Ch. 11

Katniss POV

For the third time in the past two weeks, I found myself walking down the street to The Happy Bookseller. Even though the smell of the books was familiar and comforting to me, it wasn't the sole reason for my visits. Annie and I had become fast friends, as bookworms seemed to be of a rare breed here. Well, that or they were all in class at Harvard. Either way, we enjoyed each other's company.

I pushed open the door. The morning sun glinted off of a mirror in the display window, and I groaned. I hadn't recovered yet from last night's festivities. I knew Annie didn't miss a beat as I heard her laugh.

"Sensitive to light, are we?"

"Is it really that obvious?" I asked sheepishly.

"Well," Annie began teasingly, "I don't think you've taken off your makeup from yesterday. You haven't stopped rubbing your eyes. And, you look like you could sleep for about a week."

"I guess I haven't succeeded in getting my dignity back," I laughed.

Annie raised an eyebrow. So, I told her everything, from leaving my house to being dragged back by an equally trashed Glimmer and Clove.

"So, what did your new pals in the bar think of your singing? Do you have a fan base yet?" Annie asked in between fits of laughter.

"I don't think it was my singing that was so entertaining."

Due to my musical background, it was not a surprise that I had a decent pair of pipes. However, dancing was not a part of my upbringing. So, the fact that I had memories, however hazy, of dancing on top of tables and countertops was shocking and somewhat disturbing.

"It was very un-Katniss-like," I summarized, still laughing at myself.

"So, you can't give me an encore performance of 'I Will Survive?'"

I was just about to respond with something clever when we heard the chimes on the door ring. A caramel-skinned girl of small stature lightly stepped through the doorway.

"Morning, Rue!" Annie greeted her. Apparently, I wasn't the only regular here.

"Good morning, Annie," little Rue responded.

"Don't you have class today? Rue's in her first year at MIT," Annie told me.

"Not today. I'm taking 7 a.m. classes on Monday and Wednesday so I don't have anything on Fridays," Rue said.

It didn't look like she was taking a break from school, though. Rue was carrying a messenger-style bag that seemed very heavy. Her tiny frame must be stronger than it looks.

"Please tell me you get a break sometime," I said.

She shrugged.

"Every few weekends I get to go out to the woods with my brothers. That's what always gets me through the week."

"Woods?" She had gotten my attention, naming my favorite place. Rue already had my approval.

"Yeah. We hike, rock climb, everything. And, I know it's not really allowed where we go, but we always see who can climb up certain trees the fastest," Rue said with a smile.

"You sound just like me and my friend Gale," I told her. We'd started exploring the woods in between our houses as soon as we could walk. "We hunt, too."

"That was the one thing I could never do. Guns scare me," Rue said, discomfort at the thought obvious on her face.

I laughed. The thought of Gale or me with a gun was truly hilarious.

"Same here. We use a bow and arrows. And Gale always tries to set up some snares. He's actually pretty good, they work better than you'd think."

"Ah! Finn's just texted me, he's coming here before he goes to work! I'm glad you get the chance to meet him, Katniss."

Annie had told me the bare minimum about her husband. His nickname, Finn, and that they would name the baby after him. Annie didn't seem to enjoy talking about herself often. It was actually quite refreshing, even though I had to ask multiple times when I wanted to learn something about her. As much as I enjoyed my new friendship with Glimmer, she and Annie seemed to be opposites in several ways.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Katniss. I'm off to my usual spot, good to see you, Annie," Rue told us before departing. She made her way to a plush armchair in the back corner.

"She loves sitting back there, " Annie told me. "Sometimes, when she's late coming in, I'll put some books in her chair so no one will take it. Is that bad?" She asked, laughing.

Again, my response was interrupted by the telltale chimes on the door, and in walked a tall, handsome man. Who I recognized.

"Finn! I told Katniss you'd be coming by! I'm glad you guys are finally meeting each other!" Annie said excitedly as she waddled over to her husband.

"Well, Annie, I hate to break it to you, but that ship sailed a few weeks ago," said a very familiar voice. I hopped off of my stool and looked behind Finnick. Sure enough, a man who was less tall but just as handsome was walking in behind Finnick.

"Peeta!" I heard myself say as I ran over to hug him.

"No bread today?" I asked, smirking.

"The day is still young," Peeta retorted with a smile.

Annie looked quite confused.

"I guess you didn't know that Peeta and I have already formed an expert babysitting team," I told her.

Peeta laughed, "Or that we've already all hung out with Ed Sheeran together, sorry Annie."

Peeta and I gave Annie and Finnick a few minutes to talk.

"So, what's up with you?" I asked.

"Well. I just got this iPhone yesterday. And I've been trying to figure it out, but it's not that easy. I'm pretty sure all I can do is text and call," he said with a puzzled expression.

"Ah, an old soul. Give it here, I'll be glad to help," I said, taking it from him.

"Time to go, Peeta?" Finn said, giving Annie one last kiss on the cheek.

"Sure," he said, turning back to me. "So what is it you've done to help?"

"Nothing," I said back, handing him the phone. "Unless you think having my number will help."

He laughed.

"Good seeing you."

"Likewise."

I turned back to Annie, who was eyeing the two of us suspiciously. What? I mouthed. She shrugged, but kept giving me that look.

"Don't you have some books to attend to?" I asked, laughing.

"Don't you have some fans to attend to? Or a new hit album to come out with?" Annie said back.

I laughed as my face turned red at the memory. I would never live this one down.

11 chapters in and still introducing characters…like a boss.

Sorry if this chapter wasn't as interesting, just trying to set up my story here!

PLEASE review review review! Do it for my little puppy…she's 12 weeks' old today! :)