A/N: Hey guys, long time no see! I finally whipped up this chapter. It's not beta'd and honestly, I cannot say when it will be as school is kicking my ass. (Currently on my second year of my program and it definitely doesn't leave much time to write these days) Hope you enjoy it and as usual feedback is much appreciated!

Being Katniss

Chapter 3

A semi-formal Horror

"This dress is going to make all the boys weep. Look at how this dress makes my ass look. Damn. If I could, I'd date myself!" I'm staring off, barely listening to Johanna gloat about her assets. This is a dream. This has got to be a dream. I can barely look at the mirror without screaming. Everything about my appearance says this isn't real. I can't possibly be sixteen again. Nope. Wake up Katniss. Wake up! Wake up!

"Hey dumbass, you gonna go try on your dress or what? Madge and I got our dresses picked out, we're waiting for you. Let's go! Chop chop!" I look up to see both Madge and Johanna watching me curiously. Ok, ok. If this is a dream then I can do whatever I want right? I can replay this whole thing, change it however I like and nothing will come of it; this is a dream after all. I guess I can play along.

"Sorry guys, give me a second." I finally move to the dressing room that is set up for me. The red mid-thigh dress I wore to our fall formal when I was sixteen hangs on the hook in the room. I already know this will be the dress. I did look hot in it. I try it on to humor my friends, their responses just as I remember it. "Damn pea-brain, you clean up nice." Or "oh Thom is gonna have to fight other guys when they see you in this." Their words are exactly like I remember.

We leave shortly after, grab some drinks from the local café before going to the mall to get our shoes and buy the right makeup and accessories. Fall formal is tomorrow night; we were always notorious for procrastinating on everything we did. It's nearly dinner time when we all split for the night, making plans of meeting up early tomorrow to get ready together.

"Oh hey, before we leave I need money for the alcohol we wanted to get. It's like almost forty bucks for the bottle. Jason said he'd get it for us tonight if we had the money." Madge and I glance at each other as we pull out our wallets, trying to decide on how to split it so we all pay evenly. Johanna takes the money and waves goodbye.

"So, you ready for tomorrow night?" This time I look to Madge and shrug.

"I guess, I mean it's going to be fun. We'll drink, dance, and sing our night away!" And maybe in this dream version I can decide not to drink and make an idiot of myself. "I'm heading this way, see you tomorrow Madge!" She gives me a smile and waves as she walks off. I walk down the street when a familiar face catches my eye, a face that wasn't part of this to begin with.

"Haymitch?" The blonde man stops in front of me, suit pristine with his tie undone and hair slicked back. His scruff is tamed and he looks like he just got out of a business meeting.

"Ah Katniss. Fancy meeting you here." I'm stunned, this isn't right. What is he doing in my dream?

"W-what are you doing here? What's going on? How the hell are you in my dream" I'm firing questions faster than my brain can keep up.

"Slow down sweetheart before you overload your pretty little teenage mind." I stop and manage a scowl directed at him. Bags in hand I manage to place them on my hips as I wait for some answers. "Have you been thinking this was a dream this whole time?" He doesn't answer my questions at all, but this catches me off guard.

"This is a dream. It is… right?" I sound so meek and scared as I respond. My little bubble is slowly being popped by this man.

"Only if you want it to be darling. But just for fun, why don't we pretend this is real. You're here, you're sixteen, and you have a regret you could possibly change. I say this is a win-win situation for you." He gives me a smirk and brushes a hand over his gelled hair.

"Ok, so what you really mean is this is somehow real and I get to rewrite my history? I can actually change things?" My mind is still trying to wrap itself around all of this. How did he do this? "So if this is real, how did you get me here? Are you some sort of… wizard or something?" Haymitch lets out a low chuckle at my question.

"We'll go with the 'or something' in this. Now, have you figured out what you're going to do to change things this time? You know what to do this time?" I remember my plan that I had been discussing with him in his office before I was brought here, then I remember the money I already gave to Johanna for the liquor. Shit. I still nod because I know this time I won't drink any of the rum she brings with us.

"I won't drink this time. I'll dance with Thom, talk to everyone, and make the night worthwhile. Ugh, Johanna and Madge are gonna make fun of me so hard."

"Well, this is your second chance and what you do with it is your choice. Now I must be off, I'm sure there is a very important meeting that I am missing right now. See you on the other side sweetheart." He almost does a half salute half wave as he begins walking away. I shake my head. I think I'm taking this better than most people probably would. I turn to head back in the direction that will take me home. Tomorrow night would be good, it would be the night I actually wanted to remember; I'd make sure of that.

"Wow, just, wow." I cannot help but giggle as Thom eyes me up and down, admiring my body in the short red dress I picked out just for tonight. Off to a good start already. Johanna and Madge left an hour ago, opting to meet their dates at the dance. Thom had insisted he pick me up from my house; he had always been a gentlemen to me during our high school days. Last I heard he had married one of the girls from his grade a few years ago and they were expecting twins. The power of social media really made sure you were never out of touch with those you wanted to avoid. I haven't actually seen him since he graduated: he's a year older than myself. It's weird seeing young him again but I feel like I should enjoy this moment.

