really considered that it could be a future with me he feels so cheated of. It would never have happened anyway. I don’t dare tell him that.

  To add insult to injury, I am forced to talk with President Snow.

  Step Four: Throw Your Hands up in Despair

“Was that really the only time you kissed Gale?”

  My eyes widen that he’s even asking me. “Yes!”

  “Sorry, sorry.” He’s quick to reassure me which hurts in so many other ways. “I just…you said he knew how you felt about kids, marriage, so…”

  “He was just being an ass.” I reassure him and rub my hand across his shoulders. We are both sitting on his bed after the travesty that was our encounter with District Eleven. I wrap my arms around him from behind and rest my cheek on his shoulder.

  “Thanks for standing in front of that Peacekeeper. It was really brave.” I can feel the tension drain out of him, and can practically hear his proud smirk. I swear. Men. But if it makes him feel better I don’t complain. Instead, I turn his head to face me and kiss him softly on the lips.

  “To make you even,” I explain with an uncharacteristic wink, and I am gratified to hear Peeta laugh. We go to sleep not long after that. There’s no question that he stays with me.

  It really is remarkable how bad I am at convincing anyone that I am in love with Peeta, especially given that it’s true. I suppose it’s the nature of the camera. It can’t show the little things I do. And I’m not prone to grand gestures in front of audiences. I can’t make it look real. I’m supposed to speak my love, but if I did, it would probably come out all wrong with smatterings of “but Dandelions, and Spring, and sunshine, don’t you see?” But that’s for me not them, and I cannot bring myself to part with it. It makes me too vulnerable to share the story about the bread either. It occurs to me Peeta has a courage, a strength I don’t. He told the truth to Caesar in our Tribute interviews, and he turned his vulnerability into a honed weapon. I am a survivor in my own fashion, but I don’t know how to do that.  

  Kissing Peeta and pretending I don’t want more is a chore too, and only complicates an already sticky matter. Well, when it’s in front of the cameras, I generally don’t want more, but when we sneak off to get caught on them, it’s another matter. It’s hard not to get too into it, and I wonder how in the world I’m supposed to do this for the rest of my life, assuming Snow doesn’t kill us all? How am I supposed to kiss Peeta on camera, and then go home, and keep my hands to myself? Being around Peeta is nothing short of deadly.

  So when we come to the Capitol, reasonably sure we’ve failed, I throw it out-

  “We could get married.”

  Peeta agrees and then leaves as quickly as he can. I make to follow, but Haymitch says I ought to leave him alone. He gives me a stare that proves he thinks I am some kind of surly, heartless creature. Maybe he has a point, because if Peeta wants this to be real…well it’s not like I hate him, but I’ve never clued him in. So I glare back at Haymitch, and I do follow him, because Peeta suffers enough insecurity without him thinking he’s going to marry me and I don’t want him. It’s just that I don’t want to be hurt; I don’t want my kids to hurt.

  Peeta surprises me. He goes into the bathroom when I arrive and turns on all the faucets.

  “I want to talk to you about something.” He speaks as quietly as he can. I know he must be trying to avoid having our conversation overheard, so I join him as he sits down by the bathtub where the shower is rushing. “I know you said you didn’t want marriage and kids, because of the Reaping…but, I guess that’s unavoidable now. So…I just…” He trails off, and looks uncertain. It’s rare Peeta can’t express himself, so I gather this is something that cuts very deep to his heart. I don’t dare interrupt him. “My parents’ marriage was arranged. Lots of marriages in Town are, and they hate each other. I always swore, I’d rather go to the Seam then live my parent’s life–not that I think you’re like my mother!–” he hastens to clarify when he sees the look on my face, “but a loveless marriage by two people who feel they have to do it, and end up resenting each other, and kids who are born for necessity and not love. And…” He shakes his head. A grimace is etched on his face. “We have to get married. There’s no avoiding that, and if they make us have kids, which they eventually will… then…they don’t have to be mine.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, that this doesn’t have to be a real marriage. If it’s forced, it can’t count. Like, if you fall in love with someone else, you can have his kids. I get you never planned on it, but you should at least get a choice in the who. We can pretend they’re mine for the cameras. But…behind the scenes…”

  “Peeta, that’s insanity.”

  “I’m just saying,” he stresses, raising his voice slightly, and he lifts his hand up and down in emphasis like he’d be slapping a table if we weren’t sitting on cold tile, “it’s a possibility. If you don’t want it to be me then…just say so. You won’t be doing me any favours pretending. I have enough of that in my life. Can you love me, Katniss? Do you?” His voice cracks a little.

  “Peeta–” He doesn’t let me get a word in edgewise. He’s lost in his own fears.

  “But then there’s the fact that it’s practically a guarantee our kids will get Reaped. Heck,” he laughs bitterly, “maybe more than one. I dunno, Katniss, maybe I should just right the imbalance now.” He looks somberly at me. His blues eyes are as dark as I’ve ever seen them. “There’s only meant to be one victor.”

  “No!” I shout and then drop my voice when I remember we’re supposed to be being discreet. “No! Peeta, if I was ever okay with that, I would have let you die in the arena,” I hiss. “How could you even suggest it?” I choke as I feel sobs rise up in my throat. “You don’t even know for sure, they’ll Reap them! And, I mean, it’ll be someone’s kid…and I just…” I’m not even making sense, Peeta’s words have catapulted me down a dark tunnel where little girls are abandoned when their father’s die. I cling to him and shake. Peeta looks guilty, as he wraps me up in his arms.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “Then don’t ever, ever suggest that again! Don’t even consider it.” My crying is ugly, and I wipe my nose into his shirt and don’t even care.

  “Alright, I won’t, but you know as well as I do, our kids will have an increased risk of being Reaped. It’s basically guaranteed. I can’t just sit idly by while that happens. What if they Reap all our kids? I just…I know we have to try and subdue the districts or Snow will kill us all, but afterwards, I think we need to try something. We’ll have at least twelve years after our first child is born to  prepare them, but I’d far rather prefer there be no Games at all. We’ll be coming to the Capitol every year now, maybe we can learn more about their weaknesses, scout out the other victors for sentiment in their districts. I don’t know. I just can’t take this lying down Katniss. I can’t. I won’t be someone who does nothing at all when someone tries to hurt their child. I can’t.”

  I pull out of his arms so I can see his face. I run a soothing hand across his forehead where his hair waves; it helps to ground me as well. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him so desperate which is really saying a lot. I can understand why this issue devastates him. It devastates me too, albeit from a different childhood trauma. I curl into him again. Any direction I go scares me, but I’d rather hold onto him in the storm. I can’t hold this from him when he so needs to hear it.

  “I agree, but Peeta, it was always you. I decided ages ago I couldn’t marry if only because of the Games, although I’m scared of losing you too. It was always you, okay?”

  “What?” He seems so genuinely confused I don’t know whether to slap him or his mother.

  “I mean, that I knew who you were when you were Reaped, and I’d been watching you for ages too. I mean, marriage wouldn’t be my first choice, but I do….I do love you.” I twist my head up to see him better. There is dawning comprehension on his face as his eyes widen and his cheeks lift.

  “You mean that?”

  “Yes, obviously.” I don’t like that he is dragging this out, so I sit up to kiss him.

  He gets the picture.

[everlarkficexchange]

Written by: @savvylark

Prompt 48: “You’re an Art student and I’m an English major and you keep stealing the papers for my assignment to doodle and I would kill you but you’re really cute and hey that’s actually a really nice sketch.” [Submitted by: @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Rate: Mature for mild smut.

AN: Thank you to the lovely and talented @javistg​ and @xerxia31​ for putting this exchange in motion. @javistg​ thank you so much for being my beta, this story would be pitiful at best without your help. @katnissdoesnotfollowback​ I appreciate this prompt, I just couldn’t resist! 

I tried to sit somewhere else today. Still near the back of the lecture hall where I like to disappear, but not in the very back where the late losers like to sneak in.

  I’m not avoiding him, per se, I just don’t want to owe him, I have to admit that he helped me.

  I might as well admit that I’m avoiding the longing I feel too.

  His blue eyes meet mine. He takes the seat next to me –his unofficial spot since the semester began.

  I shake my head. I was trying to avoid him but, as he sits down, I can’t help the desire to smile from the inside out.

He’s so annoying! With a wavy mop of unruly hair, a wild side, a stark contrast to his classic All-American boy looks and tidy, smart attire. His sunny disposition is especially difficult to palate. Who’s friends with this many people? Unheard of.

  Of course I thought he was shallow, but the more I learn about Peeta Mellark the more he surprises me. His depths could fill an ocean. The color of his eyes match the soul inside. Depth. Swirling of emotions.

  The beauty he sees in the world, he commits to paper so profoundly. It’s soul-stirring.

  Upon smiling at him, Peeta gives me a knowing smirk. “Trying to ditch me, Everdeen?”

  “Didn’t work.” I fake a scowl, then laugh.

  Hmm, I’ve been laughing a lot around him. It’s unsettling.

  He grabs my papers, and shifts through them while we wait for class.

  I roll my eyes as he uses a pen to draw on the final draft of the poem I have to turn in next class.

  A beautiful dandelion to go along with my poem. It’s breathtaking.

  The first time he did this I was furious. For a moment, I let myself get I lost in the memory.

  Peeta sat next to me for our first class of the semester in Professor Crane’s lecture period.

After Peeta sat next to me 3 lectures in a row, I remained indifferent. I pretended I didn’t notice. Apart from the “bless you” I uttered when he sneezed, I never spoke to him.

