Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games

Italics are flashbacks.

Peyton POV:

She's all over me. A smile on her lips, her blue eyes staring intensely at me while her blonde hair hangs in ribbons. She's been after me for weeks, always touching my face and flirting with me. Why did she pick me? Suddenly it seems as though heaven opens up and a goddess in a white dress floats towards us. She yells at the girl in a beautiful fiery voice, then turns to me, her chocolate eyes melting me. Her brown hair flowing down her back. She closes the distance between us and-

"Peyton… Peyton." A voice calls. But it isn't the voice of the goddess. She starts disappearing. NO! Come back!

"Peyton!" The voice is yelling.

I open my eyes and find my father staring at me. His worried expression and mom clutching her heart in the doorway makes me more confused. I was having a good dream wasn't I?

"Peyton are you okay?" Dad asks his voice steady.

I do a once over check, and sit up when I feel it. Shit not again!

"Fine dad." I say voice unsteady. Mom doesn't seem to notice but dad does. He gets up to talk to mom then she leaves and he shuts my door. Walking back to my bed dad has an unreadable expression. I can feel myself in my PJ's and it's getting uncomfortable.

"So, what was it about this time?" Dad asks trying to hide a smile.

"What do you mean?"

"The dream that gave you an erection." Dad says bluntly.

I can feel myself blush hard. There's no point in hiding it from him. But I know that I have to either talk to him about it or Grandpa Haymitch, and that is NEVER going to happen.

"Peyton just tell me. I was your age once upon a time. Every teenage guy goes through this."

"Was I talking in my sleep?"

"No. It was more along the lines of… moaning." Oh god! I slam my head into my pillow and cover my face with my hands. Shit Shit Shit! I'm 17 and was caught moaning in my sleep by my dad, mom and probably Katrina too. Her room was right next to mine and she unlike me was a very light sleeper.

"It was the same as the last time." I whisper.

"About the mystery girl?" Dad asks. When he first caught me 2 years ago, I told him it was a girl with brown hair and in a white dress with no face. I couldn't tell him it was about Jane. That would surely leak to mom who would tell Mrs. Hawthorne who would probably tell Mr. Hawthorne who would lock Jane up forever and then come hunt me down, bow and arrows on his back with fire spewing out his mouth and Mrs. Hawthorne's axe in his hand.

"Yea."

"Anything you're not telling me?" Dad always seems to know when I'm lying.

"Yep." So I just don't tell him.

Dad looks away for a moment. "Peyton, you know you can tell me anything right?" Dad almost looks hurt.

"Yes I know. I just don't want to talk about it right now." On the fear that I might lose my head and possibly other parts of my body.

"Okay. Are you coming to the bakery this morning with me? Or are you going to stay here and help your mom and your sister plan for the party?" My favorite day of the year. Today is Jane's 17th birthday.

"I'll come to the bakery." I say quickly. Dad smiles and leaves to let me get ready. I quickly jump into the shower. My manhood morning greeting is silenced by thoughts of Jane's dad about to castrate me and cold water. I towel off and pull on some black boxers then walk back into my room where Katrina is sitting on my bed waiting for me.

"Sup little bro?" She says in her singsong voice. She's wearing her hunting clothes boots laced up and everything. Her dark hair braided down her back and her blue eyes glowing. She's probably going to go meet Finn in the woods. They always do. Mom and her will take off in the morning to go hunting, or at least mom will. Katrina inherited dad's noisy footsteps while I got the hunter's feet. But she found she was better with snares than a bow anyway so no sneakiness required. That's how she got to really know Finn. Since they're both good with knot tying, they go out and make snares together.

She, Finn and Grayson – Jane's older brother – all hung out when they were littler. But when Finn and Katrina began to get cozy with one another, Grayson left the group cause nobody wants to be a third wheel. Though I liked Finn, I was never really crazy about him dating my sister. I mean, yea their older now, but when they were younger it was a little weirder. Since he's three years older than her, it was defiantly odd. But now it's not so bad. Katrina is three years older than me too (she turns 21 in six months). Finn will turn 24 the month before her. And because she's not 21 yet, she still lives at home. After the rebellion was over and the Capitol was overthrown, the government banned the law saying one had to be 30 years of age to marry and brought it down to 21. She and Finn will get married, everyone knows it, and has known about it for the past few years.

