Teach Me
Chapter 9
"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk infront of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend."
The final bell rings; signifying that summer break is here! Weeks and weeks I've waited for this final moment, 6 weeks without school; 6 weeks without seeing Cato.
Since the first date with Katniss and now, we've been on a few dates and found out more about each other, I want to ask her to officially be my girlfriend some time soon. Building up the courage is easier said then done, on a few occasions after school I've tried to ask her but we always seem to get sidetracked. Katniss and I had our final tutoring lesson today, which means she doesn't have to tutor me anymore, I'm a little bit sad but it's also a relief, and an achievement because the principle agreed that my work has been improved since Katniss was there to teach me. Katniss is a great tutor, but now she has the weight off her shoulder and a burden released. Me and Katniss will still spend a lot of time together, since we are dating and all. Hopefully boyfriend and girlfriend soon. I know, I'm not the best looking guy in school, or the smartest, but I know how to make Katniss happy. And she makes me happy. I'm also a week and a half cut free, Kat pursuades me to stop or she calms me down when I'm angry or upset.
Packing my books and papers into my bag as quickly as I can to meet up with Katniss. The teacher stands tall over me, he dominates over height and his furrowed eyebrows are concentrated. "The Principle wants to see you quickly." He says with a stern voice, but a hushed voice that sends panic signals to my head.
"Sure, I'll go there now." I reply quickly as I walk out the classroom door and down the dreaded hallway of sorrow. I was supposed to meet Katniss by her locker, but hopfully she'll understand and wait a tad longer for me. The corridors are heavenly white, with a strip of black running through the centre. Achievements of the school cover the plastered walls, awards and trophies are kept in a locked cabinet. Finding the office that has 'Principle' in bold letters hanging on the door entrance, I knock once.
"Come in." A croaky voice stammers, as the door flys open. I'm presented with a white-solid beard that we call our principle, his white tie is buckled to the top of his neck, as his Adam's apple bobs up and down with his speech. He looks me deeply in the eye as I shuffle on one foot to the next.
"You wanted to see me, Sir." I question with a wobble in my voice. The Principle can be seen as intimidating, most of the staff are scared of him, I'm not suprised, he shows no emotions apart from misery and anger.
"Yes." He says sharply. "The teachers and I, all agreed that you have worked to the best of your ability. Therefore, we wanted to give you extra work. Before you disagree, hear me out." He twiddles his thumbs in circles, as the cuffs of his blazer crumple up. "Considering, you can only improve. It gives the school a better reputation if you only improve with your grades." Of course, the school is always in his best interest. "I will be sending daily work for you to complete through the post. Well done, Mellark."
"Thank you, Sir." I shake his hand firmly as the wrinkles of his skin come into contact with my smooth skin. "I will complete the work as much as I can within the six week period." I add.
"I promise, it won't be as much as you're thinking, I know your favourite subject is art. I hope you exceed the excellence and positive spirit you plead to do so in that class." He says politely. "You can leave now."
With those last words, my feet rush back to Katniss's locker. She stands there, with her phone out and her backpack slumped on the floor. Prim stands besides her, her blue eyes meet mine, she tugs on Katniss's shoulder. Before I know it, both of them rush towards me.
Prim is the first one to reach me, her arms fling around my waist and her smile deepens. I see Prim like my little sister, I've never had a sister but I'd like to think if I did, she would be like Prim.
"Hey Prim, did you have a good day?" I say with a sincere tone in my voice. Katniss stands behind her, as her arms leave my waist.
"Yeah, same old, same old." She replies. Prim leads the way out of the school. Katniss stands next to me as I put my hand on the small of her back,
"Sorry I was late, the Principle wanted to talk to me." I smile apologetically. She kisses the left side of my cheek before returning to our conversation.
"What did he want?" She smiles.
I repeat the conversation I had with the Principle to Katniss. She scowls when I tell her I have more work to complete on the holidays.
