A/N: Don't worry. This is not replacing The Blood I Shed For You. Just an idea I got at school today. No hate. I hope a 'Prince and the Popper' storyline isn't overused.

Katniss Everdeen

Sunday, April 23rd, 5:45 A.M.

Things are always the same in District 12. Especially when your home is in The Seam. You never get a break, do you? I'm really growing to despise the way I have to wake up every morning, and go to the woods. Doesn't sound like me, does it? Maybe I'm just changing.

It's early morning, the sun isn't even peeking up over the horizon yet. I decided to walk through the square a bit before leaving to the woods.

A certain window catches my eye. As I look at the sign, I see that the business is a bakery. I stare, mesmerized, at the cakes in the window. The different patterns unfold like a sea of frosting, perfectly piped. The curls and waves dance, while the more spikey symbols defend. I suddenly see Prim's facination with the cakes.

I think that maybe, just maybe, I should stick around until it opens. Maybe I could ask for a job! Yes, that's what I need.

I gasp as I see the sign in the door flip to open.

Peeta Mellark

Sunday, April 23rd, 5:50 A.M

My shift is about to begin. 6 A.M. it is.

I don't get why everyone thinks the bakery is a family business. Because it's not. All the kids here are orphans like me, or just plain homeless kids looking for a place to work.

The thing is, the place is far from a family home. I glance at the dirty window, confused. Usually at this time, I see a boy and a girl running towards the woods. All I see is the boy, pacing as if concerned.

I wish I could trade places with her. Maybe him. No, not him. He seems like the leader. Well, the leader of one person. Being truthfull, I could never be a leader. Even of one person.

I suddenly hear the door open and close, and the sound of hiking boots echoes through the quiet house. There is the sound of voices, but it's impossible to make out the words.

"PEETA MELLARK!"

Well, impossible up until now. I rush downstairs, wondering what the heck was going on. Then again, what's the worst that could happen? I left the stove on again?

"Y-Yes?" I squeaked, looking down from the stairs.

I see who came in. It was the girl that always runs away into the forest with the other guy. What was she doing here?

"YOU'RE FIRED!"

"Me?" I asked.

"Yes."

Andrea Stream looked at me straight in the eye, and I winced. I always thought I remembered the girl, and I now know where. When I first came-and burnt the bread. Boy Andrea punished me for that.

"What did I do this time?" I asked with a sigh.

Andrea is always threatening me with being fired. Remember me mentioning earlier the thing about the stove? Yeah. That's the kind of stuff she 'fires' me over weekly.

"Nothing," Andrea said with a smile. "I'm just hiring this young lady here."

"And I need a favor," the girl explained. "I need someone around my age to take over my duty as Gale's hunting partner."

Katniss Everdeen

April 23rd, 5:54 A.M.

"And you can stay at my house. I'd like you to take care of my little sister."

I looked at the boy named Peeta. His eyes were wide with disbelief, and he was so still, he wasn't even blinking. I watched as he smiled, then it quickly snapped to normal when he noticed Andrea frowning at him.

"Peeta, Katniss here will show you where you will be from now on," Andrea explained. "Peeta, one warning and one only. I don't want you to return for any reason. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am!" Peeta exclaimed.

"Peeta, come follow me," I motioned as I walked out the door.

"So, where do you live?" He asked. "I'm guessing not too close by." I winced.

"Honestly? The Seam," I responded with a scowl.

"But...I'm going to be in the woods?"

"Duh."

"Yessss!" I heard him whisper.

What's so exciting about that? I thought.

"Prim? Are you up?" I called, pushing open the door. She looked up from the bed, where she was sitting. Her blond hair was down, her blue eyes confused.

"Katniss?" She asked. "What are you doing here?"

"Prim..." I felt myself choking up. "I'm leaving."

"You're what?!" Prim screamed that last bit, jumping up.

"Prim, I'm sorry!" I felt tears forming in my eyes. "I...found a place I'd really like to work at. It's what's best." Prim had tears rolling down her cheeks as I explained.

"Am I all alone now?" Prim whispered.

"PRIM!" I cried, kneeling down and giving her a hug. "I would never. Peeta here," I glanced at the other blond kid in the room. "Will take my place, okay?"

"But I want you!" Prim howled.

"Prim, Prim!" I whispered. "It's alright!"

"No it's not," she whimpered.

"Prim trust me," I soothed. "Everything is going to be alright."

It was hard to stand Prim's sobbing. It was harder when you knew what was happening is what's best.

"Should I leave?" I heard Peeta ask.

"YES!" I screamed, voice cracking.

I heard him slip out the door, and I grabbed Prim's shoulders.

"Prim you have to trust me," I looked her in the eye. "Please. Don't make this harder than it is. I'll visit."

I hope I said in my head.

"You promise?" Prim asked.

"I..."

I didn't want to promise. Anything could happen.

"No."

Peeta Mellark

Sunday, April 23rd, 6:41 A.M.

I stared at the door as Katniss walked out. She looked hurt as Prim continued to howl inside. It hurt me that no one was coming to see what the heck was wrong.

"My...my mom is distant," Katniss began. "Just make sure she's eating as well. Prim will teach you the rest." She shoved a bow into my hand. "Gale will teach you."

And with that, she walked away.

A/N: What do you think so far? Too slow? Too fast? Too confusing? Let me know what you think! It's the best way I can improve :)