I have a feeling Peeta is not used to being ignored because his attempts at communication increased. I don’t really do small talk, so his every attempt fell flat. Yet, he continued to sit by me. I gave him short answers or shrugs.

I’m focused on my degree. Junior year as an English major is no walk in the park.

“What are you, a writer?” he asked as he observed just how many pages and pages of my notebook were filled with my penmanship.

“Mhmm, English major,” I mumbled.

I’m not fond of people raffling through my stuff but, I also don’t really care what he reads.

He started reading some of my original work and his eyes widened.

I briefly panicked, ‘that wasn’t the erotic one was it?’ Then I reminded myself that that particular notebook is tucked away in my apartment.

“Woah, this is really good! You’re a decent writer, Everdeen!” He announced.

I shrugged. ‘Good’ is relatively subjective. Especially when it comes to the written word.

Peeta takes his pencil and starts doodling, which he often does. I used to think he was kind of a slacker because of this, but he gets good grades. I also noticed that at times he has paint splatters or a rogue charcoal smudge.

I remember my roommate, Madge, who is a psych major, once explaining that highly creative children and adults are often active learners. I assume Peeta is the same and it helps him absorb the boring information.

This professor in particular is especially fond of the sound of his own voice.

I look over and he’s drawing in the margin of my notebook. The nerve of this guy! As class ends, I snatch my notebook from him, and scowl.

How dare he?

What kind of person grafitis all over someone else’s hard work?

I was livid.

Seething.

Until I looked at what he’d drawn.

It gave me pause.

Peeta’s good. He’s really good!

I look back up at him, I hadn’t looked at him face to face until this moment.

His blue eyes are gorgeous and they shine. The intense masculine gaze I’m met with makes me sweat a little.  I take a moment to observe his strong jawline and the light stubble he’s rocking. The way his hair sweeps over his forehead in a disheveled rockstar kind of way. Something in my stomach did a flip.

This might actually be the hottest guy I’ve ever talked to.

“This is really good! You’re a decent artist, Mellark,” I echo his words, but my praise was sincere.

Peeta’s smile brightened. Near perfect teeth, and a dimple. If I wasn’t sitting I think I would have gone weak in the knees.

I don’t think a guy has ever had this effect on me before.

“Art major,” he stated simply.

  So I might have a crush on him, that I’m only slightly aware of and definitely NOT acknowledging…

  Unless he feels the same.

  I sigh to myself.

  Since I can’t avoid him, I have to admit how much he helped me with a class I was struggling to keep an A in.

  I whip out a few of my graded papers from moronic Professor Venia who previously felt that my poetry was “far too serious.”

  To be fair, I’m indifferent about flowery poetry.

  On the last 4 poems I turned in, Peeta drew an illustration. As a result, my poems have increased an entire letter grade.

  Professor Venia prattled on and on about how I must have found some new inspiration.

  “Look.” I point to the papers just as class gets out.

  “Great job, Katniss!”

  “My grade went up after you started illustrating my poems,” I state with a smile.

  I bit my lip and meet his eyes.

  “So, thank you. I thought this teacher had it out for me, but your magical illustrations convinced her that I have more feeling and depth and um, hope, I think she said? ” I explain.

  Peeta lifts one of the poems and reads it. A warm smile spreads on his face. He looks up at me. I’m momentarily captivated in his gaze.

  “That’s all you. This one in particular is beautiful,” he says and, for some reason, I get the feeling he’s not just talking about the poem I wrote about my favorite pond as a child.

  Back to the subject at hand. “What, suddenly my poetry improved?” I ask Peeta.

  He slowly moves toward me.

  “I’m saying.” Peeta’s arms plant themselves on either of me on the table I’m leaning against. “Maybe you found new inspiration?” His voice gets softer as he speaks. His face is so close to mine our noses almost touch.

  I’m lost in his eyes, and the way our bodies are mere inches from touching. My heart beats erratically as his cheek brushes mine. His lips graze my ear as he whispers, “A muse, maybe? I know I’ve found mine.”

  I’m breathless at I slowly take in his words.

  He’s right. He figured it out. Peeta is my muse, my new inspiration. He’s the male lead in all my new stories. A noticeable optimism has brightened the tone of everything I’ve written since Peeta Mellark first doodled on my notebook.

  It takes me a moment to register the last part of what he said to me.

  “Who’s your muse?” I wonder out loud.

  He pulls back so our eyes meet again. The intensity in his blue irises seek out my very soul. ‘You’ they speak without words.

  The smile that follows could eclipse the sun.

  Peeta reaches into his backpack for his sketchbook.

  I squint my eyes in curiosity.

  He bites his lip to fight the small laugh emerging. Then flips a few pages and hands me his artwork.

  Gray eyes, a scowl, a long braid; petite, feminine but calloused hands holding a pencil. My profile, my neck, my collarbone, the back of my head. Pages and pages of my eyes in various states of expression.

  And in every single one I’m not just beautiful, I’m radiant! I feel something hot burn the corner of my eye and find a tear there.

  I tend to be unusually apathetic by nature, but I’m overcome by emotion looking at these sketches, and how Peeta sees me.

  Me.

  Ordinary, average, easily overlooked Katniss Everdeen.

  “It’s always been you, Katniss. You don’t know the effect you can have,” Peeta confesses.

  If he had more to say, his words are cut off by my lips. I grip his shirt and pull Peeta into a kiss.

  Oh, what a kiss! His lips are surprisingly soft and powerful. The strength and intensity with which they respond makes me dizzy.

  I wonder if he can feel how manically my heart beats in my chest.

  I didn’t know a kiss could feel like this.

  I’m a goner.

  Peeta Mellark has me, I’m putty in his hands.

  His strong fingers –the fingers that create such beauty with the pen, pencil, and paint– weave through my hair at the nape of my neck and pull me closer.

  A moan escapes my throat.

  Bliss. It feels like we’re dancing or riding a rollercoaster. I feel like I’m free-falling as his lips dive in again and take possession of mine. The passion and vigour he kisses me with whispers to my heart loudly, words best expressed in prose or a painting.

  An elbow strikes my shoulder and breaks us out of our bubble where fantasies are real.

  Johanna Mason flashes a shit-eating grin as I catch my breath and try to stand up right. I wobble, and steady myself with the support of the table.

  Peeta just kissed me senseless.

  Amazing!

  “Can’t you take this to your dorm? And also, it’s about time! All of us have had enough with the sexual tension filling the entire room. It’s ridiculous!” Johanna blurted out.

  She turns to Peeta and slaps him on the back.

  “Good going, Blondie! You wouldn’t believe how many of us have been trying to get in her pants. To no avail, we would have gotten the same response from a dead slug. Only around you… she’s a girl on fire!” She leaves Peeta with a wink.

  For the second time today I’m speechless.

  I don’t know why I feel embarrassed. The words ‘dead slug’ being used to describe myself are a pretty awful thing to hear, but ‘girl on fire’ is a little over the top.

  I shyly look up at Peeta, his grin actually makes me laugh.

  Peeta has bright smiles but this one takes the cake, he’s over the moon. His lips are red and his cheeks are flushed.

  ‘I did that.’ I think to myself and can’t contain my own smile.

  Peeta clears his throat and nervously rubs the back of his neck. “So, uh, what are you doing Friday? Do you want to go out with me, Katniss?” he asks me with a voice that’s more raspy than usual, dangerously arousing.

  Instead of answering right away, I just want his lips again. I stand up in my top toes and take his bottom lip in mine. I inhale deeply through my nose, lost in the feel of his wet soft lips. The euphoria surges in waves, leaving a buzz in its wake from my head to my toes.

  I pull away and whisper, “Yes, I do.”

 ————————————————-

“All of us need to be in touch with a mysterious, tantalizing source of inspiration that teases our sense of wonder and goads us on to life’s next adventure.” -Rob Brezsny

“Thanks!” I give a grateful nod to the barista as she hands me two steaming oversized mugs of hot chocolate. I take in the cozy atmosphere at this uptown coffee shop and bookstore my boyfriend just had to show me.

  I settle into a cozy reading nook in the corner as steam bellows off the top of my hot chocolate. I lightly blow on it and glance over the rim to enjoy the view. I’m not talking about out the window, I’m talking about that broad-shouldered hot blond man perusing the bookshelves just in my vision.

  Just from general observation, I can see that this man keeps up an active lifestyle. His t-shirt does little to hide his muscular back and triceps. Any woman could appreciate a nicely shaped backside in those jeans. I find the air caught in my throat as I take in the masculine specimen before me. Mentally taking note to describe every detail for future writing purposes.  

  The man turns and I’m immediately captivated by his deep blue eyes.

  “Come here often?” I flirtatiously approach the handsome man.

  By nature I’m not this forward or coquettish, but there’s something about this man that pulls me out of my shell. Time and time again.  

  He smirks and licks his lips. I try to ignore the effect he has on me.

  He’s debating what to say, finally answering, “Ah, no I don’t, but I heard that this new author was in town, and I just had to be here for this. Take a look?”

  In his hands, Peeta holds a book from the “Best Sellers” section of the store.

  My jaw drops. I tear my eyes from the beautifully designed book cover, up to his handsome earnest expression, his blue eyes dancing with happiness. The excitement on his face surely matches my own.

  I launch myself into his arms and give an uncharacteristic shriek as Peeta dramatically  spins me in a circle. The deep abiding happiness that radiates through me every time his comforting arms wrap around me returns.

  Before placing me back on my feet, he places a sweet peck on my cheek.

  “How did–?” I’m baffled.

