Hey everyone! This is my first FanFiction I have ever written, and I am really excited of how it may turn out! This story is based on the song, "Play it Again", by Luke Bryan. This will be an Everlark Fanfic, and it will be a multi-chapter one (maybe 15 chapters). By the way, it is rated T (teen). I will try to update weekly, though. In the summer you will see a lot more updates as I will be off from school.
So basically, it is about farmboy Peeta Mellark trying to get city-girl Katniss to fall in love with him by the end of the summer. This will be a light, fluffy story about the struggles of love. It is in an alternate universe, and slightly off canon. Not too much though, but as the story progresses you will see things different from the book. By the way, this story will be both in Peeta's and Katniss' point of view.
Now, I don't make my announcements really long, I just wanted to introduce you guys to the story. Please review, if you can!
I do not own the Hunger Games.
PPOV
"So, that Town girl is coming today," I state as I help Pa fix that old tractor we have owned for over a decade. We could've just bought another one, but that money we invested for a replacement went to Rye's university fees. Rye didn't even bother to get a job to help with the expenses; apparently he wanted to focus on his studies so he could get good marks. Studies. Good marks. Huh. If studying' meant partying every night and sleeping'with every girl in the county, then hell, he'd be passing with flying colours. However, Ma doesn't seem to mind though; he got into a good university for a sports scholarship. But of course it was not a sports scholarship she told everyone about; she told them it was some old math scholarship. Didn't want to bring down the family status, did she?
"Mhm," Pa responds, without sparing me a glance. He grasps the wrench tightly in his knuckles while tightening some screw. A bead of sweat rolls down his wrinkly forehead, and I want to tell him to stop exerting himself but he is not one to be pitied. Pa isn't the type who would simply give up on something, even if his well-being s going against it. However, Pa is getting older, and he is unable to do things he was able to do when he was younger. I think Pa secretly realized this, and he needed help around the farm especially with Rye gone, so it caused him to place ads all over the county for a job at the farm to keep our family business running.
"So, you got any idea who she is?" I ask as I help him up from his knees that are inflicted with arthritis. He closes his eyes as he deals with the searing pain up his joints, and I have to give him support as he tries to stand straight.
After awhile, he replies through clenched teeth, "Well I spoken to her a couple days back. She kinda needed the money. A sole supporter for her family."
"Damn," I mumble, unsure what to say.
"Yeah," he nods. "Gonna stay summer long. Try to keep an eye on her, alright? Make sure she is fine and everything, give her a tour. I am keeping you in charge of teaching that girl the ways of the farm, boy."
"I know," I say, shuffling my feet through the dirt.
"Atta boy," he smiles, giving me a slap on my shoulder before leaving.
…
KPOV
With only a single suitcase of my belongings in my hand, I step out of the taxi. Warm, fresh air greets me. The breeze softly tickles my cheek, and the sun beams on the crown of my head.
I look around. Long, plush, and green grass sways with the wind. Dandelions scattered along the ground. Fences encircling cows that eat their trough peacefully. Chickens, hens, and-
"Katniss Everdeen?" a man calls in a Southern accent. I turn to my side to find a large, jolly man with dirty blond hair and wrinkled, blue eyes smiling at me. He walks over to me, and I force a smile on my face.
"Farl Mellark," he says, outstretching his hand. "You can call me Farl, though."
I take it, giving it a small shake. "Katniss."
He lets go of my hand and gives me an earnest grin. Then, he turns to my luggage. "Peeta should be here any moment to show where you should put your bags," he says, nodding at my suitcase.
"Peeta?" I ask, confused.
"Oh yes," he laughs. "He is my youngest son. He is your age, I believe. 17 years."
I nod.
Just then, a muscular, broad, and medium height boy walks over to us. He wears a white, tight t-shirt (I admit they accent his muscles) with worn out jeans, and topping it off with a baseball cap slightly tilted on a mop of blond curls. His dazzling, blue eyes crinkle at the sight of me, and I realize his smile is even brighter than his father's. "Hey," his slightly deep voice, touched with an accent, says. He stands in front of me, slightly closer than I would expect, and he has to tilt his head down to look at me. He gives me a toothy, crooked smile that exposes his pearly white teeth.
