"Shhhhh," he soothes, his fingers running through my hair.
I have a counselor, my old one, Doctor Aurelius. I'm on depression medicine. I didn't go to school yesterday, or today. It's Wednesday. I'm not going to school tomorrow either, and I don't even know if I'm going Friday.
"They're announcing the talent show winners tomorrow. Then we're having a huge football game and everyone is going." Peeta whispers.
I really want to go back to school.
"I wanna go." I whisper. His eyes light up.
"You wanna go back to school?" He asks. I nod.
Apparently, the school knows I almost committed suicide. Cinna is furious and demanded to get Glimmer taken out of his class. Plutarch readily agreed. Peeta tells me that Plutarch is trying to find a way to kick Glimmer out.
"You wanna go?" Johanna whispers. All my friends are here. The girls show up with tear stained faces, even Johanna.
The doorbell downstairs rings.
Less then two seconds later, Mama is walking into my room.
"There's four girls here to see you honey, I can tell them to leave if you'd like." She says gently.
I'm tired of being babies but I'm not going to complain.
I slowly rise. I'm not so depressed that I don't take care of myself. I have on my spandex shorts and my high school t-shirt. I can hear Peeta suck in a breath when I stand up. I can't help my bubble of laughter as I head downstairs.
Kill me right now.
Clove, Delly, Kalye and Hanna are standing in my living room. I don't know if I trust them.
"We uh...brought you these." Delly says, holding out a stack of CD's. they're all my favorites.
"And we put our money together and got you a new guitar." Hanna says. Clove passes me an acoustic guitar.
I stare at them.
"I can't take this..." I whisper.
"Please take it Katniss." Clove says. "You deserve it, really."
"Yeah...after the shit we put you through..." Kalye says.
"Thank you," I hug them, one by one.
"Your welcome." Delly says. "Well...bye." Hanna mumbles
The four of them leave without another word.
I pick up everything and go back upstairs.
"Whoa!" Finn says. "No way!"
"Who was here?" Annie whispers. They're all super upset about me being "sick" as everyone calls it.
"Delly, Clove, Hanna and Kalye." I plop down on the bed.
"And they gave you a ton if CD's and a new guitar?" Peeta asks. I nod and shift the guitar on my lap.
"Well! Play something Katniss!" Johanna says.
She's stopped calling me brainless and Finn has stopped calling me Kitty.
They won't even call me Kat anymore.
"Please just...you can still call me my nicknames. It's annoying when you don't." I say.
"So I can call you brainless?" Johanna asks. I nod. "Thank god!"
"Play something!" Peeta says.
"I think your gonna win tomorrow." Jen blurts. I roll my eyes.
"Right-"
"No. You have the most incredible voice I've ever heard. Everyone in the school loves you. They're bullying Glimmer now." Jen says.
"And you know you have to do the things you did. Like if you win you have to sing one of the songs." Annie says.
"They're bullying Glimmer?" I demand. It's nine at night right now. Zoe is been going to school alone. I can't believe she didn't tell me! "Hey Zoe!" I shout.
"What?" She bellows from her bedroom.
"Come here!" She appears in the doorway in her hoodie and pajama shorts.
"What?"
"Why didn't you tell me that they're bullying Glimmer?" I ask. She shrugs.
"I dunno." She says. I sigh.
"Okay..." She walks off.
"I'm going to school tomorrow." I say.
"Really?" Jared asks.
"Really." I say. They all grin.
"So play something we've never heard." Peeta says.
"I don't really-" I cut off. I do, but I don't want to play it. "Well...it's on the piano." I say.
"Play it! Please?" Kegan says. I sigh and push the guitar off my lap, going downstairs to the living room. Dad is in his office and I don't know where Mom is. Prim and Zoe are in their rooms.
I sit down on the bench and start to play.
Skies are crying, I am watching
Catching tear drops in my hands
Only silence as it's ending
Like we never had a chance
Do you have to make me feel like
There's nothing left of me?You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraperAs the smoke clears, I awaken
And untangle you from me
Would it make you feel better
To watch me while I bleed?
All my windows still are broken
But I'm standing on my feetYou can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraperGo run, run, run
I'm gonna stay right here,
Watch you disappear
Yeah, oh
Go run, run, run
Yeah, it's a long way down
But I am closer to the clouds up hereYou can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Oh Oh
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper(Like a skyscraper)Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
"Oh my god Katniss!" Prim exclaims.
"Who was that about?" Mom asks.
"Nobody, it was about me." I say. "And I'm going to school tomorrow." Tomorrow will be November ninth.
"You are?" Mom asks.
"Yes." I say.
"That song is incredible." Peeta says.
