Free Falling
So we, CloveandNiall and Silent Wolf singer decided to write a story together. Unlike our original stories we created a futuristic version of the college scenario. It would be the college you wished to go too in the Capitol twist and fashion.
Pairings: Katniss/Peeta, Madge/Gale, Clove/ Cato, Glimmer/Marvel, Johanna/OC, Finnick/OC, OC/OC, possibly a love/hate relationship between Haymitch and Effie.
Disclaimers: Do not own the Hunger Games character…but Bridget, Avril, and the DVD.
Panem Capitol University: Dedicated foundations of the arts, sciences, and politics than any university in North America. Join Katniss and the gang as they enter the futuristic college life of Panem full with Drama, Humor, and downright crazy events.
Warning: PCU doesn't correspond to the concept of an actual college in reality.
Rated T: may contain sex references, uses of explicit language, drug innuendo, strong crude/suggestive humor, mature/political themes, moderately long horror moments, and/or moderate action violence. Come on, this is college we're talking!
Chapter 1: Welcome to College
Katniss POV
When I woke up, the other side of the bed felt warm. My fingers stretched out, to find Prims warmth's feeling her soft golden curls entangle my fingers. Last night she wanted to spend the night together before it was our last day together until the holiday. It was a good and bad feeling since I got accepted to Panem Capitol University.
Panem Capitol University was one of the elite colleges in the entire North America colleges. Though it wasn't like Harvard, Yale, Prinston, or MIT, it was a school dedicated to the arts, sciences, and politics. Believing in the ancient philosophy of Grecian times. You practically had to sign an application when you turn twelve and continued on it until you turn eighteen. In fact, only twenty-four scholarships are given each year for the past seventy-five years. The reaping, as many kids called it, for a raffle in going to the finest school. After the end of four or more years of learning, one of the twenty-four students shall receives a recommendation into any business in the entire nation.
Prim won the reaping two years ago on her first reaping. But since she's so young, they have to wait until she graduated from school. Since now she was fourteen. For me, I was reaped last year out of many recommendations. For me on community service and hardworking I became tesserae. My name in the reaping forty times. It was a punch in the chest, for I was happy I could get an education but worry for my sister.
In a small town called District 12, was a mining town. A small somewhat poor area in North Carolina, that provided a lot of other town's coal. My father died eight years ago in a mining accident. His death shocked my mother so much she abandon us mentally when I was eleven. I had to be man of the house sort to say and feed my family. It was lucky our cabin was in the woods and I had license to hunt. It wasn't until I was fifteen my mother snapped out of it. But I won't forgive her so easily for abandoning us liked that.
But now I'm eighteen and going to the Capitol. The Capitol was located in the Rocky Mountains, practically isolated from other cities. The College faculty believed it was better to separate the student from outer world distraction and competition. There was a serious rivalry going on with PCU and a smaller private university called District 13. District 13 was dedicated to the sciences and government that it was decree to be an academy for military. Like Naval Academy, West Point, and Air force. Their mascot was the some hybrid bird called Mockingjay and sport team called The Rebels. Unlike PCU who had the Jabberjays for a mascot and teams called Tributes and Peacekeepers. In fact, in the past there was a serious rivalry called the Dark days which ended with PCU as victors. I would find this melodramatic, but hey, they have the best education program than any school.
I popped myself up on one elbow to examine the room. Prim and I shared this room for the past thirteen years. On one side was girly with dolls, poster of boy bands, and pink accessories. While on the other was forest green, my hunting gear, and deer antlers hanging off the wall as trophy's. I heard a hissed coming from Prim's knee to see the world's ugliest cat. Prim named it Buttercup, for its muddy mush yellow fur while its face mashed, issuing a year, an eyes a rotten squash. I hatted that damn cat that I tried to drown it a few times, even shoot it if Prim didn't begged to spare that things life and keep it as a pet.
So getting out of bed, I changed into a pair of old jeans, a black shirt, and slide into my hunting boots. The train won't be here until two O'clock, so I wanted to spend as much time as I can prepare and spending time with Prim as much as possible. As she sleeps, I checked my duffle bag to check I have everything. The Capitol and PCU was all expense paid and actually gives money to the student. Though dormitory was expensive, I had to figure out on living expenses. Madge was accepted to PCU and her dad who had leads that paid her tuition. She told about house renting. Anyway, we get assign a house filled with at least ten other people and give a small payment between scores from Private Sessions and sponsors. There are actual people who wanted to fund you to go to college.
So we sign up for living in a house and received an acceptance. Our room mates were Glimmer, Clove, Johanna, Bridget, and Avril. Anyway, I packed all my clothes, shoes, and small accessories. PCU announced we can bring a token from our home town. I haven't picked out a token yet.
"Here," Prim yawned as she handed me a small pin. It was a golden Mockingjay pin with an arrow through it. I remember getting her it two years ago from the Hob. The market woman said it was a Mockingjay and I told Prim as long as she had it, nothing bad would happen to her.
"Thank you," I said taking the pin.
"Are you excited?" Prim asked.
"A bit nervous," I told her.
