AN/ Hi everybody! The two day waiting period is finally over, and I can post new fics. I have a couple started, but wanted too see how this one was received first. If you like it please review, any constuctive crticism would be appreciated. And if you have any requests feel free to ask!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games.
Life completely sucked. It absolutely blowed. Of all the shit to happen to him, this took the cake. Now Peeta would freely admit that on occasion he could be a pessimistic, whiny, little bitch, but for once it was very much warranted.
Peeta Mellark had lived a tough life. He didn't have it as bad as some people in District twelve, but seeing as he didn't give a shit about people he didn't know or like, that fact was irrelevant.
When Peeta, was born his 'genetic donors' had decided that apparently having three kids was one too many for them to handle. And so they decided to stuff him in the district orphanage. He knew who his parents were, he saw them every now and again, and occasionally got the urge to burn down their bakery with them inside it. Peeta would never claim to be a nice guy, forgiveness was for chumps.
District Twelve was one of the poorer regions of Panem, so to put it simply their orphanage was under staffed, under funded, and no doubt in violation of a number of health codes. Not that anyone gave a crap. So the first five years of his life, had been spent cold, hungry and unloved. But it wasn't like he was the only one suffering, so he managed.
He didn't need anyone, not even friends. They'd probably only hang around because they wanted something anyway. Nope, he was far better off alone.
After he turned five though everything changed.
One day, while aimlessly wandering the streets, he met a man. Most children knew better than to talk to strangers, but apparently Peeta had missed that memo. So when the guy approached him, offering money and sweets for his 'services' the young boy had immediately agreed. Looking back on it, he was lucky he wasn't molested.
Fortunately the man in question, had wanted something else. He'd wanted little Peeta to eavesdrop on private conversations, to listen to Peacekeepers that he saw and remember what they said to people. The man had two rules, don't tell anyone and don't get caught. Fortunately no one had ever told him it was considered rude to be nosy, otherwise he might have been bothered by it. Maybe.
The diminutive blonde, had been excited to be part of a secret. He didn't have any friends to play with, and the man had told him to think of it like a game. So Peeta had done just that. And he was good at it.
Whenever Peeta was out and about, and saw one of the District Peacekeepers, he would follow them and listen to anything that they said. It didn't take the boy long to figure out what sort of things the man wanted to hear the most, as he would give Peeta treats when he brought him certain pieces of information. After that, he stopped memorising and repeating fun facts about the head Peacekeeper's dog and started to only remember the parts he knew the man would want to hear.
Peeta had done this job very successfully, up until the time he was nine. By then though, he was old enough to start questioning. He wanted to know why. Why did the man want too hear the things that Peeta found out? He wanted to know what was going on. The man hadn't protested, he'd simply asked the boy one question.
'Do you hate the Capitol?'
The answer had been obvious, he'd grown up in a district where no sane adult would say they liked the Capitol. So Peeta said yes. Unknown to him at the time, he'd changed the entire course of his life.
Apparently that had been all the man had needed to hear. He'd introduced himself for the first time as Haymitch Abernathy, and he explained that he was a Hunger Games victor. Even at nine years old Peeta, had known what that meant. Victors were bad ass. Even if they were really really drunk.
After that everything was different. Haymitch, had taken the boy under his wing. He'd told him all about the horrifying things that the Capitol had done, even things most people didn't know about. He'd encouraged Peeta, to despise everything that they stood for. He taught him too hate them. The guy was the very epitome of a good role model. Peeta, had quickly picked up casual cursing, and couldn't wait until he was allowed to drink and smoke.
Then Haymitch, told him that he could help stop them, that he could be a hero. He told Peeta, about the rebellion.
Cursing, drinking, smoking and violence? What nine year old wouldn't be enticed by such promises?