It took dad the longest to get used to the idea that his daughter was going to get married. When he found them kissing the first time she was 16 and he was 19, dad was furious and chased Finn down the street as fast as he could with his leg. That night he sat down with Katrina and had the talk with her. In the end, both dad and Katrina were red in the face and she promised to remain a virgin until her wedding night if he promised not to question her on everything she did every time she would hang out with Finn. That's what she promised, but I know that she broke that promise a year ago. Mom and dad can be so oblivious sometimes.

When the Odairs moved to District 12 Finn was 5, Katrina was 2, and Grayson was 1. They were the only one's of us kids alive at the time. Finn moved into one of the abandoned Victor homes with his mom Annie. She was a sweet lady, but she was very sad. I overheard her talking to mom one time about how she just couldn't stay in District 4 anymore because it reminded her too much of Finnick. Finnick is Finn's dad and he was presumed dead by everyone in the Capitol takedown but his body was never recovered. Until one night…

It was New Year's Eve. It was also Annie's birthday. It was about five years ago. Finn was 18 turning 19 in two months and even though he was an average teenage guy, he was especially mature and kind and he was always at his mom's side when she needed him. The Hawthornes, Grandpa Haymitch, and my family were all over at Annie and Finn's house to celebrate. During the day we presented her with gifts and a birthday party that ended with my dad and I bringing out a cake we made especially for her. It was similar to her wedding cake from what I heard from my dad. Three tiers with blue, sea green, and white frosting with sugar sea shells laced all around. Annie cried a lot. But most of it was tears of happiness, I think. When there was ten minutes left until midnight, we turned on their television and watched the Capitol broadcast as they were about to shoot fireworks into the air for the new year. With one minute left on the clock, the doorbell rang. Jane being the closest jumped up and ran to the door. I didn't see who it was but I heard him talk.

"You must be Johanna's daughter." He said in a tired voice.

"Yes. I'm Janelle, but you can call me Jane." 12 year old Jane said. We were close friends back then, before the incident that is.

30 seconds left. "Does Mrs. Odair live here?" He asked.

There's a brief silence before Jane says "I know who you are." Then with 10 seconds left we start counting along with the people on the T.V, and Jane brings the man into the room closing the door behind him.

9 seconds. I recognize him.

8 seconds. Annie sees him and freezes.

7 seconds. Everyone else turns to see who he is and stops counting.

6 seconds. He has bronze hair like Finn.

5 seconds. Tired sea green eyes.

4 seconds. Finn is staring wide eyed.

3 seconds. Before anyone can say anything, Annie takes off running towards him tears streaking down her face.

2…1… Annie jumps him and they kiss. Happy New Year.

Annie said it was her best birthday present. Three months later, Annie became pregnant with their second child. She said she didn't want Finnick to not know what it was like raising a child. Nine months after that, Margaret was born. She looked more like her mother with dark waves and green eyes. They named her Margaret in honor of their mentor who died during the 75th annual Hunger Games. Everyone calls her Maggie now. When she was born, I realized that she wasn't the only one named after a deceased loved one. Grayson Hawthorne was named after Mrs. Hawthorne's brother; Greg was named after a peacekeeper that sacrificed himself to get Mrs. Hawthorne, Annie, and dad out of the Capitol when District 13 came to rescue them; Jane was named after Mrs. Hawthorne's mother.

Now with my sister sitting on my bed in front of me, I think of our names. We're not named after the deceased, well, not our first names anyway. Katrina's full name is Katrina Rose Mellark. I remember mom telling us about Aunt Primrose before, but only briefly. My name, I thought it was just because my dad came from a line of bread, but I later learned that my middle name Rye was dad's dad. The whole thing makes me sad, knowing that there's so much death around us, but as dad says we need to live in the present.

