Disclaimer: Remember, I just write this for fun. I don't own any rights what so ever; the hunger games and all its characters are property of Suzanne Collins. Also, the idea of an exclusive high school with a gang of four boys ruling it, is from the manga Boys over Flowers, or Hana Yori Dango.
Gale just made one last hair check in the hall mirror, then smiled, satisfied with the result. Whistling a playful tune, he turned to pick up the small but beautiful bouquet of pink roses he'd left on the dresser. He hoped she would like them; he had picked them out on sheer luck, not having a clue what her favorite type of flower was. But roses were always good, right?
He sighed. Well, he would find out soon enough. Taking his jacket from the hat stand, he was out of the door and onto the porch, about to descent the stairs when he caught a glimpse of the one he was about to visit, walking out of her mother's house with some stranger along her side. He frowned, slowing down his steps as he observed the scene before him with growing aversion. First of all, who was that guy? And why was he standing so close to her? And look, now he was making her laugh too!
He gritted his teeth. He didn't like what he saw, at all. What was going on?
'Catnip?' He called out to her, acting all jolly as he tried to catch her attention. She looked up from her conversation. 'O hi Gale,' she greeted back as he approached them, smiling apologetic at the blonde beside her. 'What are you doing here?'
'What, is visiting hour over already?' He grinned, trying to act all casual when all he wanted was to take the blond by the collar of his shirt and rip him away from her. 'I just wanted to see how the little patient was doing. Look, I've even brought you something.' He handed her over the flowers, which she took with a delightful smile. 'O Gale, they're gorgeous. Thank you.'
'Don't thank me. It's from all of us,' he lied, implying the band, while making a mental note he should tell Rue and Marissa about this before they would blow his cover. He turned over to the blond at her side, taking him in with feigned interest. 'And who is your friend? I don't think I've ever met him.' He couldn't hide the irritation in his voice as he said it.
'O, I'm sorry. Gale, this is Peeta Mellark, a friend of mine from school. He's the one who helped my after my little accident on the stairs. Peeta, this is my friend and neighbor Gale Hawthorne. He and I know each other from childhood, and we've been best buddies ever since.'
'Nice meeting you.' Peeta nodded, offering Gale his hand to shake. So he took it, reluctantly. 'Likewise.' And now you can buzz off, he added in silence.
As if he got the hint, Peeta leaned over to Katniss, giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek. 'I'll see you tomorrow.'
She only nodded, blushing a little as he walked over to his car, waving them goodbye. Gale though he would explode from anger. Clenching his teeth, he fought the urge to snarl. 'So, he seems like a nice guy,' he said, digging his hands into his pockets.
She nodded. 'He is Gale. He is.'
As he studied Katniss face to catch a hint of what was going on between them, he paid extra attention to her eyes. Shit. They were twinkling with joy. It was so obvious that she liked the guy. It made his heart painfully twitch. She turned to him, not notching the pained expression on his face. 'Do you want to come in, so I can put these babies into some water?'
'I…' He sighed, his face relaxing again. 'Sure.' As he followed her into the hallway, he kept reminding himself not to be so jealous of this…Peeta. After all, it wasn't as if Katniss was his girlfriend or anything. Yet. Grumbling, he wrestled with his shoes, taking them off so they wouldn't leave any marks on the carpet.
Katniss was already in the kitchen, searching for a vase in one of the cupboards. 'Just take a seat,' she mumbled over her shoulder, as she finally found what she was looking for. 'Want something to drink? I have lemonade, ice tea and o, some orange juice.'
'A glass of ice tea would be nice.'
She poured some for him, then headed back to attend her flowers, cutting them so she could place them into the vase. Playing absent-mindedly with his glass, he watched her closely. She looked so happy. So freakishly happy. And all because of that damn Peeta. Yuck! It made him sick.
'So tell me, how's the rest doing? I haven't seen Rue and Marissa around here yet.'
He just shrugged in reply, taking his glass in hand. 'Well, we've surely missed you at practice yesterday. It's tough you know, rehearsing a song without the lead singer to sing the lyrics.'
His comment made her smile. 'I'm sorry to hear that. But don't worry, I'll make sure I will be there the next time we gather.'
'Good, because we were planning to invite Haymitch tomorrow.' He took a gulp from his drink. She almost cut herself in the finger. 'To…tomorrow? I'm sorry, but I can't, I've already made plans. Can't you arrange some other night?'
He frowned. 'What? You've already made plans? Why? Tomorrow is one of our band nights.'
