The sun feels warm and welcoming under the clear, blue sky. Birds chirp in their nests high in lush green trees surrounding the campus. People smile at strangers as they pass by, the air comforting and cool. Today was going to be a good day for everyone, everything was so wonderful. The weather is especially nice, a perfect seventy-something degrees. Even the teachers are in the best of moods anyone has seen in some time.
This happy, warm feeling is soothing and everything Peeta could possibly hope for. He and Katniss had kept each other company last night, distracting them from their worries. Gale had finally called her sometime in the middle of the night to let her know he was fine. Apparently, he and his mother just couldn't handle the pressure that had been building between the two of them and finally decided to take off for a couple of days until everything mellowed out. She offered to have him stay with her, but he said he'd already found a place and there was nothing to worry about.
His mother, Hazelle, called her that night as well. She was worried when Gale wouldn't answer his door. She thought he was ignoring her, still upset about the whole situation. They unlocked the hinge an hour after the drama, but he never bothered to come out. Hours later, the quiet began to drive her crazy and she barged in the room to talk about it. But he wasn't there. She panicked, pacing around the house trying to find him to no avail. Rory and Vick were worried, too. They've never seen Gale sneak out like that, he was someone who blatantly slammed the door on his way out to let everyone know he was going out and didn't want to be bothered. David drove around the block to see if he had maybe gone outside to catch some air, but never found him. As a last hope, she called Katniss to see if he had possibly gone over to her place. Trying to keep some peace and honesty, Katniss told her she had just spoke with him on the phone and that he was staying with another friend, but that he was otherwise alright. When Hazelle asked who he was staying with, Katniss told her she met the friend, but didn't know where he lived. She eventually calmed down when Katniss explained that Gale just needed some time and that he'd be okay.
When Katniss had finished talking to Hazelle, Peeta finally let his problems surface. He'd told her about how he came out of the closet at his last school, that his group of friends didn't accept him for it and went around telling everyone. He'd been picked on mercilessly, and things eventually started to get dangerous. Kids would leave notes in his locker telling him to "get lost" or "better get out of town, fairy." He tried ignoring all the drama, but soon people were throwing bricks into his room, smashing the windows and scaring the Mellark family. Even his poor brother had to deal with the torture. Some went as far as to accuse his brother of being gay and started to strip his clothes and hit him in the locker room. That had been the final straw before the family decided to move away. His mother was still having a hard time dealing with it.
He told her about the kiss Cato had stolen from him. He didn't know what any of it meant, or how he felt, but it was constantly on his mind. He told her he was worried that the school was going to find out about him again and that everything he suffered at his last school would happen all over again. He needed to learn to control himself. "I don't know how to control my… feelings sometimes, Katniss. Sometimes I catch myself staring at Gale getting dressed and all I can think about is how much I want to see more of him. And Finnick! He's driving me crazy! You know he kissed me on the mouth during P.E.? And he's constantly putting his hands on me. What if someone sees it and knows I like the attention?"
Luckily, she was exactly the person he needed to tell all of this to. Not only was she accepting of him, but she helped empower him. "Things aren't like that here, Peeta. If anyone found out you were gay, you should show them that it doesn't bother you. They'll only pick on you if they know it hurts you. There are so many gays, lesbians, and bisexuals at the school that we really don't have that sort of problem. And being gay is nothing to be ashamed of! You're still a human being and it doesn't change who you are. I don't know what to tell you about Cato. I think you should talk to him alone when you get the chance, try and figure out what his intentions are. And Finnick is a flirt. He'll hit on anything with a pair of legs for the fun of it. Try not to take anything he says or does too seriously, because he does it to everyone. You're a good person. Look at how many friends you've made in just the few days you've been here! Even if hell froze over and you lost a couple of friends, you'll always have me, Rue, Madge, and Gale! We love you, Peeta."
She was right. What did he have to worry about? No matter what, he'd always have them. She had proven that much just by listening to him and showing that she cared. It was by far the best feeling on earth, a huge boulder off his chest. This was one less thing he had to worry about. Coming in to school today, he knew things would be just fine. First period continued as it always had, though Gale was absent yet again. Actually, Cato hadn't showed up to class today either, but Glimmer and Cashmere were there and they gossiped with Peeta like good friends normally would. It was nice to have their company.
