Chapter 2 – You Rub Two Stick Together To Get…

AN: Thank you to my reviewers [Katyms13, LACR, Pumpkinkings5 and guest] and for those who alerted or favored Destiny. I hope I'm off to a good start. Just a warning, which I forgot to mention in the first chapter, this story is written for mature audiences only and contains a lot of swearing. Same disclaimer as the previous chapter, Please excuse me for any mistakes or errors found in this chapter. On with the show...

Prim POV ––

I walked beside Katniss as I clutched the bag in my hand. I love my sister, I truly do but at times, she frustrated me. Her treatment of Peeta was sad and…puzzling. He didn't do anything wrong.

"You were so mean to Peeta, Katniss."

"I was not," she denied. Her face was pink, her eyes hard. I had to run to catch up to her since she was walking so fast with her hands clenched into fists.

"You shouldn't have treated him that way. He was only trying to be nice," I voiced, my tone quiet but with a hint of disappointment. "He's my friend."

"Since when?" she asked. "When did this happen and why was I not aware of it?"

"He's been my friend since school started," I explained. "Peeta volunteers to teach art in my class during his home period." She looked surprised. "What?

"Since did you get interested in art? You can't even draw."

I sighed in irritation. "Just because I can't draw doesn't mean I don't like my art classes." When I was assigned to take art classes, I scoffed at the idea. There were certainly more important things to learn than drawing or painting. I wanted to become a healer like my mom. Drawing and art was useless and unproductive. However, when Peeta Mellark became a volunteer to teach class, I grew to appreciate it.

He once mentioned, "Life is more than living and surviving. It's also about taking time to appreciate everything and everyone around us. There is beauty everywhere. You just have to open y our eyes to see it."

Living in the Seam, I saw nothing but the ugliness of life. Starvation, poverty and resentment towards the Merchants were a fact of life. Seam hated Merchant and they hated us back with equal measure. It didn't help that I looked Merchant with my blond hair and blue eyes. My mom and I stuck out amongst the Seam. Most kids in the art class were Merchant, girls with big blue eyes and bouncy blond hair. Heck, they took the class knowing Peeta was an upperclassman who assisted Ms. Weatherby. Everyone loved Peeta; he was kind and sweet to both Seam and Merchant. Unlike his brothers, Graham and Rye.

Taking the class was fun since he's nice and he was cute too. Gorgeous as a matter of fact. Who wouldn't want to be friends with him? Everyone with the exception of my sister who wasn't friendly with him. For some reason she was uneasy and angry with Peeta. I wondered if anything happened between them? Katniss would have told me, right? But then again, she kept to herself when it came to boys and her feelings. I don't understand how she got that way. She had Gale so I guess other boys wouldn't interest her.

"He pissed me off." Huh? 'What did he do?' I asked myself thinking back to our encounter. I thought back to our conversation. There wasn't much I recalled.

"Why?" I couldn't understand it. "What did he do?" I had to ask so she could explain it to me.

"Because he's…he thinks we're a charity case, giving stuff for free. It's not right. He wants something. Most Merchants do."

"He isn't like that," I corrected her.

"Well, he's a Merchant townie." She flinched as she said the words as if she had a difficult time saying it.

"I am too, Katniss." She stopped walking and stood still causing me to fall back. "Mom was Merchant too."

"That's different."

"How is that different?" I pestered her. She wasn't making any sense. I'm half Merchant and half Seam. If anyone didn't know any better by my looks I was all Merchant in their eyes.

"It's just…is." She shrugged her shoulders and started walking again.

"I didn't realize that you were prejudice," I said in a soft tone. I wanted to use another word but admitting and saying it would be hurtful that my own sister thought that way. Katniss cringed.

"I am not."

"You are. If that's the case, you shouldn't like me either." I sighed, resigned. "You talk like Gale. And he hates Merchant." Gale was vocal of his hatred for anyone blond and blue eyed. I wasn't the only half Merchant and Seam in the District. "Does that mean you hate me too?"

