Chapter 3

I ran to my homeroom class with Ms. Kipper. I hope Trailey doesn't get too lost trying to find the office. She still doesn't have her schedule yet. I take a deep breath before I push the door to class open.

I start to walk to my seat but there is something wrong. My seat isn't empty like it should be. I look up and see a cute boy with ruffled brown hair, or maybe it's the way his eyes make you feel like you're in a daze, and you can't look away.

"Miss Mellark, you are late."

I turn to find the teacher sitting at her desk with a look of shame on her face. It's not like I broke the law or anything. I'm just 5 minutes late to class.

"Unfortunately for you, has made it to class on time, and has chosen a desk that fancies his liking."

Ew. Who talks like that anymore?

So this was Jon. I need to push all the feelings of a crush away. What would mom say about a relationship with Gale's son? I have a feeling she would not approve. Growing up, Uncle Gale and mom were best friends.

I sadly walk to the back of the room, and plop down on the desk intended for the troublemakers. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a smartie pants, but I try to do well in school.

Homeroom was just listening to Ms. Kipper talk about upcoming dates, and school sport team results. The only sport I'm good at is swimming, but in 12, pools are pretty rare. I wish we were in 4, well before it was taken over by the Capital rebels.

"ringggg"

I jumped out of my seat so I could head to 1st period, algebra. I'm in 8th grade, but I skipped a grade in math. That doesn't make me special though, so did 30 other people.

As I try to squeeze through the hallway, I run into Jon dropping all my textbooks. Ugh.

"I'm so sorry. You're Mellark right?"

"I go by Mayclair thank you very much. Watch were you're going."

"Feisty. I like that."

I couldn't hide my smile, and we both erupted into laughter. Man, this guy is just irresistible. Oh gosh, I need to stop thinking these thoughts.

"What class do you have next," I ask.

"Algebra"

"Awesome, me too!"

We walk to Mr. Stratton's class together. Talking and laughing the whole way. We take seats near each other in the middle. The bell rings and I wonder what class Trailey is in right now. Mr. Stratton starts talking about multiplying and dividing exponents on top of exponent's blah blah blah.

I don't see the point in learning this stuff if we don't want to major in math anyway. Seems pretty useless to me. After an hour of listening to 's boring voice, the bell finally rings.

Lunch time!

"Jon do you want to sit with Trailey, me, and some of my other friends?" I asked.

Just then Aberton and his football crew walk up and slap Jon on the back.

"Join us for lunch Hawthorne," Aberton says grinning.

Before Jon even has a chance to answer, the crown pushes him away from me. I guess he would be a part of the football jocks.

I walk to the cafeteria and find Len, Jena, Lola, and Nate. Just as I am about to sit down, I spot Trailey wandering lost in the cafeteria searching for were to sit. I run up to her and she smiles a relieved sigh.

"I thought I was going to have to sit alone."

"Nah, you can come sit with me and my friends."

We walk over to the table where my friends are sitting, and I plop down, and motion for Trailey to sit across from me.

"Trailey, this is Lola, Nate, Jena, and Len."

"Hello," Trailey says rather loudly.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Lola."

Of course Lola would be the first to speak. She has a very bold character like that. I watch as Trailey studies Lola. Lola is a little odd looking at first. Her family moved here from District 1, so they are well off. She has dyes long pink hair, and natural piercing blue eyes the color of the oceans I've only seen in pictures. Lola is not a snob though, she's definitely the funnies person I know.

"Hello," my other friends mumble.

They have some serious warming up to do.

"How about Friday, which is tomorrow, we all have a get together at my house. Lola and Jena can spend the night too," I say trying to lighten the mood.

Man I really hope they're able to get along.

"Sure," Lola squeals with excitement. "Don't worry, I'll make sure Jena comes too. We won't miss it."

"Great," I exclaim excitedly.

This should give them some bonding time. Hopefully the guys can make it to.

The rest of the day goes by in a blur. When the final bell rings for the end of the school day, I meet Trailey by the office. I watch Jon pass, probably on his way to the buses.

"Hey, do you want a ride?"

I mean why not ask if we are practically neighbors.

"Gee, thanks"

He follows us out the front doors and we spot my mom's car. She greets us with a smile.

"Well hello there Jon, long time no see."

"I'm doing fine Aunt Katniss. We should have a family dinner and catch up soon. Maybe even Grandma Hazelle can cook."

He is one charming person, I have to admit.

"That would be great," my mom replies.

We all hop in the truck and start heading for Victors Village. It's not too long of a drive but we drop off Jon, and say our goodbyes.

We pull up in the driveway, and I see an unfamiliar car already pulled up. Who would be visiting today? As far as I know, we were not expecting guest.

Johanna gasps, probably recognizing the car, and almost faints.