Chapter 3
Katniss POV
Peeta left immediately after asked for help. stared as he walked away knowing something is wrong. I looked at the picture confused and freaked out. Why would he have this? looked at me confused as well. I sat up quickly composing myself.
"I know is all about class and posture, but I want an easy going feeling around here."
Finally exhaling, laughed at my habit. I was not the type of girl who dressed all cute and had a smile on her face. I was the type of girl who tries to provide and help others. My friends always say I have a soft spot but I cannot help it. I however do not see it.
Smiling up at Cinna I could already tell I would like him. I loved , but she sometimes creped me out with all of her gaudy make up and weird accent. We always made fun of her for it, but under that voice lays an angel's lungs. The bell rang making me get up for my next class. I wanted to run as fast as possible, but held me back for a second.
"Katniss I would like you to know that I was one of our father's friends. If you ever need any help, I am here whenever you need me."
Nodding, I was puzzled at his sudden confession. My father had many friends even some from the Capitol. They always gave me and Prim birthday and Christmas presents.
"Wait, "I suddenly remember something. "Were you that guy who sent me the piano a couple years ago?"
smiled and nodded. I almost went on my knees as I thanked him.
"My God, Prim loves that piano. She plays it more than I do. I think she is going to join you piano class when she comes here next year."
smiled and said, "I'm glad. I was hoping if I could have dinner with you, Prim, and Haymitch. I haven't seen that guy in about ten years."
Nodding, I gave him the information and left to class. I had to sprint to 's advanced engineering class to be there on time. He hates it when we are late.
I sat down and opened my bag as I saw my face look back at me. With my heart quickening, I stuffed the picture deeper in my bag and blinked. How am I supposed to do this? I cannot just tell him "Hey here's your picture of me back."
I hit my head heard on the table loud enough for my best friend, Gale to hear. "Catnip, what's the damage?"
He took out some chocolate out of his pocket and handed it to me. I loved how he always had some in his pocket. Gale and I have been best friend since we were in diapers. Our fathers were best friends and so were we up until last year. He had a girlfriend name Glimmer. She was gorgeous, tall, and blonde. She really complimented Gale's tall dark and handsome looks. Glimmer has always been nice to me because of the fact that I was Gale's best friend. I did not want to be a bother so I slowly slipped away from Gale's friendship. His grip only slipped slightly.
"Nothing, so how's Glimmer," I asked.
"Fine, she's keeps asking about you too. We all haven't hanged out in awhile. What happen to always going to keep in touch?"
"I have this class with you," I argued.
"I'm mean coming by and seeing Rory and Posy, my mom. They all really miss you and want to see you. We know you have had a hard time ever since your mom died, but we want to be there with for. . ."
"I'm fine," I tell him coldly.
Getting the message he pops out more chocolate. "The only reason why I love you is because you always have delicious chocolate. Where did you get all this chocolate?"
He smiles as the bell rings and class begins. Today we start in our semester projects. We are either going to make or renew something. Today was the planning, so I decided to re-design my father's bow.
I found them by the fence after a storm that made them fly to the gate. Getting the bow and arrows was the first time I went into the woods after my father died. Instead of feeling the remorse that I usually feel, I felt alive for the first time in months. I occasionally go in the woods for a walk. That's how I met Gale. He was there making snares to catch game. I usually go in there for herbs and spices to sell. Even though I know how to use the bow and arrows, I feel bad using them when my father is not here to go hunting with me.
The bell rang after I finished my planning. I kept thinking of the picture. Usually I would be anger or scared but the only thing I felt was butterflies. It was true that I like him ever since we were kids but in middle school, I heard that he was dating a girl named Delly. That girl was beyond gorgeous and nice. When they broke up she made this big scene and had a long distance relationship with my cousin Cato. I have seen her before, but she always gave me dirty looks.
Thinking about the matter Glimmer was at the door staring at me, shyly.
"Hey Kat," she said.
"Hey," I said confusedly. "Gale just left. You better run before you lose him."
"No, I'm here to talk to you Katniss."
A composed look could not form in my face. Glimmer laughed continuing, "Gale mention that your little sister's birthday is coming up and I was wondering if I could bring my little sister Arianna."