"Prim?" Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times. She was stunned. "You're my sister, I would never hate you. You're my…little duck." She gave me that nickname since as far as I could remember. She said I reminded her of a baby duck, yellow and bright when I was a toddler, waddling around with my chubby legs. She actually admitted that she loved dressing me like toy doll. I laughed at her confession. It was sweet imagining her dressing me up.

"You were mean to Peeta and he's Merchant. I look like him. He's never been mean to me," I exclaimed. I wiped my free hand on my dress. My other hand clutched onto the paper bag. I could smell the cookies I ordered for Posy. It was a rare treat to have cookies or cakes for that matter for anyone in the Seam. She turned 7 today. She was a newborn when her father died in the mining accident, the same tragic accident that took my father's limbs, his right arm and leg. I was lucky at least my father survived. I was 7 years old when it happened.

I remember that day so clearly. Katniss and I were in school when the emergency alarm bell rang. I hated the sound of that bell for we knew, especially the Seam kids that the mine was in trouble. The siren rang for a long time alerting all the teachers of the situation. Then, the school was on lockdown. No one was to leave until a parent picked you up. Merchant left first then one by one the Seam children left. Mom was at the mine since she was a healer so Katniss and I walked home alone. I remember gripping her hand tight because I was so scared that I clung to her all day. She wanted to go the mines to see what was happening but I wouldn't let her. We waited all afternoon and evening for mom and dad to come home. I was so scared I didn't want to eat. I wanted them to come home and know that they were okay.

Later in the evening, people rushed into our home carrying Dad into the house. He was bloody covered with black coal dust all over his clothes and body. Katniss screamed at the sight. Mom forced us to leave and stay with Hawthorne family. My parents were good friends with them so Mom trusted them to watch over us. When we arrived at the house, Aunt Hazelle was crying and was inconsolable. I realize that her husband died in the accident.

Since the accident both my Mom and Dad were never the same. They loved us but there was something that has been missing since that day, something that changed all of us forever. I love my mom but I grew to depend on Katniss for the things I needed whether it was something tangible or for comfort. Mom was consumed and was busy taking care of Dad. He needed her more than we did and I understood it. Katniss and I depended on each other for everything. Katniss took over taking care of me. We told each other our dreams and secrets. Well, not all our secrets. There was one I kept from her; something that is my own and I couldn't share it with her. Not now, but some day I'll tell her.

Growing up, I realized that I couldn't talk to Katniss about boys and stuff. She was against me having a boyfriend at my age. I couldn't talk to her about my crush with…

"You need to stay away from him, Prim," she scolded me as she interrupted my thoughts. "Nothing good will come out being friends with him."

"Well, that's going to be difficult since he is the teaching assistant in my art class, Katniss," I reminded her. She scowled at me as I pouted back. I'm an Everdeen, stubborn and proud. I always consulted with her on things but I also had a mind and will of my own. I was stubborn that way just as she was.

The rest of the walk back home was quiet as we both entered the house greeting my dad with a kiss on the cheek. Dad looked relieved. "Thank you for coming straight home." Mom sat the opposite of him with a bowl on her lap.

We hugged her in turn as she mashed some herbs with a pestle and mortar. "Take your shoes off, girls." I rolled my eyes at Katniss as she smirked back. I couldn't understand why mom insisted of taking our shoes off and wearing slippers in the house. The wooden floor was rickety, worn and needed to be sanded, buffed and waxed. Things we couldn't afford to do. Clean and polished floors were a luxury. I sighed as I looked over what my mom was preparing. I recognized the herbs she was smashing. It was to be steamed then wrapped in small cloth to be placed on my dad's stump. Lately due to the weather, his limbs ached more than usual.

"Well, we did stop by the bakery first," Katniss informed him as she sat down on a couch to remove her shoes. He stared at the bag in my hand. It smelled delightful, as I was tempted to take a piece for myself.

"Did the youngest, what's his name…" my dad asked. He scrunched his eyes together as he tried to remember Peeta's name.

"Peeta," I reminded. "He met us like you said he would." Katniss looked surprised.