"You should sing that tomorrow. You don't have to sing the son you performed, Annie." Johanna says.
"I don't know..." I say.
"Do it." Finn says.
"You know they're going bullying awareness at school now?" Peeta asks. I I raise my eyebrows.
"Oh." I say.
"Well then it's time for you guys to go. The girls have to get ready for school." Dad says.
"Okay, see you tomorrow." They go to leave but I grab Peeta's hand, stopping him.
"No kiss?" We've never kissed in front of my parents, or his.
He hesitates and then pecks my lips.
"You can call me whenever you need to. I'll leave my volume all the way up." He says.
"Me too." Jen says.
"All of us." Rye speaks up. I nod.
They head out.
"You two are just so adorable!" Mom gushes the second the door closes.
...
I suck in a breath and walk into the cafeteria, stepping back into school for the first time since my break down. Since I had the knife to my chest.
Since I changed my mind.
One girl starts crying, others gasp, more people cry, one girl starts clapping, and then everyone is clapping.
I try not to cry, but I do. Peeta is instantly there.
"You okay?" He asks. I nod. I have a white long sleeve shirt on, a grey knit sweater, light blue jean skinny jeans and really light tan toms. "Are you sure?" He asks.
"It's just a lot to process." I sniff.
"You look beautiful." He says, his arm slung over my shoulder as he pulls me to my friends. Every single one of them hug me. Zoe came with me to school. She made friends and she's crying and cheering.
Suddenly, they fall deathly silent.
Glimmer walks in. That's why they fell silent.
People start to leave.
Glimmer is in a hoodie.
Oh my god.
They're bullying her so bad that she's just like me.
"Whore," someone snaps at her.
"Bitch."
"Skank." Someone else hisses.
No!
I'm zapped back in time to that day Peeta pulled me around on the longboard, the second time I ran into him. The day I met my best friends.
"Nobody deserves to feel that way" he had said.
"Except Glimmer." I replied. He stopped walking.
"Would you want anyone to feel like that?" I thought for a long time.
"No."
I don't have time to do something, though, before the bell rings.
"All students please report to the auditorium." Plutarch comes over the intercom.
I think I might be frozen, because the next thing I know, I'm on Peeta's back and we're walking into the auditorium.
He drops me in a chair and our friends sit down. We take up an entire row.
Once everyone is seated, Cinna comes out.
"Okay." He begins. "We all voted yesterday for the talent show winner. The winder is to do their performance. It doesn't have to be the same thing." He says. I drum my fingers nervously on Peeta's arm.
I don't even want to win, I just entered to get my message across.
"And the winner is..." He pulls the notecard out. "Glimmer"
"WHAT!" Johanna screams.
Everyone starts booing. Cinna looks pissed, along with Plutarch. I don't really care.
Glimmer walks onto the stage and Cinna orders silence.
Glimmer is silent for a long time. Her eyes lock with mine, and them she sighs.
"I can't accept this." She whispers. Everyone gasps.
"It feels!" Johanna shouts. She's next to me. I elbow her in the ribs.
"I really can't accept this. Can I give it to who I want to?" She asks.
She's going to give it to Glen Parker, because she thinks he's hot. Plutarch nods.
"Okay...Katniss, this isn't mine. This is yours." She says. I don't move. I'm honestly too shocked.
Peeta has to stand up and stand me up.
"Go!" He's crying.
What?
I give him a concerned look. I've never seen him cry.
"Go!" He whispers again.
I start to get the movement back in my limbs and I start walking, walking up into the stage.
Glimmer silently hands me the award.
She gives me a long look.
"I like your outfit." She says, before walking past me, off the stage. My jaw is slack and my eyes follow her.
"Um...um..." I stutter. "And I supposed to say something?" I ask. Plutarch nods. "Do I have to?" I press. He nods again.
"It doesn't have to be award related." He says.
I don't like saying something. I'm not good at saying something.
And I didn't take my depression medicine today.
But to my surprise, Zoe gets up and walks to Plutarch, whispering in his ear while I struggle to think.
Plutarch's eyes widen and he nods.
"Actually, you don't have to. Just sing two songs..." He says.
I hesitate and look over my shoulder. No piano.
"Dammit!" I whisper.
The microphone catches it and the audience fills with laughter. My face goes bright red.
I'm not allowed to use that language. Plutarch looks ready to scold me.
"Sorry! I...sorry! I didn't mean to say that out loud...it just..." I sigh. "Never mind..." I put up a finger and walk backstage. Cinna looks concerned. "I need a piano!" I whisper.
He sighs and nods.
Less then a minute later, there's a piano on stage.
"Go kill it!" He pats my back. I suck in a breath and walk back onto the stage.
"Um..." I sit down at the stool at the piano. "This song is about...me and my...battles." I say.
