A/N: Hey all, here's chapter 2. I hope you all are liking this story, because I'm really excited about it. I've gotten some pretty good feedback on here, Ao3, and Tumblr, so I'm really excited about how this is coming along. You can follow me on Tumblr at catching-dandelions for more updates and news regarding myself, and my stories, if you would like.
"No, you have to play this cord…like this—" I take the guitar from Gale and set it in my lap, running my fingers along the six strings. "This—" I say, moving along and stringing the G chord, "—is what you want for the sound that we're looking for." I hand him back the guitar and he slings the strap around his shoulders. "Other than that, it'll sound out of place and- are you even paying attention to me?" I ask, placing my hands agitatedly on my hips. I follow his stare and turn around, facing the television, and catch what he's looking at.
Effie Trinket, the same reporter from last night, with her trill voice and lavish features, prattles on about last nights occurring events. "Last night sure was interesting, to say the least, as 'The Muse' held their last concert before their tour boots up next week," she begins, the pace of her words picking up significantly. "But what they didn't expect? A surprise visit from none other than 'The New Romantics'. We can all assume that this was no ordinary visit to enjoy the music, but rather a trist to placate their relationship." I roll my eyes and let out a puff of air before crossing my arms against my chest as the woman carries on with her story.
"There seemed to be a lot of drama that wasn't caught on camera that took place after Peeta Mellark called 'The New Romantics' out in the crowd. After being swiftly whisked away, Katniss Everdeen, lead singer of 'The New Romantics', followed by her band mates, were securely placed backstage, where they stayed for over an hour until the building cleared out. There are no reports of what went on inside during that time, but if it's any indication on how their altercation went, we have video footage of said bands leaving said club last night."
Effie Trinket's face disappears from the screen, replaced with, suddenly, myself, angrily trailing behind Gale with my head towards the ground and my hand outstretched towards the camera as to ward off their unwanted broadcast. I watch myself shoved into the backseat of the black Sedan before the angle switches back to the door, where Peeta Mellark exits seemingly unscathed by the entire situation. His brother, Rye, followed by Finnick Odair all wear the same matching expressions as they smoothly make their way to their designated car. Peeta wears a smug grin as one of the reporters begins yelling at him-
"Peeta! Peeta Mellark! Tell us what happened! What is your involvement with Katniss Everdeen, Peeta? Tell us what happened!"
Peeta slowly lifts his hand to his mouth and removes the black, chewed up straw from his mouth before peering at the reporter from under his sunglasses, the undeniable smirk on his face broadening as he opens the door to the car, muttering a slew of words with his full drawl while leaning against the black, metal door.
"There's nothing to tell."
The television shuts off, and I turn around and find Gales eyes already trained on mine. "I would highly advise that you just completely ignore every word that comes out of his mouth. He's just seeking attention," he mutters, securing the guitar back around his shoulders. "Now, where were we?" he asks, a playful smile rising on his lips, causing me to shadow his features.
"Right," I mumble, shaking the nerves and minor irrational irritation from my body. "The song."
It's really a feeling that you can't put comparison to. The fleeting feeling in your chest before you walk out onto that stage in front of thousands of screaming fans; it's an indescribable revelation.
Although it's only a little past noon, and the sun is still set high in the California sky, the stage lights shimmer and shine brightly as the hang descended from the rafters above the stage. Peeking from behind the stage, I can just make out the crowds trickling in from all entrances. It's a pretty good set up, although there's a lot more security here due to the openness of the terrain, being it's a festival. And the first one of the tour, to be exact.
The heat of the day is unrelenting, and I find myself making frequent stops at the water table backstage. I feel someone's shoulder bump into mine and look up to find Gale staring down at me, wielding an anxious smile, and undeniable nervous demeanor.
"You nervous?" he asks, picking up a cup of ice water and chugging it down, only to squint his eyes and shake his head when he discovers he has given himself a brain freeze. I laugh at his blatant stupidity and he shoves my arm playfully. "It's not funny!"
"I think it's hilarious. Made me at least forget that I'm about to vomit everywhere," I add, and he blanches.
"Well, just don't throw up on me," he says.
