** Just so that there isn't any confusion, this chapter picks up from where the last chapter left off. And it contains a lot of conversation. Enjoy Chapter 14 my little power puffs! Hehe ;) **
(Katniss POV)
He has made my time spent here at Panem Prep here so great. That reminds me; didn't I want to thank him at some point? Well, now's my chance.
"Peeta," I say breaking the comfortable silence, "thank you,".
"For what?" he asks in confusion. I find it cute how when he is puzzled; a small crease forms between his eyebrows. Wow Katniss, that didn't sound a bit creepy, not at all.
"For this, for helping me through my first few weeks here, and….," I hesitate for a moment contemplating whether I should say it or not, "for…. for the bread,". Without really meaning to I whisper the last part and he still looks confused.
(Peeta POV)
Bread? What bread? I have no idea as to what she is talking about. I think it over for another moment before asking,
"What bread?"
"When we were young and my family and I were starving, you through me two loaves of bread,".
"Katniss, but we were kids, you still remember that?" I say perplexed soon after recalling the memory.
"Yeah, but Peeta, you saved my life when you barely even knew me," .
"Yes, I know, still though, you needed the bread way more than I did," I say trying my best to convince her that it's not that big of a deal.
"Peeta, your…. your mother she," Katniss stutters, "hit you,". She raises the hand that isn't holding mine and gently places it where my mother hit me. I'm amazed at the tenderness and care that's shown in Katniss' eyes now. And love? No way. Katniss couldn't love me. Like, maybe, but not love even though I know in my heart that I love her. I place my hand gently atop hers and sigh.
"She did, but that's in the past now and you were worth it okay?"
"Okay, but I can't help feeling that I owe you," she says dropping her hand from my cheeck where the bruise once was and looking back up at the sky.
I am completely taken aback by this. Katniss thinks she owes me? No, I refuse to let her think this way. It's not allowed. I put each one of my hands in the grass beside her ears and effortlessly hold myself over her in a way that looks like I'm about to do a pushup. This way she has to look at me.
"Look, you don't owe me anything. I don't owe you anything. We're equal here. Is that clear?" I ask rather sternly.
She smiles and nods causing me to let out a sigh of relief. We stand up, link hands; our fingers entwined, and sway our arms happily while walking back into the school, glad to have no more worries or concerns of the past.
(Katniss POV)
We get to Cinna's class just in time. He acknowledges us with a knowing smile a slight nod. I smile and wave back relieved for music, the best class this school offers.
Johanna, the bold, yet funny girl with deep brown eyes and short, dark brown hair also has this class with us, so we sit next to her. Immediately she notices our entwined fingers and smirks smugly at us.
"Looks like Peeta finally grew some balls and made a move," she practically yells from the short distance between our desks.
Johanna and I burst into a fit of laughter while Peeta blushes. It's so damn cute when he's vulnerable and embarrassed like that. Even Cinna is chuckling softly. I poke his nose and soon enough, he joins us in a good two minutes of joking and embarrassment.
When the bell rings Cinna explains our in-class assignment. We all have to partner up and preform a song we remember most from our childhood. However, if one of the two partners prefers not to sing they have the option to play an instrument. Once he has finished explaining, he gives us two minutes to partner up. Before my mouth can even form any words, I hear a high-pitched voice screech Peeta's name.
"Peeta! Oh, Peeta!" She hollers while trying to push her way towards us. Although she has a pretty face and all, I swear she is wearing a skirt that is so short I'm pretty sure it'd be illegal. And what's up with all the makeup? Someone should tell her that she has a face that's supposed to be treated like a face, not a coloring book.
"Peeta, let's be partners!" she says while throwing an arm over his shoulder and leaning down to expose her cleavage. What surprises me is what he says next.
"No thanks. I was hoping to be partners with Katniss," he answers simply shrugging her off not once even sneaking a peak at her breasts. I smirk as she looks from me to him and then stomps off with a "Humph!".
"Who was that?" I ask Johanna.
"Cashmere, she is the bitch to end all bitches. She has been after Peeta for almost a year now and each time he has shrugged her off," She says and then laughs because of all of her failed attempts.
"It's kind of pathetic, really." I state while daring to take a glance at her sitting with her arms crossed angrily. I look away but she is staring daggers at me and I can feel it. Something tells me this isn't the last time I will be the reason for her anger, but I push that foreboding thought aside and focus my attention back to the assignment.
"Well I guess I'll let you two love-birds be partners. I'll just partner up with Brutus," she stands standing up and leaving but not before winking at us.
"Obviously, you're going to sing, but I'm an awful singer. I'll just play the guitar," he reasons.
"You play the guitar?" I ask in astonishment.
"Yup," he says popping the 'p'. "I have ever since I was 10,"
"Wow, that's really cool. I never knew that,"
"Well, Miss Everdeen, there are a lot of things you don't know about me." He says trying to sound seductive, earning a laugh from me.
"Haha, anyways, let's pick a song,"
"The Valley Song," he says less than a second after I finish my sentence.
"Okay, let's get to work," I reply still unsure about why he would pick that song so quickly yet surely.
So, for the next 20 minutes we all practice in our groups of two. Peeta is actually really good with the guitar and every time we do a run through or practice even a simple warm up he always makes sure to appraise my beautiful voice. Time flies by and before we know it, it's time to perform for the rest of the class. Peeta and I are up first.
****YAY! I wrote a lot in this chapter so I hope you all enjoyed. I usually don't write this much so, please tell me if you think it's too long, perfect, or, if it's even possible, needs to be longer. Ply review or PM me your thoughts. Both make me smile! :) I've introduced Cashmere who I've made into a bitch who desperately wants Peeta. She is really mean and you will be seeing her in future chapters. But, if you don't want to see Cashmere, just tell me and I won't make her too important. Mmkay, thankee! ;) XXXX****