Full Summary

Katniss Everdeen is an 18 year old girl stuck in an apartment with her messy yet genius college friend. After constantly having arguments and cleaning up after him she goes back to their room to find he's left a game on and the voice that speaks lures her in. Deciding to expand her social horizons she creates an account and begins to talk to a boy who at first mistakes her for another. Having met a close relation Katniss decides she wants to connect with this boy but is blocked out by his walls. A girl with dreams of becoming an author and hunter has to chose between putting her future first or her love? If she can even call him that.

Later Katniss begins falling in love with a boy she was never meant to meet but can you always trust the internet? A story of a temperamental, genius who has a terrible sense of humour that makes him sound adorable and a girl with her future planned out but wants to experience the unknown and the hunger games - an international live action role play from various consoles. What if he's hiding something that could change his life and future? Life's a game for Katniss but one secret could be the cheat code that leads to game over.


Katniss pov

I never wanted to be here, its awkward enough as it is knowing our recent conflict.

I've been stuck with them for hours in her basement, and the only sound is their persistent voices and I can faintly hear Robbie Williams in the background, on the radio, singing 'angels'.

"And through it all, she offers me protection a lot of love and affection, whether I'm right or wrong-" his voice streams through the speakers and its the only thing keeping me calm.

I lean back and look away from the television which is currently showing 'The Capitol Report', before openly glaring at my friend, who is currently curled up with her boyfriend on the opposite couch. This is a regular occurrence for me, Johanna phones me every evening and pleas with me until I come over because she's lonely and bored. Once I drag myself down here I find that I'm not needed as her 'flavour of the month' is always there to comfort her. Luckily though today its only Blight, her neighbour and close friend. I bet she would chose him over me if she had too, she's done it before, and then when they something goes wrong and they fight or she breaks up with her man she comes running back and because I'm such a forgiving person, I let her. Unfortunately though I can't leave unless there is an emergency as its considered rude and immature, which I am definitely not.

A soft buzzing sound alerts me to Johanna's phone, which is on the glass coffee table situated in front of me. I stare at the phone in silence as it vibrates signalling a text. The thought of who is texting her worries me often. She's given her number to a variety of people, even those that she met online and rather than being a cautious friend, Blight is dismissive over everything in her life because apparently some things are meant to be kept personal and she has the right to keep secrets from him. I guess relationships have changed because when I was younger people took them much more seriously especially me, not that I have any secrets though. Welcome to the new age.

After a moment the phone stops buzzing but seconds later the noise has been replaced with her ringtone indicating that someone's calling her. I sit patiently and tap my fingers against the armrest of the chair, uncomfortable with the situation.

Clearing my throat I speak up, "Hey Jo, I think someone's calling you". She deliberately ignores me and snuggles closer to Blight sending a wink in my direction. I watch forcing a smile when Blight glances at me, his light brown hair is gently mussed as their sitting curled up on the couch while she runs her fingers through his hair to unnerve me. I hate her because its working. He lifts his chin off her head and mouths 'You okay? Do you want me to get you a drink?'. I smile again gritting my teeth before she moves her head back so he can kiss her cheek.

I sit disgusted at their behaviour, I've never been good with public displays of affection because some people don't know their limits but fortunately Blight is the exact opposite and doesn't seem to favour Johanna being flirtatious towards him either. While Johanna urges him to kiss her wherever they go, he tries to settle her with a peck on her cheek as if it were a promise that better was yet to come and then he would hold her hand. So far its worked.

They both seem to be deliberately ignoring it as they playfully argue and she laughs while he pulls her closer and whispers in her ear.

"Johanna" I repeat losing my patience "Either pick up the phone or turn the damn thing off, I'm trying to watch a movie". She continues to ignore me and it feels as if the sound's getting louder. As I sit and watch them, my movie forgotten, I grab a lock of my dark brown hair and twirl it around my finger, tugging viscously as time passes. Usually I'm a very patient person but I'm currently preparing for exams and I haven't had dinner so who knows what I'm capable of.

Deciding to ignore them I turn my attention back to the television to see Caeser Flickerman - the host - and his counterpart Claudius Templesmith talk about taking a video game and making it become some form of live action role play, which surprisingly doesn't sound that bad. I lean forward listening to every word as they explain how they are going to use weapons and create realistic scenery. Just as I'm beginning to relax Jo loudly laughs, the noise echoing throughout the room.

I quietly groan in despair, I'm never going to get to watch this film. Out of the corner of my eye I see Blight whisper in Jo's ear before pushing himself from the chair and jogging upstairs to get my drink. Scowling at the her as she watches him leave whilst making inappropriate comments, I quickly reach out and snatch her phone from the coffee table while she's oblivious. I could keep it and she wouldn't even know, just shows how smart she is. I quickly slide my thumb across the screen on the phone before reading the name next to the symbol of a phone; Hawthorne.

