Sorry for not updating as quickly as I thought it will be. I've been caught up with my work. Deadline has been carried forward and was rushing for it. I was glad that I managed to compose this chapter when I was feeling stress about my work. What a stress-reliever. But pardon me if I make any mistakes.

Also, thank you very much for the feedbacks. I will try to improve my writing skills and will be careful on the details of the story. This really motivate me to proof-read my story over and over to produce a better chapter. So, please feel free to drop me more feedbacks as they will definitely assist me to compose a better story. Also, without feedback, it will not drive me to compose the next chapter in the nearest possible time because I am actually still rushing for my work.

Please enjoy! R&R!

Chapter 2

Katniss POV

Ring!

Snooze~~

One minute later…

Ring!

"Katniss, wakie wakie, it's your first day of college," Prim was giggling while jumping up and down on my bed.

"Prim! Okay, okay, stop it, I am awake already, geez," I was always in groggy mood in the morning.

I lazily got up from the bed to get myself ready. I tied my hair in my signature diagonal Dutch braid which is extremely simple as compared to French braid. I have always been tying my hair in that braid since forever. I slipped into a lyrca white tank top and my favorite Blue Drama Modern Rise Demi Curve Bootcut Skinny jeans (as I am pretty curvy at the bottom but with a small waist-line).

Prim was watching me closely from behind while I was getting ready and gave a mischievous grin.

"Prim, what are you smiling about? What are you up to now?"

"Are you really just going to wear that on your first day of college?" Prim raised her eye brow that indicated a disapproving look.

Well, it's true. I have never been the type of girl who cares so much about fashion. I just love to slip into something comfortable and fairly presentable. Plus, I am only going there for studies and not to flaunt my body. Unlike other girls whom I observed during my whole high school years, they love to wear tight panel mini skirt and deep v-neck low cut top to flaunt their chest and bottom. Sometimes I wonder how they can be ever feeling comfortable in such skimpy outfit.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Prim was practically giggling while hiding something behind her back.

I shook my head and grab Prim's hand to head downstairs for a hearty breakfast.

"Wait! I got something for you," Prim handed me a paper bag.

I opened the bag and to my surprise it was a classic wool blended cardigan… and it is my favorite colour, forest green! I was so happy because I could not wear my older cardigans as I have grown so much where my chest has "evolved" to a full size 36C cup. And here my little sister being so thoughtful, presenting the greatest first day of college gift.

"Awww, thanks Little Duck," I hugged her.

"Quack!" Prim ran downstairs for breakfast. I slipped into the cardigan and followed Prim's direction.

"Morning, sweetheart. Ready for your first day?" Uncle Haymitch greeted me with a warm smile. He was sitting in the dining table with the breakfast on the table.

"Yes, Uncle. I am more than ready, thanks to Prim's gift," I winked at Prim.

I was delighted to see what was on my breakfast plate. It had two German pork sausages, baked beans and two sunny sides up eggs. This is definitely one of my best mornings. I let out a satisfying burp and ended my breakfast with a cup of black coffee. Mmmm, heaven.

I always love black coffee as it reminds me of my home. Back when my father was still alive, we would have black coffee for breakfast as we could not afford to use sugar just for coffee. We always save the sugar for Prim as she has a sweet tooth. From then onwards, I developed to acquire the taste of bitterness from the black coffee.

"Okay, Katniss, let's go or you will be late! And oh yeah, before that, there is something for you on the couch," Uncle Haymitch was already heading to the door with his car key.

Another gift?! God, I am really not used to this. First, it was Prim and now Uncle Haymitch?

I went to the couch in the living area and was shocked to see Mulberry brand name on the paper bag. Although I am not a girl who is fond of fashion, Prim will always be updating me as she loves fashion. When I open the paper bag, I saw a tan bag.

"Oh my god, Katniss! That is an Alexa Mulberry bag!" squealed Prim.

It was a really nice bag indeed. It has perfect slouchy style with a classic shape and top flap of the iconic Bayswater. It was also accentuated with pale gold hardware and added with a detachable shoulder strap which is definitely a winner as I can sling the bag around. But, the bag is still not cheap for me to accept easily.

"Uncle Haymitch, this is just too expensive for a gift. You know that I don't like to have branded goods on myself," I looked at Uncle Haymitch while he was starting the car engine.

"Look, sweetheart. Take it as your graduation gift from high school. You have worked hard and earned a scholarship in college which I am very proud of. So take this as a token," Uncle Haymitch smiled and gave me a hug.