"Such a nice young man," Dad concluded. My Dad didn't have the same feelings about the Merchants like Katniss and Gale. He got along with everyone just like Peeta and his dad did. It was what I loved about him. He saw the good in people both Merchant and Seam. Heck, he fell in love and married a Merchant.

"He's the nicest amongst the three brothers," I mentioned as I blushed when Katniss looked back at me. I hope that my cheeks didn't turn too red. With my fair skin, blushing caused me to flush more than usual unlike Katniss darker complexion. She took after Dad with her dark hair, gray eyes and complexion.

"He's cute too," my Dad winked at me. Katniss looked annoyed. I didn't understand why since she didn't like Peeta. He was cute; even I could admit that. I smiled to myself.

"Don't tease her Garrett," Mom voiced. "She's too young to have a boyfriend." Katniss sighed in relief siding with Mom. My sister Katniss was 18 years old and the only boy I knew she was interested in was Gale. She had known him since she was 12 years old. It made sense that they would end up together.

"There's nothing wrong with having crush on some boy," my Dad spoke as he stood up. "Even if he is Merchant."

"Don't encourage her either," Mom berated him. There wasn't any sign of anger in her tone. "Sit down and remove your leg. I'm almost done. This will be ready in 5 minutes."

"Besides, no one is good enough for my girls," Dad announced with a big smile on his face as he sat down listening to my mom's instructions. I wondered how they'd feel if they knew girls younger than me had boyfriends especially Seam girls. They had to know what happened at the Slag Heap. My Mom's a healer. I knew about the girls that visited her at odd hours in the night. I was young but not stupid.

Two hours before going to the Hawthorne's Mr. Abernathy visited Dad. They walked over to the wood shack for privacy. What they were doing or discussing we didn't know. Katniss scowled at Mr. Abernathy as she opened the door to him. She didn't like him either and he was Seam born. He was well known in our district being that he was the only Victor that came from here. He was also known for being drunk and rowdy as people stayed away from him. But, Dad liked him. They hung out together which I found very odd since they really had nothing in common. Mr. Abernathy was always nice to me though he loved pissing off Katniss.

Dad kept a bottle or two of his hard liquor in the shed. He never drank in front of us girls. Mom pretty much demanded it. It was the only thing that she hated when Dad drank. She never drank liquor herself just in case someone showed up at our door needing her help.

He caught Gale and Katniss drinking his liquor. I'll never forget that day. It was the only time I ever really seen him so angry at her and with Gale. He had just turned 18 at the time. Since then Dad was disillusioned with him stating that he was disappointed in him and his trust was broken. Katniss and Gale were so sick they stayed home the whole day missing school. She was that drunk that she never touched another drop not even when she turned 18 and Dad allowed her.

We put on our best clothes for the party. My dress was a hand me down from Mom to Katniss then to me. It was worn but still looked good. I was done and was walking out the bedroom when Katniss placed a hand on my shoulder and leaned down to look at me. I turned my head as I tried to move away from her glare. "Prim? Are you wearing lipstick?"

I blushed. "No," I admitted.

"Then why is your lips so pink that you look like your wearing––?"

"Mom made it," I confessed. Her brow crinkled. "I asked Mom if I could wear lipstick, but we…didn't have any money so…" 'I spent it on Posy's cookies,' I reminded myself. "…she made a paste with some dried berries."

"Why…you don't need it. You're fine the way you are."

"I know that you believe that but…I just wanted to try it." I shrugged my shoulders. It wasn't as if I was trying to impress anyone.

I had almost forgotten my present for Posy. I didn't want to just give her a bag of cookies so I decided to put in a box and wrap it up with a pink bow. To my surprise I found not only the six cookies I ordered, but also four extra ones especially designed for Katniss and me. "Katniss, look what I found?" Her eyes grew wide in surprise. It was sweet of Peeta to add the extra cookies.

"I can't believe he did that." Without any hesitation I bit into the cookie; it was sugary, creamy and delicious. "Hmm…this is sooo good, Katniss. Try one." It was obvious who they were made for, a primrose and katniss flower on top of each cookie. I squealed in delight. She reached over and placed the katniss designed cookie in the palm of her hand. It was three inches in diameter with white sugar frosting covering the whole cookie with an orange flower. She held it like it was fragile and precious. It was too beautiful to eat but it was rare for us to have so I bit into it again enjoying myself.

