I knocked on Katniss Everdeen's door three times. Waiting for her to answer. My hand was just about to knock a fourth time, when I heard the soft squeak of the door opening. I composed myself, ready to throw myself at Katniss when she answered.
We had been best friends during our freshman year of high school. Katniss, Clove and I. Her mom had actually remarried, her birth father died in a car accident, dragging Katniss to start a new life, if you please.
She had remarried, her, Prim and Katniss had met he boys. The two sons of the man she remarried. I Remember Katniss telling me about them. How they were cocky annoying and crude. Marvel and Cato. Those were their names. Funny, they suited them. Or at least what Katniss has told me about them.
It made me smile, we haven't had a phone conversation in ages. I wanted to make it a surprise for when I told her I'd moved AND was going to be starting school with her, in exactly two days. She was going to freak!
But then she would ask why I had moved, and I'd have to tell her. But I can trust her, she was my best friend after all. She can't have changed that much.
My parents had split, OK. It wasn't too much of a shock to me and my brothers, we had been hearing the fights for years now. It was still sad, not to mention heartbreaking.
My dad had gotten my two brothers, my mom got me. She had wanted to move far away from my dad. It was horrible. We were only going to be able to see my brothers, Brutus and Gloss, except for on holidays. I asked her about moving to Panem, where Katniss moved, and after much persuasions she agreed. We were now, maybe a block away from Katniss.
I had missed her, I just didn't realize how much until now. When she moved it hadn't been too tear inducing. We all understood the circumstances.
We still kept in touch though, so it wasn't too bad. Yet we all did miss the playful banter and classes we shared. No more passing notes, or complaining about the homework I guess. Not too bad.
I coudn't wait to see her again. It has been three years. Didn't feel that long. Now that I'm here standing on her porch, waiting for her to answer the green door, I'm fairly certain is hers.
Instaed I was greeted by a boy. A boy who sucked the breath out of me. And let me say, that is no easy task. I was Glimmer, a player, if you will. She played you, not the other way 'round. Or I guess for Woman the term is slut, I'm a slut.
He was tall, standing probably a good few inches above me. Maybe, 6'3, or something around that mark. He had dull green eyes, that reminded me of grass, the type you find in the rain. Not on a sunny afternoon. They look shocked at first, they widen at the sight of me, why I don't know. Then after his moment of panic finishes he quickly regains composture and breathes. His green eyes dulling slightly. His hazel hair was neatly brushed, yet it still stood up in certain places. I resisted the urge to run her hands through it.
I couldn't believe it. A boy was making me feel this way. This isn't right. I made boys feel this way, I don't feel this way. And I hated it. It was similar though, in a weird way.
A strange feeling of déjà vu washing over me. Not about him but the feeling. But something about the boy in front of me also wasn't quite right.
That's when I realized this might not be her house, I tried not to show my panic. But judging from his facial expression he didn't quite get it.
His firm pink lips formed a straight dull line. His eyes, showing something... of rage? Maybe I'd woken him, or stolen him from something important.
But I was Glimmer, I didn't show panic, or embarassement around boys. I teasily played with a strand of blonde, which was down the side of my face, the breeze slowly guiding it to my fingers.
Then green was on green as I looked him in the eye, craning my head to do so. I froze, he seemed familiar, yet at the same time, so alien it was surreal.
His eyes burned my emerald green ones, I wanted to back down but couldn't, woudn't. "I'm Glimmer." I said while sending him a quick wink. His dull expression quickly turned to a smirk, his eyes glowing.
He took my chin in his left hand and brought it to his face. Our noses just inches apart. And I blushed. I Glimmer Rambin never blush. Wether it comes to embarrassing stories, or boys. Most never boys. So why did I do it now?
Moment of weakness I assured myself. I was so vulnerable because... Katniss! I wanted to see Katniss so bad that I blushed at this boy. Because... Um... my mind was so focused on Katnis my guard was down and I blushed.
There, perfect logic. Sort of.