"No, Uncle, this is still too much. I really can't accept it. Plus, I already have a backpack with me since high school and I am happy with that"

Uncle Haymitch shook his head, knowing that I was just too stubborn to oblige his words.

"So, what can I do to make you accept that gift?" he asked me with the pretentious puppy eyes look.

"Can I pay for the bag? But I have to pay in installments from my part-time money"

"No! Then this is not considered as a gift. How can I let you pay?"

"Well, I will just need to return the bag to the store" I gave an evil grin to him.

"Fine! You can pay, but only half of it? Please?" Uncle Haymitch gave me a sad look.

"Deal!"

I could hear Prim was laughing out loud during the process of our so-called heated debate. Everyone knows my stubbornness too well. No one can win Katniss Everdeen when it comes to argument.

"Katniss, just take the bag and transfer all your things from that ugly backpack of yours to your new bag!" Prim shouted from the dining table and continued to eat her breakfast.

I smiled at her remark and followed her instruction. I blew a kiss goodbye to Prim and went into Uncle Haymitch's Toyota Prius for college. He has always been an eco-friendly guy judging that he owns an architecture business which designs eco-friendly buildings. In the car, I was just looking at the window, observing the hustle bustle of New York's city life. It was a long drive to Capitol University (yes that is the name of my university) and I wonder that this journey will be tiring for Uncle Haymitch in the long run.

"Urm, Uncle?"

"Yes, Katniss?"

"I was just wondering, since I have a scholarship, I think I may just opt to stay in the campus. It will be more convenient for me and you do not need to drive me everyday."

"It's okay, sweetheart. You do know that I am very flexible with my timing."

"But it is still a long journey and we will always get stuck in the traffic jam. It is a win-win situation, you will cut your time and I don't need to wake up so early to get myself ready!" I nudged his shoulder while giving that suggestion.

I looked at him and saw that he was having a deep thought in his mind.

"Well, judging from our first debate in the morning, I guess I have no chance of convincing you to my suggestion? So if there is still some availability of room in the campus, I don't see a problem. But you can always come home if you feel uncomfortable," he sighed.

"Wokay!I will check with the administrator and see if there is any room available," I smiled and turned my gaze back to the window while telling myself this will be an awesome day.

Half an hour later…

"Okay, Katniss. I present you Capitol University," Uncle Haymitch was swaying his hand slowly as though he owned the university and welcomed me.

I smiled at his entertaining gesture and gave a peck on his cheek before leaving the car.

"Good luck, sweetheart!"

I smiled and walked to the entrance. When I stepped into the main entrance hall, I saw swarm of students along the hallway. I felt uncomfortable when some of the guys stared at me and some girls gave me a dirty look. What is wrong with them? Do I look really weird with my oh-so-simple outfit? I brushed off the thoughts and continued my walk to the administrator office to register myself.

I reached the office after a few minutes and saw one woman occupying a cubicle. I saw the register signboard and went to her.

"Name?" asked the woman with a red bob hair.

"Katniss Everdeen" I smiled at her.

"Welcome Katniss. I am Portia Rossi. You can address me as Miss Portia."

She was looking through her computer as though she was browsing for my name. Then she headed to the drawer to look for some files.

"Here you go, dear. This is your schedule and introduction kit. The introduction kit will have information on your locker number, map, facilities and the rest you can read on your own. As for the locker, the default number is 1234. You can change the combination lock. Here is the instruction," she smiled while handing me the things.

"Miss Portia, I was wondering whether there is any more room available in the campus. Is it too late for me to submit my application?"

"Oh you are just in luck, dear. One of the students withdrew the application few minutes ago. She called and said she found a place outside the campus. So you can have that room. The room is ready as we were preparing for her to occupy the room. Room number 401. Since you are a scholar, you only need to fill in this form and your room will be covered," Portia was smiling widely while breaking the good news to me.

I filled in the form she handed to me and passed it to her.

"Thank you very much for your help, Miss Portia. I will move my things during the weekend."

I looked at my watch and realized it was 15 minutes before my first class. I would be late if I don't leave anytime now.

"Hey Miss Portia, I will need to excuse myself for class now. I will be late."

"Oh dear, please do so. Go ahead, and have fun in Capitol University!" she ushered me to the door.

I was walking in a fast pace to my first class which is Corporate and Partnership Law. I enrolled in the law double degrees programs which are Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and Bachelor of Laws. I always love sports especially archery. Ever since high school, I represented my school and excel in so many competitions. Archery has always been my heart and soul where I feel calm when my hands are on the bow and arrow. I was also drawn to athletics because I have the obsession to keep my body at the optimum level of fitness and I love agility sports. As for law, Uncle Haymitch encouraged me to take that program because of my stubborn nature where I love to debate with him. Also, I have an interest to read history books and have the talent to memorize the nitty-gritty details of history.