"KICK ASS KITTY!" Finn screams. He sinks quickly down in his chair at Plutarch whips around from his language. I laugh loudly and start to play the melody (this song is Skyscraper by Demi Lovato)
Skies are crying, I am watching
Catching tear drops in my hands
Only silence as it's ending
Like we never had a chance
Do you have to make me feel like
There's nothing left of me?You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraperAs the smoke clears, I awaken
And untangle you from me
Would it make you feel better
To watch me while I bleed?
All my windows still are broken
But I'm standing on my feetYou can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraperGo run, run, run
I'm gonna stay right here,
Watch you disappear
Yeah, oh
Go run, run, run
Yeah, it's a long way down
But I am closer to the clouds up hereYou can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Oh Oh
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper(Like a skyscraper)Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
They're screaming, some crying.
I don't want all these songs to be depressing. I get up.
"Can I bring someone on the stage?" I ask. "For a duet?" Plutarch looks hesitant but nods.
There's only one person in the world that knows every single word to the duet I wrote.
And that person is my boyfriend. Andy boyfriend can sing and play guitar.
He just doesn't let anyone know.
We lock eyes and he starts shaking his head frantically.
"Please?" I whine. Everyone is straining to see who I'm talking to. He keeps shaking his head.
I know exactly how to get him to do it.
"Please?" I whisper, my face in a sad expression.
He stares at me for a long time and then shuts his eyes, taking a deep breath and stands up.
He's one of the most popular guys in the school because he's on the football team.
He walks onto the stage. "Your lucky I love you." He hisses as he passes me to the electric guitar, turning the volume all the way up.
Nobody knows he can play guitar and they don't know he can sing. Not even our friends know. Rye and Graham are hysterically laughing.
"This should be good!" Rye shouts. Peeta glares at him, walking to the microphone stand.
I put my microphone on his stad and go to go backstage, but Cinna walks out and hands me a microphone.
"Don't make him embarrass himself." He whispers before walking backstage.
I need someone to play drums...I cannot play drums.
"Hey Finn?" I ask sweetly. He looks at me. "You love me like a sister right?" I ask.
He already knows what I want.
He grabs my bag and stands up, walking to the stage.
He goes to the drums while I get the notes from my folder.
Everyone looks amused.
I nod at Peeta and he starts to play, shocking everyone.
Me:
Whoa-uh-oh
Peeta:
It's always a good time
Me:
Whoa-uh-oh
Peeta:
It's always a good time
Everyone is screaming, my friends especially.
"SHIT! HE CAN SING!" Johanna screams.
Peeta:
Woke up on the right side of the bed
What's up with this Prince song inside my head?
Hands up if you're down to get down tonight
Me:
Whoa uh oh
Peeta:
'Cause it's always a good timeSlept in all my clothes like I didn't care
Hopped into a cab, take me anywhere
I'm in if you're down to get down tonight
'Cause it's always a good time
Me:
Good morning and good night
I'll wake up at twilight
Both:
It's gonna be alright
Peeta:
We don't even have to try
It's always a good time ME: (Whooo)
Both:
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh
It's always a good time
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
We don't even have to try, it's always a good time.
Me:
Whoa oh uh uh oh Freaked out, dropped my phone in the pool again
Checked out of my room, hit the ATM
Let's hang out if you're down to get down tonight
'Cause it's always a good time
Peeta:
Good morning and good night
Me:
I'll wake up at twilight
Both:
It's gonna be alright
Peeta:
We don't even have to try
It's always a good time ME: (Whooo)
Both:
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh
It's always a good time
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
We don't even have to try,
It's always a good time.Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh
It's always a good time
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
We don't even have to try,
It's always a good time.
Peeta:
Doesn't matter when
It's always a good time then
Me:
Doesn't matter where
It's always a good time there
Peeta:
Doesn't matter when,
It's always a good time then
Both:
It's always a good timeWhoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh
It's always a good time
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
We don't even have to try,
It's always a good timeWhoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh
It's always a good time
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
We don't even have to try,
It's always a good time.
Everyone is literally screaming, standing up, screaming bloody murder, hysterical, clapping, the whole deal.
Peeta and I high five as he puts the guitar back.
"Dude! That was awesome!" Finn high fives both of us as he puts the paper back in my folder and puts it in my bag. I sling it over my shoulder.
Cinna comes out.
"Well! That was incredible!" He exclaims. I really want to go sit down. I'm on my period so I'm cramping and my back hurts.
"Can I go sit down?" I demand. Cinna nods.
Peeta knows I'm on my period because I've been complaining.
He puts me on his back and carries me off the stage.
"Holy shit! That was incredible!" Jo shouts.