"Hey!" Speaking of the present Katrina now stands in front of me waving her arms. "Have you listened to anything I said? Earth to Goldie Locks!" I hated that name. It was a private joke between my sister and me. Well, more of a joke for her. When I was younger I had bleach blonde hair in curls. My sister then dubbed me Goldie Locks. Thank God that's over, now it's straight and more of a dirty blonde but still very light. I just hope she hasn't told anyone. Jane is her best 'gal pal'. Whenever she's not with Finn she's with Jane.

"What?" I ask.

"You going into the woods today?" She asks motioning towards my bow hanging on my bedroom wall.

"No, I'm going to help dad at the bakery."

Katrina puts on a sly smile. "What are you making today?"

I gulp. I asked dad a week ago if I could make Jane's cake. "I don't know. The regular stuff."

She laughs then punches my arm lightly. "Liar."

"What are you laughing at?" I ask backing away from her towards my closet.

"It's September 13th Peyton. Exactly six months from my birthday. I know you have this date memorized and not because of me."

Crap. "So what?" I ask.

"Make sure it's red velvet with cream cheese frosting."

I turn red as she walks out the door.

"It's her favorite, just saying." She laughs down the hall. Damn her. She has a way of knowing everything about everyone.

I quickly dress and head downstairs where everyone else is eating breakfast. The sun is just coming up through our window. Jane's probably awake. I wonder what she's doing.

"Peyton?" I look up and mom is in front of me. "Are you hungry?"

"Yea."

"Do you want some pancakes?" I look at her questioningly. "Don't worry, your dad made them." My mom can't cook to save her life. Not that I would ever say anything against it, I just don't want to hurt her feelings. But I don't want to get food poisoning either.

As I reach for some Katrina passes me putting her dish in the sink. "I know what you'd rather have." She whispers in my ear. I glare at her the best I can. That is it! I check to see if mom and dad are near. The coast is clear. Here's my chance.

"It's too bad Finn isn't your age."

She stops. "Why?"

"Cause then you wouldn't have to fuck him in the woods all the time. Age difference like that could get him arrested being older than 21 and screwing a girl under age. It would be a shame if dad found out since he thinks you're a virgin."

She's furious. "YOU LITTLE-" Then dad walks in and she shuts up. That's right Katrina! The color has flooded her face.

"Ready Peyton?" Dad asks not noticing his tomato faced daughter steaming behind him. Her icy blue eyes trying to pierce my happy bubble.

"Yea dad." I say smiling at Katrina. She flips me the bird as I walk out. I just laugh.

"What's so funny?" Dad asks me as we walk out the door.

"Nothing." I say. Dad doesn't question me, though he knows I'm probably hiding something.

When we reach the bakery, Mr. Hawthorne and Greg are waiting at the door.

"Gale? What are you doing here?" Dad asks unlocking the door.

"Good morning to you too Mellark."

"Sorry, good morning." Dad apologizes opening the door for everyone. He has always been so polite.

"I'm just dropping Greg off, and getting the only fresh air I'll be able to get today. Johanna has had me on such a tight leash for the whole week."

Dad smiles. "I know how that feels. Trust me though, it's all worth it in the end."

When Mr. Hawthorne leaves Greg asks dad if he can make a cupcake for Jane after he's done with his morning duties.

I slide my apron over my head and get to work on the cake right away. The party is tonight, so in order for everything to be done in time, I need to start now.

"Of course you can Greg! What kind did you want to make?" Dad asks.

"A red velvet with cream cheese frosting!" Greg smiles.

My head whips around as dad looks up and smiles. "Seems like a popular kind today." Greg looks confused. "Peyton will help you because he's filling a red velvet cake order right now."

Greg looks up at me and nods his head.

By the time Greg's done with frosting the cupcake, the cake for Jane has cooled enough for me to start icing. Then I hear the door open and close in the front. When I don't hear my dad greet them like he normally does, I assume he's in back and didn't hear. I round the corner taking his place wiping excess flower that has managed to stick to my face off as I step into the front. When I look up, my heart skips a beat. Jane Hawthorne is standing in the lobby looking at the display window when she picks her head up and sees me.