"Who's throwing up on who?" I turn around to find Rory walking towards us with raised eyebrows and a confused look on his face. "Better not be throwing up one me."
Gale chuckles deeply and pats his brother on the back. "Oh don't you worry, Katniss is a professional. There will be no barfing as long as I have a say in it." I roll my eyes and take another drink of water as I watch a bead of sweat roll down Gale's forehead. I casually reach out and swipe it away with the back of my hand, and Rory makes a disgusted face. I'm sure he's about to make a remark before Gale speaks up.
"Come on, we've got to get to rehearsal before Haymitch has a heart attack," he says smoothly, patting my back before pushing me ahead of him.
"If he doesn't pass out drunk first," I add, and a smirk rises on his lips.
'That too," he smiles. "Come on, let's go."
Sound check has a whole stage in and of itself. It's on the opposite side of the the fairgrounds, hidden behind a vast amount of palm trees that tower above. It's only about a twenty minute walk from the main stage, but with more and more people arriving, Mitchell decided to escort us around the outside of the grounds in order to avoid any back up.
"Ah, there you kids are," Haymitch announces as we arrive. He wipes a layer of sweat from his forehead and set down his drink, clapping his hands together once. "Alright, Katniss, we've got the mic all set up for you, all you have to do it test it a couple of times," he motions to the mic at the front of the stage. "I'll be with these two for tuning and warm up. Once you're done, just hang tight." I nod my head and walk up to the mic.
It's a little comical when I think about it, the way I start singing, when all the while we're all alone with nobody to broadcast ourselves to. But I get a sense of serenity, and it's calming to be allowed even just a few minutes of allotted alone time before we get thrust into the hasty, crazy actions of the day.
I go through the motions; from testing my voice levels, to performing my straining, but necessary voice exercises that I learned in my lessons. I move up the scale, and back down, closing my eyes as I try to focus on the sound I need. And when I know I've got my vocal chords warmed up, I turn and give Haymitch a thumbs up, signaling that we can proceed with the sound check.
The ball of nerves at the bottom of my stomach doesn't go away.
I've never been this nervous in the entirety of my career. I've always been able to handle myself with seemingly no problems. But today, however, my body seems to be taking a toll on itself, and my constant state of anxiety doesn't let up.
I seem to be running on anxious fumes at this point, having probably rubbed holes in the soles of my shoes by the mount of distance I've paced back and forth this afternoon. I can't put my finger on why I'm so shaky, and nervous. I keep telling myself that it's just because of it being the first festival of the tour, but deep down, I know there's something else.
And the white hot heat of the day doesn't do anything to quell my aching body, sending streams of sweat down my back, causing my tight t-shirt to cling to my body.
I raise my arms up and attempt my breathing exercises to try and calm myself down. Breathing in, I raise my arms high above my head, clasping my hands together. This may look ridiculous to a bystander, but this exercise always does wonders on my ever thriving nerves. Exhaling, I slowly lower my arms to my sides, closing my eyes and repeating my ministrations three, four more time before I'm promptly interrupted.
"Nervous, Everdeen?" The voice behind me send icy chills down my spine, despite the Los Angeles heat beating down upon me. "You should be."
Slowly turning myself around, my grey eyes meet blue. Peeta Mellark stands closer than I anticipated, his head slightly cocked to the side as his lips curl up into that disgusting smirk, his too white teeth flashing a dazzling smile. His eyebrows are raised in amusement as he looks me up and down, head to toe, his eyes greedily raking over my body. His attempt to intimidate me does nothing, and we size each other up. He's like a hunter stalking his prey; except he's awfully mistaken. I'm not the prey.
"Mellark," I retort, trying not to let him see that I'm visibly shaking; furious. "And no, we're not nervous."
"Such a shame—" he quirks, taking a step closer to me. My body voluntarily shudders and I curse myself under my breath, taking a quick step back. "—You'd think you would learn by now, huh?"
"Learn what?" I ask, crossing my arms defensively over my chest. "That you're a dick? Sorry," I begin, sticking my hand up in front of me, my palm resting flat against his hard chest, keeping him from stepping any closer. "I already know." The light in his eyes diminishes and they grow dark, staring down at me with such intensity that the tension between our bodies couldn't be any thicker.
