I do not own the Hunger Games.

I cannot handle this.

I won't be able to take a day of lying and smiles, not with the truth breaking my heart every second.

When I wake up to the morning light, I instinctively flip over to face the other half of the bed, but Gale isn't there smiling back at me.

I moan and roll out of bed, sitting on the edge in just my boxers. I put my face in my hands, trying to search for the energy to begin this day. I moan again as I walk across the room and throw something on.

When I walk into the dinning room I find the whole gang. Katniss is dipping bread in hot chocolate, Haymitch is trying to eat something that isn't drowned in liquor, and if Effie's back was any straighter she would be mistaken for a support column. I sit down next to Katniss, and begin filling my plate with an exotic assortment of fruits. "How did you sleep Peeta?"

I look over at Katniss, an expression mixed with annoyance and anguish on my face. "How do you think?" Katniss looks away and Haymitch shoots me a look. Be nice.

I sigh. "I'm sorry Katniss, this is just tough." I take her hand, and force a smile. "How did you sleep?"

She smiles back. "Fine. Little better then last time." After a second she looks up at Effie. "So what's the schedule today? What do you have planned for us?"

Hearing anything about schedules brings Effie back to the conversation, back to her normal, annoyingly cheerful self. "Well, today is the first day of training. And you guys know the deal with that. But we want you guys to make friends this time. Allies."

Katniss immediately jumps up. "No. I don't trust any of them, and I can't stand most of them. I'd rather it just be us."

"You guys will be singled out this year. You were very successful, and people will want to eliminate you quickly. You need friends, allies." Haymitch's experience shines through. It's really annoying.

Katniss still fights. "No, I still don't want any of them. Maybe a few... but..."

I cut her off. "We should listen to him. Any chance we have to survive should be taken." I look at her, almost begging. It is a small chance to get back to Gale.

Her shoulders drop. "Okay. Fine. But I want to choose them." I smile at her. She smiles back, little less happy this time.

We take the elevator down to the training area. Almost no one is there. After we wait for what seems like an hour, the rest of the tributes arrive, and the coordinator gives her speech. Then the tributes spread around the room. Its so strange seeing so many older tributes.

I turn to my partner. "Let's split up Katniss. It will be the best way for us to meet the most people, learn the most."

She nods back at me, and walks over to some station about fishing.

I decided to go learn about exotic plants. I know that I was limited in that area last time, and god knows where these games will be.

The instructor seems smart, and I begin memorizing the colorful, and surprisingly deadly fauna as well as I can. After only about five minutes I get to a large flower with deep blue petals and red tips. The information packet says it is a rare orchid. I hear a voice behind me, but the instructor is with another tribute in front of me.

"You know that one is really beautiful, but its got some hidden secrets to it, bad ones." The voice is surprisingly close to my ear. "Maybe some good ones too."

I turn my head to find the tribute from District 4 leaning down over me. He is really tall, muscular, sexy I guess. I feel like I haven't noticed that kinda thing since being with Gale. Especially since leaving him.

"You know. The flower." He flashes this sexy, alluring smile at me.

"Well that's what I am here to learn..."

"Finnick. Tribute from District 4." He puts his hand out to shake, and when I grab it he pulls me up, really close to him. He's strong. And apparently about a foot taller then me. From this height I am facing his training suit, which he has unzipped down his chest, revealing even more muscle. His skin is dark and smooth, flawless.

I release his hand, taking a step back. "I'm Peeta, District 12."

"Oh I know. Everyone knows." That subtle, condescending, smile flashes again. I find it so aggravating.

"Well, Finnick, I have a lot to do..." As I begin to move around him he cuts me off, leaning into me again. And again he cuts me off mid-sentence. Aggravating.

"You know Peeta, at the opening parade through the city, and before and afterwords, you know what I noticed?" Now I am starting to get annoyed by this guy. He's not playing the Career, he's not trying to make an alliance (not that Katniss wants him), he's just being annoying. He leans in so close his lips are brushing against my ear. "I noticed you noticing me."

My eyes show a mixture of fear and confusion. How could he know... that? And how could he notice something that didn't even happen? I was too distraught too even look at anyone, how could I have noticed... oh crap. I was in a depressed daze for that entire night, but I do remember a naked, sexy man in basically a fish net. Fuck. I must have stared at him. For too long. Fuck again.

"You were the only one not uncomfortable and awkward around me. And I saw you stealing a few glances." He is still whispering in my ear. I am too shocked and confused to do anything about our uncomfortable proximity.

"Finnick... I..."

Again, he cuts me off. "Don't speak Peeta, I'm not going to expose you, don't worry."

"But I'm not..."

"Oh, I think you are." His hand glides over my crouch, which apparently has become hard with Finnick so close. Fuck. "I know you are."

Finally Finnick walks away, leaving me standing with a hard on and a look of pure shock. What am I going to do? Finnick won't just let this go. What about Katniss? What about Gale?

I cannot handle this.

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