Hi all! I am trying out a new story idea here. Hopefully if you like it, I can continue on.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games stories or characters
Destined
Chapter 1-Prologue
KATNISS
"You have got to be kidding me." I tell my two best friends who are looking back at me in complete seriousness. "We are not going to play this."
"Come on, Katniss! It'll be fun, I promise." Delly pleads.
"What could be fun about some stupid board that you ask questions to that gives you answers that make no sense?" I retort.
"So that we can find out about our futures, silly!" Madge puts her two cents in. "Don't you want to know what is going to happen to you?"
"I prefer to let life go on naturally, thanks." I scowl and roll my eyes to let them both know I am serious.
"You won't let us ask it just one little question?" Delly has turned on her voice you can't say no to. At this point I know that I am not going to win the argument. After waiting what I feel is an appropriate amount of time, I give a huff and give in. "Alright…one question."
"Woohoo!" Both of my friends clap their hands and get up. They walk to a closet and get a box out from the top shelf. As they come back, the word Ouija becomes clearer. This is such a bad idea. I should have known from the start that agreeing to come to a sleepover at Madge's house to celebrate her 13th birthday would result in some form of humiliation.
The evening had started out alright. We ate pizza, had ice cream and painted out nails. We watched Top Gun for a while until the volleyball scene was over and then suddenly found ourselves bored. It was then that Delly and Madge suggested playing some games. We tried Truth or Dare for a bit, but none of us felt very daring and truth got old pretty quick. It was then that Delly suggested getting out Madge's Ouija board. It was old and had been Mrs. Undersee's as a girl and Madge swore by it as always giving the exact truth. Of course, I didn't believe such nonsense, but it was fun to let Madge go on. That is, until now.
The girls decided that I was the one who needed to know something about her future. So, here I am waiting to see the ridiculous results of this exercise. The box is laid down on the floor and the lid taken off. Together, Delly and Madge take the wood board out of the box and lay it out on the carpet. They look at me at that point, obviously waiting for some kind of response.
"Well?" Madge asks.
"Well what? I respond sarcastically. I really am clueless as to what they want from me.
"What question do you have that you want the board to answer, Katniss?" Delly asks a little more calmly,
"I don't want to know anything, Delly. Really." I give her a look of desperation. "If you both so anxious to find out my future, you decide what ask it."
"OK." Delly takes the little triangle and places it above the board. "I'll do it. Let me think a minute."
She closes her eyes for about ten seconds and then gives a big smile before opening them again. "I've got it!" she shouts out. She places her hand on the little triangle piece and begins to concentrate.
"Oh Ouija of great wisdom," she begins in some outrageously strange voice. It takes everything in me not to begin laughing. "Please bestow upon us the answer to our question." She waits a minute before continuing. Delly looks at me then back at the board with a gleam in her eye. "We wish to know if there is a boy out there who loves Katniss."
Nothing happens for about five seconds, and then slowly the little piece begins moving in Delly's hand. It goes forward a little, and then makes a distinct turn towards the left, eventually coming directly upon the word YES.
I roll my eyes again. This is too much. "You're obviously pushing the piece." I say.
"I swear I'm not!" Delly replies sweetly. "Can I go on?"
I think for a moment then let her know. "Why not? It's not like it's for real."
My blonde friend nods and turns back to concentrate on the board. "Oh Ouija. Who is the lucky boy who secretly loves our dear friend?" This voice she is using is so ridiculous that I can't decide whether or not to laugh or be spooked.
Once more, the triangle takes a few seconds before beginning to move. It once again heads left toward the word yes, but stops on the second row of letters at P. It stays there for a moment before sliding again, now towards the right and to the upper row of letters and coming to the letter E. Next, it circles around a few times before landing on the letter E again.
"That means two Es," Madge comments. I am absorbed now as I watch the pointer continue to move in a sharp diagonal until it stops on the letter T. Holding my breath now as a thought is coming together, it gels as I watch the piece move towards the left and know without a doubt where it is going to land. On the letter A. Peeta. I let out a little gasp, and sit there when all of the sudden the piece quickly goes to the word GOODBYE and drops completely.
Both Madge and Delly turn to look at me, trying to see my reaction. I'm so unsure what to think. What occurred was nothing what I was expecting. I knew that my boy crazy friends had been trying to figure out for months who I liked. The truth was that there wasn't anyone I thought about in that way. Ever since my father died I have been so focused on surviving and feeding my family that I hadn't even considered boys and dating. Even so, most everyone assumed I liked Gale Hawthorne, a family friend and hunting partner. But that wasn't true. We just got along well. It was his name, though, that I thought would be what Delly would cook up the Ouija to produce.
