"The true story of seven strangers picked to live in a house, work together, and have their lives taped to find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real."
Chapter One
"Are you serious? Please tell me this isn't some sick joke?"
"We are one hundred percent serious Miss Everdeen. You have just been selected to be apart of this season of MTV's 'The Real World'. Are you excited?"
This is ridiculous, this isn't real life, this cannot actually be happening. I'm having a hard time hearing the words coming out the woman's mouth on the other line. I've just been given the opportunity to be apart of something that would have otherwise never been possible for a girl like me. And for some idiotic reason I can't even form the words to tell the lady that yes I'm excited.
So instead I say, "Where are we going?"
With a light hearted laugh the woman replies, "You're gonna be joining up with six other people in New York City and you need to be at the airport in two hours so I hope you can pack quickly."
I have two seconds to process what she's saying as she explains that my plane ticket was just emailed to me before she hangs up.
This is insane. It still hasn't clicked that I'll be going to New York for four months. Well me and six strangers, but I really couldn't give a crap about the roommates. This is exactly what I needed. A way to get out of my small town in Grafton, West Virginia, population: 5,000.
Growing up I was adopted by my uncle Haymitch, and to say we scraped by was an understatement. Haymitch worked the coal mines and did what he could to feed me but I still missed out on all the things that were otherwise detrimental to most teenage girls. Senior prom? No way. Dream college? Not a chance. Boyfriend? Yeah right. I got my ass a job at the age of 14 and worked my hardest just to make sure I could get into the local community college. I didn't have time to worry about boys, or the high school drama. I was focusing on making sure my little sister, Prim, got to have the life she deserved.
The Real World was going to allow me four months to find a steady job in New York City and finally get out. I had no idea where we would be going when I sent in my audition tape, that was part of the deal, but I did know that wherever we went I would be setting roots down there. I loved Haymitch more than anything but I needed to get Prim and me out of Grafton. There was nothing but dirt and memories there and the memories weren't even ones worth remembering.
For the last two years I had been living on my own approximately 10 minutes away from Haymitch and Prim. It had only been a year since I graduated college but I still hadn't found a job that I enjoyed doing. I was currently working at the local bank and the amount of hate I had for that job was enough to fuel the fires of hell for at least a year.
By the time I finished packing I had just enough time to drive by Haymitch's and say goodbye. Summer break had just began so I knew Prim would be home. The house I grew up in was small but cozy. One story and painted a nice light green. Prim always made sure there were fresh flowers planted and the grass was watered. Our neighborhood wasn't fancy by any means but we all took pride in our homes and knew the meaning of hard work.
It was ridiculously hot out so I made quick work to tie my hair back as I walked inside.
"Prim! Are you here? I have some news for you."
I listened for the tell-tale signs of my sister and sure enough her long legs came out from the kitchen.
"Katniss? I thought you had work? What's the news?" She asks as she turns her slender neck towards the small fan on the side table.
"I did have work but something came up. I just found out I was picked to be on the Real World. Remember how I sent an audition tape in a few months ago? They finally contacted me."
Prim raises her perfectly plucked eyebrows and looks at me like I've just told her she has a second head and then starts the questions, "WHAT? Are you serious Kat? This is unbelievable! I am so jealous. When do you leave? Where are you going? Oh my God I can't believe this happening! You need to pack!"
I give her a minute to collect herself before I reply, "Trust me, I'm just as shocked as you. We're going to New York City and I have to be at the airport in 30 minutes, that's why I came over. To say goodbye."
My little sister begins to flap her hands nervously and tears fill her eyes, "You're leaving now?"
There's a shrill panic to her voice that squeezes my stomach. It breaks my heart having to leave her for such a long time but I know it will all be worth it.
I place my hands on her shoulders and look at her sternly, "It's just 4 months Prim. I even think I have enough money saved up to fly you up for a visit if you would like? I'm pretty sure the show would let you stay in the house for a few days. That would be fun right?"
Her eyes widen at the thought of this, "That would be so awesome. I would get to meet all the roommates! And we could go explore the City! Dammit, too bad I'm only 17, I won't be able to go to the clubs."
"Damn right you won't be going to the clubs," I say as I pull her into a tight hug.
I can hear her sniffles and I know how hard this is going to be for both of us. We've never gone longer than a day without seeing each other.
"I'll call every day Duck. I promise. This is going to be good. Maybe I'll finally be able to get us out of this shithole of a town."
