You guys received an alert saying I updated Chapter 3. No worries, I just added a small detail. You can check it out if you want.

Please read the AN below.

Enjoy!

Chapter 4 – The Fight

PEETA POV

Katniss Everdeen.

Ever since I saw her during break time two weeks ago, I haven't been able to take my mind off of her. Something is connecting me to her. I don't know what, but I want to know.

Obviously, something bad happened to her. I'm not entirely sure, but I think it has something to do with the Careers. The way they look at her gives it all: they hate her. No one can miss the glares and insults thrown Katniss's way.

I feel bad for her. No one is supposed to be experiencing that kind of torture. I don't want her to feel it. But I know it's too late, she experienced it already.

Behind that wall she built around people, there's something special about her. I know for a fact that around Prim, the walls are down. It's evident she loves her sister dearly. It's like Prim is her world.

I vow to myself, I will face whatever it takes to protect Katniss Everdeen from any harm. She doesn't need any more burdens on her shoulders. It's like she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders and I want to help her lighten it.

"You know guys, I think we should help Katniss..." I bring up one time when we were chilling in Finnick's room after Katniss left to go home. I offered to walk her home, but she said she's fine. I don't want to be a creepy guy so I just wished her a good night.

I got three different reactions. Annie gave me an encouraging smile, Finnick wiggled his eyebrows at me, and Johanna gave me a mischievous grin. I know I won't hear the end of this, but I want to know if they want to help me.

"If you want to make her sexier the-" He's cut off by Annie smacking the back of his head.

"Ow!" He rubbed the back of his head.

Johanna sprang up, "I wanna do it too!" and then she smacked the back of Finnick's head, harder this time. I laugh at their silly antics. Can you believe I can stick with them for a long time?

"Hey!" Finnick protested while the girls laughed and high-fived each other.

Once everyone calmed down, I start again, "As I was saying, I think we should help Katniss."

"Yeah, yeah. Help her in what? Help her in becoming stupid?" Johanna asked looking at her phone. How am I related to her again?

"Jo!" Annie scolds. Johanna shrugs her shoulders while Finnick laughed loudly.

"Please continue Peeta." Annie said sweetly after scolding the two hyenas.

"Thanks Annie." I smile at her before addressing everyone, "Have you seen how Katniss was treated?"

"Yeah. It's like she's a piece of trash being kicked around." Finnick said bluntly. Annie nods in agreement with a sullen look on her face and adds, "She's also insulted by everyone."

Johanna suddenly sits up with a look of determination in her face, "I say let's help Kitty Kat get her confidence back-"

"And crush the Careers!" Finnick finishes.

All of us cheer. We really do like Katniss. She's a great friend. She just needs people to trust.

"Now Bread Boy, is there any reason why you want to help Kitty Kat?" Johanna questioned leaning forward. At this, Finnick and Annie face me and get mischievous looks.

Crap. "Oh, Kitty Kat?" I attempt to divert and of course, it failed.

They all shook their heads with smirks on their faces.

Oh shit.

And so, they got what they wanted that night. I admitted I like Katniss after Johanna scared me with her axe, Finnick threatened to throw me in the beach and Annie almost caked my face with makeup.

What a fun night we had. Sarcasm, noted.

Now, we're walking going to school. Johanna still keeps on teasing me. I'm just glad that Finnick is not here or I will suffer a major headache with those two combined.

School has been interesting to say the least. We tried to eavesdrop on people whispering about Katniss. So far, what we got are the same:

She's a slut.

I heard she cheated on Gale Hawthorne.

She fucked every guy in school.

I don't believe any of it for a second. First of all, those are rumors. And second of all, from all the times I spent with Katniss, not one bit did she act like a slut. In fact, she acts differently from it.

All I know for sure is that, Katniss dated Gale before and it didn't end nicely. It makes me sick thinking of it. Have you seen the guy? He's a cocky bastard who thinks every girl wants him. I want to puke every time I hear it.

"You know it's amusing to watch your face when you're thinking..." Johanna starts.

I raise my eyebrows at her to continue, "It's like those toys that change their moods... You're happy, then you're sad, then you're angry. I might tell the producers of those toys to stick your face on it." She said smugly.

I glare at her, "Haha. Very funny."

"You know you love me, bro!" She slaps my back before going to the direction of her locker.