  Peeta waves me over to the reading nook where we settle in with our hot chocolate.

  “Your publisher, Effie, called me yesterday and told me you were making the bestseller list today!! It was her idea to surprise you!” he rushes his explanation in is his excitement.

  “You mean WE made the bestseller list!” I correct him.

  He looks skeptical.

  “Together?” I reinforce my point, echoing the words he used before we committed to this journey. I reach out my hand for his, Peeta Mellark, my inspiration.

  He smiles at my open palm, placing his hand where it belongs, in mine.

  “Together,” he answers, a little breathless.

  Our eyes meet as we share a moment, the room is filled with electric energy.

  There’s no way I would have done this without him. I stare down at our best selling young adult novel, written by Katniss Everdeen, illustrations by award-winning indie artist Peeta Mellark.

  I’m taken back to a time when it was just a pipe dream.

  I remember it so vividly…

  I love watching him when he gets that “mad scientist” look while he paints the most brilliant creations.

  I love when the waves on his forehead slip into his vision, forcing him to carelessly jerk his head to the side while he continues his work.

  I love his impossibly long eyelashes, I don’t understand how they don’t get all tangled up.

  I love the light in his eyes when he explains a particular art concept that excites him.

  How shading just right creates the depth he desired. Echoing the depths of his soul. His incredible vision of the world, committed to canvas and paint.

  My heart skips a beat as he explains the joy of capturing the sunset just right with an angled brush. Mixing the contrasting colors, yet keeping the vibrancy derived from the very sun.

  Upon finishing his latest masterpiece, his presence, demeanor, and expression are especially contagious.

  I’m so drawn to this man. He’s addicting.

  I can’t get enough of Peeta Mellark.

  After placing his paintbrush down, he catches me staring.

  I blush and look away, trying to pretend that I haven’t been studying him.

  Peeta smirks at me and joins me on the couch. When he pulls me into his lap my heart starts to race. I so easily get lost in his kisses. His tongue deliciously roams past my lips and meets my tongue, making my toes curl. His kisses make their journey down my neck where he finds that particular spot that makes me hum.

  My hands sneak under his shirt, they roam over every plane and slope on his muscular back and broad shoulders.

  His hand travels up my ribcage and lightly cups my left breast while his lips seem to find my cleavage. The moan that escapes me when he squeezes my nipple is louder than I expected.

  I’ve never needed anyone like I need Peeta. I could definitely get lost in this man for decades to come.

  Our clothes fall away. A feverish desire for one another takes over.

  I’m dizzy with happiness and lust. I’m not sure where I end and he begins at this point. We fit together perfectly, like a puzzle.

  As the waves of pleasure wash over me, Peeta grunts and sputters with whispers of affection and admiration in my ear at the point his own release. I find myself overcome with an overwhelming, life changing fact that I just can’t deny any longer.

  I love him.

  I love Peeta Mellark, with everything that I am.

  I find tears in my eyes as I cling to him. Silently chanting the truth I’m terrified to hear out loud from my own voice, ‘I love you, I love you, I love you.’ I tell him silently. The words stay in my mind.

  We fall asleep holding each other. Waking up in his arms seems to be the most natural haven in the world, one that brings the best sleep of my entire life.

  Grateful doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of how I feel to have this man in my life, to be able to call him mine.

  I have to tell him that we have come to a crossroads. A decision has to be made.

  The thought  this taunts and nags at me throughout the day, and my mood becomes more sour.

  Peeta catches on before I even realized what I’m doing.

  He furrows his brow and crosses his arms over his chest to addresses my concerns, “Katniss, honestly, I can pick up my art corner, and I don’t have to buy groceries. I know this isn’t my apartment, but you’ve never ever indicated that it bothered you before!”

  He looks at me suspiciously and waits for an explanation that never comes.

  I feel his eyes as he studies me for a moment. I try to remain indifferent to his scrutiny, but it appears Peeta can read me all too well.

  He smiles for a moment, which only builds my frustration.

  I’m immune to his charms, I tell myself.

  He leans in closer, and holds my gaze.

  I know what he’s doing, it won’t work.

  Then, he makes me laugh and, before I realize it, I’m kissing him with an unusual degree of aggression. As I nip and scrape at his bottom lip, I feel a tremble roll down Peeta’s back, and a shuttering exhale from his lips. I try to hold in a smile as I realize the effect I have on him.

  This is part of the trouble, I don’t know what to do. What would I do without him?

  My confusion comes to a head and I shove him away. “You drive me crazy!”

  Peeta laughs, then sobers when he sees my expression.

  My fearful reaction to the look on his face morphs into a more manageable emotion, anger. I start ranting about how I don’t understand why he would want me when I’m a mess, and trail off into all the reasons he would be better off without me, and why we’re so different. It’s glaringly obvious.

  I’m shy and quiet, he’s outgoing, the life of the party.

  I’m a concrete thinker, my thoughts are more linear and tangible. He thinks in abstract concepts, he understands emotion and keeps this in balance.

  I’m a writer, creative in my own right, but everything fits in neat little boxes, there’s a framework.

  Over time, I’ve also learned that there is a framework, a structure and planning, to creating a successful artwork. The feeling and emotion that goes into his creations is a process I can’t even begin to grasp.

When I actually take a moment to look at his face his hurt expression guts me. He’s pulling his hair in frustration as he tries to make sense of everything I’m saying.

  Then he takes a step towards me and asks, “Why are you pushing me away, Katniss?”

  “Because I’m just going to hurt you. You deserve so much better than me…” As I speak the words, I find my eyes pooling with tears. I stare at the ceiling, willing them not to fall.  

  He looks stunned for a moment, then I feel his warm and comforting hand in mine. “Let me be the judge of that, Katniss. I think I get to decide where my heart belongs.”

  His heart.

  I just stare at him, jaw slack, for a moment.

  Then I listen to him, let his words sink in. He’s right. I guess I should tell Peeta and let him decide.

  “I… I have to show you something.” I tell him, giving his hand a squeeze before releasing it and retrieving the letter from Effie Trinket, my uncle’s friend, the publisher who’s very interested in my writing.

  If I move there.

  She would set me up with an apartment, and I would have to commit to living there for more than a year.

  Uncle Haymitch assured me that this is an amazing opportunity. Ms. Trinket goes to great lengths to be formal and show decorum. Once I arrive, she will take me under her wing, as she takes a personal interest in the success of her chosen few.

  Peeta reads the letter once, then twice, before looking up at me.

  “Milan, Italy,” is all he says.

  “I don’t know why I feel this way, why I’m so torn, why I feel so confused…” I start pacing and muttering all kinds of things that don’t matter at all.

  Peeta interrupts me, “Katniss, Katniss! Why are you upset?”

  I bury face with my hands and yell angrily, “Because I LOVE YOU! This is my dream, but I don’t think I can do this without you!”

  I feel the tears pour out of my eyes onto my hands.

  I hate feeling this vulnerable.

  I don’t want to need another person.

  His warm comforting arms envelop me, and I sigh in his embrace. He kisses the top of my head and rubs my back, soothing my fears. He waits for me to stop crying before he speaks, his low timbre is just above a whisper, “What if we go together? I would love to move to Italy with you, Katniss, because I love you too!”

  I never ever imagined this best case scenario, but Peeta Mellark continues to surprise me. I pull away just so I can look him in the eye.

  “What would I do without muse? I can do my artwork from anywhere, if anything, a change of scenery can bring entirely new points of inspiration. Italy, Katniss!” he further explains, excitement raising in his voice as he speaks.

  Instantly, I realize he is dead serious. My expression softens as I read the love written all over his face. My lips find his. This is just as breathtaking and mind blowing as our first kiss, but with this kiss I know this is love.

  The kind of love you fight for.

  “So I might be publishing my original work, with a world-renowned publisher, and we’re moving to Italy together?” I lose my confidence at the end of my question, and it shows in my tone and the expression on my face.

  Peeta clasps his hand in mine and answers with unwavering support, “Together.”

 ———————— 

Peeta’s strong muscular arms wrap around my waist and barely noticeable baby bump as he pulls me flush to his broad chest, hugging me from behind. This is his new favorite way to snuggle me close. His hands cradle the mound where our unborn child grows.

  Every single time he does something like this I find myself a little choked up. Not a lot, I’m still the same practical, level-headed Katniss. But, damn it! These pregnancy hormones have gripped me with emotion in these tender moments we share.

  The tear I willed away rebelliously escapes my eye and trails down my cheek.

  Peeta Mellark gets to be a daddy. If anyone should have children and bring more hope in this world it should be him.

  We need more Peeta Mellarks in this world.

  I’m so incredibly lucky I get to be on this journey with him. Another petulant tear escapes despite my protests.

  I wipe it away hoping Peeta and anyone else around didn’t notice.

  “What are we going to tell our children when they find the erotic literature we write together?” I whisper in his ear.

  His warm laugh rumbles in his chest against my back. I find myself turning my head to the side, inviting Peeta’s lips to graze my neck. He obliges, my husband knows me so well.

  I sigh. His kisses are like sweet honey.

  “That’s why we wrote them under a pen name, dear wife,” he reminds me. “God! You look so HOT in this dress!”

  “Cinna,” I answer with a shrug. Despite living in the epicenter of fashion for over 2 years, being dragged to every fashion week with Effie Trinket, and my friendship with the award-winning it designer Cinna, I still don’t care much for it and am grateful he choses my wardrobe for events like this one.

  “No, Cinna made the dress, but you’ve always been the smoking hot Girl on Fire,” Peeta says, referencing the nickname I was called in college, completely unbeknownst to me for years.