I played them, made them blush, not the opposite. No matter how bad I was doing at that now. I felt my cheeks heating up and I couldn't help it. There was currently a very hot boy's face proximately three inches from my own. I was going to blush. I felt his leather jacket sleeve brush against my forearm before I heard the first four words that came out of his mouth. The leather on skin making me burn.
"I couldn't care less, sweetheart." All my past thoughts vanish as he utters his first words to me. No matter how melodic his voice may be, I will not be swooned by an asshole.
I feel the blush vanish from my cheeks, instead rage replaces it. I hiss as I pull away, standing my tallest, trying to intimidate him. He doesn't take a step back instead he chuckles and stands his ground against me. His stance relaxed, as if this is familiar to he. Or normal. We are close once again, though there is nothing intimate about it this time.
"I'm Glimmer." I start the conversation teeth barred. Looking him in the eye, emeralds on his dull, bland green. And this time I don't wink.
"And I thought I made it quite clear I don't care." His face now stuck in a menacing smirk. His eyes alight with cockiness, arrogance and overconfidence.
"And I'm looking for Katniss." I continued on, ignoring his interruption. My face now glowering up at him. I feel even angrier when his smirk doesn't change.
"How do you know her?" I pause for a second, he seems serious. Katniss has never spoken about me to him, to what I can only assume is her step-brother. Whether it be Cato or Marvel, I'm not sure.
"Is she home?" I finish, the same flame I had at the start has remained in my eyes. I still don't back down when he takes a step closer to me. He doesn't look down, no, he keeps his eyes trained on my face.
"I'll get her." His breath smells oddly of cinnamon. As our noses are about to collide he steps back and walks into the comfort of his own home. I watch as he turns, his leather jacket swishing slightly, and he sends one more smirk over his shoulder.
I release a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, before I flip him off. He looks shocked for a moment, before his smirk grows wider. I start to fume. He is infuriating, I'll give him that.
Most likely Cato, Katniss had described him as hot-headed and cocky.
I waited, adjusting my top out of nervousness. I waited for Cato to get Katniss. Hopefully that wouldn't take all day. I wonder what she'll think of me after all this time. Have I changed? No, I don't think so.
Is my outfit OK? Pretty sure. Is her step-brother a total asshole? Most definitely.
I cross my arms impatiently, how long would Cato take? All he really had to do was call her name. Before I knew it my foot started tapping to a rhythm impatiently. Clic, Clac, Clic, Clac.
The door was still open, so out of curiosity I poked my head inside. It was nice house, I'll give it that. Much nicer than ours at least. But our older one was much bigger and nicer than this one. So I'd say this wasn't a fancy house, no it wasn't. But it wasn't a bad house either. It was in between. Good, but not great.
Alll I could make of it now, was that it was white. Really white. The walls were white, yet all the furniture stuck to a similar black colour palette.
Then I spotted someone among the white. A girl was standing in the centre of the room. Her braid was swishing gently as she moved her head.
Why? Because she was talking impatiently with none other than Cato. I groaned. Much louder than I originally meant it to be. Because their heads turn at the sound of it. I don't blush instead I send them a flirtatious smirk. I never blush, like I said before, I had a moment of weakness. I know I should be looking at Katniss, but my gaze is on Marvel.
Why? I know it shouldn't be. But even if he is a complete jerk, he's still hot. Even if he is scowling at me. Even if my best friend is standing right next to him. Even if I haven't seen that best friend in three ye-
What am I doing? I immediately stop starring, he seems to have noticed though because his scowl is now in an arrogant smirk. I hate him. My gaze then goes to Katniss, where it should have been in the first place. I mentally scold myself for... Well... Everything!
Katniss was soon making her way towards me. She was wearing a green jacket, over a black tank top. She was wearing black jeans, a bow and arrow imprinted against her thigh. Her hair was in a single long braid. Her hair was longer than before, but it has been three years. She wasn't wearing too much makeup, just a little eyeliner and mascara.