And that as they say, was that. Since that day Peeta, had been introduced to other operatives of District Thirteen-which he was assured still existed-and he'd started his training. Everyday in Haymitch's basement, he'd practice the skills necessary to be a soldier and fighter of the resistance. His main instructor, had been a District Thirteen spy by the name of Blaine, who was posing as a Peacekeeper.
Peeta, had been taught all the necessary skills. Knives, firearms, hand to hand combat and of course espionage. Haymitch, had explained the reason he'd gotten Peeta's help in the first place, was because children went unnoticed. And as an orphan, no one would give him a second glance as he went around spying on peoples conversations.
Clever, but also kind of stupid, as Peeta could easily have shot his mouth off to the wrong person. But apparently Haymitch, hadn't been too worried. Or he'd been too hammered to think of it. Probably the latter.
Everything had been going fine for the last few years. Now that he was sixteen years old, Peeta was considered fully trained, and when he was eighteen he could start taking assignments for the rebellion. He still eavesdropped on Peacekeepers and visiting Capitol personnel, but that wasn't the same. He wanted to finally do something useful, like busting some skulls.
Unfortunately, it seems that he had overlooked a flaw in his master plan.
The Hunger Games. A battle to the death, between twenty four teenagers. A battle that only one could survive. And he'd just been reaped for it. Fan-fucking-tastic.
He couldn't believe it. When that creepy escort had called out his name, he'd been flabbergasted. Although, he probably should of considered this as a possibility. He hadn't though. He was so busy training and picturing himself kicking Capitol ass, that he'd never thought about being reaped. But he had been, because the universe just loved fucking him over a barrel.
Fortunately when his name was read, he had the presence of mind not to look freaked out. His overly loud cry of 'what the fuck?', might have been noticeable however. Still he had walked confidently up to the stage, with his head held high, and obediently shook hands with that ice queen Katniss Everdeen.
At least his district partner, was somebody he'd quite happily throw to the wolves. That was a plus. Human shields were always useful. Even if she did volunteer for her sister, she was still a bitch with a stick up her ass. She needed to get laid in Peeta's opinion.
Anyway, now he was here, on a stupid train on the way to the stupid Capitol. Just so he could fight for their entertainment, in their crazy blood sport. Those people were seriously messed up, even without their creepy died skin and crazy ass hair.
''You OK kid?'' Haymitch's voice, snapped Peeta out of his thoughts.
''I'm fine. I was just thinking, of all the fun and painful ways I could die.'' Peeta, snarked.
Haymitch, scoffed.
''You're not going to die, as long as you don't do anything stupid.'' He paused. ''Which I suppose, means you're pretty much fucked.''
''Go screw yourself, you booze addled old bastard!'' Peeta, retorted.
''Um do you two know each other?'' Katniss asked, interrupting their brewing argument.
Peeta, smirked at the tone of jealousy in the girls voice. Being closer to their mentor, would give him an advantage in the games. And he was pretty sure that Haymitch, wanted him to come out alive...well he was partly sure at least. They kind of had a love-hate relationship.
''I'm acquainted with the little prick, yes.'' Haymitch, answered her.
Make that, a hate-hate relationship.
''I can see your lips moving, but all I hear is 'I'm a violent drunk suffering from brain damage and imminent liver failure'.'' Peeta, shot back. ''Actually, that's not true...I'm pretty sure your heart can't be in great shape either, to be fair.'' he continued thoughtfully.
Haymitch growled, and in the spirit of their time honoured tradition, tried to punch the boy in the face. Unfortunately for the older man, this had stopped being effective years ago.
Peeta's hand came up, easily catching the others fist, and with a yank he pulled the man towards him. All Haymitch processed was the kids oncoming fist, before the world started looking like a fun house mirror. Say what you want about his other traits, but one thing was for sure about Peeta Mellark, he hit like a tank.
Watching his mentor go down like a sack of bricks, never stopped being funny. Peeta, shook his hand out though. Haymitch, had a really hard head.
''Ow, what the fuck? That's really gonna hurt once I sober up.'' Their mentor whined, from his place on the floor.