  I can’t contain the laugh that bursts forth. Peeta joins me, maybe out of pity, because it wasn’t that funny. The whole thing is still absurd to me.

  Effie makes her appearance, eyeing us with curiosity at our laughter.

  The affectionate smile Effie gives me reminds me of one a mother gives a daughter. She’s thrilled do be this child’s “Nonna.”

  As “extra” as she can be, I’m extremely lucky to have found favor in her eyes. I loathe to admit, Effie also holds a maternal place in my life that I hold dear.

  I clutch Peeta’s like a lifeline. My love. My muse. My husband.

  With the squeeze of my hand Effie leads us, “Eyes bright, chins up, smiles on. I’m talking to you, Katniss! It’s showtime!”

[everlarkficexchange]

Funny How It Goes

Written by: @thestuckinbed​

Prompt 26: A drabble where Peeta is from the Seam and Katniss is a Merchant but he’s still the one with the crush??? Sorry if it’s too specific ahah i just never read something quite like that ” (sent to me many moons ago via anon). [submitted by @titaniasfics]

Rated: T (for mention of underage sex and prostitution)

Author’s Note: I got a late start and this got out of hand, so it’s going to be the first part of a new wip(!). This is unbeta’d and there are verb tenses that I’m not sure how they got there. I don’t own the Hunger Games. Thanks for reading :)

Funny How It Goes

She was born out of a one year affair her mother had with a Seam brat; that’s what her grandparents always called her missing father. She kind of agreed. When it was quiet at night her mother would whisper to her about him, how it had been love at first sight, how he had swept her off her feet, how he wanted to give her everything he had, even though he didn’t have much to begin with. But then it was day again, and he wasn’t there and he hadn’t given them anything, not even his presence. Her mother said her parents hadn’t approved of him, but Katniss always thought that was a cheap excuse; if they had loved each other so much, why hadn’t they ignored her parents? Funny how the man continued to live in the Seam, no one batting an eye, while her mother faced the scorn and ridicule of her family and neighbours, never mind her accusing dark child.

So Katniss grew up as a merchant. The only olive-skinned, dark-haired, grey-eyed towny girl she knew. But luckily that could be fixed. Kind of. As the apothecary’s daughter, and apprentice, she had access to all sorts of concoctions and exclusive products, such as the hair dye her mother prepared especially for her once a month, so that she would be a blonde, too. Like mother like daughter.

He was born out of a one night affair his mother had with a towny. A coward, that’s what he was. Denying the existence of his unborn son, so that he wouldn’t have to shed a dime nor share the district’s talk. Funny how the man continued to live in town, no one mentioning a thing, later on becoming the baker, while his mother remained a Seam slut, penniless and forgotten, discarded aside like a broken toy he didn’t fancy anymore, never mind her accusing blonde child.

Peeta wasn’t the only fair-skinned, blond-haired, blue-eyed seam brat he knew of. That’s not to say that there were many like him, but it wasn’t unheard of either. Many women like her mother had fallen prey to false promises or desperate circumstances; the lack of means to survive were a daily struggle, after all. And her mother hated him for looking like the predator.

And yet, despite everything, he was in love with a merchant girl. Even if she didn’t know he existed.

  He had fallen for her at the raw age of five, when he didn’t know better, and the sound of her voice making the birds stop to listen had been enough to pull him in. In his defence, she looked Seam, with two dark braids and a pretty red dress.

  And then, when they were eleven, she saved his life. She found him beaten and curled up under the Alder tree behind the apothecary, ready to give up, let them take him to the Community Home, he didn’t care anyway, it’d be the same as home. But she healed him. She approached him and spoke with a soft voice, afraid of scaring him away. He refused to go inside the apothecary, but that didn’t deter her from carrying out a healing bag and treating his bruises and wounds; there wasn’t much she could do about his twisted leg. He didn’t say anything to her at the time, too startled by her gentle hands and kindness. He couldn’t remember ever been treated like that, with care.

She wasn’t blond then, but she was the next time he saw her.

He wanted to approach her the next day at school, to thank her, but was surprised by her new hair colour, and the timing of it. It must have happened after she went back inside and he left, in the privacy of shut curtains and the quiet of night. And he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was because she had been spotted associating with him. That it was his fault. And how could he thank her now?

  At sixteen, they come across each other in the Meadow. She was looking for healing herbs. He for edible plants. She noticed he had more than what he could have found in the Meadow only. So they make a deal. He’ll venture the woods for her, to collect whichever plant is needed, and then they’ll trade at the apothecary’s back door.

  It becomes more than trading. They establish a sort of friendship, disguised as a business arrangement. And her mother, surprisingly, turns a blind eye on it. Maybe because the apothecary is actually benefiting from it, or maybe because her mother is aware that Katniss has also caught the eye of the baker’s second son, the one that actually matters. Katniss likes to pretend she hasn’t. That his flirtations aren’t painfully obvious, even to her, that he’s perhaps interested in her friend Madge and that’s why he tries to talk to her as often as he can. Although, according to Madge, he isn’t really interested, at least not in that way; he’s just following his mother’s orders, the way Katniss should with hers, for they would make a respectable merchant couple, never mind her own dark skin that everyone pretends not to notice these days. He is a good prospect and proper suitor, so Katniss doesn’t flat out refuse him, humouring her mother for the time being. Even if she does not want to marry at all.

  And as for the baker’s bastard son, she’s friends with him, and that’s that. Even if sometimes the notion that she has caught his eye, too, arises. Every time she sees him, she silently refuses for there to be anything more. How could there be… She knows what he does for a living. He told her himself. It wasn’t one of those nonsensical rumours that you hear at school, that you know you can’t believe; this had come straight from the source.

It surprised her, when that first Sunday morning they traded, he asked for prophylactics in exchange. She would have thought that if he had to scavenge for food in the Meadow and the woods, he wouldn’t have much left to go around to buy rubbers instead of asking for something more practical. After making his request, and getting her stunned silence in reply, he at least had had the decency to blush, but didn’t budge when she offered him coin instead. And as if knowing he had the need for rubbers wasn’t enough, she also had to swallow her mortification, and ask with a squeaky, awkward voice, what his prefered size was.

  The truth had come later on, this time, from word of mouth. She tried to ignore, and then deny, the latest gossip, but again and again, the whispers kept reemerging from different corners of town, and they all revolved around Peeta. And how good he is in bed. Essentially.

According to the town’s folk, more specifically the female population, you can pay for his company. And he will not disappoint. Katniss might not be very knowledgeable on the subject, but she knew enough to understand what that meant.

  Afterwards, whenever they traded, Katniss would blush for no apparent reason, unable to look him in the eye. She didn’t want to trade with him anymore, she didn’t want to support his chosen occupation. And he noticed. “You like my shoes that much?”

“What?” Her head snaps back up and then looks away.

“My shoes. Do you like them that much that it’s the only part of me you can look at?”

She blushes. “N-no.”

“Then why won’t you look at me?”

“I do look at you.”

“Maybe you’ll stare at some point over my shoulder if I’m lucky,” he jokes, “but you can’t bear to look me in the eye.”

“Peeta…”

“Why is that?”

“I know.” She hopes he’ll understand what she means and won’t have to spell it out for him, but he raises his eyebrows in encouragement for her to continue.

“I know that you’re a, that you’re… What you do.”

His eyebrows raise even higher. He seems unimpressed. “Wow. Thanks.”

“No. I meant─ I know about your profession.”

“Yeah?” he asks, his tone dry, anger just below the surface. “What about it?”

She doesn’t reply. Thoughts rush to her tongue, about to spill out, but she knows she can’t say any of them, so she stays silent. Instead, she looks him in the eyes, since who knows how long, pleading him to understand. And he does, all too well.

“Katniss you knew I was buying condoms. What did you think they were for?”

She scowls. He doesn’t need to be condescending about it. “I though that you bought them because you had a girlfriend or something…”

He laughs, a dry, humorless laugh. “Oh sweetheart, you would be the first one to know if I had a girlfriend. Besides, what difference does it make?”

She wants to roll her eyes. No, she wouldn’t be the first one to know. He is a, a… prostitute and the entire District knew about it before she did. And she had find out from Delly Cartwright moaning about it in the girl’s bathroom.

“I thought you bought condoms,” she spits the word, she decides she’ll use the same one as him, “because you wanted to. Not because you needed.”

“I buy condoms because I want to survive,” he bites back. “And I don’t need you judging me about it too, along with the entire District.” He picks up his bag lying by his feet and throws it over his shoulder. Without sparing her a second glance, he walks away.

She glares at his back, failing to come up with a good retort. That last look he gave her made her shrink on the spot, the feeling of guilt taking root in her stomach. She knows that he gathers plants in the meadow and the forest. She knows that can’t be enough to survive. But for some reason she hadn’t stop to consider what else he could be subsisting on. And now… the condoms he buys from her make a lot more sense.

  He doesn’t return after that. She doesn’t know where he’s getting his rubbers from, but it’s not from the apothecary. Maybe he had some spare ones to go around for a while. But she doesn’t want to wait until then. So she seeks him out.

She waits for him at Meadow, the scene reminding her of when they had first met. How surprised and guarded he had been at first, when he found her there, crouching between blades of grass. Afraid that she had seen him sneaking back into the District, he approached her.

“What are you doing?” His words had seemed cautious or maybe nervous, like he didn’t know how to approach her, and for some reason, that made her feel at ease.

“Collecting herbs,” she replied. He continued standing there, staring at her. The silence felt awkward. “You’re the baker’s son.”