The light from the skylight is highlighting her brown hair, her face is glowing, her lips are curved so perfectly, he cheeks contain just the right amount of color and her chocolate honey eyes make me want to melt. She's wearing a white shirt that's flows from her body and black leggings that fit tight to her curves. No, don't go there eyes up! EYES UP! God she looks like an angel.

She looks at me expectantly. Say something you chickenshit! Deep breath and-

"Well if it isn't the birthday girl!" Dad announces as he walks to the front of the store. He goes over to her and picks her up in a big hug. I'm suddenly very jealous of my dad.

"Hey Mr. Mellark." She says in her mesmerizing voice. It's not singsong like Katrina, but it has a fiery and powerful side and well as a very calm.

"Janelle Hazelle Hawthorne, how many times do I have to ask you to just call me Peeta? Mr. Mellark sounds to official." Dad scrunches his face like he just sucked on a lemon.

She laughs. I'm doing everything I can not to get hard.

He joins into her laughter. "So what's the plan for tonight? A parade? A televised party?" He asks.

Her face looks disgusted. I know she doesn't really like parties. "Don't know. I'm not allowed into the house right now." Of course she isn't, her parents are planning a Capitol level party there.

"Well I guess you'll see tonight. 17 years old, wow!" Dad gets up and moves to the back of the counter. "Do you need Greg?"

"Yea, I'm supposed to take him home, and I need to buy some more bread." She moves the coins in her pocket slightly. They're in her pants pocket. Oh god, eyes up!

"Which kind? Greg! Your sister's here!" Dad yells in the back.

"Surprise me." She says. I can't hold on much longer. If she doesn't leave soon I'm gonna show.

"Peyton, will you go get the fresh cheesebuns out of the back? Oh, but make sure it's not from your mom's secret stash." Dad asks me. I nod my head taking my chance to get away. But I don't want to be farther away from her. I feel lonelier when she's not in the same room as me.

I grab some fresh cheesbuns off the rack we made this morning and put them in a bag. I pass dad's office as I head back and notice the picture of mom sitting on his desk. I wonder if I'll have a desk with a picture of Jane on it when I'm older.

"JANELLE!" I hear Greg from the front. That kid is so full of energy when he's near her. I guess she just has that kind of effect on people. She certainly has it on me.

"I made you a cupcake!" He says. "Close your eyes."

I image her closing her eyes. Which in turn makes me close my eyes. If she can't see, neither can I.

"Now hold out your hand." He says. "OPEN!" He yells.

I open my eyes realizing dad will be wondering where I've been. I make it back to the front and dad eyes me suspiciously but shakes it off. He walks over to me as he's heading back to work. "Tell her they're free of charge." He motions down towards the cheesebuns. I nod my head and take a deep breath as I enter the lobby again. I managed to get my thoughts under control for the time being.

"It looks delicious! Thank you Greg!" She hugs him. I move up to them. I wish I could feel her in my arms. If just seeing her can melt me, I wonder what touching her would do.

"Happy birthday!" Greg says smiling.

"Happy birthday." I say before I can stop myself. SHIT! I can see her freeze. She looks up at me with her gorgeous eyes. Oh no, it's coming back. Please don't look down at my pants!

I hand her the bag of cheesebuns. "Dad says it's free of charge." I hold my voice as steady as I can and hand them to her.

"Thanks." She says calmly. Then she flashes me a smile. Oh God! Did she see me?

I can feel myself blushing. Then she grabs Greg's hand and they walk out into the sunlight. And I feel my heart beat slow down to its normal pace.

Suddenly I hear dad laughing from behind me. I turn trying to hide my blush.

"I KNEW IT! JANELLE IS THE MYSTERY GIRL!" He barks out laughing. Of course he knew. He was just kind enough not to say so.

I hide my face and walk back to my working space to make the frosting. And somehow, after embarrassing myself in front of Jane and dad just now, I feel very warm inside. I haven't felt this way since the incident. Since Jane kissed me four years ago.