Prim pulls back and hastily wipes the tears from her cheeks, "I'm gonna miss you so much Kitty."
I smooth her hair down and head back for the door, "Tell Haymitch I'll miss and that I'm sorry I couldn't say goodbye. I love you Prim. Be good."
Prim follows me to the door, "I love you too Katniss."
"Don't forget to call!" She yells as I get in the car and head for the airport.
Once I get to the airport the stress of what I'm actually doing kicks in. I've always been an overly anxious person. Constantly worrying about things and I was never great at making friends so the idea of being thrown into a house with six strangers terrifies me. I decide I'm just going to lay low. I've watched the show and I know how things work. There's always the pair that automatically couples up and stays in a relationship throughout the remainder of the show. Then you have the pair that has a friends with benefits deal where they hook up every night but keep things casual. Then you have the person who brings home a new person every night. You also have the person who starts drama over everything. Lastly, you have the pair with a shit tone of sexual tension but they constantly try to ignore it due to a girlfriend or boyfriend back home. I'm sure this season will be no different but I'm making it my mission to be the person who goes utterly unnoticed.
The flight to New York is bumpy and it's one hour of uninterrupted time for me to get nervous. I know that once I land there will probably be another roommate so that we can go to the house together. I can't help wondering what this person is going to be like. Will it be a girl or a boy? Will they be outgoing or shy like myself? What if we don't find each other and they leave without me in the car that's supposed to take us to the house?
My questions are cut short as the plane comes in for the touch down. I hustle to baggage claim because if I'm honest with myself, the whole being stranded in the airport scenario scares me more than it should. I've only got one large suitcase and one duffle bag which in reality isn't a lot for a four month visit.
Once I've got my bags collected I search the airport for someone holding a sign or something to hint that they are with MTV. After five minutes of panicking I find a driver holding a sign that reads "Real World Roommates: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark". I have no idea who Peeta is or whether or not they're female or male because when I reach the driver I'm the first one there.
"Hello Miss Everdeen. I'm Seneca, I'll be the driver for you and Mr. Mellark."
He's a handsome man with a fancy beard and sharp icicle blue eyes. I shake his hand and we both stand awkwardly as we wait for this elusive "Mr. Mellark" to show up.
After about fifteen minutes of standing I start to get tired and a little annoyed. Did this Peeta guy miss his flight or is he purposely taking his good old time to get here? When I'm about ready to sit down on the floor I spot a young man jog up to Seneca and myself.
"Hey guys! Wow I'm so sorry. I couldn't find my baggage claim and I was wondering around the airport like a chicken with it's head cut off. I hope I didn't keep you waiting. My name's Peeta," He says as he extends his hand to me.
At first I'm stunned silent by his openness and then I take in his appearance. He's very attractive, there's no denying it. He's of medium build, probably 5'11, and his wide shoulders taper into a narrow waist. His hair is a delicious blonde mess of curls. Some pieces lay flat while others stick out and I can't help but want to smooth it all down. It's his eyes that get me though. They're a warm sapphire blue fringed with long brown lashes. He has a welcoming look and I can't help but feel a little more relaxed around him.
I extend my hand and shake his much larger one, "It's no problem. Nice to meet you Peeta Mellark. I'm Katniss Everdeen. I suppose I'm one of your roommates for the next four months."
His smile widens to reveal a dimple on his left cheek as he eagerly accepts my handshake, "Nice to you meet you too Katniss Everdeen. Are we going to be doing a full name thing the whole time or should I call you something else? Kat? Everdeen? Kit Kat?"
My cheeks redden as I hastily pull my hand back and wipe my sweaty palm on my jeans, "Just Katniss, please."
Peeta bends down to grab my duffel bag as he follows Seneca to the car, "Just Katniss it is then. I gotta say Just Katniss, I think you and I are gonna have a lot of fun in these next four months."
As he throws my bags in the trunk and we take our seats next to each other I can't help but hope that he's right.
Author's Note:
Hey Guys! this is my first fanfic that I'm trying to be serious about. I'm aware that my writing isn't the greatest but this idea came to me and I was really eager to do it. If you don't know what "The Real World" is, it's a reality show on MTV where seven roommates are chosen to live together for a few months while they just live their lives out on camera. It's always super drama filled and steamy and I can't wait to introduce the other roommates. I don't have a beta so I'm sure there a plenty mistakes, I just ask for you to bear with me and I'll try to catch all I can. Any who, please review and tell me what you think!
Much Thanks!:)