"Why would he…" She was dumbstruck as she fought for words. I'm sad that my sister couldn't recognize the kind gesture Peeta extended. He had no ulterior motive. Peeta wasn't like other Merchant boys.

"Because that's how he is," I said as if it was so obvious. "He's a really nice person, Katniss. I don't see why you're a making a big deal out of it."

"He wants something, you don't get something for nothing in return."

I sighed in frustration. "Well, if you don't want––" I reached over to remove the cookie from her hand.

"No, wait." She reacted in kind as she turned her body and took a bite. Her eyes closed for a few seconds as she savored the taste. "Oh my…shit. This is really good." Katniss had a smile on her face; a genuine smile I haven't seen in a long while. I continued to wrap Posy's present leaving her to finish the rest of the cookies in peace.

Katniss POV ––

I walked away from Prim as she continued to wrap the present for Posy. I hated to admit that the cookie was delicious. It was like eating a sugary cloud. I've never tasted anything like it. It was beautiful, too beautiful to eat. My mind was in a tailspin wondering why Peeta would do something so…sweet and kind. I've never spoken to him, ever. He was a mystery I had yet to solve. If ever. I shook my head and banished all thoughts of his blond hair and blue eyes haunting my mind. Saving the last cookie for later, I placed it into the bag and kept in my room for safekeeping. Not that Prim would eat it. I wanted to savor the last piece for later.

Dinner with the Hawthornes was usually fun as our families got along together. Prim doted on Posy like a sister since she had three brothers. She looked up to Prim as she looked to me. Both Rory and Vick turned to my father for guidance since the loss of their father even though Gale was the provider for the family.

When we arrived at the Hawthorne home, Gale surprised his family by inviting a girl to Posy's birthday party. It shocked Hazelle and my mother for some reason. As for me, I was disturbed at his attempt to make me jealous for it as obvious by the way he had his arm around her and glancing my way. She clung to him in possessive manner.

I laughed to my self at the dirty looks I got from Gale's girl of the week. It was petty of him to think that my decision would be swayed by it. I was more disappointed and stupefied by his actions.

Mom and Hazelle sent me a puzzled looked when Gale introduced Sadie Thorpe to his family. My father was oblivious to the turmoil that Gale instigated. I knew that he was trying to make me jealous bringing his 'date.' I'm hurt and a bit anger at his ploy. I guess, Hazelle and my mother thought it was a forgone conclusion that Gale and I would end up together; as in together, together as boyfriend and girlfriend. I shuddered at the thought. Why they thought that boggled me considering that I have never hinted or desired it. To make matters worse, Rory brought up what everyone had not dared to ask.

"I thought Katniss was your girlfriend?" Rory looked confused. Gale smirked at his brother. Prim took Posy by her hand and led her to the dining table while everyone felt awkward.

"Katniss has always been a little sister to me," he answered back. I scoffed at him. Did he honestly think that I would fight for his affections in front of his girlfriend and family as if I was the one who wanted something more? He meant to hurt and embarrass me.

"Yeah, I mean Gale has always been the older brother I never had," I snickered. He looked appalled and pissed. Sadie was pleased. Of all the times for a Gale to introduce his new girlfriend, he picked Posy's birthday. What was he thinking? Luckily, what Gale lacked his mother had, tact and class. "Everyone I'm sure that we're all pleased for Gale but this is Posy's day so please let's eat and enjoy ourselves," she said.

I sat with Prim and the rest of the children while the 'adults' sat at the dinner table, which included Gale and Sadie.

"Katniss," Prim started as she leaned over and whispered in my ear. "Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" I said as I finished my bowl of rabbit stew. Dinner consisted of stew with onions, carrots and potatoes with a slice of bread. I bit into the bread as thoughts of Peeta entered my mind. How he managed to occupy my mind bothered me.

"I thought you and Gale were…"

"Were what?" I inquired. Did Prim too thought I was with Gale?

