Peeta Mellark fell in love at first sight. As soon as he'd seen those cool gray eyes on his first day at Panem high school, he knew he was a goner. But Katniss Everdeen was unattainable. Mainly because of her two closest friends.

First, there was Madge Undersee, sometimes known as Fridge Under-the-sea. She was a swimmer and captain of Panem High's girls' swim team. She also coldly rejected any advances from admirers (hence, Fridge Under-the-sea).

As daunting a barrier as Madge was, Gale Hawthorne was a uncrossable chasm between Peeta and Katniss in comparison. Gale Hawthorne was a looker. Peeta felt like a raw shrimp every time Gale was within a 100-meter radius of him. He simply exuded pheromones and girls of all types through themselves at him, all clamoring for his attention. Katniss and Gale were close, and many believed that they'd eventually get together.

Peeta's friend Finn advised him to give up.

"Peeta, be reasonable. He's Ares, you're Hesphaestus. He's the swan, you're the duckling. He's Cinderella, and you're the evil stepsister." He glanced at Peeta as he took a large bite of his sandwich. He nudged Peeta with his shoulder. "Okay, I was a little harsh, but c'mon man. He's the freaking Liam Hemsworth of our school! And even if he and Katniss don't become a thing, do you think Fridge Under-the-sea will ever get a boyfriend? I overheard Katniss saying that she'd feel bad if she had a boyfriend and Madge didn't. You'd have better chances with Ms. Trinket than you do with Katniss."

Peeta shuddered at the thought of pursuing Ms. Trinket romantically. "Gross."

Feeling down, Peeta headed towards his car at the end of the day. He stared as he placed his feet on the asphalt, one after the other.

Do I really have no chance with Katniss? Right. I don't want to give up. Left. I really like her and I haven't even tried yet. Right. Maybe I should-

"Shit! Shit shit shit shit!"

Peeta looked up from the ground.

There stood Gale Hawthorne himself cursing as he stared at a large dent in the front bumper of his car.

"Erm...are you alright?" Peeta asked mildly.

"Yeah, but my car isn't." Gale grimaced and dragged a hand through his hair. Why does he look like a celebrity while doing normal things? Life isn't fair. "I was leaving my spot, but I put my car in drive instead of reverse and drove into this stupid tree. Repairs are gonna cost a fortune, what am I gonna do?"

As Gale paced, Peeta got an idea.

"I'll pay you," he blurted suddenly. Gale's eyes narrowed.

"I don't accept charity, Mellark, I don't know what you think about kids from the Seam but-"

"No, no, no, I have a favor to ask of you."

Gale hesitated. "What is it?"

"Ask out Madge Undersee."

Gale blinked a few times.

"That's it?"

"And, like date her and stuff. You know."

"You're crazy." Gale laughed incredulously. "Why?"

Peeta paused. "Do you want to be paid or not?" he said finally.

Gale eyed Peeta warily. "Two hundred bucks per date."

"Fifty."

"One hundred fifty."

"Twenty-five."

"Alright, alright, fifty per date it is!" Gale hastily stuck out his hand and Peeta smiled and shook it. For once he wished Gale was even better looking. It was going to take a lot to thaw the Fridge.

AN: Hi again. This chapter is short, because I want to gauge reactions...I do have most of this story planned/roughly written already; it's gonna be short, maybe 4-5 chapters? Let me know what you think!