Turns out, I was wrong, and it churned out one name that I would have never suspected to see. Peeta Mellark, the baker's son and a classmate of mine. I have never actually talked to him, but I am in his debt. He is the one who by feeding me bread when I had no hope left that gave me the strength to stand up and take action to provide for my family. His act gave me the confidence that I could do if myself, and I have been forever grateful.
But he loves me? That is absolutely impossible. How can you love someone you don't even know? He's never even showed even a fraction of interest, other than that one moment. There is no way he could feel that about me. I don't know what motives are behind this, but it is just silly.
I must have been lost in my thoughts for a while, because Madge speaks and brings me back to the present. "Katniss?"
I shake my head a little. "Sorry, just got lost in thought." I answer, and then decide to end this. "Look. I don't know what all is going on here, but this is nonsense."
"You don't think that Peeta could be in love with you?" Delly asks.
"No. I don't." I reply honestly. "He's never even spoken to me, or even really looked at me for all I know. How could he be in love with me?"
"Maybe he's afraid to show how he feels," Madge offers. "You are pretty intimidating, you know."
I give a huff of frustration. "This is just a silly board game, okay? Even if by some remote chance Peeta Mellark is in love with me, it doesn't matter. I'm not in love with him."
"He really nice." Delly argues.
"Yes, everyone says he is," I answer, "and maybe someday we could be friends…" Suddenly, Delly gives a quick "Oh!" and our attention is drawn to her hand where the little board piece is distinctly moving. We all look down to watch it as it is trailing upward and toward the right, and stops on the word NO. It remains there for a few seconds, and then begins again. First to an M, followed by an A, two Rs, and a Y. The board spelled out MARRY.
"Katniss," Delly says in all seriousness. "I think the board was answering what you said. It's telling you no because you and Peeta aren't going to be just friends. You are going to marry him!" She gives a little squeal of excitement at her interpretation. Madge starts shaking her head vigorously up and down, beginning to join in her enthusiasm.
This whole scene rubs me the wrong way. "Well, whatever the board is trying to say, the board is wrong." I stand up and place my hands on my hips to show my determination. "I am not going to marry Peeta Mellark or anyone for that matter. You know that." Ever since my father had died over a year ago and I had seen how it affected my mother, I had vowed never to marry. I didn't want to love someone so much that I would completely lose it if they were gone.
I watch as the two girls look at each other in silent conversation. They obviously come to an agreement and Madge answers. "Maybe that's so, but the board has always been right before. Why not now?"
"Because I say so." I reply curtly.
"I know you may think that," Delly states. "But I don't think you should rule anything out yet, you know? You're only just 13 now. You might give love a chance someday." She walks over and places a calming hand on my arm. "Don't worry about it. Just store it in the back of that brain of yours for future knowledge."
My anger leaves me at her calm and optimism and I finally smile. "Alright, but I think that is enough for one night. Let's get some sleep, okay?"
They agree and we all get our pajamas on and brush our teeth. As I start to get into my sleeping bag on the floor, I yawn and snuggle in. I am just about to fall asleep when I hear Madge whisper in the dark.
"Delly. What was all that about? I thought you were just going to get Katniss thinking about boys liking her. What were you doing with all that stuff about Peeta and marriage?"
There is a faint rustling of sheets. "That's just it Madge. I swear I wasn't. The piece just suddenly moved in my hand without me doing anything."
"You mean it was really working?"
"Maybe. It felt so weird in my hand. I had no control of it at all." Delly explains.
Madge gives a low whistle. "Katniss and Peeta. Who would have thought…"
"Yeah, I know." Delly replies. Then it gets silent. Before I slip into deep slumber I have one last thought. I'll show that there it is nothing but just a silly game. I am not going to fall in love with Peeta Mellark.
But the last picture in my head as I drift off is of blonde curls and blue eyes.
PEETA
I am trying to focus on my work sweeping the floors of the bakery, but my eyes can't seem to stop glancing across the square at Madge's house. I know she's there and I can't help wondering what is going on. Especially now that Delly knows how I feel and said she would try to put a good word in for me tonight. It's a slumber party, so I've heard, and I'm sure there will be girl talk most of the night. Although from what I know about Katniss, it will probably be Delly and Madge doing most of the talking. If only I could be a fly on the wall...
