Disclaimer: The base of this plot belongs to Kamio Yoko for creating the wonderful manga: Hana Yori Dango.
ONE
Her tattered bag was hitting against her thigh as she weaved through the crowded street that early morning. Unlike the wealthy citizens of the Capitol that wore strictly nothing but outrageous, colorful clothing, a black, thin jacket covered her checkered t-shirt underneath, and her calm countenance stuck out like a sore thumb in the midst of the high pitched laughter and wide smiles. Though she was different, no one paid any attention to her.
Approximately fifteen minutes later, she stood in front of a wrought iron gate with guards on either side, and behind it was the largest building she had ever encountered. It appeared to stretch for miles with an umpteenth number of windows on either side. The most fascinating attribute was being made completely out of glass. She glanced at the incoming teenagers whose attire was far more appealing than hers. A sigh escaped her lips as she followed the students inside.
Her fingers played with the spinner on her lock, and just as she unlocked it, a book tumbled towards her, nearly slamming into her face before she dodged it. She glanced annoyingly at the maroon cover, and bent over to pick it up. Unexpectedly, a hand reached out, grabbing the book before she had a chance to do so.
"For the last time, Katniss Everdeen – I do believe that you should do yourself some good. Clean out that disorganized locker of yours, before you get a concussion from all of your falling books!"
Katniss Everdeen smirked at the girl standing in front of her. "Good morning to you too, Madge," she said, taking the book from Madge's small, well-manicured hand. "Glad to see that you made it to school – on time today."
The girls walked down the hallway, unnoticed by the majority of the students. But there were still a fair few that gave them intimidating stares as they passed. Occasionally, Katniss stole peeks at Madge's attire: the outrageously expensive school uniform. Her black blazer rested comfortably on her shoulders, white lace surrounding the collar and the ends of the sleeves. Underneath was a light red dress outlined in black, with ruffles at the bottom. Katniss never preferred wearing dresses or skirts, but she had to admit that the uniform didn't look half bad. If only she had enough to pay for it.
They entered a large classroom that was filled with loud students, discussing their latest trips or the latest fashion disasters. Luckily, Madge and Katniss's desks were side by side, allowing them to converse without much difficulty.
A girl who sat nearby stuck out her arm, admiring the stunning ring around her pale hand. "Five thousand grand was definitely worth it," she said pompously, glancing at her three friends encircling her. "Don't you agree?" Her friends stared enviously at the ring. "Even if it wasn't on sale, I still could have afforded it either way."
"That reminds me," one of the girls spoke up, glancing at her friend across from her. "Aren't your parents going out of the country this weekend, Celes?" Katniss discreetly shifted her gaze towards a shy-looking girl who nodded briefly to her friend's question. "Why don't we have the party at your house, then? I heard you got a pool and a bowling arena in your basement."
"Yes… but my parents wouldn't be very happy if I threw a party. They clearly instructed me to keep the house clean and – "
"Then you can clean it after we leave," another girl suggested, fiddling with her diamond necklace. "Do your friends a favor, Celes!"
As much as Katniss wanted to stand up for the poor girl, she knew better than to cause trouble for herself. She pitied the girl, yes, but not enough to actually say or do anything about it. Katniss stood up, unable to bear the guilt that was stirring inside her. Without saying a word to Madge, Katniss exited the classroom, without a glance back at her classmates. Madge, who had taken notice of Katniss' slightly disturbed countenance, bit her bottom lip. She turned in her seat, propping both of her elbows on her table, her long blond tresses spilling past her shoulders, shielding her face from any glances from her gossiping classmates.
Katniss emerged from a bathroom stall. As she placed her hands underneath the automatic sink, she heard the door open, and the sound of heels clicking against the granite tile echoed in her eardrums. Katniss took no notice of the girl that walked inside, her blond ringlets flowing past her shoulders, the tips resting just below her bosom. Her emerald green eyes flashed towards the brunette who was now rinsing out the soap suds on her hands.
