Author's Note: I apologize for my long absence! I know In my past update, I said I would update within a week of that time but things didn't work out. These past few months I've been dealing with writer's block and I've just been really busy. I hope this chapter makes up for everything!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Hunger Games or its characters. All credit goes to Suzanne Collins. I don't own the Last Song. All credit goes to Nicholas Sparks.

Katniss's POV

These past few days, mom forced me to clean the mess I made at the bakery without the help of anyone. Mr. Mellark said it wasn't necessary, that his sons could've done it for the trouble they gave me. His wife, however, lost her temper and screeched that I could do it myself for the consequence of my actions. Who knew Mrs. Mellark was capable of being such a crabby bitch since she's got everyone completely fooled with her nice woman persona. I can see why her and my mom get along so fucking well.

I haven't seen Peeta. Even on the days that I had to clean the mess. It's not like I fucking care, he was being an asshole anyways. He's probably hanging out with his phony, rich friends.

"Have a wonderful day, Primmy!" Mom calls after Prim.

"Can we fucking go now?" I huff and cross my arms in annoyance. Every fucking time it's the same damn thing! She says goodbye like she'll never see her again! I get it mom! You fucking care about Prim a lot! You don't have to rub it in my fucking face every chance you get!

She turns towards me and shoots me a glare.

"Don't you say another word." She says in a cold tone." I'm still disappointed in you."

I've heard that so many times throughout the years, that I'm not even fazed by the word anymore.

Get in line and wait until I give a fuck, I silently think to myself.

Instead, I roll my eyes and glance out the window.

...

Right before I could head into my room, mom stops me and says," Oh no you don't."

"What now?" I say in annoyance.

"Don't think because you quit working at the Mellark Bakery, that your punishment is over," She says.

I sigh in annoyance and say," What's my punishment now mom?"

"I..." She trails off not knowing what to say next and I know why. She has nothing left to punish me for. But if she's the real Crystal 'Malcomson' I know, she'd punish me for any little thing that doesn't go her away.

"I'll be in my room," I grumble and stomp all the way there.

As soon as I slam the room door, I grab my book off the nightstand and decide to read. There's nothing else to fucking do.

I scowl and try to start reading but I can't. I lost interest in the book because of all the time I spent in the bakery. Ever since I started, I haven't really had much time for reading. As soon as I got home from 'work' I'd eat dinner, shower, and pass out. It was the same process everyday. Now I have all this fucking free time and I don't have shit to do.

At least at the bakery I'd argue with Peeta or give people shit.

Peeta. That fucking asshole.

"I can see why you want to bang her," Wheat says.

My eye brows knit in anger. How dare he call me a slut and then I over hear his brothers saying how he wants to bang me!

"Katniss-" Peeta begins.

"Don't ever try to fucking talk to me again," I glare at him." By the way, I'd rather sleep with Marvel than with you."

It suit him right to hear that. Now he won't walk around with that happy look on his fucking face.

You liked it

Shut up!

I scowl and focus harder on my book.

...

"Janice said I'm practically a pro!" Prim adds.

About an hour ago, mom dragged me out my room so we could go pick up Prim from her piano lessons. I'm starting to think the only reason she takes me is because she knows it bugs me.

"That's amazing sweetie!" Mom gushes." I'll tell you what? How about next week, we throw a party just in honor of that?"

A party? Just because someone said she's practically a fucking pro? How pathetic.

"Katniss!" She screeches.

Shit, I probably said that out loud.

"It's true!" I hiss.

"Don't listen to her Prim, she's just jealous but happy for you in her own little way," Mom assures her.

"It's okay," Prim says in a hurt tone.

"Oh shut the fuck up Prim! We both know your acting that way just to get her fucking attention!" I growl. That's the oldest trick in the fucking book!

"Katniss!" My mom yells in anger.

"It's true and you know it!" I huff and cross my arms.

"It's okay, mom," Prim answers in her sad tone. What an attention seeking whore.

When we're pulling in the driveway, I see a boy waiting outside with roses and chocolates in his hand.

"Oh my gosh, it's Rory!" Prim squeals.

Rory? Oh, right. Prim's boyfriend. Apparently, they've been going out a couple of months. He even happens to be the younger brother of Peeta's friend named Gale.

"Go get him," Mom encourages.

Are you fucking kidding me? She tells him to go to a boy when she's younger than me? This is horse shit! I can't even socialize with boys that I get along with?

