RUN AWAY

Chapter One: My Story

Summary: After the car crash that takes the life of her father, and the kidnapper that kills her beloved sister, Katniss Everdeen is left alone with her depressed, alcoholic, abusive Mother. So she leaves to New York and starts a new life as a model, singer, actress. New town, new job, new name. But she never thought her new life would include the gorgeous baker's son from her home town. Definitely Out Of Character.

One thousand six hundred forty three, one thousand six hundred forty four, one thousand six hundred forty five, one thousand six hundred forty six, one thousand six hundred forty seven. I count in my mind as I shuffle through the thick wad of cash, the result of years of part time jobs and baby sitting. 1650 dollars. Enough for a crap flight and a couple months in a shitty apartment until I get my new life together.

Careful not to make a single noise, I creep over to the loose floor board under my bed and hide the money under. Its nearly 8:30 now. I glance at my reflection quickly to make sure I look perfect. Smooth olive skin, and long brown locks that fall down my back in loose curls. Large silver eyes framed by long dark lashes, a pert nose, and even white teeth surrounded by pouty red lips.

I'm not a slut or anything, I don't wear much makeup. A bit of concealer to cover any bruises, a touch of mascara and eyeliner, and some lip gloss. I'm dressed simple in black high top converse, short denim shorts, and a black tank top with the words "F*CK YOU" in bold red letters to match my nail polish. I was never too girly but I got more into fashion and makeup once Prim….left. She always wants me to dress up more. I mean…wanted me too.

I should explain. As a child, my life was perfect. Caring mother, loving father, and adorable little sister. We were as happy as we could be, like those families you see on television. It all went down one day when I was 11 and Prim was only 7. My father was on the way home for dinner like every other day. But this day was different because that day there was some drunk maniac driving around. He ran a stoplight and BOOM. Right into my father. He died instantly.

I was depressed. Prim was young but she understand the full depth of the situation. I think the worst part of it all was actually explaining it to her. After a couple weeks, I almost believed things would go back to normal. Until one day I came home to see my mother on the floor, surrounded by old pictures of my father. Screaming, crying, drinking, she was a mess. Prim and I comforted her until she fell asleep and we thought it would be over. But it happened again, and again, and again.

Eventually comfort didn't work. No matter how long we held her, no matter how soft we stroked her hair, she didn't get better. A few days after my 12th birthday, it happened again. We went through the normal routine except this time, she slapped me. Hard. Right across the face. That's when it all began.

Slapping, kicking, punching. I never fought back because letting her beat me was the only way to stop her from getting to Prim. Months later, It became too much. I was an empty shell. Then one day, while I cried in the rain, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy approached me.

"I'm sorry." was all he said before handing me a warm loaf of bread. Peeta Mellark. He was the bakers son and he knew. He knew because he went through it himself. His mother was a screaming bitch. Even more then mine. The only difference was, everyone knew about his mother. No one knew abut mine. It was a secret I kept to myself. Sometimes it was easy, and others it was nearly impossible. But no one would believe that the sweet hospital nurse who lost her husband, was a raging, abusive, alcoholic in her spare time. But he did.

Peeta was still happy. His mother beat him constantly, her angry screams could be heard from miles away yet that warm, confident smile was always there. He was strong. I could be strong like him.

That short exchange of only two words gave me hope. I carried on living. I smiled, I laughed and I joked everyday. I got a couple friends (Madge, Leevy, and Gale) who I love, and I took care of Prim. I was healing. So of course, life just had to ruin it all. Again.

This time I was nearly 14. My mother hadn't had a sip of alcohol in two weeks. I was defiantly not ready to forgive her now (or ever) but Prim told me to give her a chance. She did seem sorry. So I did. Worst mistake of my entire life.

I went to school and Prim told me she had a field trip, so she'd be home earlier. I came home to find a note saying "Mom and I went out for dinner. She's much better now. Leftovers in the fridge. Love you, Prim." Thinking if Prim could trust her, I could to. So I warmed some pizza and watched a movie. The sky grew darker and it was nearly 11:00. I was worried now. Just as I was about to run out the door, it burst open, revealing my mother.

I was relieved until I realized Prim wasn't with her. And she was drunk. No! I thought.

"Where is she!" I screamed. But she just stared back at me with empty eyes and pointed groggily towards the television. A young brunette was speaking on the local news channel. I remember the exact words.

Local news reports capturing of the kidnapper, "Josh Dunane." Who recently escaped from Prison. Unfortunately, in his clutches, he held a little girl. Primrose Everdeen, only ten years old. As the police attempted to calm him, he fired the gun into her brain. We mourn the loss of this innocent child and Ducane has been been given a life sentence. A moment of silence for Primrose. Thank you and goodnight, this is channel four news.

I cried for days. Mother was worse. She told me it wasn't her fault, that Prim went outside and for some air, she only had a couple drinks, she tried to help. But I know they're all lies. The truth was, she got drunk and left Prim alone. It's all her fault and no matter what she does, I will never forgive her. Once she realized that, she resorted back to alcohol. I stayed strong though. Strong for Prim.

I found her journal. She talked about how much she loved me and she didn't blame Mother for her choices. She said she wished I was more bold like her and I would dress nicer. All I want is for her to be happy. So I did. She also said she wanted me to follow my dreams. She said I was an amazing singer, and I should show the world. She said she wished she felt bad for being a burden and not letting me do what I wanted.

And that is my story. Sad isn't it. Downright depressing. My life should be a book or a movie. Anyways I want to look nice because this is my last day of school. I've decided it's time. I'm 15 with no real family, Gale's moved away, Madge and Leevy can live a few years without me. They're the only ones that know my plan. I have a one way plane ticket to New York with my name on it, an already rented apartment, and a packed suitcase hidden in the back of my closet. I'm ready.