Running. It's something I've always been good at. I ran after my family died, and I ran after the only person I've ever loved didn't want me. Will I regret never hearing what Peeta had to say? Maybe. Will I regret the way I left my friends? Definitely.

Despite the chaos that was my final semester of college, I graduated. I passed every class that I needed to, and I will never have to cram for an exam again. My days are filled with an online orientation for my internship, applying for healthcare and other adult things, and learning the basics of my new job. I have a feeling that I am going to love it.

I came to Indiana looking for a fresh start. I believe that I got it. This internship was a product of that fresh start, and I feel guilty wanting another fresh start. The universe was good to me once, and it doesn't have to show up for me again. Yet, I can't help the sense of optimism that bubbles in my chest. If I was lucky enough to start over again, I wouldn't blow it.

Calls and texts from my friends slowly stop. They said some nasty things to me after I ran out of my commencement ceremony without talking to them. Then, they apologized, invited me out, and wanted to talk about things. I don't reply. Those bridges are ashes now, and I can't go back. I'm too guilty.

Eventually, they get the hint and begin to leave me alone.

I try my best to hide out in my apartment. I order take out and relish in the few minutes it takes to drive there and pick it up. I grocery shop on the outskirts of town, and I buy my own liquor instead of going out. I can't decide if my bank account loves or hates me being a recluse.

On the weekends, I do the things the old me used to enjoy. I hike, swim, kayak. The idea of running away to Costa Rica again sounds better and better each day. Despite the longer days and warm weather, I find myself depressed and dreaming about a certain blonde boy.

Halfway through June, I make a mistake. I'm craving a grilled chicken pesto panini from a restaurant I love in town. I used to go there with Annie all the time. I don't realize my mistake until I'm staring into her confused green eyes.

"Katniss?" She asks in disbelief.

I want to run and hide. I want to get in my car and drive into Lake Monroe. My mouth opens and closes several times before I manage to say, "Hi, Annie."

She sequels and hugs me tightly. Her soul is simply too pure for sometime like me. A coward. A liar. "What are you doing here? I thought you left already?"

"Turns out I couldn't get into my new apartment until the end of summer..."

Annie scowls at me. "So you've been here the entire summer? Why haven't you answered any of my calls or texts?" This is what I was trying to avoid. The awkwardness and hurt feelings.

"I didn't think anyone would want to see me, especially after how I left things at graduation."

Annie risks and shakes her head. "Katniss, when will you learn? We love you. We miss you!"

"I miss you guys too," I tell her. I mean it. I miss my friends. I miss Madge fawning over boys. I miss the way Annie gazes at Finnick and makes me believe in true love. I miss Rye's unique sense of humor. I miss Johanna bullying me to come out of my comfort zone. Most of all, I miss Peeta's strong arms.

As if she can read my mind, Annie tells me, "Peeta's a mess. He has been since Spring Break, but I think seeing your things gone was the real tipper. He never wants to go out with Finnick anymore."

I don't know what to say, so I settle for "It's complicated."

Annie giggles and rolls her green eyes. "Oh, I know. In the beginning, I was picking Peeta and Finnick up from the bars."

My cheeks heat up in embarrassment. "I thought it would be easier to just leave," I confess.

"Maybe it would be," Annie shrugs. "But now you've seen me. You should come out with us tonight. See everyone again."

"I don't know, Annie."

She gives me a sympathetic look. Annie related to me the most. Something about our shyness made us bond more than our other friends. "I understand. Just think about it. We're going to our favorite spot. Peeta probably won't be there."

"I'll think about it," I tell her as I lean in for one last hug.

"Don't be a stranger," she calls out to me as she begins to leave the restaurant. "And don't make me come looking for you."

I had no intentions of going to the bar. Yet, I find myself parked out front. My plan was the stay in the car and watch from a distance. I just want to see my friends again. See them smile and laugh without facing them again.

Everyone arrives. Annie and Finnick are first. They're followed by Madge and Rye. Johanna shows up fashionably late.

Peeta doesn't show.

After watching them though the bar window for about ten minutes, I decide I've had enough. It's time to retreat to the safety of my room and burrow far under the covers. Then, something unexpected happens. I get a text from Annie.

Annie: You coming in?

Shit. I start my car in a hurry and drive off. But something pulls me back to the bar. I circle the block and park on a side street. Carefully and quietly, I enter the bar through the side door and make my way over to my friends before I lose my confidence.

"I told you she wouldn't come," Johanna cackles.

"Do we even want her here?" I hear him ask. Frozen in place, I see that Peeta has joined the group without me seeing. His back is to me, and he stands ten feet away. I'm blocked by a steady crowd, but I hear him say it.

The crowd parts for a second, and I lock eyes with Finnick. He goes from smiling and laughing to shock in seconds. I see his mouth mutter something, but I don't hear it over the sound of my own heart beating.

Everyone turns to look at me, and I feel like I am on display for the world. Lucky for me, I've shocked them. It's written all over their faces, and they don't have time to judge me otherwise because I turn on my heel and leave.

The last half a year has taught me that I never really knew Peeta Mellark. Just when I think I've figured him out, he surprises me. He changed moods, and he shifts from hot to cold. He wanted me to talk to him. He wanted a second chance. I told him no, but there I was ready to make an effort, even if it was too late.

But like very other time before, he didn't want me.

The texts start up again. Annie. Finnick. Rye. Madge. Even Johanna, who's apologized over and over for her smart mouth. Peeta's number remains blocked in my phone. Numerous times a day, my thumb hovers over the unblock button. My heart wants to contact him, but my brain won't let me.

Annie is the most persistent. I can tell she feels horrible for my icy welcome. It's almost a week later before she convinces me to have dinner. Just her and I. My favorite Italian place. I decide on a whim that I can do this. My final summer in town is coming to a close. I don't have anything else to lose. Annie is sweet and nice, and I will definitely miss her.

I wear a soft orange sundress since the mood of the restaurant is a little more formal. Being outside has given me a killer tan and toned my body agin, things I haven't had since Costa Rica last summer. I let my hair out of my signature braid and settle for light mascara. I pair the dress with nude sandals. Without the help of my friends, I'll have to learn to start dressing myself.

In reality, I'm trying to prove to Annie that I can still function, that I'm not a total recluse. She can report that back to our friends.

I don't spot Annie's car in the parking lot, but she did tell me she was running a few minutes late. I enter the restaurant, get seated, and order two glasses of our favorite white wine. My legs shake with anticipation, and I scroll mindlessly as I wait. I already know what I'll order. I get the same thing every time.

I take a deep breath and wait for Annie.