PEETA
She was my bestfriend's friend. She was nice, smart and funny. I thought it was okay to like her.
Until I noticed her withdrawing from me, as if there was an invisible wall between us.
I would be happy if we'd pass by each other and she'd smile at me, or talk to me when I can get her alone; when she would let her guard down.
I wanted to get to know her, spend time with her, even for just a while.
I saw her earlier in the cafeteria her head deep in a book, her hair in her usual braid.
My bestfriend asked her to join us, but she declined saying she's busy.
"Hey Katniss, come join Peeta and me" she said.
"Sorry, Madge, I can't. I still have a test later. I need to study" she said.
I was disappointed, thinking she was avoiding me again.
I saw her look at me, with those gray eyes that always take my breath away.
Did she look sad? I wonder.
It was time to go home. I bade my bestfriend goodbye.
The sky was overcast. I smell rain coming and felt the coldness in the wind. Suddenly, lightning struck followed by the rumble of thunder.
Then raindrops fell and formed sheets of pouring water.
I saw her alone, looking as gloomy as the sky, watching the rain fall.
I decided to approach her, praying that she did not have an umbrella.
"Hey Katniss! Are you going home?" I asked her.
"Oh Peeta!, hello. Yes, I'm on my way home." she said.
"Where is Madge?" she asked while rummaging inside her bag.
"She went home already." I said.
"Do you have an umbrella? It's raining quite hard" I said, hoping I could offer her mine.
"I don't have any" she said giving up searching her bag.
"Oh! We could share mine. Your house is not far from my way so I could drop you off" I said, all smiles that luck was on my side.
"Okay" she said, flashing me her smile.
We were walking under the rain sharing my umbrella. I was aware of her presence, her scent filling my senses.
It was fun being with her. We talked about school and other stuff.
She could crack me up with her humor. I like her this way, when she's not guarded.
"You know. You're really funny. I don't know anyone with your sense of humor. You should hang out with us often" I said, hoping she'd accept my invitation.
"Hey! I'm not your personal clown." she said
"Did she just reject me?" I thought.
"Besides, I'm not funny all the time. I tend to have mood swings too. You wouldn't like me when I'm grumpy."
But I like you even when you're grumpy. "But I am also moody except I'm not half as funny as you." I said.
"Well, I am not half as nice as you" she retorted.
I chuckled at her declaration. "Okay, okay we'd better stop depreciating ourselves to each other" I said.
She gave me an awkward smile. We were silent after that. And then as though gravity was pulling us, I felt that we were now walking closer to each other.
Our arms brushed each other. I feel as if thunder is rumbling in my chest and lightning coursing through my veins. How could she affect me this way?
I was disappointed to see her house nearing, knowing my time with her would soon be cut short.
"Why can't her house be farther?" I thought.
"We're here" I announced as we stood outside her gate, hiding my disappointment.
"Thank you, Peeta." she said.
"It's my pleasure. I'll be going ahead" I said.
"Goodbye and take care" she said. I have never seen her with so much warmth in her eyes.
"Yeah. You too. Until next time" I said.
I turned my back and left, the cold rain was continuing to pour but inside I felt warm, hoping that there will be a next time.