I have been in love with Katniss Everdeen practically since the first moment I saw her. For those who think they can't see their whole future ahead of them as a child, I beg to differ. Once I heard her sing The Valley Song, that was it. All I wanted from that moment on was to be closer to her. Unfortunately, although I have what people have told me is a "silver tongue," it seems to never be able to work when she is around. I have tried and tried over the years to approach her, always with some question to ask her or something funny to say, but ended up chickening out each time.
There was one time I was so close about a year ago. It was a rainy day and I was working on a batch of bread with fruit and nuts in it when I noticed a figure out back near our trash bins. I walked towards the windows and could tell it was a girl, soaked through, shivering, and so thin it looked like she would just float away. Quick enough I realized it was Katniss. My heart did a leap at the sight of her. She looked so desperate, so hopeless sitting there, in the mud of all things. I had to do something for her, but I knew she wouldn't take charity easily. I made a decision and stoked the fire in the ovens a little more until the scorched the edge of a couple of loaves. Satisfied with myself, I turned around with them as my mother stood right in front of me. She saw the bread and was horrified.
"Burned!" she screamed as she slapped me on one side of the face. "How careless can you be? Feed them to the pigs."
Fine by me. I secretly smiled as I turned and walked outside the building. My face stung, but it was worth it. I walked through the door and to the edge of the porch, tearing a burnt piece off one loaf and threw it into the sty. I took a chance to glance at Katniss then, and found she was watching me. I quickly looked away from her gaze and after a moment to pause threw the bread in her direction. I didn't stop to see her get it, but turned and walked back into the bakery. I managed to barely see her run off as I reached the window.
I thought about it all night long, trying to tell myself to go up to Katniss at school the next day and find out if she is okay. I looked for her all day once classes began but the opportunity didn't present itself until the end of the day. I was standing with Delly and a few other merchant kids when I saw Kantiss with her sister. I was working on willing my brain to tell my body to move towards their direction when I stopped completely as her grey eyes landed directly on mine. Her eyes widened as she knows I was looking at her, and her head quickly turned away and downward. I was still stuck in place as I saw her gaze towards something yellow. It was a fresh dandelion. Probably one of the first I had see that year. She looked at it for a moment before picking it up. She held it like it meant the world to her, and then took Prim's hand as they walked off together.
I had no idea what to make of it other than I was a coward for not speaking to her. I berated myself internally and have continued to do so until now. Because today I think I might have found my chance. I had heard that Madge Undersee what having a get together tonight for her birthday, and wasn't surprised when my friend Delly Cartwright walked into the bakery early this morning to order a cake for the event.
"Hey Dell," I greeted her as she walked in
"Peeta!" she calls back in her chirpy tone. "How are you doing?" Delly always asks this as she knows my response lets her know if my mother is around.
"Fine," I reply. Mother was cleaning the house today and not paying attention to the bakery. "What can I do for you?"
"Madge's party is tonight," she tells me. "I need a cake. You always make the best, so I thought I could order it now and pick it up late this afternoon. Is that okay?" I write down the order and nod. "It's going to be a slumber party. I'm so excited!"
Not thinking, I blurted out a question before I can stop myself. "Is Katniss going to be there?" I immediately realized my mistake and turn my face so she wouldn't see, but Delly is nothing but observant.
"Of course she's going to be..." Too late, she stopped and I knew she caught my mistake. "Wait a minute. Katniss? Oh my gosh! You like her, don't you?" She tries to look at me straight in the eye. I can't hide how red in the face I am from embarrassment. "How did I not see this before?" she stated.
I gave up any pretense at that point. "Delly, please. Don't say anything."
My friend couldn't contain her excitement. "But it's so great! You two would be fantastic together! I promise I'll keep your secret, but please let me help in some way."
I think about this for a moment. Help would really be good. Delly definitely has an in with Katniss. Maybe it could just work. "Do you think you could put in a good word for me tonight at the sleepover? You know, maybe find out if Kantiss likes anyone during all that girl talk?"
She went deep into thought, finalized by clapping her hands together. "Of course! I'm sure I can come up with something. I'll bring you up somehow. Plant that seed in Katniss' think brain that you just might be the one for her."
"Thanks, Dell. I appreciate it." I hand over the receipt for her order. "The cake will be ready at 4:00."
"Thank you, Peeta." she called out as the door closed behind her. I was excited about the prospects of what Delly planned to do, so I tried to work to keep my ind busy. As promised, Delly returned to pick up the cake with a final. "I'll come by in the morning and let you know what happened." She ran over the the Undersee house, and about twnty minutes later I observed Katniss going in, as well.
That was hours ago now. I am about to close up the bakery for the night, and can't help but wonder what is going on across the way. Was Delly able to do it? She definitely had her ways, for sure. As I finally lock the door for the evening, I see the lights are off, so that must mean the girls are asleep. How am I ever going to wait until the morning?