'No it isn't, that's Thursday. And…' She tensed. 'Shit, it is Wednesday today, isn't it?'
Gale only nodded. 'Look Katniss, whatever you've had planned, you have to cancel it. I'm sorry, but this is just way too important for the band; you cannot ask of us to let this one slip.'
'So, you still want to continue this plan of yours?' Her tone sounded different. More edgy now. 'And the rest? Have you informed -'
'Yes Katniss, I've already talked to Rue and Marissa, and they both think it's a great idea. And that's putting it mildly. Don't you see what has been offered to us here?'
She sighed, putting down the knife as she turned to face him. 'Look, I know you'll probably hate me for saying this, but can't you just do this without me?'
He was getting agitated. 'Katniss, don't be ridiculous. You're our leading singer. What is a band without his leading singer?'
'But-'
He stood up, looking really pissed now. 'No buts Katniss. Look, we simply cannot do this without you okay. You'll have to come. If not for yourself, then do it for us. We deserve this change!'
She looked away. Well, he had achieved one thing. The happy feeling from before was gone. He could see her struggle with herself, and it made him feel like a total jerk. 'I'm sorry.' He walked over to her, taking her in his arms. God, she felt so good there. 'It wasn't my intention to yell at you. I'm just…I just don't get what's holding you back. I mean, isn't this what you wanted?'
She hugged him back, pressing her cheek against his shoulder. 'It is. I mean, music is my life. I love it, but….to think I have to perform before an audience…it just gives me the creeps.'
'Oh, me too. I swear. I'm getting goose bumps even when I just think of it. But I think it's worth it.' He cradled her frame, enjoying the proximity of her body. 'Please Katniss. Just don't ruin it for us because you're scared. Please.'
She sighed, closing her eyes. Thinking about the dreadful phone call she had to make.
Casually, Peeta walked up to his CD collection and picked one from the shelve. Opening the case, he carefully shoved the cd of hero into the stereo, then walked back towards his painting easel, cracking his fingers as he settled himself behind it. Taking his pallet and brush once more in hand, a violin began to play a sad but beautiful tune in the background.
He dipped the brush lightly into the paint, mingling and mingling the colors until he was satisfied with the result, then brought it up to the canvas. Gently, ever so gently, he let the brush go up and down the canvas, applying the color to the body and face he had drawn earlier today. He smiled, then cleaned the brush to create another shade, applying that too.
He leaned back a little to get a better overview. A little more white, he decided as he studied the effect. A little more white would just make it perfect.
He was about to put his thoughts into action when he phone rang. Damn it. He dumped the brush into the mug of water on the desk next to him, then grabbed his phone from his pocket, careful not to smear paint all over it. 'Hello?'
His lips began to curl into a smile when he heard the soft voice on the other end of the line. Katniss. He shook his head at her question. 'No problem. It's not as if was doing anything special at the moment. So, why do you call?'
He didn't get his answer right way. She seemed to hesitate about something. It made him feel a bit nervous. 'Katniss, something's wrong?' When she finally did answer, he felt a pang of disappointment. 'O. No, of course, if you can't come… No, that's alright. I'm just sorry to hear that.' He sighed. 'Yes, everything's fine. Look, I've got to go now. See you at school. Sweet dreams. Bye.' And with that, he hang up on her.
Feeling rather nervous, Katniss gazed up at the enormous yellow brick building that rose in front of her through the car window. There it was. Ryedale High.
She'd never liked the place to begin with. Yes, of course it looked gorgeous. More like an old mansion than a school really, with its wide parking lot, its well-kept gardens, the white marble sideways and that big, impressive brick stairway that led to the main entrance. But if you looked through that facade you could tell that sternness was the basic ingredient that kept the school running. Sternness and arrogance. And neither she liked.
Of course her mother was blind for all these things. All she had eyes for were the possibilities and changes that came with the name Ryedale High. A good future for her child. Katniss sighed. She wondered if she would ever profit from any of these so-called changes though.
'Are you sure you're going to be okay today?' her mother informed, her voice betraying her concern as she cast a quick glance at her daughter.
Katniss just nodded. 'Mom, please… No need to worry about me. I will be fine.' She reached out for her bag on the backseat. 'Thanks for the ride. I'll see you tonight.'
'Wait. You have brought your keys with you?' Mrs. Everdeen asked just before Katniss could slam her door behind her. She rolled her eyes. Bringing her hand to her pockets, she took a key chain out and dangled it demonstratively front of her face. Her mother smiled, getting the hint. 'Okay, I'll stop. Have a nice day honey. And tell Madge I said hi.'