"I didn't know you could sing!" Rye says to Peeta. He sets me down.
"Yeah...well..."
"Would everyone please get comfortable. We're going to watch a movie that I think is very important for you all. It's about bullying." Cinna says. "If anyone doesn't want to watch it, because its very sad and made my wife cry, please head to the cafeteria." Cinna says.
Nobody moves.
I didn't tell anybody, but I have glasses now. I'm supposed to be wearing them but I don't want to.
They bring down the overhead pull down thing and start the movie.
I can't even see it.
I sigh loudly and dig through my bag for my glasses.
All my friends raise their eyebrows.
"Stop!" I hiss. They sigh and turn back to the movie.
I lift up the armrest and lean against Peeta.
...
Oh. My. God.
This movie! The girl is struggling to get the pulls open, when her fake friend, who is the bully bursts into the bathroom.
She gets the pulls from her and they pop open and spill all over the floor.
A ton of people in the audience are hysterical.
Her mom holds her daughter as she sobs.
"I just wanna leave!" She screams. "I hate me! I'm a slut and a whore and I don't want to be here anymore!"
I get up and leave, ditching my backpack.
I don't know where I'm going.
I run down the halls, debating on running in front of a car.
I should have taken my meds!
I pace the hallways, taking deep breaths through my mouth and letting it out through my nose, counting to one hundred.
I do this three hundred times before I'm calm enough.
I do it one hundred more, just to make sure, and then wipe my tears and go back to the auditorium, taking my seat again.
Peeta wipes stray tears and takes my hand, rubbing small circles.
He says nothing. No words are needed.
Why did I come to school today? I should have stayed home.
I sigh.
"I wanna go home." I mumble into his chest. He kisses my head.
"Go home then."
No. I want to see him play football.
"The football game was cancelled because its pouring." He whispers.
I probably said that out loud.
I sigh into his chest and text my mom.
Me: I want you to call the school and tell them I'm allowed to go home. I had a withdrawal and I forgot to take my meds.
Mom: okay
Ten minutes later, Plutarch gives me a thumbs up.
I gather my things and peck Peeta's lips.
"I'll see you..." I trail off.
"Tomorrow." He says.
"Tomorrow." I peck his lips again. "I love you." I whisper.
"I love you too." I get up and walk out.
...
I wake up, confused.
I look at the time and see its ten. Sunlight is streaming through the windows. I frown and look at the date.
It's the tenth.
I've been sleeping for twenty three hours.
I'm supposed to be at school.
"Shit!" I swear, getting up and running down the hall. Zoe is asleep too. I go over to her ad wake her up. "It's eleven!" I say.
"Wha-fuck!" She get up and runs to the bathroom.
I go to my bathroom and quickly shower. I pull on black skinny jeans and a flowing long sleeve light blue shirt that is supposed to be really long.
I take a brush through my hair and pull on my leather boots. Black jeans. Blue shirt.
I look cute.
I grab my back and roll on deodorant and spray on perfume.
I go downstairs and down my pill. Zoe comes down ready.
I snatch my keys and make sure I have my phone.
Right when we start driving, I get lightheaded.
I sigh and head down Keene.
I'm going to black out. God. I haven't eaten a thing since the eighth. I didn't have breakfast or lunch, nobody woke me for dinner and I obviously didn't have breakfast.
I stop at Starbucks. We both get huge coffees and muffins and eat in the car. I hardely get done with my coffee by the time we're at school.
Zoe and I walk into the office. She gives us both late slips and then hands me a half sheet of paper.
"New schedule. Plutarch said he wants to make it easy for you." She says. I look at the schedule. Every class is different.
"Do you know how to get there?" She asks.
"What period are we in?" I ask.
"Um...fifth." She says. I sigh and nod. I'm a senior. I know my way around the school.
"Okay, I know where I'm going. Thanks." I head out, Zoe leaving the second she got her pass.
Art.
I sigh. I have tons of messages and missed calls. I check them. All from my friends.
I sigh and walk into Mr. Johnson's room.
"Can I help you?" He asks.
"Yeah I was...got my schedule changed." I say. He takes my late slip and schedule.
"Okay. Let"s see. Mr. Mellark, how about you show our new student what we're doing." Mr. Johnson says. I look up immediately. "Is that okay?" He asks the both of us. We start nodding.
I walk to Peeta and drop down in the chair next to him.
"And Miss Abernathy?" Mr. Johnson asks.
"Yes?" I ask.
"Why are you so late getting to school this morning?" He asks.
"I overslept." I say.
"Till almost eleven thirty?" He doesn't believe me. People in the class start laughing a bit.
"Yes..." I say.
"Okay then." Everyone goes back to their conversations. Peeta turns to me.