I didn't even notice that we're at school anymore. I check my watch and realize I only have 10 minutes left. I quickly grab my things from my locker and rush to my Homeroom class.

The first few classes are boring and I try to get any more gossip I can find. Sadly, it's all the same.

At break time, I meet with Katniss going to next class. She looks uneasy, like she's scared of something.

"Is everything alright?" I ask her. Seriously, I'm also getting anxious because of her.

"I'm fine." She replied. I still don't believe her.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I just have a feeling that something bad is going to happen today." She explains.

I'm actually surprised when she explained. Most of the time, she answers in short answers. Must be my lucky day.

"Don't worry. Nothing bad is going to happen. Okay?" I smile at her warmly and wrap my arm around her shoulders and give it a squeeze. I know I'm only comforting her in a friendly gesture but I can't help but feel all tingly from the skin contact.

"Okay." She smiles back.

She has a beautiful smile. I remove my arm around her before I get too carried away of the situation. I wish I could hold her like that forever, and kiss her, marry her. Hold up! What the hell am I thinking?!

Get a hold of yourself, Mellark! Marry her?! Dude, you only met her two weeks ago and you want to marry her already?! Slow down! Heck, she doesn't even trust you yet!

What is this girl doing to me? She makes me insane.

The weird part is that when I removed my arm, her face fell. Or maybe, that's just my imagination. Yeah, that must be it.

Throughout the rest of the day, I never left her side. I figured she needs a friend to accompany her especially today since she's a bit antsy. After the last period, Katniss has loosened up. She's not really that nervous anymore compared earlier.

Katniss and I are on our way now to meet Finnick, Annie and Johanna near the cafeteria. We're just talking about nonsense when Katniss suddenly remembered that she needs to get something from Mr. Beetee.

"You go on. I'll meet you guys there." She said.

"You sure? I can go with you." Truth is...I want to spend more time with her.

"Yes, Peeta, I'm fine." And then she turned in the direction of the classroom.

I sigh. I continue to walk to the cafeteria and I see my friends. Of course, Johanna would notice me first.

"Hey, Bread Boy, where's Brainless?" Annie and Finnick faced me at the mention of my nickname.

"Why do we need nicknames Jo?" I ask exasperated.

She smirked, "Because I want to."

I roll my eyes. "Whatever, Jojo. And, Katniss went to get something from Mr. Beetee; she said she'll meet us here." I answer Johanna with Finnick's nickname for her. I know she hates it.

She scowls at me. I turn to the couple, "So, have you guys made the team?" They tried out earlier for the swim team.

These two are like fishes. Even though they grew up in Seattle, they can swim. They're natural swimmers. Every vacation, they go to a beach or a pool and swim for hours.

"Yup. Co-captains of the swim team!" Finnick exclaimed wrapping an arm around Annie's shoulder.

"Nice!" I high-five both of them. I expected it. They are the best swimmers I know.

We continue to talk for a few minutes, waiting for Katniss.

Annie kept checking on her phone and glancing around. Eventually Johanna gets fed up.

"Alright Crazy, what are you so anxious about?"

"Nothing. It's just that, shouldn't Katniss be with us now?" Annie asked worriedly.

I check my watch and realize she's right. It's been 15 minutes already. "She's right. We're waiting here long enough."

All of us are getting worried now. Luckily, Johanna is still functioning properly even though she's also worried. "Don't just stand there! Let's go check on her!" She yelled.

We began running to Mr. Beetee's classroom. I'm very worried. What if the Careers cornered her? Oh god. And she's all alone. I should have never left her side. It's my fault. Calm down, Mellark. You can't save her if you're panicking.

We burst inside Mr. Beetee's classroom but it's already empty. Mr. Beetee saw us and looked at us like we're crazy.

"Have you seen Brainless? I mean Katniss? Have you seen her?" Johanna blurted out.

Mr. Beetee's eyebrows rised after hearing what Johanna called Katniss, "She left like 10 minutes ago. Maybe she went to her locker or something."

We raced down the hallway looking for her locker.

When we get there, I realize we're too late. The careers have already cornered her. I notice that Katniss's cheeks are red. I'm guessing that the two bitches slapped her. At this thought, my blood begun to boil. I notice Gale is holding her by the neck. The others are laughing at her.

A crowd is forming around the scene. Some are smirking, some are watching in horror. I advance towards them. All I see is red. I notice Finnick and Johanna are beside me, their faces contorted in anger. Annie must be in the back, being the one afraid of violence.