As her mother drove off again, Katniss turned towards the building, taking a deep breath. Okay, here goes nothing. She resolutely stepped over the white pavement towards the stairs, feigning a look of causality and confidence. If only she didn't feel so miserable. But the events of yesterdays night kept replaying in her head. She knew she had to do it. She knew she could not let Gale, Rue and Marissa down. But damn it, to cancel her date…
As she ascended the broad stairs that lead toward the entrance, she noticed the surprised outcries from the other students as she passed them by. And it only got worse after she entered the building itself. Apparently they hadn't expected her back after that little episode in the caf.
Do they all have to keep staring at me, she thought bitterly, sticking her nose in the air to hide her true feelings from them. The sneaky out-the-corner-of-the-eye-stares were giving her the creeps. O, get a grip on yourself Everdeen! You're the new outcast, so it's only normal they see you as the freak of the school now.
'Hey, if it isn't the girl on fire. So Katniss, what have you been up to the last three days? Hanging out with one of your lovers?' a blonde girl smirked, her friends laughing along. 'Why just one? Maybe she's into group sex,' one of the others girls added loudly, causing another burst of the same mockery laughter. 'Ieww,' they all chanted as one.
Katniss rolled her eyes. Don't react to that nonsense. That's just what they want you to do. But she was not deaf. That group of girls were not the only one's making fun of her.
Great. As if she didn't feel miserable enough.
Note to myself: next time, take a mp3 player to school.
She enhanced her speed until she was practically running towards her lockers. She had to think about something positive. She still had friends on this school. Madge for instance. And maybe even Annie. Yes, she wasn't alone. Although… She wondered if they could still be her friend, now she had come back to school. After all, hanging out with the pariah could cause serious damage to one's social life.
And all because of him. Cato. She stopped in her tracks when she spotted the object of her hate, leaning casually against the lockers, hands buried deep in his pocket. O no. If there was one thing she could lack at the moment, it was another confrontation with that psycho from hell. Thankfully, he hadn't noticed her yet, too busy with his conversation with…hell, was that Glimmer? She blinked in surprise. Since when were these two friends?
Okay, no time to figure that one out. Just get the hell away from here.
Spinning on her heels, she was about to make a run for it but bumped into someone instead. Peeta. He looked startled when he saw her, as if he had daydreamt and just now noticed her. 'Oh, hi.'
'Hi,' she greeted back, immediately forgetting everything around. She needed to talk to him, to explain why she had to cancel for tonight. 'Peeta, I-'
'I'm sorry Katniss, but I have no time for this. I'll see you later.'
He passed her, continuing his way towards the lockers without even taking a glance back at her. She didn't move. Couldn't. He's still pissed.
The realization hit her like a sledgehammer. Tears of pain were stinging in the corner of her eyes, but she refused to spill them here, in front of everyone. She'd better…
'Well, if it isn't Kit-Kat.'
She looked so damn fragile. So damn lost. A malicious smirk curled his lips as he excused himself with Glimmer and walked up towards the lonely girl, standing in the middle of the hallway. 'Well, if it isn't Kit-Kat.' His voice seemed to wake her up. She snapped her head at him. 'What do you want?' she growled, getting into defense mode. He saw her eyes glistening with tears. So she was feeling miserable huh?
He shrugged, acting casual. 'Nothing. Just a chat.' His grin grew wider, and she snorted, turning her eyes away from him. 'Oh please. You're probably the last person I want to see.' She was about to leave him, but he took hold of her arm, in a silent order to stay.
'So, back into the old uniform I see?' For a moment he let his eyes roamed over the pleated skirt and cobalt blue blouse she was wearing. Shit. Was there anything that chick could wear without looking so god-damn-gorgeous?
The expression on her face was one of pure disgust. 'Uhuh. Now, will you please be so kind to stop staring at my boobs and let me go?' She tried to get free again, but his grip only tightened, causing her to wretch in pain. 'Now don't be so cheeky,' he warned her gently, his smile still on. 'Remember that I told you never to come back to this school again?'
'And do you remember that I told you that ain't going to happen?' she countered, getting more agitated by the minute. Why was he so persistent on this?
He chuckled. 'Girl, you're no match for me. Just save us both some time-'
She took a swing at him, hitting him full on the nose. Instantly, he let go of her arm, stumbling back in pain. 'Just quit bothering me! I've done nothing to you, and I don't like it to be treated like shit!' And then, she turned her back on him.