"Did you really oversleep?" He asks. I sigh.
"Don't get mad." I say, lowering my voice. He nods. "I went right home yesterday and went to sleep. I slept all the way to like an hour ago." I say.
"Nobody woke you up for dinner?" He asks.
"No." I say.
"My god! Did you eat anything yesterday?" I shake my head. "Katniss!" He says.
"Don't get mad. Please!" I beg.
"I'm not mad." He says. "At you." Be adds.
"Who then?" I demand.
"Your parents! God Katniss, I've been trying not to say this for a while, but it seems to me like your parents don't give two shits about you." He says. I look down.
"I know." I whisper. "I need to get a job because I really want to move out on my birthday, but I'll have to do my phone and cable and then the apartment and I have I get furniture..." I sigh. "And I don't even have job." The bell rings.
"Let me see your schedule." He says. I hand it to him, since Mr. Johnson gave it back to me. His eyes bulge.
"You have every single one of your classes with me." He says. "Cinna's next." I grin. Math. I hate it but Cinna is the best. He takes my hand.
"You know..." He says as we head towards Cinna. "My Mom is been dying to have you over for dinner." He says. I stop walking.
"Your parents probably think I'm some physco path. I tried to kill myself, Peeta." I say.
"Hey, hey, hey," he cups my cheek. "They love you. They've been going on and on about how they can't wait till you come with us to New York." He says. "They adorable you. Don't even think that they don't. They want us to get married." He says.
"Me too," I blurt. He laughs.
"Me three." He leans down and kisses me. We're halfway to Cinna's room.
"No smooching in the hallways!" A teach shouts. I groan and pull away.
"That's a stupid rule!" I say loudly, loud enough for her to hear me. A ton of people laugh as we go upstairs.
The bell rings before we get to Cinna's.
"We have to get a late slip." Peeta says. I roll my eyes.
"That's real cute," I say, pulling him into Cinna's room.
"You dad is wondering where you are." He says. He's moody and in his rush mood.
"I overslept." I say.
"Go sit down." He orders both of us. "You sit back there. Both of you." He points at the table in the back. He knows better then to snap at me because I will snap right back. Everyone won't, but I will.
I move to the back and drop down, Peeta next to me.
I'm struggling in this class. Cinna passes out worksheets.
"Work with your partners! No talking!" He says.
"How do you expect us to work with our partners without talking? That doesn't make sense." I say. He gives me and irritated look.
"Fine." He says. "Go ahead! Talk!" He says, irritated.
What the hell is his problem?
I huff and get out a pencil.
"I don't know how to do this." I say.
Peeta immediately starts explaining, and we finish first, in fifteen minutes, giving us a half hour to bullshit.
We turn our papers in and then sit down and start talking, about random anything.
"Move in with me!" He blurts, his voice quiet. Nobody overhears, thankfully.
"What?" I ask.
"Move in with me." He repeats. "When you turn eighteen. We can both move out on your birthday and move in together. We can get a phone contract together and everything. It's perfect." He says.
"I don't know..." I say.
"You don't have to decide now, of course. You have months." He says. "And if you completely hate the idea, don't hesitate to tell me." He says.
"That's...a huge step." I say.
"So is sex." He points out.
"But..." I can't think of a reason not to, but I'm not going to jump right into this.
Today is a week we've been dating. It's crazy, because we're completely comfortable with each other and we've already had sex. I just want to make sure that Peeta is what I want. I already know he is, but I still want to wait a while.
"No kissing!" Cinna calls.
I then realize how close our faces are.
"We're not." I say, backing up a bit. "So do you wanna come over after school?" I fiddle with his fingers.
"I've got to work and then I've got a game tonight." He says.
"Are the girls going?" The guys are obviously going because all of them are on the team.
"Yeah," he looks hopeful.
"Do you want me to go?" I ask. He nods.
"I really do but I don't want to pressure you." He says softly.
"I'll go. I'm not going to miss this." I say.
"And I have practice after school, then work, them the game at six thirty. Probably till ten. Then normally all our friends come out and stay the night." He fiddles with my fingers. "I'd have to check with my parents but you probably could too." He says. "How about you come over at say...five? We can go out for dinner with everyone after." He really wants me to go and I think it's adorable.
"How about you call me when you get off and tell me if your parents said its okay for me to stay the night like everyone else." I suggest. "And then I'll see with mine and I can't come right over, okay?" I ask.
"Okay," he whispers.
"What time do you get off?" I ask.
"Four." He says.
"Great." I say. The bell rings. We quickly gather our things and head out.
"Where to?" I ask.
"Hope." He says. Gym and health. I groan.
"Ew!" I whine. I had to take this in tenth grade because its required.