Then she spoke, at least her voice hasn't changed, "Glimmer!"
And then I was tackled in a hug, which I greatly returned. "I've missed you so much, Glim." She was shaking. "Me to, Katniss, me to." I smiled, even though I knew she couldn't see.
But he did. There was Cato smiling at me as I hugged my best friend. I stuck my tongue out at him. His smile soon turning into a smirk. I wanted to call him... Certain things, but he was Katniss' brother.
And currently she was hugging me, I don't think she would appreciate it. Still the way he's looking at me makes me want to punch him. It's not the usual; Wow, you're hot! Instead it looked more like, I can't pinpoint it, it's between I'm so much better than you, to Well, I don't know... nostalgia, almost? No that can't be right.
He's still looking at me, before I realize I'm hugging my best friend, and all I can think about is a boy? No, that's not right. I'm on boys' minds, they weren't on mine. At least not the way he is. I blinked twice before averting my gaze.
Yet, I could still feel his eyes burning into the back of my head. I could practically feel the blush, that is before I pushed it down.
When she pulled away, I saw her take me in.
For a second I felt self-conscious about my pink strapless top, or maybe my short-shorts, which looked like jeans. My golden sandals, which might I add were designer. How my hair was in small waves around my head. I subconsciously twirled a golden lock, hopefully she didn't see the nervousness in my emerald eyes. Which were lined with eye-liner, mascara, eyeshadow. And my pink lips were coated in a natural looking lipstick.
Then I realized this was Katniss. And I was Glimmer. There's no need to be nervous, ever really. "You look good." I nodded in thanks, sending a wink her way.
She laughed at my antics. I haven't changed. I saw her lips form an O shape, preparing to speak. She then pointed to the boy behind her.
"I see you've met Marvel." I nearly choked on my own spit. I looked at the boy behind her, green on green once again. I looked at Katniss' greys, then Marvel's again. "Marvel? This is Marvel? This is the sweet, funny laid-back guy you told me about?"
I couldn't believe it, I honestly couldn't believe it. He gave me a funny look. Raising an eyebrow at my choice of words.
He gave me a wave, it wasn't friendly it was cold. I gulped. Katniss was looking at Marvel worriedly. "Katniss, I'm going to finish breakfast Ok?" She nodded as he walked back into their home.
"Glimmer I swear he's normally not like that." She turned to me, her eyebrows were creased together, like she was trying to solve a puzzle. I shrugged, "Whatever." Katniss gave me one more look, which sadly I couldn't decipher. Three years apart will do that to you and your best friend.
She gave me on last look before realization flashed across her grey eyes, which immediately sparked to life.
"Come in! God, are you planning on standing there for the rest of the evening?" I hesitantly took a step inside, not before rolling my eyes that is. "You have a nice house." She looked a me over her shoulder a grin plain on her face. "I'll take you to my room. Show you 'round a bit." I nodded, a girly grin on my face. "Sure."
It felt good to be talking again, even if it was awkward small talk.
Her room was amazing. Her bed was, surprise surprise, white as snow. Even the sheets were a smooth grey colour. She had posters of different bands plastering the walls. Her desk was crammed with, her school supplies, which might I add, was most likely for the new school year, starting in two days. For this year. She had a black backpack, a golden bird on it. What bird? I have know idea.
"Wow." The word was out before I could stop it. She sent me a toothy grin her shoulder. She plopped down on her bed, before falling backwards with a clump.
"It's nice. It was tough at first, you know. Without you guys. But now you're here..." She didn't need to continue. I sat next to her body, which was spread out onto the bed.
We sat in a comfortable silence. She sat up halfway through. "So, I was wondering, 'cause it's like our reunion in a way, I guess. We should have a sleepover, like we used to remember?" Her grey eyes lit up at my words, "Why not?"
"Tonight? I already asked my mom." I raised an eyebrow at her. My blonde, practically gold eyebrow was a way to show a question.
"Tonight works." We both smiled. She gave me a toothy grin, mine didn't show teeth, instead it showed off my bright pink, full lips.