'Are you alright?' Glimmer asked in shock, immediately inspecting the spot Katniss had hit. Cato didn't respond. No way! That bitch had actually hit him!
Boiling from anger, he shoved Glimmer aside, then brought his hand to his nose. It was stained with blood. 'That little cunt,' he muttered, still a bit swinging on his legs. 'She's so going to pay for that. Dearly.'
'I think we better get some ice for that,' Glimmer suggested, taking his arm as she tried to escort him away. Again, he shoved her aside. 'I don't need your help! Just get lost!'
'But,' she pouted, still not giving up. But he already passed her by, gesturing her to shut up as he began to walk in the direction of the nurse office. He noticed people were giving him weird glances as he passed them, and he grunted, feeling ashamed by his appearance. If only he could have her here, right now, he would strangle her to death. But that would be too clean. No, she had to suffer first. 'And suffer she will,' he promised himself, clenching his teeth as his mouth turned into a snarl.
Inflamed with emotions, Katniss stormed through the hallways. Her heart was racing, but she didn't care. That arrogant, mean, self-centered bastard! She didn't regret that she'd hit him, although her fist still throbbed painfully from the contact. As a matter of fact, it felt quite good to relieve her anger for a change. But after a few minutes, when the adrenaline started to leave her body, she again became aware of the empty hole inside of her.
And sorrow took over.
Without delay, she run over to the restrooms, locking herself up in one of the cabinets. And then the tears came, rolling over her cheeks as she muffled her outcries with her hands so that no one could her hear.
When she finally got out of the restroom again, her eyes were all puffed and red-edged, and her nose was looking like an oversized strawberry. Again, all eyes were back on her again. Stop it! She wanted to scream to them. Just stop giving me those sneaky out-of-the-corner-of-your-eye glances.
'Katniss,' she heard a familiar voice calling; without even gazing back, she knew Madge was wrestling her way towards her, elbowing those who got in her way aside. 'Katniss – excuse me please, move aside will ye – wait up!' Madge finally got up to her a couple of minutes later, panting from her efforts. 'Why…why didn't you tell me you had plans to go to school today? I would have picked you up at your place and -' She stopped, taking a good look at her friend. 'Shit, what happened to you?'
'Madge, I appreciate your concern and all, but you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine.'
'Well, you don't look like it if you don't mind me saying,' Madge observed, seeing her friends distressed face. 'Has someone's been bothering you again? Because I swear, if they try -'
'Not really,' Katniss answered, quickly cutting off Madge speech. She knew her friend meant well, but she just couldn't cope with it at the moment. 'I'll tell you about it at lunch, okay?'
'Okay,' Madge nodded meekly, though Katniss could tell she was burning with curiosity to get the details. As they entered the class room, Katniss phone began to ring. Quickly, she reached for her jeans, trying to grab it out of her pocket. When she finally got a hold on it, she press the receive button. 'Yeah, hello?'
Silence on the other line. She frowned. 'Hello?' She waited another ten seconds for a respond, but nothing came. Maybe it was a bad connection? 'Okay, whoever this is, I obviously cannot hear you, so I just going to hang up. Bye.' She sighed, laying the phone on her desk as she began to collect her books from her bag.
'Who was that?' Madge asked, as she joined her at her desk. Katniss just shrugged. 'Don't know. I didn't actually catch a name. '
'Look's like someone has cried today.'
They both looked up at Glimmer, standing with crossed arms in front of them. She looked so pissed, tapping her foot impatiently on the marble floor. 'What, got cold feet after what you did to Cato this morning? What the hell were you thinking anyway?'
'Sorry? Cato…? This morning?' Totally at lost, Madge gazed at Katniss with a silent plea to fill out the blanks. Glimmer happily did it for her. 'Your friend here took a swing at Cato. Out of nowhere. She just attacked him, after she had bothered him no doubt.'
'Now don't overreact Glimmer. It was actually him who was bothering me,' Katniss began in her defense, but Madge was getting excited by the news. 'You hit him? Man, that's so cool. Idiotic, but cool!'
'O, get a grip you gnome,' Glimmer snapped at her, hushing her up. She turned back to Katniss. 'I can tell you, he was quite pissed. I think he's actually planning to kill you.'
Katniss rolled her eyes. 'Glimmer, why don't you just go back to your own desk? I don't need this right now.'
The girl shrugged. 'As if I care.' But before they could continue their argument, ms. Trinket began to ask for silence, and she headed back to her desk without a word, casting one last dirty look at Katniss. She responded by just shaking her head mockingly.