"Hi," I respond, with my voice more quiet than usual. I have to mentally slap myself. Keep it together, Katniss
He offers his strong, large hand. His veins pop out of his arms, indicating that does hard labor. I hesitantly take his, and he gives me a firm shake in his warm hand. He holds my hand longer than necessarily, I am the first to pull away from him. I scowl.
He does not seem to notice my displeasure of him. Or if he does, he does not let it show it. Instead, he chuckles, "How are you?"
"Fine," I say, pointing my chin up to look at him in the eye.
"How was the ride?" he asks as he sets his elbow on his father's shoulder, slightly leaning on him. "Must've been a long way from home."
"Yeah," I answer, annoyed. "Long way." I clutch my shirt with my sweaty palms, but I hold his gaze defiantly.
"Well, I hope you will like it here," he says. "It is much different than city life, for sure."
"Sure is," Farl pipes in. "My other two sons moved to the city in Houston. But, Peeta here, stayed back here with me. I hope he still runs this farm when he is older."
Peeta stands back and looks pointedly at his father. "Of course I will, Pa. I love it here."
Farl laughs and nods. "Okay, son. Now don't keep this pretty lady waitin'. Go on and show her room!" He shoves Peeta forward, and Farl motions me to follow his son. I oblige. I am about to pick up my suitcase until Peeta, swiftly, takes my belongings in his hand and offers me a cheeky smile.
"I can hold my stuff by myself," I mutter.
"I know," he says. "But that does not mean I won't do it for you."
I roll my eyes, but I follow him anyway.
…
PPOV
"Here's your room," I say to Katniss.
That city girl looks impressed. She moves her bright, silver eyes from the television, to the Queen bed, and finally to the sofa. This was once Bannock's room, but now it is a guest room.
"Well," I say, shuffling my feet. Taking off my cap, I wipe off a layer of sweat on my forehead. Trying to gain composure, I say, "I hope you like it. I mean, this room. Here. Or, this farm…Hunts-,"
She cuts off my blabbering with a smirk. A dimple forms on one of cheeks. "Yes, Peeta. Thank you. It is a great room," she says.
I let out the breath I was holding. I set her suitcase to the wall, and she nods curtly at me. A few tendrils of her hair fall to her face, but she swipes it across to the side of hr head. She blinks, certainly confused of why I am here. "Well, um, I guess I'll get going, " I tell her.
"Okay," she says, sitting on the bed.
"You can rest or something. The ride here must've been real tiring. Just, uh, come at 7 for dinner," I say.
I turn on my heel to get back to my chores, but her voice stops me.
"Wait," she halts. "I'm not working today?"
"I think you start tomorrow. I will give you a whole big tour later," I say to her as a offer her a smile.
"Sure, Peeta," she says.
My heart flops when she says my name. I realize it is the first time she calls me by it. But it is not only that. The way she pronounces it in her city-like accent is much different than how people say my name here. She extends the "e" in my name, and it almost seems like she's singing or something. I bite my lip from saying something stupid, but my cheeks, instead, do all the talking. Feeling heat pooling on my face, I turn away from her so she won't see my embarrassment.
Then, I leave.
...
KPOV
It is not long before it is 7 o'clock. I change my sticky, sweaty clothes into new ones. I pull on a plaid shirt and slip on some jeans. Braiding my hair, I look at the mirror and realize how tired I look. Today has been a tiring day after all. Leaving Prim and Mom for the country really drained all the energy out of me. They cried so hard while I was going to the bus for the farm. They hugged me so tight, kept on repeating "I love you" so many times I lost count. They ordered me to call them everyday, too. They didn't stop me from going, though, they realized how much they need the money, especially now that Dad is gone. Prim is getting older and she needs that university money too. But, they never wanted me to leave them for 3 months, but I guess that's the only way to get some sort of income. Sometimes sacrifices are necessary for the people you love.