I mentally curse, there's only one Hawthorne I know. What is he doing? He promised me he wouldn't call her, boys are just as bad as girls... maybe even worse. It would be so much easier if everyone just listened to each other. Pressing the button on the side of the phone, I turn down the volume before sliding my thumb across the screen to decline the call and sigh in relief at the peace. I'm such a nice person, saving her relationship to let her continue to be free with as many men as she pleases, not that she cares. Just as I'm about to put her phone back I remember someone texted her; he did most likely.

Against my better judgement I go to her messages and press on her most recent text, to see I was right.

This time I don't hide it and I groan out loud earning a confused and curious look from Jo who still seems oblivious to me being on her phone. I shrug and shake my head in response while she raises an eyebrow clearly not understanding my gestures but that doesn't matter. Focusing my gaze back on the phone I read his message.

Gale: HEllo You, Amazing REtro YOUth FREElance TONIGHT, did you see?

I mentally curse and roll my eyes at the thought of Gale typing this message, pretending to remind her to meet a young, recently hired teacher. He may be smart and good with snares but he's not very creative so its easy to see what he was asking her; Gale: Hey, are you free tonight?

She better not be. Tapping my fingers against a cushion on the couch I close the text and switch off her phone. Putting it back on the table before I lean backwards and rub my palm against my forehead.

A loud sigh reminds me of my company and I drop my hand back to my side before looking to see Jo with a bored expression. She tilts her head slightly in my direction, "Katniss you know you can go if you want to" she says slowly.

"No, its okay" I lie and try to occupy myself with the TV.

"You might as well brainless" she continues and smiles amused by my distress, as I shift my gaze back to her "its obvious your uncomfortable so save us the hassle". Why does she know me so well? I hate it.

"Fine" I huff pushing myself off the couch and I grab the remote to mute the television, not like there's any point in listening anymore. I throw it at her in anger which makes her laugh only annoying me further.

"Why do you even bother with him? I mean he isn't even your type" I state crossing my arms over my chest.

She watches me before smiling, a determined glance in her eye, "I know he isn't much Katniss, but he is from home".

I stare silently unable to respond, what does she mean? To chose someone close to home, expecting their actions rather than someone far away who's perfect but she can't suffer the distance. Is it better to chose someone you know who's reliable, isn't that just being on the safe side, a friend or a love interest? This is why relationships are terrible, they make everything confusing so you can't make sense of it all. I'd prefer to keep my thoughts intact and if that meant to stay single then so be it. Acting on instinct I swiftly turn around.

Mumbling a 'goodbye' to them both as I grab my handbag and lean down to put on my trainers. Why do I even bother. I quickly tie my laces before jogging up the stairs and leaving their house in a hurry, desperately trying to get away. Why does this keep happening to me?

"Don't worry about my drink Blight" I call as I pass the kitchen in a hurry.

"But-" I slam the front door shut and block his protest, not in the mood to converse with anyone. Since when is Jo sentimental.

I speed walk through the town and pass the marketplace until after 10 minutes I've reached my destination. I take a moment to calm my breathing before crossing the street to the cottage. Not many people live in this area as the school's quite far away and is only for merchant kids. Never mind that theirs beggars on every street some too ill to even ask for spare change. Its sick, especially the mothers who have a number of children when they can't provide for themselves. I'm never having children, this world's too cruel and I wouldn't allow them to suffer for a minute let alone a lifetime.

Ignoring the glances my way I continue toward my family home when I her a quiet scream followed by laughter. Looking back I notice in the distance a girl with a pale complexion - unlike those who live hear - who looks as if she was trying to cross the meadow and got stuck at the fence. Reluctantly I continue past my house and run across the hill until I'm near the fence. She continues to giggle and doesn't seem to have noticed me as I approach until she turns by accident and sees me.

"Hey" she calls waving. "I'm stuck! Can you help?" she says in-between laughs.

I slowly nod as I walk over to her cautious of who she is "How are you stuck?" I ask knowing that I should of at least said 'hello' back.

Smiling she motions to her blonde hair that is tangled up in the fence "My hair got caught, I don't think it was a good idea to leave it down" she answers lowering her voice once i'm in front of her. Her blue eyes show innocence and youth, something most people here lack. They sparkle with happiness despite the situation she's in. Something that confuses me.

"What's so funny?" I question as my fingers begin to untangle her hair from the metal. Thankfully it isn't on otherwise she's likely to have been electricity trying to free herself.

"I don't know. I just came to explore, for some excitement and I didn't expect this; one moment I was watching the sunrise and next I was turning around but was jerked back by my hair. This isn't how I usually meet people" she replies as I finish freeing her from the uneven edges of the metal.

"Thanks" she says graciously as I nod. "I thought I was going to be stuck here forever" she says dramatically whilst using her hand to smooth her hair down. I smile in response even though I know only few people come here so her statement is painfully true well it would have been if I didn't hear her.

After a moments she pouts sadly and I follow the movement of her eyes as she glances downwards, past a creamy dress and down to a pair of pristine white shoes with heals. They have traces of dirt, evidence of scuffing but they are still clearly expensive in comparison to my brown hunting boots.

