Clove's POV
"Oh my gosh it's really her!"
People were chattering left and right. I, on the other hand, couldn't help but scowl. I should've known she was coming back to school. I guess her mother thought it was acceptable for her to start attending school again instead of solely focusing on her career. Maybe she was getting dumber than she already was. You can't really get that far in life without a proper education, even if you are a model or a celebrity.
"Isn't this great?" I heard my seatmate, Gina, whisper to her friend beside her. "It could be just like old times? The golden couple of Panem High are both back!" There was lots of squealing happening in the classroom. Personally, I think it's sickening and deafening.
So Glimmer had a boyfriend, huh. Figures. Wait, it couldn't be Cato could it? They were, after all, cosy at Finnick's party. And Gina did say they were 'both' back. I physically tensed at the thought. I guess it was too much to hope that we'd actually work out. Again, I've just let myself down. That's just another thing she had that you don't. I'm getting really tired of this girl.
"Settle down, class. I suppose you don't need to do the introduction then, Miss Valentino. You were here last year, after all. Just take a seat over there beside Mr. Morgan."
The squealing grew louder. That was enough confirmation for me. Glimmer, apparently, didn't think so. As she was making her way to her seat, she winked in my direction with a smug smile on her face before sitting on the seat beside the one behind me. I bet you anything she was flirting with him at this moment. The thought made me sick to the stomach.
"Okay, class. Settle down! First thing's first, welcome back! To start the year off, the drama department would like to have a play." Groans were coming from every direction in the room.
"Settle down! I know, none of you like very passionate about acting but we, my co-teachers and members of the drama club, have decided that we're doing more of a musical. We noticed that the kids these days like it better when lines are sung, not said. So we decided that as part of your final grade for the semester, we would like to invite you all to watch the musical hosted by the drama department. You are also required to perform one song in which you will be evaluated by your peers." More groaning came from the students. "Okay, okay. Enough. It has already been decided. Everyone who is taking up drama this semester is required to do this as well so you won't be alone. Did I mention I'm giving an A as the final grade, should your song be chosen for the musical or if you, yourself, decide to participate in it?" Cheerful chatters were now the response towards the recent news. "Are there any questions?"
There was one student who raised his hand.
"Sir, hypothetically, if we participate in the musical or get chosen for it, is the A final, no matter how horrible we've performed in the semester?"
"Yes, Mr. Perry. Even if the student is performing at an average of an F, should his or her performance be well received by the crowd then the said student shall get an A. This will serve as your final exam. Are there any more questions?"
"Sir, when will we have to perform?"
"Ah, yes. Thank you for that, Ms. La Rue. It would be held Friday next week. Any more?"
"No? Good. Now that we have that cleared, let us move on to our lesson."
He was talking but I was barely paying attention. I was practically hyperventilating in my seat. I have to perform in front of everyone. I have no escape. Unless of course I don't go to school but I don't want to do that. I can't do that. Mom would never allow me to, either. I think this is the first time in my entire life I am not looking forward to Friday.
After Drama, Annie, Marvel, Cato and I made it to the cafeteria. As we were approaching, Marvel mentioned something about a special performance since it's the beginning of the year. The boys went up on stage, introduced themselves and started playing.
Looking for the one tonight
But I can't see you
Cause I'm blinded by all the lights, ooh
And I can never get it right
I need a breakthrough
Why are you so hard to find? ooh
I've been searching every city
Never giving up
'Til I find my angel
Diamond in the rough
Looking for a signal
Baby turn it up tonight
[Chorus:]
Come on get loud loud let it out
Shout it out from the rooftops
Come on get loud 'til they shut us down.