"I know you can do it," she said. "Just try to come home."
She was practically in tears. I hugged her as we rocked a bit. Rumor has it that not many of the student ever comeback. My old best friend and hunting partner Gale Hawthorne got accepted to District 13 and hardly return except in the summer. It broke his mother Hazelle heart even though she was happy for him in getting accepted.
"I promise I'll come back." I told her. "And I'll write letters and call okay?"
"Okay," Prim replied.
I sighed and sang her an old folk song 'Deep in the meadow.' This soothed her down until it was time to get out of bed and face the day. I decided to go hunting one last time as Prim came along to collect wild flowers. She has a hobby for book pressed flowers. When we returned laughing and giggling, mom was awake with lunch.
"I picked something out for you," Mom said.
I paused looking at Prim before standing up. "Okay."
I took a quick bath, cleaning myself thoroughly before coming back in my room to find moms old blue dress on the bed.
"Are you sure?" I asked. I tried passing rejection offered from her.
"Of course. Let me put your hair up too," she said. I put on the dress and let her braid my hair. I could hardly recognize myself from the cracked mirror. "There, now you're pretty."
"I wish I was pretty." Prim said from the couch.
"No," I said sitting down next to her. "I wish I was beautiful as you. But you got to tuck in that tail little duck." As I reached behind her to tuck in her shirt, instead of having a tail.
"Quack," she giggled.
"Quack yourself," I chuckled. "Come on let's eat."
After we finished our lunch we headed off to the train station. There we found Madge and her father at the platform. Madge saw me and waved "Catnip!"
My real name is Katniss; though when I met Gale the first time he missed heard me and thought my name was Catnip. I corrected him countless times, but the name stick with me along with Madge calling me that. I gave Madge a high-five before turning to face my family. Only three minutes left until it was college. I hug Prim and tell her to stay strong and that if she needed extra money, she can sell her goats milk. Then I looked at my mother, I tell her to never leave Prim mentally again no matter what happens. She said she won't but I doubt it. With one more hug and kiss, Madge and I boarded the train.
.o0o.
After a two day ride on the train we reached the Capitol. I was shocked to see the difference between here and other cities. This place was magnificence's from the glistening building that were in rainbow hues that tower the air. Shiny cars that rode down through paved roads. But what i find ridicules as the strange outfits people wear, along with bizarre hair, painted faces, and shoes.
"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore?" I said aloud.
Madge chuckled in agreement. "Well, they are known for the fashion industry."
I nodded as Madge haled a taxi to take us to PCU. He asked where and we gave him the address to our house 451 Victors Village, Capitol that was on 74th avenue. In less than ten minutes we were at our new house. Madge paid the drive and we stared in awe at the house we are about to live in. It was a three story Contemporary house. The walls painted an ivory color while trimmed in dark blues, and grey tile roof. There was a girl on the porch reading a book on a swing. We walked up to her and notice she was reading Divergent.
She looked different compare to the other students since we got here. She seemed about my height with fair skin, short caramel hair and wore plain clothing. On her grey shirt was some white chubby cartoon figure wearing a chef's hat with words saying above 'POKE ME AND DIE!'
"Um, excuse me," Madge said.
The girl looked up with green eyes. "Yeah?"
"Is this the Star Squad house?" Madge asked.
It took her a moment before a huge smile spread on her face. She set her book down and stood. "Yes, this is the Star Squad house. You two must be the new roommate? My name is Bridget Lockehurst. Finally you two showed up! I've been here for a week wondering if I have any roommates."
"My names Madge Undersee," Madge introduce while shaking Bridget hand. "And here is my friend Katniss Everdeen. We're from a small town called District 12."
"Nice to meet ya, I'm from New Jersey, was station in Lakehurst before coming here." Bridget said.
"Station?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm a military brat." Bridget said sheepishly while rubbing her neck. "Spent a years of community college before getting transfer here. So are you on a tribute scholarship or got accepted?"
"Accepted," Madge answered.
"Tribute scholarship," I answered.
"Cool," Bridget said. "Hey let's get inside and find you a room. "Clove, Glimmer, Johanna, and Avril haven't showed up yet. You guys are lucky to miss the tour with the house manager. Effie Trinket was annoying; you would probably barf from all the pink she wore. The rules are simple, no major damages to the house like burning it to the ground or exploding it. No changing the interior unless given permission. House must stay clean or decent during inspection, and limitation on frat parties."
Madge and I nodded as we walked into the house to be utterly shocked by the interior. It was completely modernized with bit of sheik into the foundation. As the color scheme were warm with creams, beige, tan, gold, and other soft colors. The floors were wood with a few rugs, curtains white, and glass walls in certain area were there was an entire wall that had a waterfall. We walked up to the second floor and Bridget let Madge and I choose our room. We found two rooms; Madge's room had a French and country twist that seemed relaxing with casual elegance of green and cream color palette. It was like a suit that was divided by a limestone archway that cream curtain separated it as the siting room was cozy. Just looking out the window to show the manmade lake.