"What's wrong?" I ask curiously as if I feel compelled to get to know her.

She quickly shakes her head and glances up, a smile forming of her face. "Nothing, don't worry" she replies but goes on to tell me "my family makes shoes so i'm not used to them being tampered with in any way. It doesn't really bother me but family traits you know?". I'm thankful she doesn't make a comment on how my boots look as I can imagine what her parents would think.

"Yeah" I mummer in agreement, I feel the same way about my sister except the majority is when someone interferes with her wellbeing or education. She doesn't deserve any stress or problems.

"Oh... sorry!" she jumps startled "you were doing something, I didn't mean to distract you but... thanks, I'm Delly" she says holding her hand out in invitation. Unaccustomed to meeting someone as friendly as her I slowly lift my hand and shake hers offering her a small smile.

The girl; Delly, looks about 17 and along with her age she has some sort of childlike innocence as if nothing could bring her down, I admire her for it.

"Katniss and don't worry about it but I guess I should get back to my friend" I reply as I pull away.

"Who?" she asks wonder evident in her voice.

"A boy" I say hesitantly as I begin to walk away.

"Is he cute?" she says arching an eyebrow with mock interest, as her lips twitch upward earning a small chuckle from me.

I stop, realization striking me as she may have misinterpreted my reply, "I don't know" I say pathetically. "He's my friend, a close one so no... I guess, anyway I'm sorry but now I do have to go" I state sudden wanting to leave as soon as possible, uncomfortable with talking about Gale this way "bye" I call over my shoulder as I continue home.

"Bye Katniss" her gentle voices calls in reply as I cross the street. I jog up the stairs whilst trying to avoid tripping on all the possessions and boxes that litter the steps. Why did they even make stairs? Then I unlock my door and go inside.

"What the hell was that?!" a voice yells as I shut the door then put the keys back in my pocket and walk into the living room. I lean against the door frame as I watch him play Catching Fire on his game console. Crumbs and empty snack packs litter the floor around the couch and his leaning forward, so he's closer to the TV and console as if it were going to help him in any way. He's as smart as he is messy. Its unsettling to think that any one could walk in and he wouldn't even know, that's just one reason why I can't wait for him to move out. I clear my throat to alert him to my presence.

"Oh hey Katniss" he says dismissively glancing at me so quickly that if I blinked I would have missed it. Typical, Gale only stays here because i'm his friend and besides he prefers staying off-site and using my house as a get away when he wants to relax and have fun without his annoying relatives or mother panicking about his location.

"Hi" I mummer. Its still slightly awkward with the tension between us but I guess it just take me longer to come to terms with what he did, or caused to happen. "Where's Prim?" I ask cautious of her whereabouts.

"She's out" he answers shortly eyes focused intently on the screen "with some girl and her friend, Rue I think it was".

"Why are you here so early? I'm right here are you blind, quit trying to kill me your on my team!", he says raising his voice near the end so I assume he was talking to another player.

"Oh um Johanna and I-" I pause and glance out the window watching the cars leaving as a distraction, was that a fight? Or maybe just as misunderstanding? "we had a spout".

"Why does she even bother telling you to come over if your gonna sit there while she has her mouth investigated by Dr Hots?" he asks referring to Blight, who's trying to become a doctor but doesn't seem to be doing too well. Unlike my brother, he spends most of his time going to exhibitions and museums which aren't very interesting, at least in my opinion.

"I'm not sure, I heard its what friends do but don't quote me on that", I say watching as his fingers move quickly and the sound of him clicking the buttons fill the air. I stare for a few seconds longer before I hear the sound of his phone ringing from his room. Damn those electronics.

He nods his head before speaking again but this time I know he's addressing his partner, "Hang on someone's calling me".

"Dude-" I hear a deep voice complain before Gale interrupts again.

"I'll be back in a sec, don't kill me while I'm gone" he says quickly before throwing his controller and headset on the opposite side of the couch and rushing into his room - the guest room. Slowly my eyes travel back to the screen and I listen as the sound of gun shots blast through the speakers before the voice talks again.

"Gale, hurry up, theirs - what do you call that? Are you kidding me!" I listen to the deep voice who must be shouting at his screen and without realising it I've moved so I'm next to the couch. The voice lures me in and I slowly lower myself onto the couch. Its as if an unrecognisable and invisible force is pulling me towards this game even though I've never enjoyed watching people kill each other for enjoyment, despite it not being real and just graphics. I'm not sure whether I should feel threatened or intrigued by it.

Without hesitation I reach over and grab the controller and adjust the headset so that it fits perfectly.

"Hawthorne are you there, where are you? Are you done! This isn't funny we're dying here! Come on man" he yells and a feel a shiver run involuntarily through me before I press the button to continue the game and speak whilst trying to learn the controls. What could go wrong?

"Yeah" I say easily as I move to get more comfortable, "I'm here".


New book! Hope you enjoyed this! Please leave a review! I appreciate it. I worked really hard on this! (Longest chapter for any book I've wrote) :)