"Katniss?" a girl's voice calling my name.

I stopped and turned around to see who on earth will be able to recognise me in this university. As far as I know, none of my peers are attending here besides Gale. But it can't be Gale because I heard a girl's voice. My eyes winced around to detect the voice.

"Oh my god, is it you Katniss?" a blonde girl with a peacock feather printed knee-length dress was waving at me.

I couldn't help it but gave a harder look on her face, trying to remember who this girl is. Is she my classmate? Schoolmate? Or someone I met during sport competition? As she approaching me and I got a better look at her face, I was so surprise to realise that she is…

"Madge?"

The blonde girl nod frantically and my eyes just popped into joy and hug her tightly.

"Katniss, cough cough, I am suf-focating here" Madge trembled.

"Oops, sorry Madge, I am just so happy and surprised and excited and and and… I just missed you so much," I felt my heart was skipping vigorously as I finally meet her after so many years apart.

"Katniss, I can't believe this, I finally reunite with you. How have you been? I haven't heard from you for so long," Madge cried.

"Sorry Madge, I lost your contact while moving my things and was so devastated. And it's just been such a roller-coaster life for me when I moved in here. I hope you are not mad about that"

"Oh who cares, now I have met you, we will have a lot of catching up to do. What programs are you taking? I am taking Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Laws."

"Oh great! I am taking law too but my other dual degree is sport and exercise science. Are you going to Corporate and Partnership lesson?"

She nods in surprise. "Let's go, Katniss!" She held my hand and walked to the class.

We were giggling all the way to the class. Catching up with one another, poking each other's stomach. Gosh, I missed this girl so much; or rather I missed a female companion so much. Although I have Prim with me but sometimes the age barrier has become a hindrance for certain topics. During high school I have always been spending time with Gale. Gale is one and only friend in high school and has been a tremendous friend. We met through sports session. I was a really quiet girl ever since my father passed away and I did not want to create unnecessary trouble (remember my goal when I was six years old). So I thought keeping to myself would cause me less trouble and promised me peace till I graduated high school. However, Gale was persistent to talk to me and I began to open up to him. We went through thick and thin together, he would talk to me when I remembered my father, or lost any of my competitions and I was there by his side when his father passed away at the age of 16. A lot of people in the high school thought we were dating because they did not believe in platonic relationship. I don't see him as someone I would date because I always see myself as a boy where I would throw fist with him, giving flying high five to him, bro hug, and what not. So he is like my best buddy. Every girl in school was always jealous of me hanging out with him because Gale was an attractive guy.

6 ft 1", dark brown hair, well-built, funny and all the good qualities you want in a guy.

But thankfully none of them did any harm to me because he dated a lot of girls (all lasted not more than a month) and the girls he dated was convinced that he and I was just friends (at least that was what he always assured me during high school).

"Hey, Katniss, I guess this is our class," Madge interrupted my thought.

I smiled to her and we stepped into the class.

I was glad that class has not started. We reached 5 minutes earlier. I scanned through the class and noticed two empty seats. Great!

So I led Madge to the empty seats and we settled down in our seat.

"So, Madge, how was life back in Texas?"

"Well Katniss, I actually moved to another town a year after you left. My father was offered to become the mayor in another place," she smiled while explaining to me.

"Oh~~ how was…"

"Good morning my fellow student," I was interrupted by the greeting from the lecturer.

"First of all, welcome to Capitol University. You made the right choice to be in the best university and let alone to be in my class. I am Seneca Crane but you can call me Mr. S. So for a start, please open your book and turn to page 5."

While I was taking down the notes from the lecture, Madge nudged me from the side. I was startled by her action, and mouthed to her "What?"

She began to scribble a note and passed to me.

I opened the note and it said,

"Look at your 7 o'clock. Blonde Boy is totally checking you out. Stalker alert! Code red!"

I let out a small smile when I read the last bit of the message. I intentionally dropped my pen and picked it up to check who is this stalker she mentioned about. I was thinking to myself, seriously me? I think he was checking her out. I am not attractive at all but Madge; Madge wore the peacock knee-length dress which accentuated her body really well. She must be mistaken his gaze. So I wanted to prove her wrong by looking at that so-called stalker.

While I was picking up the pen, I had a good look at the blonde boy and I froze at my track.

It was like a déjà vu… the day when my father passed away...