Come on get loud loud let it out
Show me everything that you've got
Come on get loud loud I need you now
Baby let me hear it loud
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Looking for the light to shine
To start a fire
Girl I'll be the first in line ooh
And baby when our stars align
We can't get no higher
You just give me a sign
[Chorus]
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
(Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Looking for the one tonight
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
I've been looking for the one tonight
[Chorus]
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Baby let me hear it loud
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Baby let me hear it loud
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
I've been looking for the one tonight
The crowd applauded. Normal chattering resumed afterwards. All in all, it was a very regular lunchtime. But of course, all good things must come to an end. My end just happened to be in a very sparkly pink top, a white mini skirt, white boots and has curly blonde locks bouncing as she walks. Seriously, how can she wear that in the middle of winter? Doesn't she get cold? Oh wait. Her personality is already icy. She's used to it. Go figure.
"Hey guys! I see you still use this table, huh? Don't mind if I sit here would you? Great!" groans could be heard all around the table, even from the boys. She took no notice of this, of course. Her posy sat down at our table as well. This consisted of two other girls who were blonde, obviously fake though. Their roots were already turning brown. They were likewise wearing revealing outfits in the middle of winter. These girls have serious issues, I swear. "Hello, Clove! Haven't seen you in ages! How've you been? Stage been keeping you company?" There was a glint in her eyes. I swear I could stab her right then and there if we weren't in school.
"Quit it, Glimmer. She doesn't want to talk to you. Leave her alone." Jackie said, her voice venomous. I've never heard Jackie talk that way before, not even to the boys who, at times, drive her insane.
"No one asked your opinion, Jacqueline. I'm just being polite to the new girl after all."
"Stop it, Glimmer." Everyone looked up from their food and stared at Cato. He hasn't spoken a word since they got back from their performance. Everyone seemed a bit shocked at him, to be honest, for telling Glimmer off. I guess he didn't do that very often in the past. I felt a little smile tugging at my lips but I forced myself not to in fear that someone might see and question me.
The rest of lunch was a bit awkward after that. We were all thankful when the bell rang and went our separate paths.
The next few days were surprisingly a lot worse than Glimmer's first day. Thursday, however, took the crown.
The moment I entered the drama classroom, I went to my seat immediately as per usual. Glimmer, being herself, purposely bumped into my chair on her way to hers, causing me to fall.
"Oops. Sorry Clover." She said with a smirk.
"Are you okay, Clove?" Annie asked, helping me back up.
"I'm fine, Annie. Thanks." I noticed that Glimmer's a lot more hostile towards me now than she was back then. I also noticed that she keeps it low key whenever we're around Cato. I guess she's either afraid of him or just wants him to think that she's an angel. What a joke.
Some time later, everyone began to fill in the classroom. Everything he was saying was beginning to blur. Mr. Anderson paused in the middle of his discussion, probably to make sure we were all still paying attention, and decided that it would be a good idea to remind us that we had a week left to prepare for our performance. That was when all hell broke loose.
"Hey Clove" Glimmer said rather loudly so the entire class can hear. "What song are you going to sing? I hope it's not Don't Let Me Fall. I remember the last time you sang that. Nasty business, wasn't it?" I couldn't take it anymore. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes, threatening to fall. I did not, under any circumstance, want to cry in front of all these people. So I did the only thing I could think of at that moment. I stood and bolted out the classroom. I didn't hear the teacher scold Glimmer, nor Cato yell at her for embarrassing me, thus embarrassing her. I just ran as far away as I could from that classroom, hoping to disappear from this god-forsaken place. I kept my head down as I was running down the hall, the tears I tried so hard to keep were streaming down my face. I bumped into someone as I was rounding the corner.
"Whoa there, little missy. You shouldn't be running down the hall."
I couldn't look bear to look up at the man who was talking to me. By now, I was sniffing and literally sobbing uncontrollably.
"What's the matter? Hold on, I think I recognize you. Why don't you come with me and I'll go get someone to help okay?"
All I could do was nod subtly. With that, I was slowly escorted off to a place I didn't know but knew it was somewhere safe and private. No one would be able to find me there.
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Song: Loud by R5
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