"It's not that bad. It's practically softball every single day, and I know you played, so you'll be fine." He assures me. I sigh and trudge after him.
"You love seeing me tortured." I grumble.
"No I don't." He says.
"Please tell me we have Smalley!" I whine. Coach Smalley. We walk into the gym.
"Nope." He says. "Palmer." I groan loudly and follow him. Coach Palmer is taking role. I hand him my schedule. I had him tenth grade.
"Same number." He say in his gravely voice. I go to number 22 after taking my schedule back. "Go dress out!" He says. I still have a gym locker because I had volleyball on my old schedule.
I walk off to the locker room.
I normally would hide in the stalls, but I don't really care. I have on that underwear that shows off your ass. They're firey red. Not to mention my red push-up.
I go to my locker, which is in the middle of where all the girls change.
"To brainless!" Jo comes walking over to me with all the girls behind her. "Where the fuck were you today?" She demands.
"I overslept." I say as I get my uniform, that is the same as everyone else's. A white t-shirt that says "Osceola high school, Phys ED" and then really dark blue mesh shorts that say "OHS" I
"Lucky bitch." Jo says. I roll my eyes. They move their lockers to mine.
I pull my shirt off.
"Peeta asked me to move in with him." I say as I slide my jeans off.
"He what!" Jen explodes.
"Oh my god Katniss!" Allison exclaims.
"What did you say?" Annie demands.
"I didn't say anything. We've been only together for a week." I say.
"So? Your in love and you've already had sex." Jo says. I sigh and tug on my small t-shirt.
"Still. I want to take sure that we're going to stay together. I love him, of course, and he says he loves me, but in a few months from now, he may not." I pull on my small shorts and roll them up.
"Katniss..." Jen sighs.
"He said that it would be on my birthday because I told him I'm getting the fuck out when I turn eighteen." I say, pulling on my grey and blue nikes.
"Why?" Jo asks.
"Because my parents don't give two shits about me." I say.
"Finally! Your eyes are open!" Allison says. The five of us start laughing.
"Are you going to the game tonight?" Jo asks as I brush my hair and put it up in a high bun.
"Yeah, if my dick parents say yes." I say. I pause and then grab my phone and call my dad.
"Are you at school?" He asks.
"Yes. I'm going to a game tonight and I'm probably sleeping over." I say.
"Whatever." The line goes dead.
"What an asshole." I stuff my shit it in gym locker.
"Lets go." Jen says.
I need a good run right now. I need a way to let my anger out.
We walk out of the girls locker room, to the gym.
"Stand on your number!" Palmer tries to shout. His voice sounds weird.
We all get on our numbers.
"Four laps around the track!" He says.
Good. I can run.
Oh yeah, it's Friday. Every Friday all the gym classes walk, jog, or run track.
"You look mad." Peeta says.
"I called my dad and told him I was going to the game and probably sleeping over, and you know what he said?" We're walking through the grass.
"What did he say?" He asks.
"Whatever. He said whatever! He doesn't care!" I'm about to start crying.
"Did you take your meds today?" He asks.
"Yes!" I say defensively.
"That's sad. I wish he cared about you." He whispers. I sigh.
The girls join us.
"Anyone wanna run?" Jo asks, flexing her muscles.
"Lets race. Who runs the mile first gets...a hundred dollars." I say. Everyone seems intrigued. Palmer blows his whistle, which means everyone gets to watch for us to race.
They all crowd around.
I'm agile and she knows it. Agile means fast and able to move easily.
"A challenge?" She says.
"You bet your ass." I reply.
"Okay! Winner gets a hundred dollars from loser." Palmer says. "Ready?" He starts. "Set." I crack my knuckles. "Go!" We both take off, practically flying.
It's easy for me because I'm tiny and fit.
We're halfway around the track within thirty seconds.
I start to get ahead of her and she runs faster, causing me to run faster.
"One!" They shout when we pass. We keep going, not slowing down.
I'm ahead now.
I push harder and get a couple feet in front. Then a meter.
She starts to run harder and so do I.
"Three!" We must have already done two. People are cheering because sea catching up.
I run harder. My legs feel like jelly.
"Come on Katniss!"
"Johanna, run harder!"
They're egging us on.
I pass the finish line half a second before she does.
We both bend over, hands in our knees, gasping for air.
Did I mention I have asthma because I was a month premature.
"Alright?" She sounds concerned.
Dammit. I'm having an asthma attack.
"Katniss?" She stands up straighter.
They don't know I have asthma because I haven't had an attack in months! I'd completely forgotten about it!
I have an intense pain in my chest, that feels like I have a weight on my lungs, and it only feel better if I get air in, and I feel like there's something stopping me from getting air in my lungs.
