This song is based on the song, "You Found Me", by The Fray. I highly recommend you guys to listen to it while you read my story.
My story is rated T, but there are some mature themes like drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse, and some swearing. This is kind of at the verge of M, but not really because it doesn't have explicit content. I'll probably write up to 15-20 chapters for this story, but I don't have an updating schedule. However, I promise I won't leave you guys hanging for more than a week or so.
This chapter will be kind of short. I just wanted to give you guys an introduction of what's going to come.
All property belongs to its rightful owners.
Nibbling at the end of my pencil, I try to pay attention in class. Mr. Crane already snapped in my face twice today, and I don't want to stay after school just for dozing off. It becomes increasingly difficult for me to stay awake as Crane continues to drawl on about Newton's Law, but surprisingly I able to keep my eyes open ten minutes in the period. I think the reason is the only thing occupying my mind is the resemblance of Crane's beard to the flames in our fireplace during the holidays.
It was not until the door bursting open that I face myself back into reality. A lanky, skinny pale boy enters the room, with his messy curls hanging over his forehead. His cold, blue eyes lock with my own, and I immediately turn away. I have to remind myself that this boy is no longer the oneI knew years ago.
Crane automatically scowls at the sight of him. My physics teacher is not one to tolerate tardiness, and Peeta Mellark is no exception to this. Crane eyes him up and down, and then asks coldly, "What has made you late to my class for the sixth time in a row, Mr. Mellark?"
Peeta snaps his head from his shoes to meet Crane's gaze. He balls his hands into fists, and his jaw tightens. This boy not seem threatening considering his body frame, but I have seen his in numerous occasions forcing people into a headlock. However, that is not only thing that is threatening about his. It is his aura. He fills the atmosphere with coldness, stoniness, and fear. And it is quite apparent, because every time he walks in class, almost everybody silent out of fear of him. Kids at school would rather hug the brute Cato Hedley than meet eyes with Peeta Mellark. It is hard to believe he used to be my best friend - a kind, sympathetic, charismatic, and generous boy who would never even hurt a fly. I don't know what has happened for the past couple of years, but it certainly has changed him. "My bus came late," he states stonily. Almost everybody knows it is a lie. Perhaps Peeta was simply taking a smoke outside, or was fighting with somebody across the street.
"You have detention for thirty minutes after class, Mr. Mellark," Crane snaps. He then turns his head abruptly back to the class, and says, "Please take our textbooks and turn to page 31, class."
I take out my textbook slowly as I watch Peeta go to his seat with the corner of my eye. He doesn't have his textbook with him, nor his bag. His desk neighbour, who I nicknamed Foxface, doesn't even make eye contact with him as she takes out her textbook. Its obvious Foxface won't share her textbook with him, not like he would agree to anyway.
Crane assigns some homework for us to complete, and I begin right away. I skim through the questions, and automatically determine an answer for each one of them. By the end of the period, I complete all the questions. Although physics has always been easy for me, I find it the most boring class in my schedule. Perhaps it's the class itself that makes it tedious – Mr. Crane has always found a way to make things as formal – and boring- as possible. I still plan to go into chemical engineering after I complete the twelfth grade though.
The bell rings. I throw my books inside my bag, and I am about to leave the class until Mr. Crane calls my name. My heart suddenly starts thumping against my chest. I slowly turn around, where I find Mr. Crane looking at me carefully. He slowly motions myself to him, and so I drag my feet across the room to him.
"How are you finding physics, Miss Everdeen?" Crane asks.
I am immediately suspicious of him. What does it matter to him if I enjoy physics or not? However, I play it safe and respond, "It's interesting."
He clears his throat. "You are one of the most hard-working and bright students in this class, and so I have a favour to ask from you."
Crane waits for my response. I eye him carefully. "What favour?"
The emotionless, strange-bearded, cold man replies, "You know Mr. Peeta Mellark, correct? His grades are dropping on a great scale, and so I would find that it would be in his best interest to receive a tutor to help him with his work."
My head begins to spin. "You want me to tutor Peeta?" I ask incredulously. "He doesn't seem to want to bring up his grade."
Mr. Crane lifts his eyebrow in surprise. My face reddens. I have never been one to express my emotions, especially in class. "I will give you an extra credit. I know you wanted to receive a higher mark in your last unit test, so this will be your chance to bring up your average."
I stare at Mr. Crane. I can't believe that Crane would bribe me with extra marks so I could tutor Peeta. Although I would like my mark to return back to a 95, I rather stick with my current average than have another encounter with Peeta again. Things have been extremely tensed with him since the last time I've spoken to him. And that time we left at a bad note.
"Peeta is having a rough time. A couple of years ago he was a very intelligent student – you would know that, Miss Everdeen. He just needs to get back on track with his education. I believe you can help him with that," Crane explains.
It's almost surprising that Crane cares for Peeta. I always considered him as a cold-hearted man who wouldn't hesitate to fail a student if he or she leaves a bad impression on him. My heart almost softens for Crane. Perhaps I don't dislike my physics teacher after all.
"Will you tutor Peeta, Katniss?" Crane asks, waiting for my answer.
I return my gaze from my shoes back to my teacher. I still care for Peeta. Well, at least I think I do. But I don't think Peeta would want to see me again - he already made a point of it the last time we spoken to each other. At the same time, I want Peeta to return back to his old self. Maybe I will be able to help him with that. "Okay, fine," I answer quickly before I am able to object.
Crane grimaces, which I think was supposed to be a smile. "Thank you, Miss Everdeen. I will speak to Peeta afterschool, and we can figure out the days he will take sessions with you." Crane then proceeds to scribble a note on a piece of paper, a valid excuse for my lateness for period three. As I tuck the piece of paper inside my pocket, I rush past the door without saying goodbye to the teacher. My heart beats rapidly as I make my way through the empty halls to my biology class. My thoughts are whirling in my head. All I can make out in the storm within is that I'm tutoring Peeta Mellark. But how will I be able to explain e=mc^2 when I am barely able to make eye contact with him?