When second period approaches, Katniss looks better than ever as well. She had received a text from Gale that said he was on his way to school and he'd see them soon. No more worries, no more doubts. Everything was going to be just fine.
And that's what Gale believed too. Sure, it was a heavy day yesterday, and he had a lot to deal with at home, but for now things were going to be alright. All he had to do was focus on himself and let things settle down on their own. In a couple days he'll talk to his mother, calmly explain what was bothering him and they can come to a mutual understanding that David was not to interfere with his life again. At this point, he didn't care if she wanted to see other men, he needed to give her that respect to do whatever the hell she pleased, but it was not a one-way street. He needed her to understand that, and she wouldn't be able to try and control him like a child anymore. He wouldn't put up with it.
Myka seems calm riding in the passenger side of Gale's jeep, but he could also just be exhausted. Myka worked overnights at the bar nearly every single night, and Gale couldn't understand how he managed to do anything during the day. While he was working, Gale had slept a solid thirteen hours last night. Myka woke him up some time after 8am having just gotten out of the shower himself. He hadn't slept at all last night, letting Gale sleep in his bed while he worked until nearly seven in the morning.
"You sure you want to go in today?" Gale asks, concerned about his lack of sleep. "I can turn around if you want."
Myka softly shakes his head. "No, that's okay. We need to get to at least some of our classes today. I'd rather not be kicked out of this school too."
"Too? You've been kicked out before?" Gale asks with interest.
Myka rubs his head, the black messy hair stylishly protruding in every direction. "Yeah… truancy, fighting, and drug use. I've successfully been expelled from two schools thus far."
Gale chuckles when he notices Myka's goofy smile. These two made quite the pair. They could probably stir up some crazy trouble if they wanted to. The idea is almost tempting, but for now, it was time to sort their issues out. Well… it was time for Gale to sort his issues out. Myka at least seemed responsible enough to work and show up to school despite the obvious exhaustion.
By the time they park the jeep in the student parking lot it's already break time. Gale and Myka sling their backpacks over their shoulders and begin walking towards campus. "I'll meet you in third." Gale says. He needed to grab something from his locker real quick. Myka nods in understanding; he wanted to talk to Finnick anyway. He felt bad that Finnick had driven over yesterday just to be sent back home. It wasn't that he didn't want to see him, but he really needed to get to his job to work out a couple of things. He wasn't sure how long Gale would be staying with him, so he decided to go ahead and see how his partner felt about bringing in an extra bartender a couple nights a week.
He spots the tall, auburn charmer almost immediately. "Hey, Fin."
"Myka! Hey, sorry about showing up to your place unannounced and all, I just wanted to make sure everything was okay." Finnick pouts, his face child-like.
The gesture might have annoyed Myka, but he could tell Finnick was being sincere and instead came across as rather cute. "Don't worry about it. Sorry I had to take off to work in such a hurry. So what's up?"
For once, Finnick doesn't seem confident or certain. He sucks his bottom lip into his mouth, looking at his feet before looking back up. "I was hoping we could talk in private…"
Myka thinks about this for a moment. He gently tugs on Finnick's wrist and nods his head towards the exit. He didn't plan on leaving campus, but the parking lot might be comfortable enough to talk. Finnick gladly follows suit, taking out his car keys to let the brunette know he'd feel more relaxed talking in his car. When they reach the red convertible in the parking lot, he unlocks the car with his fob and they make their way inside. It felt a little silly hiding in the automobile just to talk, but Myka guessed it was pretty important. "So… what's going on, Fin?" he asks.
Finnick's sea-green eyes stare into Myka's cat-like yellow and green ones. There's a thick tension in the air and when Finnick begins to part his lips, Myka assumes he's about to hear something serious. But he doesn't hear anything. Instead, Finnick smashes his lips against Myka's in a passionate, raw, and very hungry kiss. Myka grasps onto the car door and seat for support when Finnick presses his body into his own. The initial shock finally wears off and Myka finds himself kissing back, letting Finnick's fingers curl into his messy black hair.