"Katniss Everdeen, right?" Katniss looked up, staring at the girl's reflection in the mirror. She was tying her tresses into a high ponytail, keeping her eyes on her. "I've heard a lot about you. Intelligent, a bookworm, and apparently skilled in archery – am I right?" Katniss pressed her lips together, not wanting to converse with a Capitol girl like Glimmer. "I'm an archer myself – but I'm sure you are already aware of that," Glimmer continued pompously.
Katniss rolled her eyes. "I applaud you for your motivation as archery is not a sport that is easy to grasp."
Glimmer's gaze darkened and the corner of her mouth twitched as she glared at the oblivious brunette. "If you think that you can easily take my place in the Games, you're highly mistaken." Katniss had always dreamt of competing in the School Games: an annual event that brought many Capitol schools together to compete in a variety of different sports. "I have always scored high scores with the judges, and don't think that you – "
"I was never thinking of stealing your spotlight, Glimmer," Katniss muttered. The Games drew many crowds from all over the city, and Katniss Everdeen had never been much of a people person. Though she had thought about competing on a regular basis, Katniss wasn't thrilled on the thought of an enormous, rainbow themed crowd watching her every move.
"Good," Glimmer said proudly, "I'm glad you know where you stand in this school… commoner." She took one last look at Katniss's 'horrendous' attire and walked out of the bathroom, her ponytail swinging behind her.
Katniss arrived back in the classroom five minutes later. Her encounter with Glimmer dampened her mood, and all Katniss wanted to do was to crawl back into her bed with a good book. She sat down at her desk, right when the teacher entered the room. Her gaze shifted towards Madge who was flipping through her notebooks, looking at her messy notes. Thinking that it would be best not to disturb her, Katniss stole a peek at Celes. Her jet-black tresses reached until her shoulders and her gray eyes was fixed on the board. Unlike the other girls in the class (excluding Katniss and Madge), Celes appeared to be a studious student.
Class passed by rather quickly, and while Katniss was still copying down the various remarks written on the board, hurried footsteps could be heard outside the classroom. Madge, who had been packing her bag, glanced outside as a student pushed the doors open. A mob of students, teachers included, were rushing in one direction. Some had excited countenances while others looked absolutely horrified.
Katniss closed her notebook and placed her bag on her desk. By now, most of the students were already gone, and Madge's bag was swung over her shoulder, looking anxiously at her friend, wondering if she was going to go with the crowd.
"Go ahead. I'll be there in a minute," Katniss said reluctantly, zipping up her bag.
Madge nodded wordlessly and exited the classroom, following the students with much anticipation. Katniss already knew that Madge had the intention of going since she had a soft spot for Gale Hawthorne, a handsome senior who was a member of the Careers – a notorious group who ruled the school. Despite his interest in older women, to Katniss, he was considered a tolerable member.
Katniss fiddled with her lock, clearly not eager to join in on the action that was taking place in the cafeteria right now. She grabbed her homemade lunch and shut her locker.
As she neared the cafeteria, Katniss heard the sickening cheers from the students, who were also watching a distraught boy, get thrown around by an older boy with a much better build. Katniss cringed as she observed from afar. There were so many students in the cafeteria that it was impossible to distinguish Madge from them. Katniss knew that her beloved friend wouldn't be as rude as some of them, but Madge's interest in the Careers irritated her greatly.
The Careers were composed of four wealthy and ignorant members who Katniss knew cared about no one but themselves. They were the children of extremely wealthy families that one wouldn't dare to upset for whatever reason. Katniss watched anxiously as Finnick Odair, the biggest playboy out of them all, quieted the jeering crowd. He was rather gorgeous, for his age. His short bronze colored hair framed his amused countenance, and his sea-green eyes drifted towards the boy lying helplessly on the floor.
Unnoticed, Katniss entered the cafeteria, blending in with the other students. She didn't bother trying to find Madge, for it was impossible with the amount of people present. Finnick gripped the boy's cheeks, analyzing his angry countenance.
"Had enough, little one?" he asked, smirking.
"I hope you all rot in hell," the boy spat.
Finnick scowled and rolled his eyes as he glanced at his friends sitting nonchalantly at the back of the cafeteria.