Well what did you expect? It's Prim. She could end up pregnant and mom wouldn't give a shit because she's so fucking perfect and pretty.

Once mom parks the car, I get out and slam the door.

"Katniss, don't slam the door like that!" Mom yells.

"Fuck you!" I mutter and walk up the porch steps, ignoring the way Prim is lip locked with Rory.

"Oh, you two are just so cute," I hear my mom gush over the two of them.

Anger clouds my vision and I storm inside.

...

Mom and Prim talk up a storm in the living room for over an hour. Everything can be heard in my fucking room! Don't they know how to shut the fuck up?

"He's just so sweet!" Prim says in a girly tone." He's going to take me ice skating tomorrow."

I roll my eyes and focus on my book.

I've had boyfriends before, but they've never really taken me out on an actual date. Our ways of hanging out would just be smoking or heavy make out sessions.

"Ugh, then you're going to get married and I'm going to be left alone," Mom whimpers.

"Oh for fucks sake," I jump up and grab my jacket.

I can't stand being in this house another minute. I'll go insane!

Mom and Prim look up as I storm out the room.

"Where are you going?" Mom demands and stands up.

"Out," I growl and head for the front door but she blocks my way.

"No, you're not," She scowls.

"I need some fucking air! You're driving me insane!" I yell and try to move around her.

She moves with me and says," I'm not going to let you go out there and make horrible decisions for yourself!"

"It's too late for that!" I yell and her face falls. Tears cloud her vision and I roll my eyes." Oh my- Fuck, move out the way! I've had enough of this shit!"

"Just let her go mom!" Prim yells in anger. I turn back to look at her and see an angry look on her face." Give her what she wants!"

I turn back at mom and her jaw clenches but she moves out the way.

Anything that Prim tells her to do, she'll do it in a heartbeat because she's not the child gone wrong.

"When will you be back?" Mom calls after me but I ignore her.

...

I don't know where I'm going and I don't care. All I can think about is putting some distance between that damn house and myself.

Prim, Prim, Prim! Always about precious little Prim. It's been that way ever since she was fucking born!

Two more months of this shit and you're done!

That's right, two more months, and I'm a free woman. I get to do whatever the hell I want! All of this Prim bullshit will be far behind me.

Moments later, I look up and see that I'm walking towards the Mellark Bakery. Why the hell am I walking there for? I'm not wanted there! Hell, I'm not wanted anywhere!

I scowl and quickly walk past the warm, inviting bakery.

"Hey Katniss," I hear behind me not even five seconds later.

I look back and see Clove coming out the Mellark Bakery with Cato.

"What the fuck? I thought you worked there?" Clove asks and giggles as Cato places kisses on her neck.

"I- Uh- did but not anymore," I comment and look at the bakery. I see Peeta turning the open sign to closed. His eyes meet mine but quickly flit away.

"Huh," Clove comments." Well come with us, we're going to a party."

It's not like I have anywhere else better to be. I also don't want to go back home anytime soon.

"Aright," I nod.

They walk ahead of me, giggling but I can't help but quickly glance back. The bakery is completely dark.

What the hell were you expecting? Peeta to be looking at you?

Shut the fuck up!

I scowl and break into a light jog to catch up to Clove and Cato.

...

"Oh my gosh!" Clove laughs and hands me a cup." You have to try this!"

We're at Clove's friend's apartment with a bunch of college students wearing similar clothes to me. I've been here for the past three- no five- no four hours? I don't really know how long its been. All I know is that it's dark outside and I'm really drunk.

I can't help the giggle that escapes me but I nod.

I take the drink from her hand and take a large drink.

"Fruity," I comment and drink the rest.

"I'm going to get us some more shots babe," Cato gets up.

"Okay," Clove gives him a wink before he walks away.

"I think I'm... I'm..." I burst out laughing and try to finish my sentence." I'm going to just... call it a night."

"Boo," Clove boo's me. "I'll see you around."

I try to stand up but everything around my sways, causing me to stumble.

"Woah," I put my arms out, to reach the closest thing to steady me.

"You're so drunk," Clove laughs.

I giggle and walk towards the exit. When I'm out, the cool air hits me and it feels nice.

Clove's friend's apartment is about a thirty minute walk from my mom's house. I don't think I'm going to make it that far without falling flat on my face.

I start walking and feel my stomach turn. Shit.