Success! Myka didn't flinch, pull away, or ask for Finnick to stop. In his mind, that meant Myka wanted him too. He couldn't comprehend why he wanted this boy so badly. He was Finnick Odair, and he got anyone and everyone he wanted. But he was also a tease, never keeping anyone around longer than a couple of days at a time. He never had to chase because the sheep always came crawling to him, begging for him. It was different with Myka, this one didn't chase him, didn't beg for him, didn't even like his flirtatious persona. This one successfully pulled out his true form and wanted only his honest self. Finnick does not open to people easily. He does not let anyone see him for what he really is, but it feels right giving that to Myka.
Hopping on top of the pale brunette in the passenger seat, Finnick takes the opportunity to push the seat back as far as it will go, continuing his wanting kisses. He thrusts his pelvis down onto Myka, letting his hormones take over. It feels so good. And he wants more, to have him completely. He starts to unbutton Myka's jeans, looking away only long enough to start hastily pull down the zipper when two soft hands stop his actions. He looks up into the yellow and green eyes that are filled with uncertainty. "Stop." He whispers.
Feeling rejected, Finnick lets go of the blue jeans beneath him. He's never been told "no" before, not ever. Maybe it was one of those double meanings that really meant "yes." He sucks on Myka's bottom lip then starts working on his pants again. Myka breaks away from the kiss. "I said stop."
"Why?" Finnick pouts, wanting to touch the creature beneath him. No one has ever denied him before!
"Because I don't want to be used like this anymore!" he shouts, shoving Finnick away from him as he opens the door and exits into the parking lot. He doesn't look back as he trots back to campus, wanting to be far away as possible.
Confusion overwhelms the usually charismatic playboy. He thought Myka wanted him too; he could see it in the way they kissed. But Finnick does not know boundaries, never having to worry about moving too fast before. This dilemma is foreign to him, and he can't understand why Myka is so upset by the events that just took place. What did he mean by not wanting to be used anymore? Couldn't he see that this was something more? This is… this is too complex to take in right now.
Unsure how he managed to do it a second time, Finnick messed up again. He stays inside his car, staring at the black soft top above him with a blank fixture plastered on his face. He felt so empty.
Myka is already late to third period. But, hey, better late than absent, right? He begins to head towards his art class with Cinna when a very tall and bulky blonde runs into him, making them both fall to the floor. They're both about to apologize until they catch sight of each other.
You have got to be kidding! Cato glares as him as he lifts himself up from the ground. "Watch where you're going, faggot!"
"Watch where I'm going? You're the one that ran into me, asshole!" Myka's fists are shaking in fury. He's ready to fight.
"Maybe you should stay out of my way then, instead of standing in the middle of hall like a dipshit when you should be in class." Cato snarls before shoving the teenager in front of him, establishing his dominance. Myka won't have it; he instantly starts throwing fists, reenacting the events that took place on his first day when they fought in the cafeteria. He did not have the element of surprise this time, and so the fight began and it was bloody and vicious, the two practically equal in strength.
The commotion has gotten so loud that teachers have stopped their lectures, running outside to see what was going on. Students try to sneak peeks at the brawling, wanting to see who will win. Security shows up and once again pulls the two apart, escorting them to the office for a second time. This was not over and it would definitely get settled soon.
Cinna peacefully asks the students to calm down, not wanting anyone else to get involved. Marvel had naturally tried to run to the aid of his best friend, but was stopped by his group of friends. Surprisingly enough, Gale too had tried to join in when Peeta and Thresh got hold of him. This new alliance was bizarre. Though Cato and Myka had stopped fighting, a new fight seemed to be quickly emerging. Marvel took notice of Gale's actions trying to come to Myka's side for the fight, and it infuriated him. He stomps over to Gale, who's attempting to compose himself after Katniss and Peeta coo for him to relax. "You've got no business trying to get involved, you fucking faggot cocksucker!" Marvel suddenly shouts, standing dangerously close to Gale.
"What did you call me?" Gale demands. "That's awfully strange to hear from someone who worships his best friend's dick!"
"Is that so? Cause I could have sworn your Facebook proved that you're the dick worshipping fag, not me." He grins.
Gale scrunches his eyebrows in confusion. What the hell was he talking about? He didn't have a Facebook page. Before he has the chance to ask what he'd meant, Cinna attempts to prevent a second fight from breaking loose. "This is a safe place for everyone. If you want to continue this discussion, do it in the principal's office. Until then, I suggest you get back to your work and stay away from one another."