"Thanks. So we going to hit the road or are we just going to stand her while you stare me down?" My boldness was always something I was happy to have. It made awkward situations a little less awkward. His eyes meet mine and he gives me a cheeky grin, knowing he was caught staring for too long. He holds out his arm for me to take and lead us to his car. Dating a senior at the time definitely had its perks.

The music is loud when we get there, many people are just starting to arrive along with us. Thom parks and runs over to open my door for me. I take his hand that he holds out and let him lead the way inside. The music gets louder and I can see the entrance to the gym where the dance is being held. The dance floor already is filled with dancing students and I can hear loud chatter. I begin to look around for my friends, saying hello to long lost acquaintances (I suppose they are not long lost right now, but they will be) in the process. I finally spot Johanna and Madge and decide to tell Thom I'll be back. He is already waving to some friends of his from the football team and I can tell he is planning to go over and talk to them. It's the perfect time to split before we get into the full swing of the dance. I make my way over and catch Madge's attention, give a large wave her way.

"Hey girls, looking good." I wink at Madge and give a low whistle to Johanna. Their dates must be talking to some of their friends.

"So ladies, are we ready to take this party up a notch? I got us set up in the locker room, cups and bottle are a go. Shall we?" This is the moment, the moment I say no. This time I won't be stupid.

"Seriously, I don't think it's a great idea. Shouldn't we wait until… you know, we get home later or something? What if we get caught?" I hear Johanna let up an exasperated sight.

"You're kidding right? Fine. Whatever Kat. Pussy out. Madge and I know how to have a good time without you. Don't be jealous when you see us come back as the life of the party though. Come on Madge, let's go." I try to stop them, tell them I wasn't scared but Johanna wants to hear none of it. I watch the two stomp off out of the gym. I feel a hand touch the small of my back and turn to see Thom has joined me again.

"Looks like something serious. What happened?" I shake my head in reply. Let them be stupid. Teens have to make mistakes to learn, I sure as a hell had to.

"Let's dance." I smile at him and drag him to the dance floor.

Two hours later and all my worries have been erased through the pulsing beats coming through the speakers. Thom and I have danced most of the night together, laughing and sharing secret smiles with one another. It is the night that should have happened. We wonder off the floor finally to grab some refreshments. He goes to get us some drinks while I stand and look around the crowded room. I spot Madge and Johanna coming back finally, wobbling and stumbling as they move. Shit, did they drink the whole bottle? I begin to make my way over to them, making sure they are ok.

"Ooooh look who it is, it's our dear, dear friend Katniss. Our 'good' friend." Johanna's words are slurred and she is unsteady on her feet. Madge doesn't look any better and I wonder if they're going to last.

"Did you two drink the whole bottle?" Madge giggles at my question.

"Wouldn't chu like to know." The blonde girl's words are even more slurred than my red-headed friend's. Ugh.

"Ok, Ok. It's time for both of you to go home. How are you two even standing?"

"We're not going anywhere and you can't make us, miss goody-two-shoes." I cross my arms. I'm still used to Johanna's volatile attitude.

"Johanna, you're wrecked. You smell awful and you can't even stand straight. What if one of the teachers sees you? You seriously want to get in shit?"

"They won't find out. Get your panties out of a twist. You're just worried 'cause you want Thom to think you're so great."

"Johanna st-" I try to stop her but she interrupts me.

"Guess what pea-brain, he only wants in your pants. He's been telling the football team his plan alllll week long. You're so worried about what he thinks yet he doesn't give two shits as long as you spread your legs for him at the end of the night." I'm floored. Was she telling the truth? I know what happens when people get drunk, they get mean and nasty and say awful things, Johanna has always been one to do that too. I refuse to believe her words.

"Johanna don't be such a bitch. Whatever, get caught, get in shit. Not my problem. Have fun dealing with your parents." I turn abruptly and leave the two there, trying to calm my anger in the process as I try to find my date.

I see him with his group of friends again and watch as one of them hands Thom a set of keys… keys to what? He has his car keys which also have his house keys. What's going on? I decide to go find out.

I walk up next to him and speak loudly to catch his attention.

"Did I miss anything?" He almost jumps and I wonder why the change all of a sudden. Not long ago we were laughing and just having fun, now he seemed on edge. I see his hand go into his pocked as he turns to me.

"Haha, hey didn't see you coming back. Just talking football with the guys, you ready to head out?" Ok, I'm not stupid but he must think I am. Did I really fall for his bullshit? Was Johanna actually right about him? I play along with him.

"Head out? But the dance is still going." I cross my arms and try to play innocent.

