Hey guys! I really LOVE this chapter. It's so my favorite. CATCHING FIRE TRAILER SOON. (SCREAMING)

Anons:

S: Clove is a master of manipulation. More on that later ;)Oh I know Glimmer is so evil! Poor Peeta indeed. TTTC maybe next week.

Chapter 15 "Apologies"

Annie's POV

I apologized to Finnick. I was completely out of line. He didn't have to take care of me that night or lie to my parents for me. He was mad at me, but instead of leaving me on my own he helped me. Finnick didn't accept my apology right away, but after I told him I was done with Gloss he wasn't upset with me anymore.

Finnick won't discuss with me what exactly he did that night or anything related to Gloss, which is understandable, but it is infuriating. Luckily Johanna was with Finnick Friday so she knows what happened.

They ran into Clove and Cato Friday night. One thing led to another and somehow it slipped out that Gloss was going to Cashmere's ex's party, which was a college party. Finnick started to flip out. Neither Clove nor Cato knew where the party was, but apparently Marvel knew. He was supposed to go with Cashmere, but he got stuck babysitting his younger sister, Ruby, who Johanna would describe as a ball of sunshine and indeed looks very much like Clove.

Cato and Clove looked after Ruby and Johanna and Finnick, Marvel, and Gale ending up going to get me since I wouldn't answer my cellphone. Marvel and Gale stayed in the car as Johanna and Finnick went in to the party to look for me. Johanna found Gloss there and was about ready to kill him for taking me there until he said that he'd been trying to get me to go home for the pass three hours but I refused. Johanna helped Gloss get my drunken self to the car. When Finnick came out and saw Gloss a fight almost broke out. Johanna stopped them before anything happened. She called them idiots and told them 'Who cares if you two hate each other, the important thing right now is to take Annie home'.

Finnick isn't as strong as Gloss so Gloss is the one who carried me to my bedroom and left me in bed. Finnick was really mad. Marvel texted Clove what happened so she rushed over to my house. She could see how upset Finnick was so she suggested taking him home. Gale went home after I was safely in bed. Since Gale left before Clove arrived, there was no car to take Finnick home. Finnick said he was fine walking home, but they all agreed not to let him go home alone when he was so upset. Gloss called his sister and had her come pick them all up since Gloss left his car at the party.

Surprisingly Cashmere came. While going to Finnick's house they came across Peeta and Glimmer walking together. Clove thought it was a great for everyone to break into the old creepy house for sale next door to Finnick. It took a while but they all ended up going and playing truth or dare. Peeta was mad at first, but after Johanna told him what happened he was more considerate. Gloss and Finnick were kept away from each other since the tension between the two seemed to be getting worse as the night went on. After a while Finnick left claiming he was going to go sleep.

Johanna said when she decide to leave she went to go check on Finnick first. Johanna knows where Finnick hides his spare key so getting in was no problem for her. When she couldn't find him she conduced that he must have went back to my place to look after me.

Johanna told me all of this when I went over her house after the fight. She also told me to apologize to Finnick, and I did. Of course that wasn't enough for him. I knew I had to stop seeing Gloss, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. When I was in the library Monday and Clove started talking to me I realized that I had to do it before Finnick decided to move on. So I told Gloss and he didn't take it well.

It's impossible to avoid Gloss. No matter how hard I try, he's always there. I don't recall seeing Gloss this much when we were friends.

"Has it ever occurred to you that maybe you don't want to stop seeing him?" Johanna asks me as she leans against her locker.

That's ridiculous.

I close my locker and snort, "And why would I want to see him?"

"Because he's your friend."

"I have plenty of friends. I don't need any more."

"I'm not saying you need him. I'm saying you want him."

I sigh. "I thought you were going to let this go?"

Johanna has been on my case about Gloss since Monday. It's Friday now and she still won't shut up about him. She doesn't even like Gloss. I don't understand why she cares so much, and Peeta is even worse.

"I'm just saying that you don't need to cut Gloss out of your life to have a relationship with Finnick."

Finnick, Gale and Peeta are at the end of the hall and seem to be coming over.

"And that is the end of this conversation," I hiss at Johanna. "Hey guys!"

Finnick greets me with a kiss and Gale does the same with Johanna.

"Let's hurry to division, guys," Peeta says eagerly. "I don't want to be late."

We start walking to class, with no rush.

"It doesn't matter if we're late to division, Peeta," Finnick says. "It's long division today."