"Well, you're a piece of work, aren't you?" His voice lilts in a laugh, and the heat coursing through my veins causes me to shove him forward away from me. He stumbles back a couple of steps, but never loses his composure, his face never falling. People are staring now, and I can feel my heart thumping erratically out of my chest as I realize how publicly I've made a fool of myself.
My chest is heaving, and I'm trying to catch my breath when I hear a gruff voice angrily call me. "Everdeen." I turn my head and watch as Haymitch stalks towards me, an irritated expression written across his face. As he nears me, he grabs my upper arm in his rough hand and begins pulling me off of the back of the stage, and towards our trailer. He's pushing me to walk ahead of him, and I cringe when he roughly shoves me up the trailer steps, and slams the door behind him.
"Are you out of your mind?" he nearly screams, grabbing the wall for balance. My head is spinning, and I don't think it's from the heat this time. "Are you trying to get yourself kicked out of here?" It's a fair question, but it only causes me to feel anger.
"Did you not see what he was doing to me? He—"
"I don't give a damn who did what. The fact of the matter is, you openly shoved him in front of the other bands and staff. Are you trying to give yourself a bad name?" His voice is rough, and I feel shame beginning to flood my body.
"No, but—"
"Don't interrupt me," he demands, taking a step closer. Aggravation is clearly etched into his normally drunken features. "You are going to listen, and you are going to listen good." I nod my head slowly and look down at my shoes. "You are going to behave, do you hear me? You are going to behave, and you are going to put whatever the hell problems you have with Mellark behind you. I don't care how much he gets under your skin. When you are in public, you aren't only representing yourself, you're representing your band, and myself. And I won't stand for your stubborn, hard headed, and immature behavior. Do you understand me?" I shake my head reluctantly; I don't see that I have much of a choice.
"Look, kid. I'm not trying to be crude or anything, but you need to learn when, and when not to behave like a complete fool," he mutters, taking a deep breath. "So just…try and get along with him, alright? At the very least, keep up appearances in public."
I grit my teeth and crinkle my brows. "What if I can't?"
"Then you should embrace the probability of your imminent dismissal from this tour, and consider you and your band through." He's not messing around anymore; I know he's serious. If I can't learn to behave, he's going to have me forcible removed.
So I nod my head. "Okay, I'll try."
"That's all I ask—" he says, reaching out and patting me firmly on the shoulder. "—Now get out there kiddo, you've got a show to play."
"You ready?" Gale asks, walking to stand behind me, rubbing my shoulders with his strong, callused hands. The guitar strung across his chest presses into my back as he drags his hands down both my arms, spinning me around to face him. "You can do it. It's no different from any other concert."
"But it's our first festival, Gale. We have to make a good impression or—"
"Or…? Katniss, all of those people out there?—" he holds his hand towards the front of the stage, and although we are obstructed from the crowds view, their screams can still be heard from just a few feet away. "—aren't only here for all of the other bands. They're here for us, too. So take a deep breath, close your eyes, and relax. You're going to do perfect." I smile at his genuine friendliness, and lean into his hands that are still holding my arms.
"What would I do without you?" I ask, smiling up at him.
"Faint, probably." I laugh, because his hold on me has tightened significantly, and he's right. I would probably pass out if it weren't for him supporting me. "And—" he's cut off suddenly by the crowds intense screams, and I know that that means that 'The Muse's' show has just ended. I turn my head just in time to catch the light reflecting off of Finnick's guitar as he walks towards us.
"Good luck out there," he says with a smile, a hint of smugness written across his face as he lifts his eyebrows. "You'll need it." He doesn't give me a second glance as he walks past me, my head turning as he walks away.
As I turn back around, I catch Peeta's watchful eye as he walks off the stage, his dark burgundy t-shirt clinging to his slick with sweat body. He pushes the already rolled up sleeves even further up his arms, and my eyes deftly trail the heavily defined sinews of his muscles. I ball up my fists once I realize I've been staring, and it's only worse when our eyes meet, his knowing smirk wider than ever. One of his eyebrows quirk as he approaches me, not so gently shoving past me, his shoulder hitting mine.
It takes all of my willpower not to slap him.
