Teach Me Chapter 4, a hunger games fanfic

Teach Me

Chapter 4 - "Everything has beauty, but not everybody sees it"

"Pass me the guitars Peet!" Rye shouts through the rock music playing in the background as I carry two guitars over my shoulders. We have been moving instruments into the hall for about two hours and its killing me, Rye's other band mates haven't arrived yet; so me and Rye are setting up the gig.

Rye places the speakers on the edge of the stage and plugs them into the right input plugs. The drums are in the far back of the stage and the microphone stand is at the front and the guitarists would be standing on either sides of the lead singer. I pass Rye the guitars and he hooks them up on the single hooks on the black-painted wall. The guitars are red and white with a star-like symbol created into the electric guitars, the strap is colored in a purple color and is firm. Sweat trickles down my forehead as Rye arranges the drum seat for his height and structure. "The gigs at 8o'clock, you wanna bring anyone? The more people arrive the better noticed we get." He pleads, I think for a while, and nod slightly.

"I'll think about it." I reply with a stern voice, "You want me to put the banner up behind you?" I point to the plain wall sitting behind him, Rye gives me a small smirk and nods. I grab the banner that has 'District 12'written on it-that's what they are officially called, over arguments of what their band name should be called and sleepless nights of pulling names out of hats and what not- they came to a final when I spoke up and said "If we are in a town called 'District 12', then you can have it meaning something" however, one of the members aren't from District 12, as they are from another district but he still agreed. Nailing the banner into the chipped and damp wall, I stand on the ladder and firmly keep it stabilized for the up-coming hours. Rye plays a simple beat while I step down the ladder, he's really good at the drums, it's a shame I have no rhythm otherwise I'd probably join the band and maybe people wouldn't look down on me so much, but I stick to baking and art- the things I'm good at.

Deciding I should probably take a break and sit down for a while, Rye is calling up a few friends to check they're are still coming- a good opportunity to continue reading my book 'Something Invisible' by Siobhan Parkinson. I really like reading books, it gives me a chance to concentrate on something meaningless to other people but what really means something to me- it's like an excuse to forget about your surroundings and memories and just focus on the not real, a way to relax and not get judged on. Pulling out my tatty book from my bag, I sit in a quiet corner on the stage before Rye's band mates come around.

Shortly after my read, a loud noise is coming from the entrance, whistles and shouts erupted the halls and echoed of the walls creating a loud disturbance. "Rye! Rye! Rye!" They chant as three boys step into the opened space, I sit there uncomfortable as Rye pulls all three of them into a man hug. "Oh hey, this is my brother Peeta. He's a bit of a loser, but he's awesome." He punches my arm playfully as the boys introduce themselves. One of them has dark brown hair and a nose stud planted into his skin, "Hi, I'm Zackary, you can call me Zack." He smirks as he runs one of his hands through his hair. The second lad punches my arm, he has short, light brown hair with a slight stubble around his chin. "Rian." He smiles politely. Finally, the third guy puts his hand out to me and I take it cautiously, "I'm the amazing Finnick O'dair, no introduction would be big enough." He says arrogantly as I smile back. "I'm Peeta," All three of them wear tight black jeans that hug their legs and Zack wears a leather jacket with a black t-shirt underneath and the rest of them wear a patterned t-shirt, slightly showing their muscle.

First of all, they practice some of the chords and different riffs in the songs, and Finnick- the lead singer gets his voice pumped up, as he has a range of notes to hit. Rye walks up to me after he finishes his basic beats on the drum. "You gonna invite anyone? They don't have to pay, it will be like your guest. It'll be good for you, especially because I know you are not good at socializing this is the time dude." He pats me on the back and I process what he has said, could I invite Katniss? But did I really want her drooling over 4 boys and one of them not being me?

'Hi, you doing anything today? X'

My thumbs hover over the 'send' button, is it worth it? What if she thinks its a date? Because it's not, I would love it to be, but that would scare her away, right? I press send before I change my mind. People come rolling through the doors but it's only a few people arriving here and there. Drinks are set up in the corner as the bar man stands there looking half-drunk already, and the party hasn't even fully started. My phone buzzes shortly after, 'Nothing, you wanna do something?X'

'You wanna come to my brothers gig? I have to help him out after the gig has finished. So, that means I have to stay here, just wanted to know if you want to hang here with me to pass the time?X' send, the amount of times I deleted this message and started again is insane.

In the meantime, Finnick strolled down the stage and walked over to me, "Hey dude, you look intense." He breaths "chill man, whatever it is... I'm sure you'll be fine." He bites his lip and pulls his jeans up hiding the small crack- he jogs back up to the stage and winks at me. Finnick is... He's something. I feel a vibration in the small of my pocket and pull my phone out.

'Yeah, okay. Will see you in a min X' Katniss finally replied and I quickly texted her the address of the gig and waited outside for her. The air was clean but you could sense the anticipation lurking outside the hall, and the faint sounds of guitar riffs.