"He knows that. Peeta just wants to make sure he gets a seat next to Glimmer," I smile, teasing Peeta.

"Ugh, do we have to talk about her this early in the morning? I just ate," Johanna says with disgust.

"Don't be a drama queen, Johanna," Finnick says. "Plus it is obvious Glimmer's playing hard to get."

"Don't give up," Gale tells Peeta. "She'll give in."

"Don't encourage him," Johanna snaps at Gale. "Am I the only one who remembers how awful she is?"

"It's not like you're going to date her," Finnick says. "Chill, Johanna."

"Whatever. I still don't approve."

"That doesn't really matter," Peeta says. "I wasn't asking for your permission, Johanna."

Peeta goes to sit with Glimmer as soon as we arrive to division. She smiles brightly at him and ignores Clove who she was just talking to. Clove rolls her eyes and leaves the table.

"Johanna, let him be. Even if he does end up going out with her it doesn't mean you have to be friends with her," I tell Johanna as we all go sit together.

"That's not it." Johanna groans. "You guys don't get it. She never wanted Peeta. Now all of a sudden she's all over him. What changed?"

"Maybe she did," Gale suggests.

Johanna snorts. "Yeah right."

"As mush as I'd love to further discuss Johanna's jealousy," I say. "I actually have a test to study for so…"

"Okay, we can take a hint," Gale says.

Johanna, Gale, and Finnick leave the table and go sit by Delly on the other side of the room.

I'm study for about five minutes before my homeroom teacher announces that another homeroom will be joining us in the room since their teacher lost the key to their room.

How does the teacher lose the key?

I don't pay attention as they come in. This test next period is really important and I can't afford any—

"Hey, Annie."

Distractions.

I sigh as I close my book.

"Hi, Gloss."

Gloss smiles. "Is this seat taken?"

"No, but—"

"Great!"

Gloss sits next to me without any hesitation.

I raise an eyebrow. "Why do I think you had something to do with the room key disappearing?"

Gloss shrugs. "Oh I don't know," Gloss pulls out a sliver key from his pocket. "'Cause I'm that good."

How'd he get that? What he do, reach into the teacher's pocket and pull it out himself? I don't even what to know, but why would he go through the trouble just to see me?

"Gloss, what are you doing?"

"This is me being unavoidable. I do a great job at it, don't you think?"

"Am I really worth getting in trouble?" I ask.

"Seeing as this is the first time you've talked to me since Monday, I would say yes, you are worth it."

I bite my lip and look down shyly. I know I shouldn't smile, but I can't help it. I smile.

"I've missed your smile."

I look up at Gloss and my smile disappears. He isn't looking at me; he's staring at something in the distance with a smirk. I turn and see Finnick glaring at Gloss. He quickly looks away when he sees me looking at him. I turn back to Gloss who still has that smirk on his face.

"Unbelievable." I frown at Gloss.

He looks at me. "What?"

"You don't care about me. You're just looking to get back at Finnick."

"That's not true. Messing with Finnick is just a bonus."

I shake my head in disappointment, grab my stuff, and stand.

"Where are you going?"

"Far away from you!" I nearly shout at Gloss as I leave.

Gloss doesn't follow me. I go over to Gale and Johanna's table.

I sit right next to Gale and across from Johanna.

"Hey guys—"

"Shush!" Johanna turns away from the table.

I give Gale a confused look.

"She's spying on Glimmer and Peeta," Gale explains.

I look in the direction Johanna is focused on. Peeta is smiling heavily and Glimmer is talking nonstop. Everything seems normal to me.

"How does this not bother you?" I whisper to Gale.

Gale shrugs. "I don't really care if Glimmer and Peeta go out."

That's not what I meant but I don't push the subject any further than that.

"So listen," I start off. "I never thanked you for going to get me Friday. I know you were grounded and if your mom found out you'd be in deep shit, so thanks."

"It's not big deal, Annie." Gale tries to shrug it off because that's just what he does.

"Still. I was an idiot and you didn't have to come rescue me." I hug Gale's side. "Thank you."

I pull away from Gale. He's smiling and pulls me back for another hug.

"Promise you won't do anything stupid again?"

I pull away from Gale and laugh. "I promise."

Now that I've thanked Gale for Friday there is someone I need to apologize to for Friday. Make that two.

I go into my book bag and pull out a container of chocolate chip cookies. I made them myself last night. It took forever and I'm suffering from a couple of burns but it was worth it.