"Well, I just thought maybe we could go somewhere a bit more quiet and somewhere we can actually talk." Code for, I wanna fuck you or at least get something from you tonight. How could I be so naïve? Maybe not having a good night for him years ago was the better option. I raise an eye brow at him.

"You know what, you go ahead and go by yourself. It's not going to happen Thom."

"What do you mean? I just want to hang out, the two of us." I'm smug now. I can't believe I fell for this charm years ago.

"No you don't and I heard what you were telling the guys on the team. I saw the keys. If that's all you wanted then you should have asked someone else. We're done." I see the surprise in his eyes as he realizes he's been caught. The surprise is gone in an instant and replaced by anger.

"You're really arrogant, you know? You should have been happy to be dating me and going to the dance with me. You were lucky to be seen with me. Whatever, have fun getting home." I watch his retreating form and I feel empowered. The night definitely isn't the way I had hoped but it's still better than what it could have been. I decide to go find my two best friends and apologize to Johanna; then get them home. I know Johanna's car is here and I can at least drive us back to my place tonight so they can avoid the wrath of their parents.

I spot them both by the wall, looking a little worse than before. Yup, definitely home time. I make my way back to them.

"How you two holding up?" I see two pairs of unamused eyes look at me.

"What do you want now? Going to scold us some more?" Johanna always was fiery.

"No, I'm coming to take you two back to my place. Your dates are long gone and mine is… well let's just say you were right Johanna and I'm sorry." I see regret flash in her eyes.

"I'm sorry too. Your place, my place, any place that isn't here sounds good right about now, what about you Madge?" Johanna looks like she's going to be sick and I worry. Madge tries to find a grip on the wall to hold her up.

"Yeah, definitely need to get out of here. I feel like I'm going to be sick." I nod and offer a side to both of them to help lead them to Johanna's car. We make it outside before Madge stumbles and I'm unable to catch her. Long arms covered in a white dress shirt catch her and I meet with blue eyes that stare at me. Why are they so familiar? I don't have time to question as the man now holding Madge helps me bring the two of my friends to the car. He loads Madge into the back as she giggles away while I help Johanna into the passenger seat. I glance back at the man and I know we've met before, he's young but I can tell he's still older than myself, but at least two years or more.

"Thanks. I need to go but thank you for helping me. Hope we didn't ruin your night." I step over to the other side and get into the car. I'm worried about my friends and want to get them home as quickly as possible. I roll the window down and peak my head through as I start up the car, I had to retrieve the keys from Johanna's purse, and shout out to the back of the person.

"If you ever need anything, don't be afraid to ask! My name's Katniss if you ever need anything." I put the car into drive and pull out.

I feel the car getting colder again, like when it happened in Dr. Haymitch's office. I feel a pull as I grip the steering wheel.

I close my eyes and open them again to find I am sitting on my bathroom floor, in the present time. I look around the small room, touching the tile of the floor and smelling the air. It's real again, I'm back home. I stand up and give my body a shake. Well that certainly was different from what I expected. I leave the bathroom and go back out to my living room/kitchen. Did that really happen? I suppose one way of finding out would be to check my journals, I have all them since I started writing. I grab a box that is sitting in the closet in the living room and open it up. I sort through all the books, there has to be at least twenty in here, twelve of them are just from when I was a teenager; I was angsty, sue me. I find the one with the brown binding and soft green cover, it was my most favourite one out of the ones I've had over the years. I flip through until I find the right day, I begin to read,

Saturday, October 12, 1999

Tonight was our fall formal, Johanna and Madge are passed out on the air mattress I set up for them as I write this. Thom was a tool tonight and we've broken up. I can't believe I ever thought he was actually a good person. I was so blind. I'm exhausted though so I am signing off for the night.

Oh! This stranger with very intense blue eyes helped me get the two of them into the car tonight. He didn't say anything and I really didn't take notice of his face. I wonder if I'll ever see him again. I told him my name, I never got a response though. Weird, but I owe him for helping me out tonight or Madge would have had a nasty scar she would have had to cover up.

I stare at the journal entry and sit on the ground. It happened. It wasn't a dream. Haymitch was telling the truth. I feel a weight being lifted at that realization. One mistake made right. I let out a laugh and begin putting away all my books back into their box. Once the box is back on its self I look around my apartment and stretch. What if I really could change my past to make my present better?

I hear the door to the apartment next to mine close and know he's just gotten home. I grab my cell phone and find his number. I hit call and wait.

"That was quick. I think it's a record." I hear his soft chuckle on the other end.

"Well you know, I had a good day so I decide we should celebrate it. It's not every day I'm actually in a good mood." I hear his throaty laugh and a thump as he sets his bags down.

"Well let me put my stuff away and change. Fifteen minutes and we'll head out to the hob, my treat." I grin into the phone. He knows I'm piss poor at the moment.

"Knock when you're ready. See you soon Peeta."

"Yeah, yeah. Be ready when I get there." I hang up and go to my room to change. It's nice to blow off some steam.

TBC