a/n: yo.

ok, so a pretty important chapter is coming up next, so watch out :)

mmm, how about Gabe have the quote for the next coming chapter ?
"You better watch your mouth, I'm friends with a famous person, that's right!"

disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games. (sadly.)

a few people have asked me about the book cover for this, it was drawn by flawlessbieber who you can find on tumblr at: flawlessbieber . tumblr . com (remove spaces.)

she's awesome, I love her drawings :)

January 2013

"so there's still the matter of that recording deal," I say, flopping down onto Katniss' bed and breathing in the firewood scent of her sheets. I didn't know how much I missed that smell.

"Peeta," she mumbles. "you know I can't." I sit up and take her hand to pull her spinny chair in front of me. Her eyes are downcast and staring at her lap, her loose hair draping her face.

"Why not?" I prod.

"I've got college, you know that. And I can't juggle singing and school at the same time," she exclaims. "besides, do you even know it's gonna work out?" she asks me.

No, I think. I have no idea.

"Well, I was talking to Mr. Abernathy on the phone and he said he did a thing where he asked people if they think we would become famous and be fans. A lot said they liked us, or already knew us and that they would support us." I said honestly, rubbing comforting circles onto her knuckles.

"I can't" she sighed exhaustedly. She span her chair back so her back was facing me, and she ran a hand through her loose hair. I sigh and flop back onto the bed, running a hand through my blond tresses.

I look around the room, refamiliarizing myself with the room. My eyes darting from the pale green walls to the large bay window, where a suitcase was tucked into the corner. A pamphlet was hung precariously over the windowsill and was flopping back and forth in the wind.

"What's the suitcase for?" I asked curiously, padding over to the windowsill and grabbing the pamphlet. The front was colourful, and the words 'the place for you' was written in bold letters. I flipped through the college brochure and at the very back, the words 'honors priviliged orientation program' was circled in a fat Sharpie.

"Orientation Program?" I asked, flipping the brochure up for her to see. Katniss nodded and reached for the pamphlet. She tucked it away in one of her desk drawers.

"Yeah, I got asked to do an early orientation program for the college," she said, busying herself with reorganizing her desk. Stepping over her fuzzy slippers, I touched her shoulder.

"That's huge, Kat." I said sincerely.

"Yeah, only around twenty-five to thirty students get to go." she said, a blush appearing on her cheekbones. I turned her around and my arms made their way around her waist. I tucked my head into the crook of her shoulder, where it fit perfectly while she hugged my firm middle.

"I'm proud of you," I breathed honestly, breathing in the scent of her lavender shampoo.

"I'm proud of you too," her voice was slightly muffled as she pressed her cheek to my chest.

We arrived to school the next morning talking and laughing as if nothing had happened. Madge stared as she stood next to the new girl.

Oh, did I tell you? Gale got the girl.

We walked into English class, hands entwined and smiling when our teacher glanced at Katniss with excited eyes. After taking our usual seats, (I purposely made it a point to hang my jacket on her seat) the teacher declared he had to make an announcement.

"So, as some of you may know, there are many talented writers in this class, so I took the liberty of submitting some of your short story assignments in as scholarship applicants." the class murmured in anticipation. The teacher cleared his throat. "If I overstepped, I sincerely apologize. I just believe that having one more option to think about is better than having none. I truly think that there are many talented writers in this class who all deserve recognition. But here are the names of the scholarship nominees: Clove Heath," that was no surprise. Her older brother was taking a writing course in his university. I didn't notice the tighter grip Katniss had on my hand, or the tenseness of her back. "Delly Cartwright," another big shocker, note sarcasm.

"And Miss Katniss Everdeen."

My eyes widened. I never knew she was into writing.

"You like to write?" I asked suspiciously. Katniss blushed and shrugged.

"It's an on the side kind of thing, I don't know, it's kinda embarrassing." she whispered sheepishly.

"If it's so on the side, then why are you a scholarship nominee for it?" I asked.

"I don't know!" she exclaimed. "My writing isn't even that good!" she said. I searched her face for any look of sarcasm and found none.

"are you going to take the scholarship if you get it?" I ask worriedly. Katniss shrugs.

"I have no idea."

"KATNISS!" My father bellowed, running from the kitchen to the front door to envelop her in a bear hug. He lifted her off her feet and laughed.

"Oh I missed you so much!" He tightened his grip on her waist and Katniss giggled from being tickled.

"I missed you too!" she laughed.

"Is that Katniss I hear?" Gabe's face pokes out from behind a wall. He brightens at the sight of Katniss.

"KATNISS BABY YOU'RE BACK!" he screamed, bounding and skipping his way girlishly to the front door. After giving her a hug, the mood of the house was less tense. Katniss had no idea how much we missed her.

"Oh Katniss dear," My mother exclaimed, still holding a wooden spoon as she padded over to Katniss. She gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and a light hug.

"Oh we missed you!" she exclaimed, pulling her into the kitchen. She sat her down on the bar seat and filled up a bowl of soup and placed it in front of Katniss.

"Eat up, it's cold outside," she ordered. Katniss mock-saluted.

"Yes m'aam," and she dug into her soup, tearing the cheese bun apart and stuffing it into her mouth. An appreciative moan left her lips.

"Thank you so much, I missed your cheese buns so much!" she sniffled.

I sat beside her and ate alongside the rest of the family as we caught up in small-talk.

"So, are you ever gonna tell them about your scholarship?" I asked, my mouth full of cheese bun. My mother stared at Katniss surprise, and my father smiled.

"You have a scholarship?" Gabe piped up.

"I'm a nominee for a writing scholarship," Katniss mumbled, a blush spreading across her cheek-bones.

"Wow, that's very good Katniss, I'm proud of you," my mother said honestly.

"Thank you," Katniss said.

"I just never knew you liked to write," My father said, reaching for another cheese bun.

"Ah-ah!" my mother exclaimed, slapping his hand away from the basket. "You need to watch your figure!" she scolded.

A round of chuckles passed the table.

Glancing at Katniss, my eyes softened.

I was finally home.