I go over to Peeta and Glimmer's table with the container in my hands. They stop talking when I get there. Peeta smiles at me while Glimmer just stares at me.

"Hey," Peeta greets me. "What's up?"

I take a deep breath, "I just wanted to apologize to you and Glimmer."

They both look confused.

Glimmer raises an eyebrow, "Apologize for what?"

"It's my fault that Johanna, Finnick, and everyone else crashed your date. You guys didn't deserve that."

"Annie," Peeta says. "It's no big deal—"

"I made you guys some cookies," I hold out the container to Peeta. I actually made them for him, but Glimmer is here, so... "I baked them myself. They're probably not as good as yours, Peeta, but I tried."

Peeta cracks smile and takes the cookies.

"Thanks, Annie, and apology accepted." Peeta looks at Glimmer.

She nods. "What he said."

I go back to Gale's table. Finnick is sitting with him now. I take the seat next to Johanna. She's still focused on Peeta and Glimmer who are eating my cookies. Yay!

"Why didn't I get cookies?" Gale pouts.

"I've had her cookies before, Gale. Believe me they aren't as good as the look," Finnick says.

I frown. "Hey! You're the one who handed me salt when I asked for sugar."

"Details. Details. Point is Peeta's cookies are the only ones for me."

I laugh.

"So what was all that about?" Finnick asks me.

I ruined everyone's night by being such a dumbass on Friday. I plan to thank and apologize to everyone who helped me or who's night I ruined. I got Johanna, Finnick, Gale, Peeta and Glimmer off my list, but there are three more people on the list I still haven't got to.

I shrug. "I just wanted Peeta's opinion on my cookies, but don't worry your pretty little head about it, Finnick. I'm not going to make you eat anything I bake ever again."

"If he doesn't want it I'll eat it," Gale says.

"Actually you might have to have Peeta bake you a pie or something soon," Finnick says with a smile.

I raise an eyebrow at Finnick. "And why's that?"

"Annie," He starts off. "I think it's time we take the next step in our relationship."

I snort and cross my arms over my chest.

"And may I ask, what is the next step?"

Finnick laughs. "I think it's time I met your parents."

…

"Annie, calm down."

"How can I calm down, Johanna? He's meeting my parents!" I shout at Johanna as we make our way to class.

"He asked you about it two periods ago and you were perfectly fine with it. What happened?" Johanna asks.

"I've just been thinking about it a lot. What if my parents don't like him? My own sister tried to convince me to dump him, what if my parents do the same? What if the worst happens? What if they love him?"

"How is the worst?"

"Think about it, Johanna. They'll scare him off. Finnick will dump me 'cause my parents are crazy and I'll forever be alone with a dozen cats—"

"Oh my God!" Johanna grabs a hold of my shoulders and we stop in the middle of the hallway. "Annie, breathe. Just breathe." I do as I'm told. "That isn't going to happen. Everything is going to be fine. This is actually great news. If Finnick was still upset about the whole Gloss thing he wouldn't have asked to meet your parents."

She's right. I'm freaking out over nothing. My parents aren't crazy. So what if my sister didn't like Finnick. That doesn't mean my parents won't like him. I just need to relax. He'll be meeting them next Friday. There is no need to freak out all week.

"You're mom will probably make this big dinner since—"

"Oh no," I interrupt Johanna. "I'm going to cook the meal."

Johanna snorts, "You?"

"Yes, me! Why the snort?"

Johanna says something, but I don't pay attention to her. My attention is on Clove, Marvel, and Cato over by their lockers. I should do it now.

"Annie, we are going to me late to class if we doesn't get going," Johanna informs me.

"You go. I'll catch up. There is something I need to do."

"Hmm, okay." Johanna hesitates as she leaves.

I take a deep breath before going over to Marvel, Clove and Cato. They stare at me and at each other as if one of them has the answer as to why I'm here.

"Hey guys…" I say awkwardly. "I just wanted to thank you guys for helping Finnick out Friday, and I wanted to say I'm sorry for ruining your night. If there is anything I can do to thank you for helping me just say the word. You guys hate me and I don't know why you helped, but thank you so much."

"We don't hate you," Clove says, and Marvels seems to agree.

"I do," Cato says. Clove hits his shoulder, but he doesn't seem to care. "You and your little friends ruined my night with Clove. You want to thank me? Stay out of my life." Cato gives Clove a kiss on the cheek and pushes past me.