"What should we do with him? Beat him up even more? Torture him – maybe?" he asked, shrugging.
Gale stood up and eyed the now frightened looking boy with much interest. "Let's just leave him. He's suffered enough for one day – don't you agree?" He turned to Cato – the intimidating ringleader of the Careers. His icy blue eyes flashed in the boy's direction, apparently not paying much attention until now.
Katniss's hands rolled into fists, and her lips were pressed tightly together as she gazed at the tall boy wearing a calm countenance, his gaze sweeping across the many students who were either smirking or whispering amongst themselves, anxious of Cato's move. Out of them all, Cato was the one she most despised. He was ignorant, arrogant, and spoiled to the core. If he wasn't the son of one of the most powerful people in the Capitol, Katniss wouldn't be afraid to give him a piece of her mind.
As Cato closed in on his prey, Katniss quickly diverted her gaze towards the upper floor of the cafeteria that was prohibited to all but the careers. She noticed a boy leaning against a pillar, his blue eyes fixed on his friend that was now tormenting the poor boy. Unbeknownst to her, she smiled slightly. The boy was none other than Peeta Mellark.
It was spring, and the flowers in the gardens were starting to bloom. A first year Katniss Everdeen was asleep on her desk, dreaming of participating and winning the School Games. However, she was rudely awoken by the loud slamming of the classroom door. Immediately, Katniss sat up, quickly turning her head in the direction of the sound. There, at the doorway, stood Peeta Mellark, a boy who Katniss only knew as a member of the Careers. Never had she seen him nor talked to him ever since she transferred.
"Sorry, I wasn't planning to wake you," he said, smiling faintly.
Katniss was stunned. After a few seconds of blankly staring at him, she finally managed, "I was just about to leave… don't worry." She stood up and started packing her tattered bag.
"Well – you better put this somewhere safe then." Peeta approached her and handed her an old, bronze Mocking jay pin. "You dropped it a little while ago."
Katniss's eyes widened. "Thank you," she said quietly, taking it from his hands. She held it close, unable to believe that she had dropped such a precious object. Her late father had given it to her when she was a young child, and it meant everything to her.
"Take good care of it."
Katniss watched as Peeta exited the classroom without a glance back.
As the jeering cries of the students commenced once more, Katniss quickly fled the cafeteria, ignoring the agonizing screams coming from the young boy, and unknowingly catching the eye of a certain Career.
Her grip on her lunch tightened significantly as she hurried down the deserted hallway. And out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a blinding, scarlet rose that was sitting innocuously in an open locker. Katniss stiffened as the scent of blood filled her nostrils.
That was how they marked their victims: a harmless rose that smelt like blood.
Katniss's bottom lip curled inwards. Without a glance back, she continued on her way, her pace quickening with each step. Her hand was now covering half of her face as she attempted to block the unbearable smell that seemed to be getting stronger by the second.
By tomorrow, the boy's locker would be cleaned out, and the poor child would be driven out of the school, forced to attend a new one because of an absurd reason that could never be justified. Katniss was now standing in front of a grey door that led to set of stairs that was almost forgotten. She pulled the door open and was welcomed by a refreshing breeze complimented by the magnificent scenery of the entire Capitol. Katniss walked down the stairs, her gaze fixed directly ahead.
Not many students knew about this secret place as they were all accustomed to using elevators and escalators to get to their classes. But Katniss would be lying if she said she wasn't the same. She discovered it by accident as she wanted to get away from her obnoxious classmates as much as possible. It was a hassle getting from class to class using the stairs, but hey, it was good exercise, right?
Katniss inhaled deeply and placed her arms on a semi-tall concrete wall that enclosed a small space when you reached the bottom of the first flight of stairs.
"CATO IS A SPINELESS IDIOT WHO THINKS ABOUT NO ONE BUT HIMSELF!" she screamed, gasping for breath. After taking a couple of deep breaths, Katniss smiled, feeling great that she got rid of some of her frustration.
She happily sat down on a stair and unpacked her homemade lunch, thinking that if she ever got involved with a group as idiotic as them, she would be just as stupid, or possibly even more. And Katniss refused to stoop to their level.