The sun pouring in through my window is what wakes me from my deep sleep. I check the clock, "Urg!", it was 5:00 a.m. I have an hour and a half to get ready before my bus comes to my block. I swing my legs out of bed and head to the bathroom to take a shower. The shower is my thinking place. When I have nothing to do or need to think I hit the shower. Either that or take a walk out in the park. I live in a snug, 3-room apartment in Ritten House Square. My mom, sister, Prim, and I each have our own room. The privacy is real nice. Ever since my dad was killed in action while serving in the Navy when I was 10, my mom has never been the same. She's like an empty shell. We used to live in North Carolina, a small town called Highlands. It took my mom about a years after my father's death that we needed to move, so here we are in Philly. I admit I love it here but I miss Highlands. The fresh air and forest covered mountains to have hiking adventures in. My father used to take me out hiking. I remember one time when I little I picked up a Dandelion, he told me if you blew it and wish your wish would come true. I was six then so I believed every word, now ten years later, I know the truth. I turn off the shower and wrap a towel around myself. I walk to my room and check the clock,wow, I spent 30 minutes in the shower? New record Katniss. When I'm done getting dressed, I blow dry my hair and keep it down natural. I head to the kitchen to make a smoothie, this outta wake everyone up. I didn't have the thing turned on for a minute and Prim's out giving me a death glare, or it might be the fact she's half asleep. "Do you mind?" she asks, "Sorry, I was craving a smoothie" " You know I'm trying to sleep, right?" "Yeah, It'll just take a sec go back to sleep", "Ugh, fine". As soon as she walks out I start the blender up again. I drink it up then go back to my room. I throw on some concealer to cover up my hideous dark circles and mascara. I go clean up my mess then put on my vans, grab my bags, then head out the door.

I have practice to day so I'm carrying around an extra bag. Not paying attention I bump into someone on the way to the elevator. I look up to fine big blue eyes on a blushing face. "Sorry! I was paying attention to the ground as usual", I said "No problem, um, where's the elevator at?" "Of course, follow me, new here?", I questioned , "Yeah, I'm kind of all over the place", "I know how you feel, I was the same way when I first moved in". When I look over my shoulder he gives me a shy smile, surprisingly, I smile back. As we get on the elevator and I press the button, reality smacks me right in the face. He's frigin Peeta Mellark! One of the most popular guys in school. He's known for being captain of the wrestling team and his extreme cuteness. Apparently he's too good for anyone, anytime a girl asks him out he says no. Maybe he's gay...nahhh. He sure doesn't act it. I finally break the akward silence, "You're Peeta Mellark, right?" "Yeah, you're Katniss, right?" "Yeah, I was wondering why i recognized you" "Same, practice today?" He asks nodding towards my bag. "Yeah, I heard wrestling got moved up to today" I say, "Yeah I guess we'll be in the gym at the same time" "Guess so". We leave the building and the bus comes right on time, We get on the bus and i sit with Madge, Delly in the seat across the isle.

As soon as Peeta is out of ear-shot, Delly attcks me with questions. "What is Peeta Mellark doing in the same apartment building as you?" she asks "You don't have to say his full name like he's a celebrity. He moved in on the same floor as me..." I answer "Kat! This is your chance! You two could end up together!" "Chill Delly, I never said I liked the guy. He's too popular and I don't want a boyfriend, Delly" I argue "Come on, Katniss, I see the way you blush. And I worry about you, it's been quite a while since you've had a boyfriend" "Shut up" I sigh. Delly just smile and winks Madge giggles next to me. Ever since my father died I decided I would never have a relationship with a guy other than being friends. I didn't want to go through heartbreak from losing them knowing I might end up like my mom. Maybe I'm just worrying too much. I think back to what Madge said this morning when we got of the bus, 'It's better to have loved and lost then never loved at all'.

I think about it all through out first period. On my way to gym for second period when I see a crowd of people and hear yelling. I squeeze my way through to find Peeta fighting another guy. "Peeta! STOP!", I have to pull him away from the guy and drag him to the other side of the building. "What the hell were you thinking, Peeta?" I yell "He was saying shit about you!" "I can handle myself, you don't need to be getting into fights with people over what they say about me!" and with that I walk off leaving him dumb-struck.

I get changed in the locker room then look for Madge and Delly. I find them and tell them everything that happened. "Are you serious? What do you think's up his sleeve?" Madge asks "I don't know but he better pull it out soon and tell me" I answer "He has to like you Katniss. Guys are only protective if they like you". I don't get to say anything because drunk, coach Abernathy is yelling at us to shut up and sit down. He says that we're going to run the track. The whole time thought were running through my head. Does Peeta like me? Do I know him from somewhere else? Why does he care so much about me? The day passes by pretty quick and I'm relieved, until I remember I have practice, and he's going to be there.

I change and meet with Delly, she's on the team with me. "You have to talk to him Katniss!" Delly says "After practice, I don't need to be thinking about that right now. "Well rumer is you and Peeta made out behind the school. Bristel isn't so happy, Katniss, you know she's liked him since freshmen year". I turn around to see Bristel giving me a dirty look. "You know that's where I was talking to him!" "I do but she doesn't". Coach yells to get into positions and Annie serves. I wasn't paying attention until Delly yells to duck. I hit the ground before to ball could come in contact with my head. " What the hell is your problem, Bristel?" I yell "Sorry just seemed like the right time to spike it" she smirks "Listen! We didn't make out!" "Whatever". I turn to my left to find all the guys smiling but Peeta, he had a look of worry in his eyes. I look to Delly and she just shrugs. We go back to practicing and the ball's coming my way. I take my chance and spike it coming down on Bristel's head. "Oops, sorry, seemed like the right time to spike it" I just smile. All the guys were laughing, Delly comes up and gives me a high five. "Dang girl I didn't know you had it in you!" she laughs. Out of the corner of my eye I see Peeta coming my way. "Hey you should teach me how to play sometime" he tells me "yeah I'd like that" I smile, he gives me his 1000 watt smile and my stomach twists into knots.

Oh boy, what am I gonna do about this guy?