Satisfied that he'd already won, Marvel smirks at Gale before heading back to his group of friends whom are all whispering to each other, looking back in Gale's direction and laughing. Looking around the room, Gale notices almost every student is doing this; staring at him and whispering secrets before quickly looking away when they see him catching them glancing in his direction. "What the hell is he talking about? Why is everyone looking at me?" he asks his friends around him. Thresh looks at Katniss and Peeta, deciding it wasn't really any of his business to say anything. He walks away, feeling the tension grow. Katniss and Peeta hesitantly glimpse at one another, not entirely sure what was going on.
"I don't know." Katniss says softly. "They're probably just surprised that you were going to join in the fight. Just ignore them, Gale."
And he does try. He tries for the remainder of class and assumes everything will be better during fourth period. It isn't. Students, and even the teacher, give him strange looks before shoving their noses back into whatever lays in front of them, tearing their staring glances away from him. The anxiety begins to grow more than ever before. Why was everyone looking at him like that?
Lunch time couldn't come soon enough. The moment that the bell rings, Gale slings his black backpack over his shoulder and races out of the classroom. He runs to the restroom to collect himself, washing his face with cold water. He sighs, taking in a deep breath before slowly making his way to the cafeteria. When he makes it there, he sees his old crew sitting at the table. He looks over and sees Thresh and Domi trying to comfort an obviously upset Finnick, who's staring at his lap not saying anything. Thresh doesn't say much, but you can tell he's worried by the concerned way he looks at him. Domi is rubbing his back, laying her head on his shoulder and whispering words of comfort.
Not entirely sure why, he begins to wonder why Finnick is so upset. It was out of character for the both of them. In the end, he decides it isn't any of his business. He takes a seat next to Katniss, who offers him a warm smile.
"Hey, Gale," Peeta says. He peeks over Katniss to see the blonde with the soft heart sitting on the other side of her.
"Hey," Gale says in nearly a whisper. He still felt a bit uncomfortable, but he was trying to manage. He looks over at Madge and Rue, who quickly look away from him, the anger suddenly returns. "What? Why are you guys acting all weird?"
"What are you talking about, Gale?" Katniss asks as her brows furrow in concern.
"Everyone is acting weird in front of me. I want to know why!" he demands. Rue and Madge look as if they might cry; they really don't want to be the ones to break the news. Katniss and Peeta look across at them, wondering what it is they know. Suddenly, Katniss' phone vibrates. She pulls the cell phone out from her pocket and looks down, eyes widening, and becomes deathly silent. Peeta has stolen a glimpse over her shoulder and immediately snaps his head in front of him, his blue eyes more visible. That was… oh shit.
"What is it?" Gale panics. Whatever was going on, Katniss and Peeta know about it now. When they don't say anything and Katniss tries to shove her phone away, Gale reaches over and snatches it from her. He looks down at it and sees the Facebook friend request and his face becomes sickly pale. His jaw drops at the sight, too shocked for words. After a shaky moment he throws the phone at Katniss, livid and embarrassed as he's ever been. He jolts from his seat and walks away from the table, looking for the exit so he can get the hell away from here. He can hear students whisper about him as he passes by, then halts in his tracks when he hears the snickering to his right. He looks over his shoulder to see Gloss with a smug look on his face.
"Where you going, Gale? Looking for your lover boy to pound that sweet ass of yours?" he mocks. The table breaks out in a roar of laughter.
Gale freezes; his bottom lip and hands trembling. In any other circumstance, he would use his fists as a means of stopping all of this. But today he's just trying not to break down and cry in front of the whole school. It's taking everything in him not to lose all control. He can't take it anymore. He runs out of the cafeteria, ashamed of his secret getting out for the world to know.
Gloss cackles maniacally, sending friend request invites to everyone he can on his cell phone. On the Facebook is the name "Gale Hawthorne" and graphic photos. The main photo is a younger Gale, eyes squeezed shut with his face planted in the white sheets of a bed, red hot cheeks streaked with water, his mouth shaped in the perfect 'o,' his back covered in sweat, and… his very naked form for the world to see.