"Good luck," he mutters, not even bothering to turn around and meet my hard stare as he walks away, disappearing behind the wall that separates the front of the stage and where I'm standing. I can feel my body trembling with hot frustration and I have to squeeze my eyes shut and bite my lip to keep from screaming out.
I feel a hand on my shoulder suddenly, and I turn around and meet Gale's eyes. "Hey—" he says, squeezing my shoulder reassuringly. "—Don't sweat it. Although I'm happy you didn't try and slap him this time—prick." I laugh and relax significantly.
"No, don't worry, Haymitch gave me a pretty stern warning. And I'm not surprised; I've been acting childish and erratic lately. I just— he just get's under my skin," I huff, running my hands through my loose curls.
"Don't worry about it. If we're lucky, on and off the stage is the only interaction you're ever going to have to have with him, okay?" He smiles down at me and I can't help but smile back. He leans down and presses his lips to the top of my head before patting my back and pushing me ahead of him. "Now come on, we have a show to perform."
I walk ahead of him, and Rory is already on the stage sitting behind the set of drums. Gale walks over to say something to him, and I take a deep breath before stepping out onto the stage. I put on my winning smile and wave to the crowd as I walk to center stage, picking up the microphone from the stand and removing it so I can have the freedom to walk around as I talk.
"Hey everyone," I begin, my mouth twitching up in a nervous smile. I survey the crowd carefully; there can't be any less than ten thousand people. "I'm Katniss Everdeen, and we are The New Romantics. I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out today, we appreciate it so much, and it's remarkable to be able to stand on this stage and perform for you," the crowds cheers roar in my ears; it's almost deafening as it echoes through my earpiece. "So with that being said, enjoy the show."
We always start our shows out the same way— our first single 'The New Romantics' is what we always open with, and what we have been doing so for a couple of years now. I grab the mic in both my hands before walking a circle, quickly glancing past me as to make sure Gale and Rory are ready. And when I'm sure they are, I stop center stage and begin the song we—along with the crowd— know so well.
We're all bored, we're all so tired of everything
We wait for trains that just aren't coming
We show off our different scarlet letters
Trust me, mine is better
We're so young but we're on the road to ruin
We play dumb but we know exactly what we're doing
We cry tears of mascara in the bathroom
Honey, life is just a classroom
'Cause, baby, I could build a castle
Out of all the bricks they threw at me
And every day is like a battle
But every night with us is like a dream
I throw my hands in the air momentarily as Rory increases the rhythm, building a steady beat up to the chorus. I throw my widest smile to the crowd before gripping onto the mic as if it were my life, throwing my head back in excited anticipation as I ready myself to sing the well known chorus.
Baby, we're the new romantics
Come on, come along with me
Heart break is the national anthem
We sing it proudly
We are too busy dancing
To get knocked off our feet
Baby, we're the new romantics
The best people in life are free
The crowds steady clapping to the beat is what keeps me going, what keeps me from losing my sanity. Their loud screams and cheers are slightly muffled by my ear piece, but I know they're excited. It's almost as if I can feel each and every one of their hearts beating out of their chest, as mine feels like it's going to explode. Pride washes over my entire body, winding it's way through my blood, as if the crowds screams are what's pumping through my veins, keeping me breathing.
We're all here, the lights and boys are blinding
We hang back, it's all in the timing
It's poker, he can't see it in my face
But I'm about to play my Ace
We need love, but all we want is danger
We team up then switch sides like a record changer
The rumors are terrible and cruel
But, honey, most of them are true
'Cause, baby, I could build a castle
Out of all the bricks they threw at me
And every day is like a battle
But every night with us is like a dream
It's nearing the end of the song and I can feel my body already giving out from exhaustion; and this is only the first song. The people in the audience begin singing along with me, which is one of my favorite parts about being on this stage— it's as if they're a part of this whole thing, too.
My whole body is shaking furiously as I move across the stage, back and forth, belting my voice as much as my throat can bear. I make my way over to Gale, quickly as I can, and begin singing to him and Rory, practically screaming at the crowd.