He shook his head. “I think you’re mistaking me for someone else.”

“No, you are,” she insisted. “You are… the one that lives in the Seam.”

He shuffled on his feet. “You know who I am?” He sounded so surprised.

“Yeah,” she said, “You’re the same as me.”

He looked confused at first, not understanding what she meant by that, but then he seemed to realise… they’re two sides to the same coin. Chance had tossed their lives into the air and given them the same fate on opposites parts of the district.

She’s the miner’s merchant daughter. And he’s the baker’s Seam son.

  “What are you doing here?” He startles her, approaching her from behind, his words echoing those first ones he had ever said to her. But now he sounds cold, and she feels small. She quickly stands up and turns around. He looks at her with a detached expression.

“I… wanted to see you.”

He scoffs. “Well I don’t.” He moves past her, but she grabs his arm to stop him. His expression doesn’t change, his face blank. “What?”

She knows she ought to apologise, but her pride refuses to do so when he’s treating her like this, like he can’t even look at her for too long or he’ll catch something. Instead, her mouth blurts out the first thing that crosses her mind, something that’ll get a reaction out of him. “I want to hire your services.”

His facade cracks for a second, and she thinks she sees hurt in his eyes. “I’m not a charity case.”

“It’s not pity.”

He studies her for a moment. “Why are you doing this? And don’t say you want to, because we both know that’s not true.”

“How would you know? Perhaps I want to- to sleep with someone with no strings attached.”

He takes a step closer to her, invading her personal space, his breath against her skin, her heart stutters in her chest. There’s a faint smile on his lips as he leans in to whisper in her ear. “Are you horny, Katniss?” His tone is mocking and she pushes him away, taking a step back to have a little more distance between them.

“Don’t do that,” she scowls.

“I thought you wanted me.”

“Not if you’re an ass about it. Is this how you treat all your clients?”

Something about what she says makes him pause and reconsider her. He searches her eyes. “Do you really want to…?”

Not really, but yes, kind of? She doesn’t like hearing others talking about him in that way. She wants him. And she likes the idea of doing that without love getting in the way. She shrugs.

“I’m not cheap,” he warns. “And you have to provide a place if you want somewhere else than the Slag Heap.”

Her mouth is dry, so she nods instead.

“And I’m already busy this weekend so it’ll have to be the next one.”

She nods again. How do these kind of transactions and arrangements usually go?

He holds her eyes as he takes a few steps back. “See you then, I guess.”

“Wait!” She refuses to let him leave without talking about she had come here for. “You can still come to apothecary, you know? To trade…”

He shrugs his shoulders, but for some reason looks defeated. “As you wish.” And with that, he turns around and leaves.

  He’s not actually busy this weekend. He just wanted to give her time to regret their deal and take back her words. He wanted for it to be real, and not a transaction.

[everlarkficexchange]

Tripple Dog Date Him!

Written by: @alliswell21

Prompt #57: Katniss is dared to ask nerdy!Peeta out on a date, she ends up actually enjoying her time with him. By: Anonymous.

Rated: T for some language.

Triggers: None

Word Count: Around 7500

Summary: Katniss has known of Peeta Mellark since they were little, but not until her roommate Johanna decides Katniss has had a too long hiatus from the dating scene, she dares speak to the boy.

This piece has not been betaed. All mistakes are mine.  

I make my way to Greasy Sae’s, the diner I work at five days a week; I get a discount on my bill if I eat here… the life of a college student doesn’t support luxuries, like passing up ‘discounted prices’ on hearty meals and if Old Sae, the owner of the diner, is here without her watchful granddaughter, my meals become free, which is an even better value for my wallet.

My friend and roommate, Johanna, is already seated at our usual booth, so I make my way towards her and slide in on my side of the bench. We don’t speak, merely grunting our greetings to each other and burying our noses on the sticky menu we already know by heart. Jo introduced me to Sae, that’s how I got the job of waitress at her fine establishment, which means, Jo gets free meals too, making Sae’s diner our favorite place to eat.

The old woman comes herself to our table and sits a mug of mint tea in front of me and a cherry Coke in front of Jo.

“You girls need a second to peruse the menu, or should I just go ahead and bring out your usual?”

We both look at old Sea’s smirking face, and say “Usual” at the same time, which causes the old lady to guffaw all the way back to the kitchen.

Having nothing better to do, we go back at staring at the menu.

Johanna and I had a little impasse this morning, and we are giving the cold shoulder to each other. Or at least I thought we were.

“Was the night you went out with Gale, the last time you went out on a date?” She asks breaking the icy standoff.

I scrunch up my face, “Nah. I went to that frat party with Darius. A big, fat waste of my time.” I sigh remembering the disaster that date was.

“Mhmm.” She’s frowning at the chili section of the menu, then she clears her throat, “Fine, then it’s high time you went out on a date. That debacle with Darius was almost four months ago.”

“I don’t wanna go on a date!” I protest slapping the menu onto the table.

“Why not? You go on a date, I get the dorm to myself for a few hours where I can invite some willing guy, to get me off this dry spell… both figuratively and literally!” she places her own menu down delicately, staring me down.

“No!” I cross my arms over my chest like a brat.

“Why?”

“There aren’t any guys I’d like to go out with!” I say harshly.

“Then try a girl. I’ve always say, there’s fun in diversity,”

“I’m not attracted to girls, Johanna,”

“Then I’ll choose a dude for you, Brainless. What do you say?” She grins deviously.

“I said no!” I stomp my foot under the table, but she’s on a mission.

Johanna scoots upwards in her bench, and her eyes make a wide scan of the place. Is a Sunday evening, and the diner offers student specials when the cafeteria at campus is close on the weekends. The place is packed with kids from every year.

“Aha!” Johanna shouts delighted, “Him!”

I turn, only because of morbid curiosity forces my head, but once I locate the guy she’s pointing at, I snort derisively.

“Big fat no!” I tell her.

“What’s wrong with Jack Marvel?” She asks arching an eyebrow.

“Ugh! No. He was in my literature class freshmen year, he’s got two cockroaches playing ping-pong in his head instead of brains. Pass!”

“O-kaaaay…” she looks around the room. “Ooh! I got it!”

I look again, and this time it takes me a second longer to shut down her candidate.

“I’m not going out with Alexander Cato. He’s a misogynistic pig! He got offended because I got top marks on our last math test. He called me a cheat, even though he was the one asking every soul in the room, what they had answered on number four. Parasite!”

“But you looked at him. That means we are on the right track,” Jo says shrugging one shoulder.

“He’s okay looking, if you ignore what a big jerk he actually is.”

“So, you like blondes now?”

I scowl at her teasing tone and roll my eyes. “I don’t really have a type per say… I actually thought it was someone else until I realized his shoulders weren’t the right breadth,”

“What does that even mean?” She asks arching a brow, and I know I’ve said too much.  

“Nothing. It means nothing.”

“Fine, how about…” she pauses for a moment.

I don’t like how easily she’s dropped the subject. She’s never this easy. Then, I see a broad smile form on her lips before she looks back at me.

“I found the perfect guy,” she mock whispers.

I’m scrambling up, trying to twist all the way around to see who she’s talking about, then I cackle at her choice.

“Puh-lease!” I chant, “Odair? Are you serious? Get real, Johanna! What makes you think I’ll even try it?”

“Okay, now what’s wrong with Finnick?” She actually looks indignant. “I’ll have you know, Finn and I go way back, and he’s an alright dude!”

I roll my eyes, “If you must know, Finnick Odair is too pretty. He knows he’s pretty and takes advantage of it. I wouldn’t touch his narcissistic ass with a ten foot pole, even if he was the last guy left in school. He’s too easy to get, or maybe too easy to lose… I haven’t decided which is worse yet.”

“You’re wrong about Finn,” Johanna says annoyedly, “He’s engaged to his high school sweetheart. He might be a big flirt, but he’s no cheater.”

“Then why did you pointed him out as an option?” I ask aggravated.

“I didn’t.” She hisses, “I was pointed at the guy sitting with him.” And like that, the smirk is back on her face.

I turn in my seat, straining my neck to see who’s she talking about.

I freeze.

Then just as fast as I turned to look, I drop into my bench and try to shrink myself as small as I can.

I can’t believe Johanna!

She starts chuckling quietly, no doubt laughing at my discomfort.

“So? What do you think of my pick, Kitty Kat?” She asks.

I glare at her. “No.” I grit between my teeth.

She whines, “Awww. Why? He’s got everything you kind of like,” she says smirking, “actual brains in his head, sparkling baby blue eyes, muscles that go on forever, a boyish smile, and that wavy ashy mop of blonde hair covering his nerdy brain!” She laughs full on, “He’s perfect!”

I turn back to spy on him and make sure he’s not aware we’re talking about him. Lousy Johanna is right. He is pretty perfect, and completely out of the question, don’t get me started on how out my league he is.

“That is an absolute ‘hell no!’” I say through gritted teeth.

To my horror, Johanna waves.

“What are you doing?” I screech trying and failing to lunge myself across the table to stop her.

“What? Stop!” She snaps. “I’m just trying to get Sae’s attention you maniac!”

I cover my face with my hands in embarrassment, and plop sideways into the bench.

“Jeez! If I knew little baker boy had your panties in such a tight knot I would’ve made you talk to him sooner.” She bites, not one bit amused.

“I- he- is not that. He’s out of bounds.” I say lamely.

“Out of bounds?” She repeats staring at me as if I’ve sprouted a second head, “what are you talking about?”