''Chances are it will never hurt you at all then.'' Peeta, snickered.
Katniss, looked equal parts shocked, amused and outraged.
''You just punched our mentor!'' She accused. ''It's his job to help keep us alive in these damn games!''
Peeta, shrugged carelessly.
''What's your point?'' He queried.
By now, Haymitch had managed to get back to his feet and was looking especially grouchy. The newly forming bruise around his eye was a nice touch though.
''Her point,'' Haymitch answered. ''Is if you want to make it home in one piece, then you'd better show me a little respect!''
Peeta desperately tried not to giggle at that.
''Yeah sure I'll try, but I think we both know how that's going to turn out.'' He responded.
Haymitch, didn't seem too bothered. In fact he looked positively gleeful for some reason. And Peeta was certain, that whatever his teacher was thinking would not end well for him.
''I've been waiting a long time to use this!'' The older man declared.
The boy blinked in confusion, having no idea what the man was rambling about, a glance at Katniss showed that she was even more bewildered.
''What are you talking about old man?'' He demanded.
Their mentor grinned evilly.
''You remember last year, when a certain District Four victor stopped by for a visit?'' Haymitch, asked slyly.
Now Peeta was definitely confused. What did that have to do with anything?
Last summer Finnick Odair, had stopped by under the pretence of visiting his friend and fellow victor Haymitch Abernathy. Peeta had been pretty damn stumped, to discover that the notorious playboy was a member of the rebellion and one of their top spies among the Capitol social elite. As an escort, he could get closer to them without anyone catching on, and he was damn effective at it.
He'd heard that the more attractive and charismatic victors were forced into prostitution, but Finnick somehow disguised it by being a man slut, so that you'd never guess it was true. How he managed that Peeta, wasn't quite sure.
Finnick, was a lot of fun though. His razor sharp wit and flirtatious personality, made for a very entertaining back and forth in their conversations. Plus he was ridiculously hot, which was a point in the man's favour. Those few days together had been a blast and the two of them had exchanged regular letters and phone calls since then.
But what was Haymitch, talkiing about? He got the feeling that the older man had something to blackmail him with, but what did that weekend last year have to do with anything?
He tried desperately to think.
Finnick, had come and they'd discussed rebel business. Then they'd gotten to know each other and shared some laughs. At some point, they'd gotten rip roaring drunk and then gone to Haymitch's guest room and...
''You said there was no film in that camera!'' Peeta, squawked in horrified realisation.
His mentor cackled malisciously.
''That's what I wanted you to think boy. Now you'd better start behaving yourself, or else those pics go public!'' He threatened.
Peeta sputtered indignantly. It wasn't fair! How could he go the entire games, without mouthing off to Haymitch? It just wasn't possible. Unfortunately, it seemed that he didn't have a choice in the matter.
''Fine.'' Peeta, ground out through gritted teeth. ''I'll play nicely for now grandpa, but I'll find those pictures eventually!''
Stupid Finnick, and his stupid camera. Why the hell did that idiot pretty boy, give such damning blackmail material too Haymitch, of all people? Peeta, was never going to live this down.
''What district four victor? What pictures? How the hell do you two know each other?'' Katniss, demanded in her annoying voice.
Yep, Peeta's life officially sucked. On the upside, maybe he'd die in the arena. That was a pleasant thought.
''None of your business, so keep your nose out of it.'' Peeta, sneered at the girl.
Katniss scowled, her skin flushing with anger. And suddenly, Peeta knew how he was going to be nice to Haymitch, without gagging on his own vomit. He just needed a new target for his verbal abuse!
''So cupcake, what's the deal with you and that Gale guy? Have you two started knocking boots yet or what?'' He asked.
Watching the girls skin quickly go from red to an odd shade of purple gave him great satisfaction. He almost sighed in pleasure. It was nice to get his regular fix of evil, it made him feel all warm inside.
