AN: Since ya'll were so kind and reviewed. Here is chapter 2. We meet Peeta in this one. :3. They're not going to get together right away because relationships don't happen like that especially if you are coming out of an abusive one that's the last thing you wanna do. So read and review please and thank you.

~Peeta's POV~

It was just another school morning. I always woke up 3 hours before school started, because I worked in the family bakery.

'Peeta, are you up yet?" My father called from the hallway

"Yeah dad in the front." I said as I kneaded the dough for French bread.

"That's my boy always waking up before the sun is even up" He said as he patted my shoulder.

I smiled and continued kneading the dough.

"Hey dad can I have money for lunch?" I asked

"Sure you've earned it my boy. Why don't you get ready for school? I'll take over" He said handing over some money.

"Okay and thanks for the money dad." I said as I climbed the stairs to my room.

I got dressed in a light blue button down shirt, and blue jeans. I tousled my hair so it didn't look so perfect. I grabbed my bag and walked down the stairs and back intro the front of the restraint.

"Leaving dad. Bye love you." I said as I walked out the door

"Love you too son." I heard before I closed the door.

I began my short trek to school. It was only like a 5 minute drive from the bakery and maybe a 10 minute walk.

When I got there I saw the girl of my dreams walk into school. Katniss Everdeen. But of course she was with Gale. Maybe it's just wishful thinking but whenever she was around him she looked unhappy and somewhat scared.

Gale had his arm tightly around her waist. I made my way to first period Government. Katniss was actually in my class our rows were next to each other.

As soon as I got into the class I sat at my seat and read my new book, Praise of Folly. Yes It's an old book but I love old fashioned things. As soon as I looked up from my book, she was walking through the door and so was the teacher.

"Good morning class."

"Good Morning Ms. Odgers." Everyone mumbled.

"Today we will begin our semester project. I will be picking your partners."

Everyone groaned and rolled their eyes. Katniss just kept looked down at her desk rubbing her arms.

She started naming off partners.

"And finally the last 2 are Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen. Now get in your groups and I'll tell you what the project is."

I got up and moved to the chair next to Katniss.

"Uhm hi." I said

"Hi." She said shyly.

"Ok now class, you will have to create a government that you think will be active in the future. You will have to create a power point with your laws, and constitution if you have one that is. Its due after midterms so start working."

"Okay so uhm do you want to work on it after school? I mean I could come over if you want?" I asked

"No! I mean uhm my mom won't be home and I'm not supposed to have people over when I'm home alone."

"Well then maybe you can come over my dad would be cool with it."

"No I can't do that either sorry."

"Well we could start working on it next class then."

"Sure. But just in case lets just trade numbers."

"Okay she replied."

We took out our phones and put in our contact info.

With that the bell rang signaling the end of class. We walked out together discussing topics."

Her boyfriend walked up to us and glared me then her.

"Cmon babe. Lets take a walk." He said clenching his jaw and grabbing her wrist roughly.

"Hey wait. Don't grab her like that." I said calmly.

"I can grab her how I want to. She is MY girlfriend."

"Well she may be your girlfriend but she is not a human rag doll."

"Look back off bread boy!" He yelled at me.

"Not if it concerns Katniss's safety."

"Aww Lil' Romeo, hate to break it to you but she isn't your Juliet. So back off, before I make you."

"Go on try it."

"You asked for it." He said balling up his fist and swinging at me.

I dodged his swings instantly. He stopped and glare at me.

"This isn't over Mellark."

"I didn't expect it to be Hawthorne."

He pulled Katniss away and she looked at me almost thankfully but had a small scared look in her eyes. I knew there was something up with Hawthorne and I intended to find out what it was.

The day dragged on slowly and I still had to stay after for Chem tutoring by the NJHS. I walked to the Chem room and sat down. Not even a minute after Katniss walked in.

"You're in NJHS?"

"Yeah, why is that a problem?" She said scowling.

"No I just didn't know you were in NJHS."

"Well I am."

"Well I see that now. Are you okay? Gale looked pretty pissed earlier."

"Yea, why you think he'd actually hurt me?"

"Well I don't know I would hope not."

"Well he wouldn't. Gale loves me and would never lay a hand on me." She said her lip quivering as she did so.

"Well that's good."

"Well let's start shall we."

"Of course I said."

She sat down and we started working. We studied for about an hour until we both had to go home.