"That's ridiculous! You've worked so hard. You deserve a break." She exclaims. I don't mind doing extra work, it's just with the bakery, my art work and meeting Katniss. My life got so busy.
Prim still leads the way to their house, the pathway leads us directly to their small, cosy house. Multiple coloured flowers are scattered in the front garden, the beautiful light touches the tips of the buds, rising a new life. "So, are you going to come with me to pick up my friends? In about 2 hours." She adds.
"Yeah, why not." I smile politely. I'm kind of nervous to meet Katniss's friends, like they will try and approve of me dating Katniss. On the other hand, Katniss trusts me... That's all that matters to me. We step inside her home, the lit fireplace slits through the ajar door. "Parents are home." Katniss whispers under her breath.
My shoes slip off as Mr Everdeen stands up, I offer him my hand and he gladly takes. Katniss is a splitting image of Mr Everdeen. I've met him a few times; only briefly. "Hi, Mr Everdeen. How are you?" I say. My head swivels to Mrs Everdeen, who's sat on the sofa, with a knitting set in her hands. She's not old, but she's talented in the textile area. "How are you Mrs Everdeen?"
"We are very well." Mr Everdeen croaks out, his pale, masculine face fades as his eyes look blank. He sits back on the sofa and continues to read the daily newspaper. Katniss stands besides me and offers me a warm smile for approaching her parents. She grabs my arm and leads me to her bedroom. Prim has already left to go outside and play with the neighbours.
The next two hours move slowly, I can tell Katniss is nervous but also excited to see her old friends. I'm a little anxious, I've never enjoyed meeting new people; it scares me.
"Come on, Peet. We're gonna be late!" Katniss shouts as I slip my converses onto my feet. She greets me with a smile and we walk out the house. The weather has made an improvement; the gloomy clouds have disappeared and the sun has peered through innocent, pure clouds. I walk along side Katniss as we walk to the train station. Her friends Annie and Johanna are staying around her house for a week, which is a good thing, I hope. Feeling the heat rising off Katniss's hand, should I hold it in mine? The thought is rather tempting, but I feel I should get something out of the way first.
"So um, I was wondering." Katniss give a small nod, she faces me a little. "So, I know this isn't romantic but, I've wanted to say this for a while. Katniss, will you officially be my girlfriend?" I stutter out nervously. We both stop our footsteps, she turns to face me and a massive grin appears on her face.
"Yes, of course!" Her arms fling around my neck, my hands touch her back cautiously, I'm still nervous about where is safe and where isn't safe. I kiss her lips and close my eyes, I feel the wind rushing past us as she kisses me back. This is amazing. Unbelievable. Who would of thought, Peeta, Me, has a girlfriend. Taking her hand in mine, we make small talk to the train station.
"Katniss!" A high pitched voice screams, the innocent looking girl runs up to Katniss. Her light brown hair, swings around her shoulders as her smile begins to grow. Behind the girl, is another girl, she looks more serious but yet excited. Katniss puts her arm around both of them; embracing them into a warm hug. I stand there, shuffling on my feet.
"Peeta, this is Annie." Katniss points to the bright smiling girl. "And this is, Johanna." The serious one gives me a small smile. I offer a warm smile to both of them, and spill out a "hello". "Can I carry some of your bags? We're walking back." I smile politely.
"That would be helpful. Thanks" Annie gives me a small suitcase and Johanna gives me her biggest suitcase.
"Thanks Blondie," Johanna snarls.
We exit the train station and Katniss' hand finds mine, both girls walk slightly behind us; as we are leading the way. "Johanna is sarcastic and Annie is sweet." Katniss points out to me, they'll eat you up." Katniss laughs.
When we get back to Katniss's house, it's still empty and quiet.
I've had this saved for ages, just haven't had time to upload it.I am suffering from writers block and I want everything to be perfect. It's a curse sometimes. Anyway, I'm sorry again. I finally have a laptop too, which means it's easier for me to upload.