I take a deep breath to calm myself. “My friend Delly, she’s always had her eye on him. They were next door neighbors growing up, their parents still live next to each other. They were very good friends. She always got invited to his place to play with his action figures. They used to exchange comic books, even though Delly couldn’t care less about them, her brother used to tell her all she needed to know to get by.”

Johanna is still staring at me as if I just said the stupidest thing ever. Which she promptly voices after I’ve finally gone mute.

“That’s ridiculous, Brainless. You won’t ask a guy out because a girl you knew in elementary school had a crush on him?” Her tone is disbelieving. “Isn’t Delly the one girl with the humongous boobs?” She asks.

“Yeah, so?”

“Last time we went to your house, she was talking non stop about this Thom guy she met at work. She sounded pretty serious about him, Katniss.” She says in a patronizing tone I hate.

“Jo, you don’t understand. Peeta Mellark and I have nothing in common, other than we come from the same town. But I grew up on the wrong side of the tracks so to speak, while he was the rare, golden boy, who could be both a brainiac- debate club president-  and a jock- wrestling champ- at the same time, and everyone loved. Me– I wasn’t popular. Hell, I would’ve believed I was unlikable, if it hadn’t been for Gale, Delly and Madge insisting on sitting with me at lunch all through high school. I have no business messing with that boy.” I deflate.

Sae places our food in front of us, and I smile at her gratefully, because Johanna is nothing but a one mind track sort of being, she’ll drop the whole thing once she starts eating, and then she’ll concentrate in the next thing that happens, except, she doesn’t.

Johanna finishes her greasy double steakburger with cheese, sucking a stranded piece of finely sliced onion into her mouth as if it was a single spaghetti noodle with a pop at the end.

I try not watch her disgusting eating habits while I try to finish up with my bowl of lamb stew over rice, poking around for a plum. I believe I may be the only patron under sixty to ever order the stew, but it just reminds me of home in rainy days, but my peace is disturbed when my dinner mate starts slurping obnoxiously the last dregs of her soda through her chewed up straw.

I glare at her, she knows I hate it when she does that, but she smirks, letting me know every nasty sound she’s made in the last five minutes were all for my benefit. Sometimes is easy to for me to see Johanna as the annoying older sister I’m grateful I never had.    

“So,” she says smacking her lips loudly, “I’ve been thinking.”

I groan, sliding my food away from me. It’s never a good thing when Johanna’s sentences start with ‘I’ve been thinking’, so I brace myself for whatever crazy idea has been floating around her idle mind.

“I believe is time for you to go on a date, so I can go forth and get laid.”

“Oh please, Johanna, don’t be crass–”

“No, no! Hear me out.” She toots haughtily rising her hand. “I know you don’t believe in casual sex- hell, I know you didn’t give it up to Gale, and he’s been after that shit since he could jerk off–”

“JOHANNA! Good grief.” I hiss, “I don’t think the people in the table across the diner heard you! Could you, please, mind your words?” I shake my head, because she looks too gleeful when she shrugs.

“Fine, have it your way Mother Teresa. As I was saying, it is my expert opinion, that is in both our best interests if you went out on a date. I seriously don’t care who you go out with, as long as you let me have the dorm to myself for a couple of hours.” And then, she pulls her big guns against me: her huge, brown puppy dog eyes! “Pretty please with a cherry on top?” she sounds pitiful.

I rub my face with both my hands, and finally acquiesce to her pleads. I hate the smug, pleased smile she throws at me right after, but I figure she’s right. I haven’t been out on a date since forever, not that I date much, but nothing can go as wrong as Darius puking on me- twice- in less than thirty minutes, which was how long it took me to drop him off at the Campus infirmary after confirming his food poisoning. I shudder at the memory.

We leave our booth, and shuffle behind a group of giggling sorority girls trying to skip on their meal check, but Sae fixes them with her deadly accurate impersonation of a neapolitan mastiff- the breed is truly harmless, but so intimidating. When she sees us standing there, she waves us off smiling and saying we our dinner was on the house, causing the sorority sister to glare daggers at us and a male full laugh to bubble up behind us.

I turn around to see who’s the idiot that actually dares to piggyback a laugh on our moment, and I’m surprised to find myself face to face with the most stunning ocean green eyes I’ve ever seen in my life, accompanied by the whitest, sparkliest perfect row of teeth, in the history of the world. Damn that Finnick Odair is unreal.  

“Great! Good going Finn! You broke my roommate!” says Jo next to me, except her voice is too full of mirth to be a tell off.

“Hey Jo! How’s it going sweetums?” He asks allowing his lips to fall into an easy smile, framed by dimpled cheeks.

He reaches an arm past me, and I freeze, his eyes honed on mine, which may be the size of flying saucers judging by how dry they feel right now.

“Hi there, roommate. Although I rather call you by your real name, Katniss?”

Okay. Now I’m officially in shock, the most gorgeous man on earth knows my name somehow, but we’ve never been introduced before. Who cares if he just dragged the ss at the end of my name in the most obnoxious manner ever!

He finally pulls his arm back to himself, and I see he’s got a small pile of sugar cubes on his hand. He pops a cube into his mouth and asks me in the smoothest voice I’ve ever heard directed at me, “Want a sugar cube, Katniss?”

The crunching sound he makes while chewing, finally brings me back to earth. I frown at the noise and take a step back.

“Leave her alone, would you?” says another voice, male, deep, not truly harsh, but still rings like a command.

Finnick’s megawatt smile dims immediately, his eyes do a quick take of who spoke and then turns back to me, with a friendly grin. He step back, popping another sugar cube into his mouth he most likely stole from the counter behind me.

But I’m back to catatonic state, staring at my knight in shining armour, giving his friend a stern look before facing me, but as usual, Jo has to be the one to open her loud mouth.

“Hey there, handsome,” She says in a sugary tone. When Peeta ‘freaking’ Mellark doesn’t answer, she turns to his companion, “Hey Finn, does your friend have a name?” she asks coyly.

Finnick laughs, “Of course, Jo!” He obliges before I can turn to give Jo a searing glare of death.

She knows full well who Finnick’s friend is.

“This is Peeta Mellark. Outstanding dude, my best friend, second only to Annie herself, and my roommate.” He turns to Peeta, who’s eyes keep flicking back and forth between me and Finnick. “Peet, this Johanna Mason a long time friend of mine, and you know this lovely lady standing next to Jo is–”

“Katniss Everdeen.” Peeta finishes the sentence apparently out of breath, while Finnick’s lips lift on a devilish grin he can’t quite hide fast enough. But Peeta keeps talking, bringing my spasmic attention back to him. “Very nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard many great things about you from Dells.”

My response is to nod followed by a very pitiful “Likewise,” that comes out as strained and congested. It’s not my fault, really. He’s taken my hand in his to shake, and I’m overwhelmed by how warm and big it feels around my own. As soon as he lets go of it, I wipe it on my pant leg because suddenly my palms are sweating uncontrollably immediately regret my action, because I don’t want to wipe away the feeling of his touch just yet.

“So, tonight is Peet’s turn to pick up the check, and I figured I’d ask if we could take yours as well, lovely ladies… but I see Old Sae beat me to the punch,” Finnick says sending a smile to Sae still sitting behind the register.

The old woman, cackles mirthfully, “You can still do the gentlemanly thing and pay for the girls’ grub, you know.” But since she’s still laughing when Peeta passes her his credit card, we all know she wont charge him for our food.

Jo thanks Finnick and Peeta anyway for their offer, which I would’ve refused anyway if it came down to it. I like free meals and all, but a girl has to have some dignity.

Jo and Finn truly are friends, and for some crazy reason decide on staying in the middle of the diner lobby catching up. I catch Peeta’s eyes several time, but he averts his eyes so fast is a wonder he hasn’t lost one those baby-blues so far. My face starts to feel warm with his confusing attention, and I start to squirm as sweat starts to bead on my forehead and around the collar of my shirt. I need to get out of this place quickly, before I do something stupid, like tell Peeta Mellark I used to have a crush on him almost my whole childhood.

I’m grateful when we finally part ways after an awkward goodbye exchange between me and everyone else. I practically run in the direction of campus, listening how Johanna turns down Finnick’s offer to drive us back to our dorm. Apparently Finnick Odair and Peeta Mellark are living in a rented house with two more guys somewhere close by, I just don’t sit there long enough to learn any details.

Johanna finally catches up with me, and while I try to ignore her pointed stares, I know that sooner or later she’s gonna open her mouth to say whatever crazy thing she thinks she just saw, so I don’t give her a chance.

“I’m not gonna ask him out on a date, if that’s what you are thinking about.” I say firmly.

“Oh come on! The guy couldn’t keep his eyes off you, as if you were Gal Gadot in your skimpy Wonder Woman costume straight out of the big screen. Plus I didn’t say anything.” she counters nonchalantly. “Not yet at least.”

“Well, you’re wasting your time, Jo. I won’t ask him out. If he was staring at me, was probably wondering why I was staring at him like an idiot”

“You are an idiot, brainless! But fine!” she snaps grabbing my arm and forcing me to stop mid step. “Lets fix old school.” She says flatly.

“What do you mean ‘old school’?” I ask dubiously.

“You’ll see as soon as we are back in our room. And since it’s old school, there’s no ‘givesis backsis’ and no double crossing the deal. You can’t back out!” she says.

For some reason this whole conversation is so childish and immature, I chuckle, and like a chump, I agree to her ludicrous terms. Because that’s what I am: a chump.

We finally arrive home, and that’s when everything goes downhill for me.      

“Sit!” Johanna commands.