"Here, I'll go ask my parents and it'll be settled. You can go pack your bags for tonight." I nodded. It was nice, how she referred to them as her parents, even though biologically one was not.
It was cute.
We starting walking downstairs together. "Mom will probably be in the kitchen, cooking or something." Her mom didn't work, she used to, but after the death of her husband. She well pretty much quit. Only still living because of her children.
According to Katniss she was better, but stil didn't work. Which was fine, she needed to take care of the house anyways. Apparently Katniss' step-father was very wealthy so only he needed to work.
He must be. Considering he has to support Katniss, Prim, Marvel, Cato and his newfound wife. And still be able to afford this absolutely stunning house. Wel, actually mansion is a bette word for it.
We noisily clambered down the stairs, not caring about the sound. Only the goal at hand. Which was finding Katniss' mom.
When we reached her, she was indeed cooking. "Mom, can Glimmer sleepover tonight?" Katniss' mom turned, she was as beautiful as ever.
She looked nothing like Katniss. Her eye were blue, and her hair was blonde like mine. It was gentle, soft gold though, not at all flirtatious like mine. Her posture was perfect, her frame petite. With just a few worry lines sitting her face. The number decreased greatly from the last time I saw her.
"Of course dear. It'll be nice for you and Glimmer." She winked at me once she spoke my name. I gave her a crooked grin. The housewife, then went back to her cooking.
We turned to each other as soon as her mom was out of focus. We turned and squealed. Turns out that was easier than I thought. Katniss said that her strict mother is long-gone. In her place is now the gentler, care-free woman who was remarried to a man with two sons. Giggling our heads off we raced down the hall. She was giving a quick tour of the place. Half of the details I couldn't remeber.
The only thing I did remeber was the kitchen, living room (which was hard to miss), Katniss' room and a few of others. Though I doubted I'd remeber them in the morning. Katniss used to be much colder, it was refreshing. To see a new her.
When she showed me the final rooms, her parents', Marvel's and Cato's, (All of which I got confused by. Was Marvel's the one on the right or left? Did Cato's have the black door or grey door?)we were back where we started. So to say, the door.
We paused to look at each other, then surprisingly she leaned in and have me a hug. Usually it was the other way 'round. It was nice, change was nice. We broke off.
"I'll go pack my things, Kay?" I gave her a flirtatious wink. We both broke out laughing, it felt good. Natural. But unease started creeping up. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and my arms started to goosebump.
I swore I could feel someone's gaze on me, I turned my head. I looked only to see Marvel standing in the living room, staring me down. I raised an eyebrow at him. Nothing.
No reaction whatsoever, normally boys would blush or look away. Maybe if they were feeling extra cocky they would smile at me or wink. But he did nothing. He kept his gaze and stood his ground. His face was slack, his lips in a straight line, not in a frown or smirk, his eyes seemed... Curious.
Yes, that was the best word to describe it. Yet, at the same time I saw, longing, anger, dread and... Something else. Something I wasn't sure of.
I wished he was like other guys, someone who just fell for me. Didn't bother me like he does. Someone easy, someone normal. This was not normal, he shouldn't have hissed at me when we first met, instead he should have been drooling.
It just didn't make sense. And when I get confused I don't know how to deal with anything. So instead of doing something rash, I glared daggers at him. Katniss didn't seem to notice. She was rambling on about the sleepover tonight. I turned and nodded when I detected a question forming on her lips. She seemed satisfied and kept talking.
I was sure Marvel would turn away. Couldn't he see that I was in the middle of a conversation? Apparently not.
His dull greens never left my face. He looked caught up in something. And that was when I blushed, for the second time. And I mentally scolded myself. I would not blush over a complete jerk.
"Bye Katniss." When I heard her voice subside I felt the need to say something. Because it seemed as though she was done. Even though my comment was directed at her, my gaze never left Marvel. Who still seemed frozen in time, same expression, same pose.