Sighing, I leave my room and head down the hall. I hear forks clattering against the plates, and I follow that sound to the dining room. There, I see Farl and Peeta, and a woman I assume to be Mrs. Mellark. Unlike Peeta and Farl, she has cold, steely, blue eyes with tight, thin lips. There are wrinkles on her forehead, and a permanent scowl stretching on her face. By the time she sees me, she eyes me like a hawk before setting her jaw in disgust.
"Hello," I greet slowly. I stand rigidly, waiting to be invited to sit down.
"Hey," Peeta responds smoothly, pausing to grin a toothy grin. Farl smiles at me, and motions for me to sit down. I take that as permission, and I carefully sit beside the empty seat, which happens to be between Mrs. Mellark and Peeta.
"You must be Mrs. Mellark," I say to the cold woman, trying to smile at her. My lips keeps twitching, and I know my effort isn't doing any good for making a good impression to her. But, I need to keep this job for Prim and Mom. And that must mean I will have to make more sacrifices for them, which includes conversing with people I automatically dislike. "I'm Katniss Everdeen."
"I know who you are, girl," Mrs. Mellark snaps.
I nervously shift in my chair, feeling sweat trickling down my neck. It's hotter than hell here. And it seems like I am not the only one who realizes this; Farl bites his lip and Peeta clutches his fists. They both seem uneasy. I can obviously see why.
"So," she says as she narrows her eyes. "You came from the city?"
"Yes," I mutter.
She chuckles, mumbling "city trash". I grip my utensils in my hand, trying to refrain from yelling at her. "Go ahead eat some of our grub, it's not like you city folks don't already take things from us, anyway."
"You know it ain't like that, Sage," Farl pipes up. "This nice girl ain't done a thing to us."
"Yes," she responds coldly. "Except taking all what is left of our goddamn money."
Then, Mrs. Mellark slams her fork down before stomping to the kitchen. Everything is silent for awhile. Tension is in the air. Farl screws his eyes shut, and Peeta exhales deeply. We don't talk for the rest of dinner.
I help gather the dishes for cleaning. Picking up bowls and trays, I place them in the sink. I expect Mrs. Mellak to be inside, probably hurling knives into the walls, but she's not in there. Perhaps she left from the other exit in the kitchen, which seems to be leading to another hall. Anyway, I begin to wash the dishes and place them in the drying rack. I scrub them until the shine, hoping Mrs. Mellark will see them and change her perspective of me. Then, I place the leftovers in the refrigerator before I wrap them in saran wrap.
"Thank you, Katniss," Mr. Mellark says as he gets a glass of water. "That is very thoughtful of you."
"No problem, Farl," I say. "It is the least I can do with you hospitalizing me. I could never return the favour. Is there anything else I can help with?"
Farl smiles. "Oh, Katniss. This is just enough. Instead, do yourself a favor and rest before we go onto the big stuff tomorrow. Believe me, it will be tiring."
"I came here to work, Farl," I state. I grab the hem of my shirt. This is not right. This is unfair deal on the Mellarks' end. No wonder Mrs. Mellark dislikes me. They are pretty much providing me with everything. Not that I'm complaining, but I really dislike owing people.
"And you will work. Tomorrow," Farl says, smiling. He takes the glass of water and moves to the living room.
I decide to go back into my room. I close the door shut, and I walk over to my window. I open it, to breathe in some fresh, warm air. It's nice. This entire place is beautiful, different from back in Brooklyn. Back home, Mom, Prim and I would live in a crowded, tight flat, barely having any space to breathe. It was tough there. I did not have any freedom. I would work three jobs; at McDonald's, at Burger King, and babysitting service. I tried to earn some money, since Mom was in a pit of depression. However, before I left, she came somewhat back in reality, but only to cry and bawl. But I miss her, she tried though. She tried to get a job, with her nursing degree and all. With her sickness though, she was unable to. I would get a phone call home, learning that my Mom is in the hospital because she had fainted. Working was too much for her to handle, and that is why I had to play the role as a father in the family. However, it is not like it here. Even though I really don't want to live with the Mellark family, I still like this farm. It's nice.
It is eight thirty when I go to sleep. It's pretty early, especially for my standards as I would always sleep later than midnight became of work and all. But, I need my rest, as Farl said. I will need it for sure.