I make to sit on my desk chair, while she goes shifting stuff behind her bed, where I know she keep her hidden booze- we aren’t allowed alcohol in the dorms, but that doesn’t mean people don’t have a secret stash somewhere.

“On the floor, Brainless!” she growls at me as soon as my ass touches the chair, making me jump startled.

Once again, I do as she says, and slide on my butt on to the gross carpet, we try to avoid by placing our own area rugs everywhere we think we will be barefooted.

Soon, Johanna is joining me on the floor with a bottle of something amber that’s only a third full. “Pass your laptop here.” She demands unscrewing the bottle open.

“What do you want my laptop for?” I ask. “I thought you were solving this old school. A computer is not very old school, in case you didn’t know.” I snort a little, thinking up something clever, “I thought we were gonna play spin the bottle or something,”   

“Shut up, Brainless. We can’t play spin the bottle just the two of us, that’ll be stupid!” She chugs a generous pull of whatever liquor she’s got and passes the bottle to me, taking the computer in turn.

I’m not much of a drinker, so I just hold the bottle for her, while I see her signing in on my facebook account.

“Hey! That’s personal! I could report you for that you know?” I scream at her and try to grab my laptop from her, but in one of her Johanna moves, she holds me away by placing her foot on my chest while stretching away from my reach.

“Stop, Katniss, I’m looking for your friend Delly, so quit being a whiny brat and let a woman work in peace.”

“I don’t know what you want with Delly, but whatever it is, you’re going too far!”

“Aha!” she crows jubilantly, jumping up and keeping the computer away from me still. “Okay, Brainless, time of truth! You said the reason for refusing to talk to Bread Boy, is because Delly used to like him when they were kids.”

“Yes. So?” I grumble and sit back down crossing every limb of my body until I’m a human knot.   

“So, this is a modified game of Truth or Dare.”

I shrug. Truth or Dare doesn’t scare me. “Do your worse then,” I taunt.

She sits down across from me sporting a mirror image of my facial expression. I see her eyes go up and down as she scrolls the page currently on display on the screen, and then I see her smug smirk make an appearance.

Jo knows almost everything about me, we managed to stay roommates since my freshman year, she had been in school for a while before I came in, with classes scattered about every semester since she had become an orphan just a month after starting her first year and had to drop off until she got her life back on track. We became reluctant friends after a while, and then I invited her to come home with me during Thanksgiving break, since I thought it sucked she had nobody else to go home to. My family practically adopted her on the spot, despite her potty mouth and boisterous personality. In no time she had met everyone in town, and thanks to my sweet, big mouthed little sister, Prim, that included everything there was to know about one Peeta Mellark, youngest son of the best known baker in my home county.

She deduced pretty quickly I had a schoolgirl crush on the guy growing up, and has never let it down since. I didn’t use to mind her harassing jokes until tonight though.

“What?” I ask loosing patience.

“Truth: Delly Cartwright is madly in love with a Thomas Miner. Both their profiles say they are ‘in a relationship’ with each other, which means is pretty serious. Serious enough to take a nice, long cruise together to the Coast of Mexico as an engagement gift!”

“No way!” I exclaim, climbing on all fours and crawling to her to take a peek at the page she’s looking at. “Holy shit! You’re right!”

It’s true. Delly is somewhere sipping margaritas with Thom in some beach in Mexico, sporting a rock the size of Texas on her ring finger. She looks good!

“She looks very happy,” I say absently.

“She does. Power to her.” says Jo. “Now that we’ve got the truth out of the way, let’s bring in the dare!”

“Hey, I never said this was my truth. If anything it’s Delly’s truth.” I protest.

“No takesis backsis, Brainless. A deal is a deal!” She glares at me. “I never said I was going to ask you any truths. So, listen up, buttercup, here’s your dare:”

“Ugh, please… don’t call me Buttercup. That beast of a cat hates me!”

“That’s because you antagonize him. Prim’s cat is perfectly sweet to me and everyone else.”

I roll my eyes at her, but I’m unable to do anything else, because she goes off stating her Dare:

“I dare you to say hello to Peeta Mellark next time you see him,”

I take a second to think this over, and come to the conclusion than saying hello to Peeta is a perfectly innocent dare, It shouldn’t be that hard now that we got officially introduced to each other. I nod reluctantly, “Fine, dare accepted. I’ll say hi to Peeta next time I see him around.”

“Cool. I’m glad we could come to an understanding, Brainless. Now let’s get ready for bed. I gotta be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow.”

I lift myself off the floor feeling Johanna was oddly easy to appease just now. Usually she’s like a hound with a prey scent in her nose. I don’t know why was she so agreeable and her dare so easy, but I’m not gonna argue about it, specially since she dropped the subject, finally!

————————————————

Two days go by before I see Peeta again, and to my utter horror, he’s chatting with Johanna when I spot him at the library. I try to duck out of sight before they notice me, but as is my luck, his bright blue eyes shift up right into mine at the precise moment I think of my escape route at the other side of the room. Unfortunately for me, Johanna follows his sight and smirks as soon as she sees me, then she squeezes his arm saying something to him, and slinks in my direction like a kitten spying a bowl of cream.

“Hi, Katniss,” she drags the ss like Finnick did the night we met, and I already hate the sound of it.

“Jo,” I deadpan.

“Come on, Brainless. It’s pay-up time!” she links her arm with mine and I swear she skips gleefully the whole way back to Peeta, who’s just watching us interact as if it was the most interesting thing he’s seen all day.

We finally stop in front of him, and I feel my cheeks flame for a second. I hope my tongue decided to cooperate so I can say hello and get Johanna off my back for good, but she starts blabbing about something I can’t quite follow, giving me a chance to find my nerve.

“So, Katniss, Peeta here was telling me about his amazing gaming system collection. He says he’s got one console of every system released–”

“Um, more like I have one of each consoles I could afford with my allowance money starting on seventh grade.” He corrects Jo with an embarrassed chuckle, his cheeks tint a slight pink color that actually suits him pretty nicely.

“Yeah, but didn’t you say some of them are now considered classics?” She prods smiling, twisting my arm in hers painfully.

He chuckles again, averting his eyes to the floor. The pink in his cheeks intensify, and it finally clicks with me, that what Jo is saying is embarrassing him for some reason.

“Hi!” I say too loud and seemingly out of the blue, but I finally  get him to look at me and erase a bit of his embarrassment to boot. “H-how are you? I love your buns, I mean, the cheese buns your dad sells, you know? The ones with the gooey cheese on them, those are like my favorite treat ever. My sister is more partial to the cakes, because they’re so pretty and all, but I rather eat something less sugary… not because I’m watching my diet or anything, I hate diets, is more the fact that I enjoy cheese… um… okay, so, I know nothing about video games, but I’m sure you were very popular in school for having all those consoles–”

The only reason my freaky word vomit stops is because Johanna’s nails dig into my forearm viciously. I’ll have a huge, ugly scar there when she finally lets go of it, but right now I’m glad she’s put an end to my running mouth.

My eyes are watering slightly, and I can see the puzzlement in his face clear as day. Poor guy looks like he’s been hit on the face with a rubber chicken: a mix of disbelief and the same curiosity that forces you to watch a train wreck from beginning to end.

“Excuse us a sec, Blondie?” Johanna pulls me away, but my eyes remain unblinking staring at him in utter horror.

“Shit,” I groan just loud enough for Johanna to hear.

“Shit is right! The hell was that? Is that what nervous-Katniss sounds like? Because it’s absolutely horrible.” She wrinkles her nose, and I finally manage to tear my eyes away from Peeta’s face.

“Thank you, Jo! I hope you’re happy now! I told you I was no good at saying something to people, especially him!”

“Hush, is a good thing he’s got a thing for you, otherwise you would have blown it just now, miss awkward.”

“What are you talking about, Johanna? He doesn’t have a thing for me.”

She rolls her eyes and tells me in her most aggravated voice, “You truly are brainless.” she softens her tone a little after taking a generous breath, “Alright, everything’s not lost. If the way he looks at you is any indication, he doesn’t care one bit how tongue tied you are, so all you have to do now, is go up there and ask him out on a date!” She sounds like she’s been planning this for quite some time now.

“Not gonna happen, Johanna. I can’t ask him out!”

“Why? And please don’t tell me it’s because of Delly, since we’ve already ruled Delly out of the equation.” She glares at me.

“Well, as you clearly see, I scared the daylights out of him. I will not make an even bigger idiot out of myself. We both saw how it was when I tried to say hello. It was supposed to be a simple greeting and it went totally wrong. So it’s not about Delly anymore, but about my inability to act like a normal person when he’s around.”

“Brainless, if you don’t go out there and ask him out this instant… I swear to Jebus I’m gonna make it my life mission to remind you of your yellow belly for the rest of your life.”

“I, dare you!” I retort brattily.

“No! I dare YOU to ask him out. In fact, I call in the yard law, and triple dog dare you!”

I gasp astonished, like the immature idiot I’ve become in the last few days once the challenge has been issued.

“You wouldn’t!” I say lowly.

“Is done!”

“Fine!”

I march back to Peeta, he’s been watching us curiously the whole time. I stand in front of him, crack my neck, square my shoulders and open my mouth. Only a squeak makes it pass my lips, so I clear my throat and lick my lips stealing myself.

“Date. Saturday. Greasy Sae’s. Seven o’clock. You and me. Bye now.”  I don’t wait for his response, as my throat kept getting dryer with each word I said, and my voice was coming out as raspy and unattractive as a trucker dude with an allergy. I didn’t want the size of his eyes, that kept getting wider the more he heard me, be an indication of what his answer would be, so I hightailed out of there as fast as could before I started crying and perspiring. No reason to freak him out more than I’ve already have.