I stumble for a couple more minutes before I realize that I can't go on. I groan and lean against the nearest building that just so happens to have a glass window. The cool glass against my skin feels so amazing, I can't help but let out another groan.

"Katniss?" I hear a soft voice ask.

I slowly open my eyes and see Peeta's face swaying a few feet away from mine. He seems to be standing in the doorway, with his body to block the door from closing.

"Hi, Peeta," I laugh and my eyes droop shut.

"Are you drunk?" He asks, moving closer towards me.

"Just...buzzed," I snort and feel my stomach roll again." It's turning."

"What is? Here, come inside," He puts an arm around me and I can't help but notice how strong and warm his arm is. He helps me inside... the bakery?

"What... what are you doing... here? Late?" I slur and open my eyes. We're inside the bakery and the smell of cinnamon and bread, makes my stomach turn again.

"I'm working late," He replies. He sits me down on a solid surface and places a garbage can in front of me." In case you need to vomit."

"You're so sweet," I giggle and feel my stomach roll violently. That's not good.

Peeta turns on one light and heads into the kitchen. That's when I notice the light to the back room is on.

Hmmm, he's probably making a cake. A wedding cake.

He comes back with a glass of water and hands it to me.

"Drink," He says.

I take a small sip and feel my stomach relax somewhat.

"What are you doing out so late?" He asks." Your mom must be worried about you."

"My mom." I mock." My mom can go fuck herself along with her perfect little child. Fuck you, mom!"

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asks with concern in his blue eyes.

"They were talking... and talking..." I roll my eyes."... about Prim. It was driving me insane... so I left."

"What do you mean?" He asks with confusion laced across his tone.

"Prim's wedding, Prim's boyfriend, Prim's date," I roll my eyes but snort." and Prim's piano abilities. Prim, Prim, Prim, Prim, Prim!"

"Hey," He says in a soothing tone." Is this what this is all about?"

Its then when I notice how blue his eyes are. They're so blue like... like... there's nothing to compare it to because I don't even think I've ever seen that shade of blue before.

"Your eyes are so pretty," I compliment and lean forwards to get a better look.

"Katniss-" He chuckles and sits me down.

"- It's boring!" I frown." There's nothing to do!"

Fuck, stop you idiot! But I can't! I drank so much to the point where I say everything at the top of my head without thinking.

"What is?" He asks confused.

"Home," I say, feeling suddenly tired." I miss arguing with you."

Fucking stop!

"W-What?" He asks in shock.

"Mhmm..." I feel my eyes starting to close." Shut up, Katniss."

Fuck! I'm going to regret this in the morning!

Through droopy eyes, I see Peeta still in a state of shock. I burst out into tiny giggles and nearly fall off the chair.

He seems to snap out of his haze because he catches me just in time.

"If you want I can drive you home," Peeta says moments later.

"No," I shake my head." Please, no. I don't want to go back."

He says something back but I don't get to hear what he says because I pass out.

Peeta's POV

"Katniss," I try shaking her awake but she doesn't budge. She fell asleep.

She misses me.

She misses arguing with you.

It's a start though.

She softly groans in her sleep which snaps me out of my thoughts.

I have no option but to take her home with me. I'm not taking her back home with her mother. She's not in the best state, and she's not in the best terms with Ms. Malcomson. I feel a sadness overcome me for Katniss. It sounds like she doesn't feel wanted by her own mother. It's as if Ms. Malcomson has all of her direction directed towards Prim which makes Katniss angry. Maybe Ms. Malcomson isn't who I thought she was.

I quickly put the trash can back in it's place and place her glass of water in the sink that's in the back room. I head back towards the front, lift her up bridal style, and turn off the lights.

Right when I heard her outside, I finished a birthday cake and got it in the refrigerator. Perfect timing, I guess.

I head towards the back, grab my car keys, and turn off all the lights.

"Mmmm, Peeta," She lets out a tired groan.

"Sh... I'm here," I whisper in her ear and leave the bakery.

I walk towards the parking lot and unlock my car. After I've placed her in the passengers seat and put on her seatbelt, I quickly run back towards the bakery and make sure the back and front door is locked.

I jog back towards the car and get in the drivers seat.

I glance at Katniss and see that she has her face pressed against the window.

I'd be lying if I said what she said didn't hurt me.

Flashback..

"Oh come on Peeta," Wheat groans." Just get over it."

"She said it on purpose," Rye says.

"Why?" I ask in an angry voice. I really don't feel like talking with either of them at the moment. They're the reason they caused all this.