"Katniss!" She's panicking and people are starting to crowd around. "Katniss!" She says, shaking my shoulder.
"Asthma?" Someone asks. I start nodding like crazy. "Asthma! She's having an asthma attack!"
"Do you have your inhaler?" Palmer asks me. I shake my head and then pause and start nodding frantically.
"Where?" Peeta asks. "In your locker?" I shake my head. "Your bag?" I shake my head again. "Your purse?" I keep shaking my head. "Your car?" I nod frantically. "In the glove compartment?" I nod again.
"Go get her inhaler!" Palmer orders. Johanna sprints off. "Deep breaths Abernathy."
I can't fucking get any air in! How can I take deep breaths? I'm light headed and gasping. I struggle to breath. I cry every time I have one of these, but I'm not crying. I'm not going to cry in front of everyone.
Johanna comes back with my inhaler. And I take it frantically, taking two long drags and laboring my breathing till I stop gasping and can breath easily again.
"You okay?" Palmer asks. I nod. "Okay. You and Mason go sit while the rest of us do our four laps." He says.
Johanna stays closely by my side while we walk off the track and sit down in the shade.
I rest my head back against the building they use as a concession stand and shut my eyes.
"That scared the shit out of me." Johanna admits.
"That hurt." I say. My voice hurts, too. I'm still wheezing a bit when I breathe so I suck in more from my inhaler.
"That scared the shit out of me." She says again. "I thought you were dying. Seriously I did."
Peeta runs the four laps and comes right over to me. He's sweating and it's disgusting.
"Are you okay?" He asks frantically. I nod. "I thought you were dying." He says.
"Well all did." Jen pitches in.
I'm still panting but not that bad.
"I'm fine." I say. The bell rings and everyone goes frantic. We're supposed to get out and ready by the time the bell rings.
Everyone start running. I walk next to Palmer and my friends.
"How long have you had asthma?" Palmer asks.
"Since I was born." I say.
"We're you premature?" He asks.
"Yes." I say as we walk into the gym.
We go our separate ways.
Mom seems to care about me. I think it's Dad that doesn't care.
I strip to my bra and underwear and then text her.
Me: I had a really bad asthma attack at school today
I start to get dressed I. My short shorts I have in here and my tank top.
Mom: really? Are you alright?
Me: I'm okay. My chest hurts a bit but I'm fine
I stuff all my clothes in my gym bag and sling my bag over my shoulder. I'm in a fiery red tank top and really short shorts and my grey vans.
The girls follow me out to the gym.
Mom: did you have your inhaler? What triggered it?
Me: It was in my car. Johanna had to get it for me. And I ran a mile in a race and that must've triggered it.
Mom: oh. I'll get you another prescription on my way home from work.
Me: I'm not gonna be home. I'm going to a football game and then probably my sleeping over Peeta's
Mom: what!
She calls me when I go to reply.
"Dad said it was fine!" I say.
"I can't believe this! Your father is so uncaring!" She says.
"Mom there's going to be all our friends there. AND his parents. We won't have sex." I'm with the girls and Peeta now, who is dressed in his football practice stuff.
"That didn't stop you last time." She says.
"Please Mama? I'll be safe, I promise!" I beg, making my voice rise slightly so I can get what I want. She sighs.
"Fine. But I'm calling your father. He wouldn't even let me wake you for dinner. Are you okay honey? Did you eat anything?" She asks.
"Me and Zoe went to Starbucks and got coffee and a muffin. We didn't get to school till fifth period though because we overslept." I say.
"Okay. Please be careful honey." She says.
"Mom." I say warningly.
Who cares if I get laid tonight! I'm going to be eighteen!"
Holy. Shit.
The girls start laughing and Peeta's face goes red.
"Did I just say that out loud?" I gasp, mortified.
"Katniss Joy!" I hang up on her.
"Bye!" I go to run off but Peeta grabs my hand.
"Your not running off." He says. "I'll call you when I'm done with work." He dips down and kisses me.
"Okay." I head out.
When I pull into the driveway, Dad grabs Zoe and puts her in his car. Prim is there, sobbing.
They leave without a word.
What the fuck?
I look on the lawn and see boxes and boxes of stuff.
Not just stuff.
My stuff.
I furrow my eyebrows and get out of the car.
I walk up to the porch and pull the note off the door.
Katniss,
We're kicking you out. You are irresponsible. You have way too many issues.
I do not appreciate your constant attitude and you neglecting to come down to dinner last night.
So, by tomorrow morning, we wish for everything to be out of the house. We will change the locks.
The car is yours.
You cell phone no longer has service. We turned it off once your mother got off the phone with you.
From, Mom and Dad.
