Author's Note: Hi. Okay, so I had published this story before, but it was so poorly written and bugged me so much, I just took it down and rewrote it. So, I hope you like it, and REVIEW! And if I get at least 10, I'll update by Wednesday! Some characters are OOC (Ms. Everdeen, Prim, Katniss ((just a little)), Peeta's mom, and Haymitch).

Summary: Katniss Everdeen's life has been filled with one thing since the passing of her father many years ago-pain. Her mother takes out all of her frustration and anger on her, and her little sister, Prim, hates her sister because her father had always loved her more. But what happens when she gets out one night after her mother is finished with her, and just happens to end up behind the Mellark bakery?

Rating: T, for dark themes, swear words (nothing very major-no s***, f***, m*****f*****), and because that's pretty much the rating of the whole series.

Chapter 1

CRACK!

The sound fills the room as her foot connects with my ankle, and I let out another blood-curdling scream. I don't know how long it's been since she started, but I know that the pain never seemed to end.

"SHUT UP YOU STUPID BITCH!" She yells as she places an equally painful kick in my stomach. I scream again. My ribs are on fire, and the fact that I haven't eaten a decent meal (as decent a meal you can get in 12) in days only intensifies my pain.

I blink back tears and turn my head to see my little sister Prim sitting on the bed, watching. When she sees me looking, she smirks at me, and I turn my head away quickly. The tears are getting harder to hold back, but I will not give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

And I know that I should probably hate them both, but I can't find it in me to do it. Maybe because I know that Prim is hurt and angry by the way our father had favored me over her. Maybe because I know that my mother has years and years of built up frustration, anger, and hurt, that I know she just needs a way to get it all out. And I don't care if it's me. Just as long as Prim is okay, I'll be fine. Because, no matter how she feels about me, I love her more than anything.

I'm pulled from my thoughts by my mother, who grabs a handful of my hair-which had mostly come out of my braid-and uses it to slam my head against the door.

"Now GET OUT! And don't come ever back! And if you even try to, I will personally drag you down to the Peacekeepers!"

I was out the door by the time she had threatened me with the Peacekeepers.

I don't see how I can get very far, what with the throbbing in my ankle and ribs. I can barely walk it hurts so bad.

By this time-by some miracle-I have managed to limp my way into the merchant part of District 12.

And it's only now do I notice the warm blood sliding down my face, and the pain from hunger. I quickly tear a piece of cloth from my shirt and hold it on my head. It's not very sufficient, but it will do. Now, I must try to find some food. My head turns toward the bakery, where I can smell the freshly baked bread from where I stand, and it makes my mouth water.

I know I could never afford that, so instead I limp my way over to the trash bin next to the back door that is cracked open just so that I can see the family sitting around a small table. I recognize one of the boys. Peeta Mellark, a boy in my year at school. He is always kind to me, helping me in math when I can't figure out a problem, politely talking to me while I wait for Prim after school. I try to remain as quiet as I can as I lift the lid and see…

Nothing.

Not even a crumb.

And that's where I collapse, unable to move an inch. The hunger and my mother's beating have taken all of my strength. Just then, I hear the sound of glass smashing. I can't see anything, but I can just make out the conversation.

"Oh, goodness! Peeta dear, are you alright? Did you get cut?" I hear a chair scooting back, and hurried footsteps.

"Yes, Mother. I'm fine. I'm sorry I broke your cup."

"Oh, don't worry about it. But Peeta, could you go throw this glass in the trash bin outside? Just be careful and don't cut yourself."

"Yes ma'am."

I can hear the smile in his mother's voice as she mumbles, "So polite. Always so polite."

I can hear footsteps coming towards the door, and I try to get up and crawl away, and I successfully drag myself to the tree by their pig pen. I hear the door open, and hurriedly try to conceal as much of myself as I can behind the tree, but my hand slips and my ribs hit one of the huge roots sticking out of the ground.

I scream, and almost immediately I hear footsteps running over to me.

Please, I think. Please help me.

The footsteps stop, and I look up to see Peeta Mellark crouched above me, with a look in my eyes that I cannot identify. Very gently, he slid his arms under me and lifted me up slightly.

"Katniss?" He barely whispers. Darkness is starting to creep its way into my vision, but I fight it.

"Help…me….please."

I can barely see anything now, but I can still see Peeta. He looks over his shoulder and calls out desperately for his mother. When he looks back at me, there is nothing but concern, worry, and….something else in his eyes.

Gently, as if I would break on contact, he brushes a stray strand of my hair back.

I can't see anything now. The darkness almost consumes me, but I can still make out what he whispers in my ear.

"Don't worry. You're safe now, and I will keep it that way. I promise."

Then, I black out.

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