Then Katniss spitted at Gale's face, making him turn red from anger. Then Gale bashed Katniss's head against the lockers. That asshole!

We march towards them. When we're behind them, I grab Gale and punch him square in the face. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Finnick punch Cato and Johanna grab Clove and Glimmer's hair.

Gale gets back on his feet and I punch him again this time in the eye. He got one punch to my stomach. I quickly grab his arm and twist it, and put him in a headlock.

"Let's make a deal, shall we?"I said threateningly.

He didn't respond. He's writhing, though. "You stay away from us or else you'll regret it. Got it?" I warn him.

No response.

I tighten my grip. Pain is painted in his face. "I said, got it?"

He gives me a small nod. "Good." I push him, hard, to the floor before releasing him. He scrambled to stand up and after giving me one last glare, took off.

Finnick has also threatened Cato who's now walking away, holding his jaw. Johanna gave Clove a busted lip and a swollen cheek. And Glimmer is nowhere to be found.

"We need to bring her to the clinic." Annie said in a rush.

I quickly pick up Katniss and rush her to the clinic, with Johanna carrying our things. Finnick and Annie went to pick up Prim since we've made her wait for a long time.

Thankfully, the nurse is still there when we rushed inside. She instructed me to lay her on the bed.

"What happened?" the nurse asked. She's a lady in her mid-forties with a warm smile.

"Some ass-" I cut Johanna off before she can say any offending word.

"A couple of students teamed up on her." I said quickly.

It's evident that Johanna is still pissed off with those stupid jerks. If anything, she might have killed those girls if she has her axe with her.

The nurse gave us a knowing look. "Are these students the Careers?" She asked but I have a feeling she knows that they are the reason for this whole fiasco.

"Yeah, they are." Johanna snapped.

She worked silently. She rubbed some gel on her cheeks. I think it's to remove the sting of the slap.

"You kids are the first to defend her, you know." The nurse said silently fixing her stuff.

"Huh?"

"Ever since the bullying started, no one ever defended her."

"May I ask why?" I ask kindly.

"Because the kids here only care for popularity. So they never sided her. They always side those careers."

"Well, that's stupid." Johanna remarked.

"Yeah, it is." The nurse agreed, "I always wanted to defend her, but I can't because I'm afraid that they might take my job. I still have a couple of mouths to feed."

"We understand." I smile at her.

"I know." She said with a small smile. "I'm also with you if you want to change her back to the Katniss before the bullying started."

"Thanks."

I'm glad to know that some people really care about Katniss. I don't blame her though for not doing anything. If I were her, I would have done the same. I can't risk my family's life for my job.

I still can't believe that those assholes did that to Katniss. She didn't even do anything to them! I swear if they even lay a finger on them, I'll cu-

My phone vibrating breaks me out of my trance. I pull it out and I notice it's a message from Finnick.

How's Kat?

She's still out. Here at the clinic.

Alright. We're here at their house with Prim. Annie's trying to calm her down.

Thanks dude. For beating out the shit of Cato, I mean. And picking up Prim.

He deserved it. ;) Tell us if she's awake. Prim might cut my head off...

Okay.

"Hey boy?" I look up and see that the nurse is holding an ice pack, "Do you mind if you hold this for her?"

"Nope." I grab the ice pack and gently place it on Katniss's head.

"How is she?" I ask while looking at Katniss.

"She's fine. Only a concussion and bruised cheeks. Nothing too serious." She replied while writing on her record.

I continue to stare at her face. It looks so peaceful. I hope I can see it again but with her eyes open and with a smile.

"She might burn down if you keep staring at her."

I snap my head up to find Johanna on the other side of Katniss, smirking. "Shut up, Jo."

She rolls her eyes at me. "You know, I think we should do our plan soon."

"What plan?" I ask stupidly.

She sighs exasperated, "Brainless. Help. Revenge. Ring a bell?"

I get it now. "I don't remember revenge in it." I remind her.

"It's a part okay, Lover Boy?"

I roll my eyes. "Lover Boy? Really?"

She just smirks. I felt the pillow move. I look down just in time to see Katniss open her eyes. Her eyes adjust to the sudden brightness before it lands on me.

"Peeta?" She asks groggily.

"Hey. How are you feeling?"

"A bit dizzy."

At hearing her voice, the nurse stands up and grabs a medicine and a glass of water.