The time reached roughly 7:55pm, which meant people where slowly arriving and Katniss would be here any second. I hummed to myself quietly as nerves swooshed around in my stomach causing a sensation of butterflies fluttering around in my belly. I could see Katniss walking down the road, her tight, skinny jeans with brown ankle boots and her top that cut off around her hip, I glance down at what I'm wearing and begin to bite my nails. I'm clearly under dressed. She looks beautiful and I look like a scruff.

"Hey" She smiles nervously at the ground, as the wind breezes through our hair.

"Shall we go in?" I question as she takes the lead into the hall and I take this chance to admire her figure, so smooth and perfect. I look at her silky hair and smile to myself secretly.

Rye and his band mates are sitting in ready positions but Rye walks down the stage and smiles at me. "So, this is your guest, gonna introduce me bro?"

"Katniss this is Rye- my brother and drummer- Rye this is my friend Katniss." I stammer, was it too early to be calling Katniss my friend? What if we aren't friends to her? "Good luck Rye. We'll be in the crowd." I pat Rye on the back and he jogs up onto the stage. Finnick grabs the microphone and runs a hand through his dazzling hair, and the girls scream with glee, I notice Katniss doesn't react- she stays herself and not some fan girl. I like that. Finnick taps the microphone and huddles it into both hands. "Thank you all for coming. Lets roll!" Rye hits both his drums sticks together and brought a beat in for everybody to join into. The audience was now filled with people, but Katniss stays to my side.

'Show me how to lie

You're getting better all the time

And turning all against one

Is an art that's hard to teach'

Katniss raises her voice and her breath touches my ear, "You wanna dance?" I know this is a rhetorical question as she grabs my hand and pulls me to the dance floor. I sigh.

'Another clever word

Sets off an unsuspecting herd

And as you step back in the line

A mob jumps to their feet'

Lots of people bounce up and down. I imitate there movements anxiously, as I really can't dance.

'Now dance fucker, dance

Man, you never had a chance

And no one even knew

It was really only you

And now you steal away

Take him out today

Nice work you did

You're gonna go far kid'

Katniss has entwined our fingers together as she dances to the music.

'With a thousand lies and a good disguise

Hit 'em right between the eyes

When you walk away, nothing more to say

See the lightning in your eyes

See 'em running for their lives

Slowly out of line

And drifting closer in your sight

So play it out, I'm wide awake

It's a scene about me'

I bite my lip as I try hold my smile, Katniss is holding my hand. I bop up and down till I go giddy.

'There's someone in your way

And now someone is gonna pay

If you can't get what you want

Well it's all because of me

Now dance fucker, dance

Man, I never had a chance

And no one even knew

It was really only you

Now you lead the way

Show the lie today

Nice work you did

You're gonna go far kid

Trust and see'

Katniss grinds against my body and my cheeks burst into flames, luckily the strobe lights disguise my embarrassment.

'With a thousand lies and a good disguise

Hit 'em right between the eyes

When you walk away, nothing more to say

See the lightning in your eyes

See 'em running for their lives

Now dance fucker dance

He never had a chance

And no one even knew

It was really only you

So dance fucker dance

I never had a chance

It was really only you

With a thousand lies and a good disguise

Hit 'em right between the eyes

When you walk away

Nothing more to say

See the lightning in your eyes

See 'em running for their lives

Clever alibis, Lord of the Flies

Hit 'em right between the eyes

When you walk away

Nothing more to say

See the lightning in your eyes

See 'em running for their lives'

The music fades and the crowd bursts into applause as I stand there; feeling like the happiest man on Earth. Katniss doesn't say anything except "Do you want to get a drink?" I nod and walk behind her, weaving in and out of the people. The old man serving the drinks has sweat stuck to his face and blood-shot eyes screaming into the crowd, his hand plastered to his face and his drool pleaded out his mouth. "What drink do you want?" I ask Katniss.

"Diet coke please."

I order two diet cokes and we walk outside for some fresh air. I take a seat on the cold grass and Katniss does the same. She looks into my deep-blue eyes and rests her head onto my shoulder, I wrap my arm around her as her arms gather goosebumps. "You see those three stars?" I ask Katniss while pointing to the sky, she nods her head. "That's called 'Ryan's Belt' and further along you can see 'The Big Dipper'" I point to another set of stars closer to the moon. We sit it silence while she admires the stars. It's not an awkward silence but I silence filled with thoughts.

"Do you feel more relaxed around me?" She asks.

"I do." There's something I thought I'd never be agreeing to. When I'm with Katniss I can see who I am more clearly, and who I want to be. Without Katniss, well, I struggled to understand the meaning of life but, now I do understand.

Katniss moves to face towards me, her eyes flicker to each one of my eyes. Her hand is placed firmly on my leg and mine is placed on hers. She leans in and- suddenly we both whip our heads around as a bunch of people just brought up their drinks they just had. I rub my sweaty palms on my trousers, and shift awkwardly into the grass. If we weren't interrupted, what would of happened?

A/N: I liked writing this chapter, the song is by The Offspring, 'You're gonna go far kid. It hasn't got any link to the story, but I really like the song and wanted to use it.

' I don't own the hungers games blah blah. I wanted to write about Rye and his band, maybe in the next chapter I'll include Peeta's parents, not sure yet. Review if you like, thanks bye!x