I'm not going to lie, that hurt. There is no relationship of any sort between Cato and I, but being told to stay out of someone's life is really harsh.

"Ignore him," Clove says. "He had a blast with Ruby, he just won't admit it."

I nod and look to Marvel. "Anything?"

Marvel thinks for a moment. "Next time you want to hit Cashmere, don't."

"Noted." I look at Clove.

"You wanna thank me? Give Gloss another chance."

Before I can even say anything Marvel and Clove are gone and the bell rings. I'm late for class.

I enter class late and have to deal with an embarrassing conversation about tardiness with the teacher. After that I take my seat next to Johanna. We talk about the dinner with Finnick and my parents the entire period. After class I tell Johanna I'll meet her at lunch since I have to pick up something from my locker.

I get to my locker ten minutes after the bell rings. The hallway is a ghost town. When I open my locker this yellow book catches my eye. I don't have a yellow book. I pick it up to take a look at it. It's a cooking book. All I can think is how in the world did Johanna get this into my locker. I open the book and there is a note in the first page.

I over heard your conversation with Johanna last period. Sorry for eavesdropping, but you two can't whisper to save your lives. Cashmere used to suck at cooking until she checked this book out from the library. The recipes are simple and easy to pick up on. I thought this would you out for Friday. Good luck.

-Gloss

I smile as I close the yellow book. Gloss sure does know how to make a girl smile. I carry the book in my hand happily as I make my way to the lunchroom. The closer I get the more noise I can hear. The lunchroom is louder than usual. I think it's chanting. I enter the lunchroom calmly and gasp at what I just walked into. There's a mob of kids circling a certain section of the lunchroom. They are all chanting 'fight, fight'.

I hear someone shout my name. I look all over and find Peeta coming towards me. He looks very worried.

"Johanna." He says. "She's fighting with Cashmere."

"What?" I shout.

How could she be so stupid? Cashmere isn't worth getting in trouble for.

"I tried to stop them, but I can't. I got hit by both of them twice and I can't fight back."

I hand Peeta my bag and my yellow book.

I quickly make my way through the mob of kids; pushing them out of my way.

Cashmere has her hands deep into Johanna's hair, pulling hard. Johanna is trying to get Cashmere's hands off of her, but she seems to be failing at it. Now she's clawing at Cashmere's face.

I rush in and pull them apart.

"Stop!" I shout.

I'm keeping them at arms length, or at least I'm trying to. They are both too strong for me. I let go of Johanna and focus on Cashmere. I push her away toward the crowd of kids. Cashmere falls backwards onto the floor.

"Thanks, Annie," Johanna says, rushing over to Cashmere.

What? No!

Johanna and Cashmere are at it again this time on the floor. I start pulling Johanna away from Cashmere. Pulling her arms isn't enough so I go for her hair, it's working. Oddly enough the crowd gets very quite. I almost have Johanna off of Cashmere.

Suddenly there are a pair of arms wrapped around my waist pulling my away from Johanna. For a second I think it's Clove or Glimmer, but when I see Mr. Abernathy pull Johanna off of Cashmere I know it's a teacher. We're fucked.

…

Detention. They gave me detention. It wasn't even my fight!

"Annie, chill."

"I never get detention," I tell Johanna. "Don't tell me to chill."

It's after school already and where am I heading? Detention. It's a perfectly nice Friday night and I have to go to detention. This just sucks.

"I tried to tell the teachers you were just trying to stop it," Johanna says. "They wouldn't listen."

We get to the detention room and I freeze up outside.

"Annie?" Johanna frowns a bit. "What's wrong?"

I feel kind of lame saying this, but "I'm scared."

"Annie, it's detention not hell, Okay? We'll be fine beside the fact Cashmere is in there too."

Ugh, I forgot about her.

Johanna is right. I'm being silly. There is nothing to fear behind that door. Johanna takes my hand and we go in together.

We both freeze the moment we step in. Sitting around the room is Cashmere, Finnick, Peeta, and Gloss.

This is detention? Looks more like hell to me.

THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END! (well not really but yes really.)

The real victors are coming and the real careers as well. Also the part with Annie and Cato will be brought up again in the final story. FOR REASONS.

Friendly reminder this story is supposed to help Trip to the Capitol be so much more understandable.

So please REVIEW!

Trip to the Capitol coming back SOON.