"Umm, sure. I know you guys have just moved here and it has been tough."
Glimmer nodded saying, "Arianna is homeschooled. I was hoping if we can have a girl's night out."
"Yeah. How about tomorrow after school we just have a sleep over. We can eat junk food and watch movies."
"Yeah that would be perfect. I'm trying to get Arianna to enroll into junior high, but she keeps saying she has nobody to hang out with."
"Prim will take care of that," I said assuring her. "So around five then?"
Glimmer agreed and walked me to my locker. We were talking about good gifts for Prim until Peeta showed up.
"Hey Katniss, can I talk to you for a second."
Thank God the bell rang as he finished. I quickly said goodbye to Glimmer and ran the other direction.
Peeta's POV
Great, she hates me and is freaked out by me. This is just fabulous. Sighing, the girl next to me turns and punches me. For a girl who looks like a priss, she packs a punch.
Holding my gut, I hear her say, "What the hell did you do to Katniss?"
Coughing, trying to compose myself, I tell her, "I haven't done anything. She is in my piano class. I needed to talk to her about. . ."
"Then why did she run off. That's not like Katniss to run whenever she sees somebody."
This girl was cold and asks way too many questions. Standing straight, she saw how tall I am but stood her ground. I let out a sigh of anxiety and asked, "Is it really that noticeable?"
"Very," she said.
She did not smile or laugh. All she did was scare the shit out of me. Finding no way to get out of this, I said, "O.K. I like her, every since we were kids. I used to have this picture from a class recital of her singing. It was in one of my books and it slipped out."
Glimmer took a minute to take this all in, but her face finally softens. She asked, "Are you a stalker? Are you going to bother her? Are you in love with her?"
"No, no, and I don't know," I lied. I know I love Katniss, every since I was seven. I hope she returns my feelings in some way .
"Then what are you waiting for. Go, run, she has free period. She is usually in the library. But I swear to God if you hurt her, I will make sure to make your life a living hell, with my boyfriend to back me up."
Shocked and excited I thanked her and ran towards the library. I have free period as well, but usually spend it in the art room. Turning the corner, I saw Katniss head in a book on the couch. My feet immediately walked silently towards her setting down my book bag. She looked up, and blushes a deep red.
I smiled and whispered, "I really need to talk to you."
I took eons but she finally nodded and set down her book. Even with her head down, I could see that she was blushing. I sat down next to her on the couch but not touching her.
"I'm sorry that you found that photo, I swear I am not a stalker." Her giggling made the tension get lighter. "I have that photo as a memory of you. I haven't talk to you in a while."
She finally looked up at me and said, "Why didn't you just talk to me? I don't bite."
"I know you don't," I laughed. "But I was afraid that if I asked you out that you wouldn't say yes because of our age difference."
"Yeah. . . Wait what?"
She looked at me surprised so I explained:
"Katniss, I have liked you for awhile now, every since we were kids in piano class. I know you probably do not want to return my feelings but I do like you. I'm sorry it took me ages to tell you."
She went quiet and her whole body froze. I thought she had a heart attack until she leaned over and kissed me. She closed her eyes as mine showed my shocked reaction. Pulling away, she said, "I like you too."
I was afraid I was going to throw up my beating heart that was thumping freakishly fast. She showed me a sheepish smile and came closer almost sitting into my lap.
Stay calm. She just wants to talk.
She took a deep breath and said, "I have liked you ever since my sixth birthday but then I found out that you were dating somebody when you started middle school, so I gave up on that feeling."
I sucked in my breath and said, "You could have told me!"
"But Delly. . ."
"Umm I rather not talk about her."
Katniss nodded playing with my fingers. I took hold of her hand and made her blush even more.
"So," I continued. "How about I make it up to you for all the lost years."
Katniss looked at me with a confused face and said, "How?"
"How about, I make you a chocolate cake?"
Her eyes showed her excitement. She said yes and gave me a soft kiss that was interrupted by the bell.
Katniss groaned and said, "I hate that bell."
Laughing I said, "I'll see you later. I'll walk you to the bakery."