I chose the bedroom next door and awe at the design. The walls were painted in vibrant green, furniture painted white, Décor in crystals and class, as a full size four post bed next to the wall that had drapes. It reminded me of the forest. As on wall was a mural of the evergreen forest.
"They took our resumes and decorated the house to our taste." Bridget said as she leaned against the door. "I wanted to see if you can find your rooms. You should see Glimmers room it's very…sparkly. My room is next door, don't be afraid to come and asked me any questions. There's an application on your desk, the school requires it so they can know what your schedule is. Also the Opening Ceremony is tomorrow. Its tradition here and we have to dress up. Our stylist will come by tomorrow to do a fitting."
"Why?" I asked.
"Just tradition," Bridget shrugged. "Its how people get to know you along with Sponsors. This school is serious in being the best of the best. We're like second after Oxford University. Don't worry, you'll like Cinna. He just graduated from PCU and is a member of the schools fashion committee."
"Okay?" I said a bit uncomfortable. I read the templates about the many customs that this city had. About their fashion, arts, and politics, but I never thought they took it literally. "Can I see your room?"
"Sure," Bridget said. We go next door and enter her bedroom. Just walking in was "Wow," I said walking in to find a change of a sunset. Her room was big as mine as the walls painted lavender, representing the color of twilight scheme, along with a clean canvas to traditional white furnishings, bold accessories and silver accents. Water washed white bed in the corner with strands of light hung around. Also towards the balcony where a tree stands next to as they took view of the lake and mountains.
"Yeah," Bridget breathed. "I could live here all my life."
"What about home?" I asked.
Bridget shrugged. "My parents got station again in Portsmouth; my kid brother is with them while my sister is living in New York. And it's amazing what technology can do these days."
I nodded when I noticed another car coming in through the driveway.
Two girls came out talking random things as they carry their stuff into the house. Bridget excused herself to show our roommate around. I nodded and walked back into my room and sat down on my bed. How soft the large bed felt though firm as well. Along with the many pillows decorated in vines of plenty. I asked for a room that reminded me of the forest. Whoever decorated this was very skilled.
The door open an hour later as Madge enter telling me that most of our roommates arrived and wanted to meet us. We walked down stairs to find three girls, two of them I saw earlier. The first girl I see was tall, with emerald eyes and flowing blond hair; that you can only describe her beautiful. The second girl who accompanies her was slightly smaller. She appeared strong, healthy, and brawny and fit, with dark brown hair that she kept in a high ponytail. Out of the two, the third girl seemed older than us, probably twenty or so, having wide-set brown eyes and spiky hair.
"Hi, I'm Glimmer," The blonde girl spoke out first happily.
"The name's Clove," the second girl replied a bit lofty. I could tell she and I won't be good friends already.
"Johanna Mason," The last older girl replied.
"Katniss Everdeen," I replied back.
"And my name's Madge Undersee," Madge added.
Johanna nodded, "So I guess that's the rest of us in this house then."
Bridget came into the room with a phone in hand. She looked worried but responded into the receiver in hush voiced. She sighed and hangs up. "Not quite, Avril Rose missed her flight. She won't be here till late in the Ceremony. Hope that won't deduct points off her?"
"Whatever," Johanna said with a shrug as she sat on the couch and placed her feet on the table. "So what now, I ain't doing girly stuff?"
"Same here," Clove agreed joining Johanna on the couch.
Glimmer shook her head and told Madge and I she was from District one, city outside of L.A. Clove was from District 2 a city in the Cheyenne Mountain. Johanna lived in a small lumbering county known as District 7 that was on the borderline of Canada. Seems we have something in common, we live in an area that called Districts with a number…except Bridget. Glimmer was really provocative. One of those girls who were spoiled and claimed tittle of queen bee in high school; having men around her. Wouldn't be surprised if she was; prom queen or head cheerleader. Madge told her we're from District 12 in North Carolina. Glimmer didn't take much interest after hearing it was a mining industry.
With nothing to do I sat on the couch when all of the sudden a woman with a scary white grin, pinkish hair, and a spring green suit. Guess that would be Effie Trinket, by how Bridget groaned and hide in the kitchen. The woman seemed young though couldn't tell by the clown makeup she wore. What is it with the people here in the capitol?
"Welcome, welcome, I'm Effie Trinket owner of the house if not your escort for the year." Effie said in a heavy accent. She walked up to Madge and kissed her on the cheek. Whoa, no personal space for this woman. "You are in for a treat!"
Bridget came out with a tray full of sweats and pitcher of lemonade. She set it on the coffee table and handed a glass to Effie. Effie smile happily to her. "Why thank you Bridget. I'm sure you been a good host to our guest?"
Bridget didn't say anything as she took a seat farther away from the crazy woman. Wonder what could have happen while Bridget was here for the first week here?
"Now on to business," Effie said. "The time has come to you courageous young women for the honor of representing yourselves in Panem Capitol University!"
Glimmer and Clove seemed excited as well as Madge to be here. Johanna and Bridget just stared and nodded while I sat there confused. I don't know how I'm going to survive this place. Maybe I should have made an application for another college. Not this mad world of fashion and drama.
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So what do you all think?