My next move is to go send Delly an apologetic message through facebook, for going after the boy she liked back home, but Johanna catches up to me, gasping and holding her sides.

“Can you please stop? I haven’t run this fast since my softball league days!”

“I didn’t know you played softball,”

“Every kid needs some bullcrap sport they can play before they can drive themselves.” She takes a few extra precious gulps of air, before getting on to me. “So, Peeta will be glad to go out with you to Sae’s Saturday, not that you’ll know since you didn’t wait around for him to say anything after that… whatever it was. Very smooth by the way.” now she’s laughing, but when her side starts clamping, I only scowl and start walking faster, leaving behind to hold her aching sides.

Serves her right!    

————————————————

When I get to Sae’s on Saturday, I’m surprised to spy Peeta’s mop of blonde hair carefully combed back, already sitting in my regular booth, on Jo’s regular bench. My hands start sweating immediately. I take a step back, and when the panic takes over I turn on my heel ready to make a beeline for the door, but my path is blocked by a very intimidating looking Jo, wearing my server uniform, since I was scheduled to work today, and somehow forgot about it. Jo of course was not gonna let that conveniently forgotten detail derail my date with Peeta, so she cajoled Sae into letting her take my shift at the diner for the night. Of course when Sae heard why Jo was so invested in this, she simply gave us a toothy smile and told her to be there a half hour earlier so she could feed her something before her shift.

Traitors!

“Go to your table, Brainless!” Jo hisses at me.

Without a word, I turn towards the booth, and walk quickly. I practically plop into my seat without much decorum, flinging the purse Prim demanded I used instead of my usual messenger bag, paired with a vintage blue dress that used to be my mother’s when she was single, but still holds its charm and is probably the only girly piece I own in my entire wardrobe.  

Peeta tries to stand when I arrive, but he finds himself impeded by the table between us. He plops back down again and gives me a smile, shy and sweet and full of hope I can feel my heart flutter.

“Hi,” he says quietly, “I brought this!” he hands me a small box, and like a little eager child I open it, in the most impolite manner ever.

I gasp when I see four perfectly cheesy cheese buns sitting over a blanket of tissue paper. “Peeta! You shouldn’t have,” I let my voice linger, staring at my favorite treat sitting there in front of me.

“I figured, it was better than bringing you chocolates. I mean, I brought flowers…” he produces a pretty bouquet from next to him and hands them to me. “But you said you didn’t like sweets that much. And I don’t care if you are watching your diet at all. I think you are the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”

“Oh… um, thank you.” I say feeling the heat return to my cheeks with a vengeance. I look at him and notice he’s turning lobster red as well, and that’s no good at all, so when I see him try to form words with his mouth, I jump in ahead, “You didn’t have to call home for this, you know.”

“I didn’t,” He says cocking his head curiously.

“Is there a bakery here that serves them? I’ve ever only had them at your dad’s.”

He smiles shyly again, and brings his hand to his hair, pulling it away as suddenly as he remembers he styled it today. “Actually… I baked them.”

“You did?” I sound like an awestruck little girl even to my ears.  “Wow. thank you so much for saving me some. That’s awfully nice of you,” I say sincerely.

His deep blue eyes fix on mine, so intensely, I can’t look away. “I made them specially for you, actually. You said they were your favorite, and those, next to the cake decorating your sister loves so much, are my area of expertise at the bakery,”

Johanna comes to take our order, winking at me and giving the thumbs up when Peeta’s eyes are occupied with the menu and I’m glad for the interruption, because this is all too much.

Our date goes on inmensibly better after our drinks arrive, he orders a cup of hot tea, no sugar, and I order my regular mint tea with honey. Sometime after our meal sits in front of us, I notice Johanna is talking to Finnick and a pretty redhead two tables away. They’re all looking at us, smiling smugly.

“So, your friend does have a girl?” I ask Peeta, prompting him to look in the direction my eyes are glaring at Jo.

He makes a noise, half growl, half sigh, one hundred percent annoyance. He then gives me an apologetic look, his bright blue eyes full of embarrassment and regret. “I guess, I should inform you that apparently our roommates are a pair of con artists, who think themselves clever and entitled to rule our romantic lives.” He takes a deep breath, and elaborates before my brain can jump to any sort of conclusion, which given the circumstances, I consider a good move for him.

“Johanna and Finnick have been plotting to have either of us ask the other out for weeks.” He says shaking his head, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry they dragged you into this. I should’ve known better, is just… you asking me out was probably the highlight of my life. I like to think that, at some point, I would’ve gathered the courage to ask you out myself without anyoe’s intervention, but now I’ll never know. I’ll go talk to Finn, tell him to leave you alone–”

“So, you did WANT to go out with me?” I cut him off before he can stand up. My mind is swimming, but usually when I let my impulsive nature take over, I achieve better results than when I don’t.

He looks at me with curiosity in his eyes, I can tell he won’t lie to me about this, “I’ve had a crush on you since kindergarten,” he says in a deep voice that cuts through me, “I kept asking Delly to come play with me, in the hopes that she’ll invite you over one day. I had amazing plans of what I would’ve done, if you ever showed up to the playdates. I would’ve given you my Red Power Ranger figurine plus his vehicle. It was my most prized possession at the time. Then I graduated to Pokemon cards, and I had my mint condition Pikachu, all safe for you. Then I realized, that girls didn’t necessarily cared for things I did, and started observing you. You joined the Archery team, then the track team, so I decided I’d join wrestling, I figured we should have something in common to talk about for whenever I stopped being a chicken and said hi to you.” He stops, his eyes finding a home on his fidgeting fingers on the table.

I scowl, “How would joining the wrestling team give us something in common to talk about?” I ask with more curiosity than I would imagine I would have, if a boy practically confessed to semi stalking me all throughout our school careers.

His face snaps up to find mine. His forehead wrinkles for a moment. “Well, you were an athlete. We would’ve had stories about hardass coaches, or rigorous practices. We could’ve trained together after school,” He shrugs, “Wrestling was the no brainer option for me. My brothers had done it and I knew all of their moves since the practiced them on me. I don’t think I could’ve ever master a bow and I’m not physically built for races,” he gives a self deprecating smile that melts my insides.

“I see,” I say finding the grain of the wood under my hands very interesting suddenly. I can feel my cheeks flame, “You seem to have thought of things a lot,” I say quietly.

He releases a choked chuckle, “This must be so creepy for you. I’m sorry. I– I’m gonna just go. Thank you for–”

“I asked Delly to take me with her to your playdates more than once. She had her own crush on you, so she said she couldn’t really woed you, if there were other people around during your play times, so I was never invited.” I chance a glance at him, I can’t read his face at the moment, but I think there’s a slight raise to one of his eyebrows. “My favorite Power Ranger was the green one buy the way.”

“It’s your favorite color.” Is not a statement, but more like he’s fishing for an answer, so I nod.

“Yup. Your’s?”    

“Orange,” He says smiling easily, “muted, like the sunset.” He adds when my nose wrinkles.

“I wouldn’t have taken your Pikachu. I would’ve traded you for it. I don’t believe in getting stuff for free. I would have make you a good deal for it.” I say trying to relax with all my might. “I wouldn’t have known anything about comic books though, just like I have no clue about video games or systems.”

He smiles crookedly, “That’s no problem at all. I can teach you everything you need to know… if you teach me how to shoot an arrow.” His eyes are so hopeful.

I pretend to think about it, “I don’t know… maybe we have to talk this a little more, preferably over hot chocolate and more cheese buns,”

He smiles brightly now, nodding happily. “Sounds promising,”

We continue talking about pretty much any and every topic there is to talk about for two people just meeting each other; our banter is easy and comfortable, and when Sae clears her throat, three feet away from our table, we realize is closing time and the place is completely empty.

Peeta walks me back to my dorm, his car is still at the diner’s lot, but he insisted we walked because he figured it made me feel more at ease. By the time we reach my building, we have entered into more personal territory in our conversation. I’ve told Peeta Mellark more things about my late father in fifteen minutes, than what I’ve said to Jo in all the years we’ve known each other, which is quite a lot.

We stop at the front entrance, and stand there awkwardly for a moment.

“Thank you so much for not running away after my creepy story?” he says sighing.

“Have you really had a crush on me all this time?” I ask.

“Yup,” he says nudging a pebble with the toe of his Chucks while staring at his feet, “ever since you sang the valley song for the entire auditorium on our first day of school. You were everything I wasn’t: fearless, pretty, talented and you sounded like an angel.”

He won’t look at me but I can’t stop staring at him. “Hmm… well, you were always everything I wasn’t,” I say. “Smart, well liked, physically strong, and with an endless supply of freshly baked cookies,”

He smiles at that, and lifts his face to look at me. “My mother would only let us eat cookies that had gone too stale to sell, but I know a few recipes I can whip up for you, if you allow me another date,”

Is my turn to smile, I let myself be impulsive again, and surge up on the tip of my toes, plating an awkward kiss square on his unsuspecting lips. As fast as I attacked him, I retreat a foot away from him and virtually jump inside the building, but before the door can close behind me, separating us for the night, I throw him a wink and cheerfully call back, “I’ll allow it! Tomorrow at seven o’clock, pick me up here!”

I get a small glimpse of his face as it goes from shocked, to pleased, to confused, to surprised, back to happy and smiley. Something tells me, this is just the first of many more dates, kisses and fun times with Peeta Mellark.