"See ya, Glimmer. Come back at, 4:00 o'clock. You can eay dinner with us." Her face was calculating. Grey was starting to unnerve me. I nodded. Marvel still stood there. Good thing he was out of earshot. I have a feeling he wouldn't exactly be thrilled about me staying the night.
I waved goodbye, before walking home to pack for tonight.
ooOoo
"Shit. Almost forgot my toothbrush. No way in Hell am I using one of yours Katniss, never again." I shivered at the memory. That was one sleepover I am not repeating. Even the memory brings a slight feeling, a feeling that makes me want to barf.
The details I'd rather not go into.
I stood back to admire my work. 1 toothbrush, 1 pair of slippers (pink fluffy ones with a G embroidered onto the left one), my pajamas, ( a pink top with the word; Fabulous. In big, bold, gold letters. My pajama bottoms were gold with a pink bow and arrow on them) a change of clothes for tomorrow, my phone, (which has the cutest little, pink and purple cat on its case) a sleeping bag, (Pink with Golden designs) and I brought some emergency snacks.
But I was fairly certain Katniss would have some. I was estatic to see her, her brothers not so much. Especially a certain hazel-haired boy with dull green eyes. One who just happened to be named after a brand of superhero comics. And I'm not taking about D.C.
At least I woudn't be seeing too much of him, considering the fact that me and Katniss were most likely going to stay in her room all night. Which for once I was happy about.
Hopefully the only time I'd be seeing Marvel would be at dinner. Which I'd be too caught up in to even notice him. It's not that he made me nervous or anything, he's just a class-A jerk. Which makes me want to meet Cato.
Because according to Katniss he's an even bigger jerk. Great.
ooOoo
My hair was in two braids, which fell in front of my shoulders and ended a little below my chest. This hairstyle was perfect for tonight.
Why? Because, this was the exact same outfit I had worn to our first sleepover. An emerald green hoodie, which brought out my eyes, with black skinny jeans, a golden belt looped through the belt holes. And the same golden sandals I had worn this morning. I checked my pink watch, the one thing I hadn't had our first sleepover, it read 3:52.
Close enough right? I knocked. I didn't want to ring the doorbell, it was late.
And I did not want nor need an angry Marvel all up in my face because I 'disturbed' him from something important. Or an angry Cato, because... I have no idea. Or an angry parent! Heck even an angry Katniss would suck.
I waited, prayed to God that Marvel wouldn't answer. Unfortunately the odds were not in my favor. There the devil himself stood. He looked at me and I visibly melted into a pile of goop, he scooped up my remain and threw me in the foyer. Only joking, but that would have been seriously Phsycotic.
Katniss opened the door, she was wearing the same outfit she had been this morning. Her hair still in its braid. Just slightly more tangled. I looked down, her blue slippers ruined the whole huntress look she had going on. I wanted to laugh.
I saw her take in my outfit, her face was practically glowing. "Did you just have sex?" Her face immediately fell. Her eyebrows scrunching together in confusion. "Wh-what? Why would you just- what? Why ask that?" I laughed at her blabbering. "I'm kidding!"
I saw her let out a breath of relief. "Still why ask?"
"You know that old saying? How you glow right after sex? Well you were actually kind of glowing so..." She looked at me like I was crazy. We stayed like that,awkwardly staring each other down. Before we both burst out laughing.
"What? You have the worst sense of humour. Like, that joke doesn't even make sense." She gave me this look. Like I was comtely and utterly crazy.
"It sounded better in my head OK?" I was barely able to squeeze the words out between laughs. "Nice outfit." We seemed to be able to finally regain some sense of dignity and composture. "Whatever."
I was not going to give her the satisfaction of knowing just how long it took to find this outfit, and how amazed I was that it still fit perfectly. A little tight around the chest, but other than that it really was perfect.
"Come in." I happily obliged. But as soon as I entered I locked eyes with someone I had been hoping to avoid.
Green was on green and I felt my self melt under his gaze. Shit. This was even worse than blushing.