I'm SO incredibly sorry for the delay! I had exams and then a trip to go on and then a new puppy to take care of!

Chapter 10

Clove POV

I sighed as I put down another book that proved to be useless. The 3,000 word paper due next week was proving to be a lot more difficult than I had expected. And, I knew I couldn't work on it tonight because Glimmer already told me in advance that we were going to have bonding time with Katniss. As excited as I was about hanging out with our new friend, the anxiety over this paper was building. My worries were interrupted by a smooth voice.

"You wouldn't happen to know the current location of The Republic, would you? Our darling librarians directed me to you."

I looked up and was met with the sight of Cato's electric-blue eyes. I felt a blush deepen under my skin at his intense gaze as I fished Plato's work out of the stack of books next to me.

"This paper kicking your ass too?" I asked. This was one of many short conversations we'd had in the past few days, and I must admit I'm glad he chose that particular treadmill at the gym a few weeks ago.

"I wouldn't know," he said sheepishly. "I haven't done much."

I raised my eyebrows and laughed. "I'd probably be in the same boat, but I've known for days that I'd have plans tonight-"

"What's his name?" Cato jumped in.

I paused, smirking, "So, that's why I started it early, because-"

"His. Name." He repeated.

"You seem to be really interested."

"Well of course. If what's-his-name whisks you away tonight, I won't have anyone to help me with this paper," he responded coolly.

"Now that would be a real tragedy," I said back, picking up my belongings. It was already six-thirty in the afternoon, and I had to go get ready for our night out.

"Oh, and no need to worry tonight. It's girls' night," I called back at Cato over my shoulder as I left the library.

Katniss POV

I ran my hands through my half-pulled-back hair as I examined the clothes laid out before me. September in Massachusetts was a truly interesting concept. Not yet taken over by the bitter chill of winter, autumn breezes still whistled through the Boston air. Even though I grew up here, the years down in Virginia thinned out my blood, and I was at a loss of how to handle this weather. I finally settled on wearing a pullover on top of my clothes. Glimmer had already given me orders that I had to look "damn good," so I couldn't go for the comfortable look. I also followed her demands that my hair be partially pulled back, which I hadn't done in a while. I'd forgotten how good it looked. She knew what she was doing.

I was ready to go, and just in time; I heard a sharp rapping on the door.

"I'll get it!" I heard Marvel call. I had forgotten to tell him I would be going out, so he would have no way of knowing Glimmer and Clove were at the door. Which could be a problem…

"Katniss, what the hell?" Apparently, Marvel had taken a look through the peephole. Also apparent was the fact that he had not yet put his hostility for Glimmer behind him.

"Open the door, dumbass," Glimmer retorted, loud enough that I could hear through two fairly thick doors.

I hurried to grab my phone, keys, and wallet, throwing them all in the first bag I could find, so I could go prevent any more conflict.

When I rushed out of my bedroom, Glimmer was pushing past Marvel, who was fuming, into the apartment. Clove trailed behind, and didn't even seem to notice the tension.

"Ah. A face I actually was looking forward to seeing," Glimmer said haughtily as Marvel vanished in his room. Clove rolled her eyes. She, too, must think that all this behavior was childish. It was kind of amusing though.

"And you even met my requirements. Good girl." Glimmer said, but she I could tell the comment was directed more toward Clove.

"Glimmer, that was the tightest shirt I've ever had to force myself into. I was not going to endure sucking in my stomach all night –"

"Don't be ridiculous! You're tiny! That shirt shows off your abs! And it makes your boobs look really good! You would get hit on all night!"

"Maybe I don't want to be hit on all night!"

Glimmer's anger faded away and was immediately replaced by a mixture of curiosity and smugness.

"Clove…do you like someone?"

"No."

"Why did you not tell-"

"No! I said no!"

"Well, you have to be hooking up with someone then-"

"No!"

Clove's face was turning a darker shade of red with each question, so I decided to save her. And, watching the two of them bicker was getting old.

"So. Where are we going?" I asked.

Glimmer gave Clove one last smirk and then acknowledged my question.

"Well, first we're going to this little sushi place Clove and I found a few weeks ago. And then, well, it's a surprise!"

Clove and I looked at each other, eyebrows raised.

"A fun surprise." Glimmer clearly sensed our hesitation.

The Japanese restaurant didn't disappoint. The food was fantastic, plus our server was quite entertaining. He insisted on referring to Glimmer as "Britney Spears" and asking her to sing for him.

Next, Clove and I followed Glimmer to our "surprise" destination. From the outside, it appeared to be an average bar. Which we were okay with. However, once we walked inside, we realized this was no average bar. It was a karaoke bar. Not crowded, but still. A karaoke bar.

Clove and I exchanged glances, speechless. Neither of us seemed to be too open to the idea of singing in front of a small crowd of randoms.

Glimmer came over, balancing three shot glasses in her hands. Clove took one glass and examined it.

"Dark liquor? Glimmer, what is this?"

"Only the best whiskey they've got in the place. Drink up. Katniss, how long since you've had this?"

"How long ago was my freshman year of college again?" I laughed.

"Get a move on. I told them we'd go up in 5 and I know this isn't going to be nearly as fun sober," Glimmer told us before she downed her drink.

I took a deep breath and followed suit. The liquid was warm, and I felt my insides burn as I drank. Glimmer motioned for another round.

This was going to be a truly interesting night.

Everyone stick with me. The Peeniss kiss has been written. I repeat. The Peeniss kiss has been written.

Review! Pretty please :) I CAN'T APOLOGIZE ENOUGH FOR BEING SO SLOW! I love you all SO much for sticking with me!