I start panicking.
What!
I've been kicked out?
No home?
No parents?
No sister?
I turn around and get back in the car, driving right to Peeta's, tears sliding down my cheeks.
He's still at practice, but I trust his parents and Alyssa.
"Katniss?" Alyssa stands up. "What's wrong?"
I suck in a breath and hand her the note from my parents.
Her eyes widen with every word and to my surprise, she starts crying.
"MOM! DAD!" She screams.
They both come downstairs, worried.
"What's wrong?" Mrs. Mellark asks frantically, looking between the two of us.
She hands Peeta's parents the note.
"This isn't even legal!" Mrs. Mellark is shouting random words out of anger, flipping the open sign to closed. "I'm calling child services."
To my utter suprise, Peeta comes in with Rye and Graham behind him.
"They cancelled practice but the game is still on." Peeta sighs. He spots me and his eyes grow alarmed. "What's wrong? What happened?"
Mrs. Mellark thrusts the note at him.
"I'm calling child services." Mrs. Mellark says after all three boys read the note.
"No!" Peeta rips the phone right from her hand. "Are you insane!"
"Peeta!" Mr. Mellark shouts.
"You can't. If you call child services, not only will you get me sent away, but Prim and Zoe too." I sniff.
"But there's no where else you can go!" Alyssa says.
"I don't have any money!" I'm panicking. "I don't have a job! I don't have money! I don't have enough for the car out there! Or to feed myself! Or to keep my phone!"
"I can't believe they would fucking do this!" Peeta is so angry. I have never seen him this angry.
"Let me see your phone." I demand to Peeta. He hands it to me and continues to rant.
I dial the only person that can possibly help me.
"Hello?" He asks. He sounds like he's been crying.
"Did you know?" I sniff.
"Katniss." He whispers.
"Did you know?" I repeat.
"Yes. I told your parents I want nothing to do with them. That's why I was so angry in class today." He says.
Peeta's entire family is whispering about something.
"What am I gonna do?" I choke out.
"Tell him you'll call him back." Peeta says.
My parents walk into the bakery. I immediately hang up on Cinna.
"Your not welcome here." Mrs. Mellark snarls.
"I'd like you to know if you take her in, I will report you for kidnapping." Dad says.
"Fuck you," I snarl.
"Don't talk to me that way." He snaps.
"I can talk to you any way I want to. I'm not your daughter. If I was your daughter, it's against the law to kick me out before I turn eighteen." I narrow my eyes.
I'm gonna have to hope Prim and Zoe are tough.
"Which means your breaking the law." I'm already dialing 911 without them noticing.
"911, what's your emergency?" The receptionist asks.
My parents eyes widen in panic while I take the phone off speaker phone.
"Yes, my parents kicked me out and I'm still a minor." I say calmly.
"How old are you, miss?" The lady asks all authoritative like.
"I'm seventeen." I say.
"And what is your name?" She asks.
"Katniss Abernathy." I say.
"And your parents...?" She trails off.
"Haymitch Abernathy and Effie Trinket." I say.
"And what is your current location?" She asks.
"The Mellarks Bakery." I say. "On park boulevard." I say.
"Please stay where you are." She says calmly.
I hang up and sirens fill the air.
"What about your sisters?" Dad snarls.
"We'll take them too." Mrs. Mellark speaks up.
"You'd have to be the legal guardian. That means their mother. That means they're going to be your children. Just like Peeta." Mom speaks up.
"Which means they can't date. Or get married. And they definitely can't have sex. Or kiss. Or hold hands. Even hugging your sibling is awkward." Dad fills in.
But to my surprise, Cinna and Portia walk in.
"You can't take Katniss in or they can't date!" Cinna says. "So we're taking her and Zoe and Prim!"
Then a ton of cops come in and Prim and Zoe come and and race to me, hugging me, sobbing, screaming for me to come with them.
The cops start questioning my parents, and then me.
"Your going to have to come with us. We cannot leave the three of you unattended."
"We want to take custody of them." Cinna speaks up.
"In my defense, I didn't want to leave Katniss. I was forced." Mom says.
That, I can believe.
Dad drinks. Haymitch Abernathy is an alcoholic. He thinks we don't know, but we do.
"Do you have any proof?" The cop asks.
"Yes. And I want custody of my girls. I love them." She's crying. "But the proof is at our house." She adds.
"The security videos?" I ask. She nods. "They're in your phone." She's handcuffed, so I walk over to her and take her phone from her pocket. I go to the site and sign in.
I go to the video and show it to the cop.
It shows my mother, at gunpoint by my father.
"We're kicking Katniss out. If you utter a single protest, I'll kill you, and the girls." He looks at the camera and them shoots it.