Baby, we're the new romantics
Come on, come along with me
Heart break is the national anthem
We sing it proudly
We are too busy dancing
To get knocked off our feet
Baby, we're the new romantics
The best people in life are free
So come on, come along with me
The best people in life are free
Please take my hand and
Please take me dancing and
Please leave me stranded,
It's so romantic
'Cause, baby, I could build a castle
Out of all the bricks they threw at me
And every day is like a battle
But every night with us is like a dream
'Cause, baby, I could build a castle
Out of all the bricks they threw at me
And every day is like a battle
But every night with us is like a dream
I'm jumping up and down now, throwing my arms in the air; I must seem crazy. But this is when I'm finally able to let loose and really be myself, so I give it all I've got. I bend forward at the waist before throwing my head back, taking a deep breath, and ending the song.
Baby, we're the new romantics
Come on, come along with me
Heart break is the national anthem
We sing it proudly
We are too busy dancing
To get knocked off our feet
Baby, we're the new romantics
The best people in life are free
The song ends, and I'm finally able to breathe. The crowds collective cheers is almost deafening, and I can't keep my smile at bay as my eyes skim the crowd, finding nothing but positive, reassuring faces. My heart is thumping erratically in my chest, and my hand goes up to stop the pressure building in my chest.
I've worked so hard over the last few years to get to where I am today. it's the most amazing feeling when you are on this stage, and you look out into the crowd of thousands of people and they're all cheering for you. It's an indescribable feeling. A feeling of pride, joy, and love. I've always had such a passion for music— singing in general— and I feel so blessed that I am able to experience all of this in one lifetime. I am really, truly blessed.
I wave to the crowd, the white hot sun beating down on me. I can feel the ringlets of sweat dripping down my face, my already tight clothes clinging to my body. The lights is blinding, and my head is pounding, but it doesn't stop me. I continue to smile and wave until the crowd settles down, taking one finally deep breath before turning to Gale and queuing him for the next song.
This is going to be a long day.
"Nice job sweetheart!" Haymitch is the first to meet us when we get back to our bus after today's festival. I look up from the guitar in my lap and set it down next to me. Haymitch walks over to where I'm sitting and gives me a firm pat on the back. "Really, nice job."
"Thanks," I smile at him, knowing that we must have really performed well today. "And thank you so much for setting this whole thing up for us. I know I never really thanked you, so thank you. This is incredible." He shakes his head and smiles.
Gale walks over and sits down next to me and wraps an arm around my shoulder, pulling me into him. "Yeah, Catnip here is trying this new 'being nice' regimen," he says, reaching out and playfully tapping my nose. "It's weird, seeing you actually smile." I scowl at that, and he throws his head back in laughter. I shove him away from me, crossing my arms over my chest.
"You're ridiculous," I mutter, but he only shakes his head and laughs. "I hate you."
"There she is," he says with a smile. "Good old Katniss."
I roll my eyes. "Anyways, Haymitch. Did you say where we were heading next?"
"Yeah, Ventura. This time 'round you'll be staying for a week. This one's gonna be bigger, and there's a set number of bands performing each day. You all will be rehearsing all week, and then you perform Friday." I nod my head, and so does Gale. "The hotel is already booked and everything, so once we get there, all you have to do is check in. We'll meet in the lobby on arrival to set up your schedules and arrange rehearsal times."
"Okay great," I say, clasping my hands together in my lap.
"It's only an hour and a half to Ventura, so I'll meet you all there. I'll be behind you all the entire time, so if you need anything, just call." Haymitch turns and walks off the bus, and I feel Gale exhale beside me.
"What? I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, nothing. This is just really happening, is all. It doesn't feel real." I nod my head and take a deep breath.
"Yeah, I get it. It all feels surreal. Like this is all just happening so fast, you know?" He nods. "But at least we get to do this together," I say, lightly shoving my shoulder against his. He smiles and shoves back.
"Yeah, yeah at least we're together." I go to say something when Rory steps onto the bus.
"You two forget about me? Or am I not important enough?" I laugh, but he comes and sits on the other side of me. I wrap both my arms around either of their shoulders and pull them into me, squeezing them.
"Aw Rory, how could i forget about you? Don't worry, we're in this together."
A/N: So so so excited about how this is coming along, you all! I can't wait until you guys read what I have planned on for chapter 3. I think you all will be very very pleased with it. (Everlark forewarned)