Turns out, I don't wait too long. As soon as I open up, the bell rings and Delly is there. "Hey there! How was the party?" I ask.
"Great!" she answers in that positive way she always does. "We had so much fun." She looks around at all the treats for a few minutes, and I begin to get frustrated.
"Well?" I finally spit out.
"Well..." she replies hesitantly.
"What happened?" I almost shout at her.
"I'm not sure what to tell you," she says quietly. "I got the bright idea to bring out the Ouija board to try to get some reaction out of her, but it was really weird what happened then."
"How is that?" I ask. I am really curious now.
"Well," she begins. "My plan was to push the piece a little bit to make it like the board was telling Katniss that you liked her. I was hoping that would get her to open up about you."
"So what went wrong?"
"Nothing at first." she continues. "I started it out, and had the piece spell out your name. Katniss' reaction was priceless!"
"Oh really? Come on Dell, spill it!" I am frantic to know everything.
"She was so quick to debunk everything. She wouldn't have anything to do with the idea of dating." I can't believe Delly still has a smile on her face. That isn't good news.
"Great," I say dejectedly.
"But, Peeta. I saw through all that. She may not be head over heels for you, but she definitely doesn't hate you. She even said it was possible you could be friends." I smiled at that news. It was at least a hopeful sign.
"Really?" I couldn't help my enthusiasm about it.
"Yes," she says, and then her face gets serious. "But Peeta, I have to tell you. Right after that something really weird happened. The Ouija piece moved again. All by itself, I swear. It spelled out the word marry."
"Marry?" I ask in confusion.
"Yes, marry." she answers while nodding her head. "Madge and I think it means that the board is telling us that you just don't love Katniss, that you are going to marry her someday."
"What?" I am totally shocked by what she is saying.
"You heard me," she says with a wicked smile. "It really was the strangest thing. Congratulations." At the goofy look that is on my face, Delly gives a wave and walks out. I barely manage to say one last "Thanks" before she is gone.
My mind is in a whirl the rest of the day after this. Some crazy game predicted that I am going to marry Katniss? I mean, I've always wanted to be closer to her, for sure, but marriage? I've barely managed to begin growing facial hair. This incident has me considering it, though. Not that I put any merit into some silly board, but the more I think about forever with Katniss, the more I dream about the idea. And the dream isn't half bad. I float through most of the day on a cloud of these thoughts.
Of course, in the middle of it all, the door chimes again and I turn to see who the customer is. Alarmingly, it's the very focus of all my thoughts today and her little sister. I try my hardest to keep from giving away what I had been thinking about. The two walk towards the counters and begin looking at all of the sweets. I take my time, but finally move over so that I am directly in front of them. Their eyes are still looking down when I make a little cough.
"Can I help you girls?" I ask.
Prim immediately looks up at me with a huge bright smile. Katniss, for some reason, continues to glance down and seems to be trying to not look at me directly.
"Yes!" the younger girl answers. "I would like two of these rainbow frosted sugar cookies."
"Coming right up!" I reply as cheerily as I can. I get a small bag labeled Mellark's Bakery and begin to put a couple of the cookies in. Seeing where Katniss is looking, I then place one of the chocolate and nut cookies she has been staring at in the bag, as well. This gets her attention. She immediately looks up, and stares at me directly in the eyes.
"You don't have to do that," she pleads.
"It's okay." I say with a smile. She looks so beautiful with those grey eyes sparkling. "Enjoy it." I hold the bag out towards her, and watch as she tries to decide to take it. Before she has a chance, though, Primrose grabs the bag of goodies out of my hand and rushes towards the door. "Thanks!" she yells back.
Katniss turns to watch her sister, then comes back to me, her gaze again resting on mine. "Sisters," she says with a shrug and begins to follow Prim out. I am watching her every move, and Katniss is almost gone when she suddenly looks back over her shoulder to me.
"Thank you, Peeta," she says quietly, almost so that I can't hear it. But I do, and as the door closes shut I am overwhelmed by what I feel. Happiness and finally the one thing I really needed...confidence. I may not believe in some hooey from a Ouija board, but I do believe in hope. Now I have it, and as I watch the two sisters head towards the Seam, I don't know how long it will take me, but I will find a way to talk to Katniss Everdeen some day.
So, what do you think? This is the prologue to give the story its background. The next chapter will begin the main portion of the story and it will be a jump in time. But, in the meantime, let me know what you think of the story! PLEASE REVIEW! It really means a lot. : )