"To hurt you," He says.

"Over something that, that shit head said!" I hiss." Now she fucking hates me for good!"

"Chill, Pete," Wheat rolls his eyes." She'll come around."

"Come around?" I huff." She didn't like me because of what happened earlier and now she officially hates me because both of you can't mind your own damn business!"

"Peeta-" Rye begins.

"No, just leave me alone," I glare at both of them before heading towards my room.

End of flashback..

She groans and shuffles in her seat.

Right, I should start the car.

I start it and back out of the parking lot and towards my parent's house. I'm visiting them for the summer before I have to go back to college. I'm studying business at Abernathy University, like my mom wants me to.

I wanted to get a degree in art but mom said that it wasn't worth it.

Flashback..

"Rye is studying business, Wheat is studying business, so you should study business. It'll get you far in life," Mom says as she prepares breakfast.

"I don't want to study business. I have no interest in it whatsoever." I feel myself get annoyed. Why can't she see that just because my brothers are interested in the same degree, doesn't mean I am.

"Then what are you interested in?" She turns around and gives me a pointed look.

"I want to get a degree in art," I answer truthfully and she raises a brow.

"And what will you do with that degree?" She asks and puts her hands on her hips.

"After college, I'll buy a studio and sell my paintings or I'll become an art teacher and-" I begin but she interrupts me.

"I will not stand here and watch my son fail!" She shakes her head." I won't take it! No, you're studying business. It won't put you out on the street and you'll make a ton of money."

" Mom, that's what you want, not what I want," I huff.

"Peeta," She sighs and her voice cracks." I only want what's best for you! I don't want to see my son out in the streets or starving!"

I sigh and slowly nod.

"Okay, Okay," I regretfully agree." I'll... I'll study business if it makes you happy."

End of flashback...

I pull up in the driveway and shut off the engine. I look over and see that Katniss is still deep in sleep.

I hop out the car and shut the door. I walk over to the passengers side and lift her up bridal style.

"Gmhm..." She groans as she places a hand over my heart and rests her head on my chest.

A small smile tugs at my lips but the sound of a door opening snaps me back into reality. I look up and see that it's Wheat and Rye.

"Oh shit!" they mouth out in shock.

I close passenger door and lock the door. As I head up the steps, I hear Rye whisper," Peeta, what the hell did you two do?!"

"Nothing," I whisper back.

"Mom's gonna kill you when she finds out you two slept together!" Wheat looks at me in shock.

"No," I blush." Nothing happened. She just... she was drunk and I couldn't take her home."

"Why not?" Wheat raises a brow.

"It's... It's complicated," I answer. Knowing Katniss, she probably doesn't want anyone to know about her personal life. If I were in her shoes, It'd be the same for me.

"Did you two at least make up?" Rye asks.

"No," I answer and send him a glare.

"Oh, come on? You're still mad about that?" Wheat lightly chuckles.

"Shut up," I glare at him and step inside the house." Do me a favor and call Ms. Malcomson and tell her that Katniss will be staying with us."

"She's going to think we're lying Pete," Wheat points out.

"Just do it, please. And tell mom and dad to not come in my room at all. Same goes for both of you." I reply and carry Katniss to my room.

I quietly close the door to my room. I place Katniss on my bed.

She groans and immediately lays on her stomach.

I place my wastebasket next to the bed in case she has to vomit.

I go towards the end of the bed and take off her combat boots. Once they're off, I hear her let out a sleepy sigh of relief.

She must have been really tired too.

I go up towards her and pull out the comforter from beneath her. I cover her with the covers and place a small kiss on her forehead.

"Mmm..." She groans and her eyes slightly open. "Peeta?"

"Yeah," I reply, ignoring the strong smell of alcohol radiating off her.

"Stay with me?" She asks in a sleepy tone.

"I'm here already," I chuckle.

"No, lay with me?" She asks.

"Katniss... I don't think that's a good idea," I shake my head.

"Please," She pleads. This is the second time Katniss has begged me for something today. Of all the times I've been around her, I've never once heard her beg anyone for anything.

I sigh and take off my shoes and pants, but leave my shirt on. I lay in the empty spot beside her and she instantly goes to my side. She rests her head on my chest and wraps an arm around my waist.

"Stay with me?" She mumbles into my chest.

"Always," I reply just as my eyes begin to close.

Author's Note: What did you think? Love it? Hate it? Review and please tell me what you guys thought.