"Hello, dear. Hear, drink this." She said handing her the medicine and water, "It'll help with your dizziness."

Katniss murmured thanks before taking the medicine. I text Finnick to pick us up since Katniss is awake. The nurse said that Katniss needs rest so she's not allowed to walk home even though she insists that she's fine.

"Finnick's on his way." I announce. Johanna nods and begins to grab our things.

Katniss tries to walk but a few steps after she lost her balance and almost fell but I caught her. According to the nurse, Katniss is not allowed to go out for two days and to put an ice pack on her bump if it hurts. Thankfully, it's a Friday so she won't miss any class.

"Thanks, Ms..." I trail off.

"Cecelia." She smiles.

"Thanks, Ms. Cecelia."

Katniss walks over but she's unsteady so I pick her up.

"Peeta, I'm fine." But I can see the gratitude on her face.

"No you're not. Just let me carry you."

I didn't hear her reply. When I look down, I see that she's almost asleep. I look back up to see Johanna winking at me. I can't help but blush.

Ms. Cecelia holds the door open for me. When I pass her I give her a smile. She flit her eyes from Katniss to me and then winks. I smile shyly.

"Thanks again, Ms. Cecelia."

"Anytime."

We walk to Finnick's car. He's outside holding the door open, when he saw me carrying Katniss and my flushed cheeks, he also winks at me. I roll my eyes and gently place Katniss in the back. I'm about to get in the front when Johanna pushes me back to where Katniss is.

"Jo!"

"Don't act like you don't love it, Lover Boy." She winks at me through the mirror. I sigh in defeat and we drive back to her house.

"Have you explained everything to Primmy?" Johanna asked Finnick.

"Yeah. And she almost cut my head off worrying for her sister."

"I would pay a thousand bucks to see that." Johanna said amused.

Finnick rolled his eyes, "Anyway, Annie calmed her down and tried to distract her."

We arrive at their place a few minutes later. I carry her again.

Prim opened the door and is surprised to see me carrying her sister. She gave me a knowing look and smiled. I smile back before following her.

She led me to Katniss's room. I gently placed her on the bed.

"Thanks Peeta." Prim said softly, gently wiping a wet towel on her sister's face.

"It's no problem, Prim." I replied. "Will you be fine on your own?"

"I'm sure, Peeta. I'll let her sleep now."

"Alright. I better get going. It's getting late."

What Prim did next shocked me. She hugged me. It took me a few moments to hug her back.

"Thanks again, Peeta."

"Your welcome. Call me if you need anything, okay?"

"Okay. Bye Peeta."

"Bye Prim."

I walk out and see Annie, Finnick and Johanna outside. When they saw me, they all give me cheeky grin.

"Guys stop. Y'all are creepin' me out." I said waving my arms.

"Whatever you say, Peet. Whatever you say." Finnick said, getting in the car with Annie. They drove off leaving me and my sister.

"So..."

"Stop it Jo." I turned and walked home with Johanna still teasing me.

When we get inside, dad is in the kitchen and Rye and Taftan are in the living room playing Wii.

When they saw my tainted cheeks, they immediately asked Johanna what it was about.

"Ooooh, Peety boy has a crush!" Rye exclaimed.

"Shut up!" I shouted shutting the door and locking it before going to bed.

Oh dear heavens, please let me sleep in peace...

Fuck you! I'm deleting this story!

Now, I've got your attention, I need to say a couple of things.

First, I know most of you guys know about the typhoon Haiyan. You see I'm from the Philippines and let me just say this, it's scary as shit even if we're far from the main area. Please pray for those affected. They are having a hard time to rebuild their lives because everything's gone.

Next, Merry Christmas and Happy 2014 to everyone! I know it's a bit late but life's been a bitch to me lately and I only got this time to update. I'm not sure when I'll be able to update again with school starting again and such. So please bear with me on this one.Third, I'm sure everyone watched The Catching Fire and it's freakin' amazing and disappointing. THEY MISSED OUT ON THE ROOFTOP SCENE AND THE BEACH SCENE! AND IT DIDN'T FUCKIN' SAY THAT KATNISS AND GALE KISSED IN THE MEADOW! ONLY THAT ONE TIME NEAR THE FENCE! It's nice to get it out of my chest...

Fourth, I'm open for comments and suggestions! So review!

'Til next time!

-pinkfides