"I'll walk you home." I said

"You don't have to. I mean I can walk by myself."

"It's ok C'mon."

"Well thank you Peeta."

I grabbed my coat and we walked towards the door.

"So uh… How's business at the bakery?" She asked

"Well not too bad. I mean it's the same old same old."

"Yea I know how you feel." She said as we walked out the school doors.

"So uhm, I trust your judgment and all, but like if you know Gale is ever being a dick or he's scaring you just come right over and I'll be there for you."

"Well.. Thanks Peeta, but I'm sure that won't be necessary."

"I hope it wont be.." I responded.

"So uhm, since were going to be partners we should like get to know each other better. Like maybe.. Uh.. The question game?" I stuttered out.

"Uhm, I guess. What harm could it do right?" She said

"Yea so uhm, I'll go first. Favorite color?"

"Blue. Favorite book?" She asked.

"To Kill a Mockingbird."

"That's one of my fave's too, Peeta"

"Cool. How long have you and Gale been together?"

"9 months. " She sounded almost sad saying that.

"Do you love him?

"Of course I love him."

"You always look sad when you're around him

"No I don't." She argued.

"Yes you do you always look sad and scared when you're around him."

"I do not. For your information I love Gale in fact I'm in love with him. You know what I can walk the rest of the way home. Thank you for you hospitality but I won't be needing it. I will see you in government. Goodbye Peeta."

Man I really fucked up this time.

~Katniss's POV~

I can't believe Peeta accused me of not loving Gale. I mean I do love him right?

Ugh I'm so confused right now.

As soon as I got to my front door, Gale was already there.

"Katniss we need to talk." He said sounding pissed.

"Okay.." I said and set my stuff down"

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" He asked.

"Of course. Come in Gale." I said unlocking the door and picking my stuff back up.

"He walked inside and I walked in after him."

I shut the door behind me and went to set my stuff down but before I could I was pushed up against the wall.

"You're a fucking skank you know that. You know that!" He screamed a tme.

I tried to stay strong.

"I don't know what you're talking about Gale I haven't done anything. I'm a virgin you know that.

'Liar. You're a fucking liar." He said slapping me across the face.

At this point tears brimmed my eyes and I was fighting just to hold them back.

"Are you fucking Peeta?!" He screamed at me.

"What? NO! WE JUST HAVE A PROJECT TOGETHER IN GOVERNMENT!" I screamed back."

"You are such a liar!" he screamed he dragged me to the floor by my hair and slammed me against the floor.

"I hate you!" I screamed without thinking about it.

"Excuse me?" He said grabbing my hair and pulling me up so my face was level with his.

"I hate you!" I said and spat in his eye

"That's it." He said. He stood up and kicked me repeatedly in the stomach.

"You're nothing but a dirty whore."

After he was done with his assault he grabbed his bag and walked out the door slamming it behind him.

I carefully pulled myself up wincing at the pain. I could see the colors dancing in my vision. I felt so alone in this empty house. Prim won't be home for another 2 hours and mom who knows when.

I carefully got up and limped to my room I went in my top drawer. I grabbed my razor.

I rolled up my sleeves and made the first cut careful not hit an artery. I kept cutting and cutting. One cut for ever cruel word said by Gale, one cut for every bruise Gale left on my body, one cut for my mom never being here, one cut for my dad's death, one cut for everything I did wrong. I noticed my arms were covered in scars and marks.

A few looked like they were bleeding more than they should be.

I knew I had to call someone but I knew it wasn't 911. I might regret this but I needed someone right now.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial the number.

They pick up after the third ring.

"Katniss what's wrong?" "Peeta I need you can you come over." I said sobbing

"I'm on my way."

I hung up and started to feel myself fade in out. I think I made to many cuts or I cut a vein on accident or both. This was it. I was done.

AN: This chapter was a little sad I'm sorry if this is too depressing or to disturbing for you I understand. But also I have added cutting into this story because I feel it is becoming a big deal in this society. I know people who do it and I do not condone it. It is bad and unhealthy. Everyone who cuts or who has ever. Remember there is always a light at the end of a tunnel. If you would like someone to talk to please message me on here I will be happy to listen and I will try to help. Also if you or someone is in an abusive relationship, Please notify someone so you can be helped. Noone deserves that. So please review and constructive criticism is appreciated.