Suddenly he was forced to duck. Huh, apparently Katniss could throw knives with some degree of accuracy. Good for her.
Yep, this whole thing was going to be a complete cluster fuck of epic proportions. But on the upside, at least the food looked good.
After Haymitch had successfully calmed down a pissed off Katniss, they decided to get down to business.
Apparently, they needed to decide how they would present themselves while on camera. For Peeta, this wouldn't be difficult. He was an amazing liar and could bullshit with the best of them, which meant he could choose to enforce any number of personae. But, he also had a knack for charming the pants off of people. So in the end, they decided he'd go with the whole 'charming but naughty' angle.
Katniss, or Catspiss as Peeta had recently christened her, would not have it so easy. Her default expression was scowling, and her attempts at acting cheerful were quite frankly terrifying. She was kind of pretty, but way too frigid to pull off being sexy and enticing. The girl just couldn't act to save her life, in this case literally seeing as potential sponsors could mean the difference between life and death.
Haymitch, was at a loss as to what to do with her. Though personally, Peeta thought she was going to make him look even better in comparison. Which was a good thing. Anyone would look good, next to a girl with all of the personality and allure of a dead fish.
In the end, it was decided that for the tribute parade she would just smile and wave, whilst trying not to look constipated.
''Brat, feel free to do anything to get attention out there, short of stripping and dancing around...we need to save something for the interviews after all.'' Was Haymitch's advice for him.
Peeta was quite happy to do as he was told. Shame and dignity were for losers, and he'd do anything to make sure he got home in one piece. He even considered the seduction training, that Finnick had drilled into him. Surely seducing the Head Gamemaker would only help his chances in the arena? Nah, that was just sleazy. Perhaps he could threaten him with bodily harm instead?
They had all ended up, spending the night on the train and having breakfast on it too. Just as Peeta had suspected, the food was awesome. The beds had been comfortable too, and he was actually starting to enjoy himself.
Effie Trinket, despite her bizarre appearance, had actually begun to grow on him. At first he'd just been trying to get into her good graces, so that he could get information on what he could expect over the next few days. But her optimistic attitude was oddly refreshing. Most people in District Twelve, were all doom and gloom and the Capitol escort made a nice change of pace.
When the Capitol finally came into view, Peeta found himself completely captivated. Granted he was picturing it on fire, but it was still an impressive sight. The tall futuristic buildings were awe inspiring.
As they pulled into the train station, he knew that the time to act and lie his ass off had come. The train, was mobbed by reporters and screaming fans the instant they arrived, which was kind of cool. Some of the people looked even more strange than Effie, one guy even had horns attached to his head.
But Peeta hadn't hesitated to turn on the charm. He smiled, waved, winked and even blew freaking kisses. From the reactions that he got, he knew he was making an impression. He just hoped, that there were some future sponsors in the crowd.
''You'd better step up your game Catspiss, because otherwise I might just keep all the sponsors for myself.'' Peeta mocked his sulking district partner.
The girl scowled in response, but didn't otherwise make an effort with the crowd.
''Come along you two, we're the last train too arrive and your prep teams await!'' Effie, trilled before skipping out of the door.
Peeta raised an eyebrow in amusement, and after a glance at his mentor, he followed the eccentric woman outside. As he stepped off of the train, the crowd went crazy. They immediately began screaming his name and waving enthusiastically, while Peacekeepers were holding them back. It was nice to be appreciated, even if it was by a bunch of hysterical freaks.
He glanced back at Haymitch, who seemed to be forcing Katniss to keep moving by prodding her in the back.
''Welcome to the Capitol!'' He chirped brightly.
If looks could kill then Katniss would've murdered him. Unfortunately for her, he didn't give a damn. Especially seeing as he wouldn't piss on her, even if she was on fire. If he only knew what their stylists had in mind, he probably would of laughed at that thought.
Let the good times roll!
AN/ Good? Bad? Review?