"We all assumed that you were together, you know. Why you never looked at other boys in school."

I sighed. "Prim, when have I ever acted as though I was interested in Gale or any boy for that matter?" She opened her mouth then shut it quickly. I could tell she was conflicted. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"There's nothing to talk about, Prim." I shrugged my head. At the corner of my eye, I felt Gale staring at me. Sadie was laughing throwing her head back while twirling her hair with a finger. He pulled her closer around her waist his grip on her hip tightened. I rolled my eyes at him then turned back to Prim.

After dinner we gathered together in the small living room for Posy to open presents. Mind you, the presents didn't consist of anything extravagant. Hazelle made a dress for Posy from one of her older dresses; her brothers gave her two new ribbons for her hair while Gale carved a beautiful quartz pendant and fastened it on a necklace. I remembered Gale telling me that Hazelle gave him one of her other necklaces she never wore. A gift she received as a child from her mother.

Mom gave her a bracelet of colored twine while I wrapped two of Prim's children's book she no longer had any use for her age. My dad handed her a small package wrapped in a faded pink cloth.

Posy unwrapped it and her brows crinkled as she looked at a smooth rock on her hand. The stone was two inches round with a painted red bird painted on the surface.

"It's a lucky rock, Posy," my father explained to the small child. "As long as you have it, you have luck for the rest of your life." She thanked my Dad and placed in her 'toy box.'

The gift she loved the most was Prim's as she opened the box and the aroma of sugar filtered the air. Rory and Vick oohed and ahhed. Posy squealed in delight as she quickly grabbed one and shoved a large piece into her little mouth. She handed one to Rory and the other to Vick.

"Hey, Posy save the rest of the cookies for later," her mother warned as she walked into the kitchen and returned with a two layer cake with pink frosting and posies decorating the cake. She placed it on the dining table.

"Mommy that's so pretty," she screamed. Her eyes grew round in surprise. "Did you make it?" I knew the answer. Hazelle had no talent for designing cakes let alone had the money to bake one. She bought it from none other than the only place she could have purchased it––The Mellark Bakery. I narrowed my eyes as I recognized the flowers. The posies looked familiar.

"Mom, how did you––" Gale started.

"Garrett knows James Mellark," she explained as I looked at my father who a big smile on her face. "He had his son, Peeta deliver it a couple of hours ago." Peeta. I can't seem to escape him even in the Seam.

"I bet that witch of a mother wasn't happy about it," Gale snickered.

"Gale, watch your mouth in front of the children," his mother scolded him. She was preparing to slice the cake, knife in hand as my mother assisted her. Posy, Rory, Vick and Prim surround the table waiting to get a piece.

"What? It's the truth," he returned. "She hates––"

"Anyway, it's beautiful and I bet you, Posy. That it will taste delicious," I stated interrupting Gale, as I didn't want him to start with his rant about Merchant and Seam hatred for each other. It was a known fact. It wasn't the place to start at his sister's birthday party.

It was hypocritical of Gale to go on about Merchants when he accepted a piece of cake that Mellark had made for Posy. He polished it off within seconds.

"Peeta told me he baked and designed it himself," Dad mentioned. I waited for him to explain further and he continued. "That young man really takes after his father. A true baker at heart."

"I'm going to save the flowers for later," Posy announced. "It's so pretty." I smiled at her as she placed them on her plate admiring the delicate design. I knew that artwork, the perfect even length forming the petals. It was all Peeta. In the meantime, I noticed how Rory edged closer to Prim, too close for my taste. He wasn't as tall as Gale…yet but at the age of 15 he was already six feet tall. He hovered over my 5' 2" little sister. He looked up as I narrowed my eyes at him. He took a step back away from Prim.

"Who cares if it's pretty just eat it," Vick stated. "If you don't I will." He reached out and grabbed the plate.

"Mommy," Posy cried out. She was ready to burst into tears her lower lip quivered as she wiped a hand over her tear brimmed eyes. Prim placed a hand on her shoulder for comfort.

"Vick, stop that," Hazelle berated him as she gave the plate back to Posy. "It's Posy's cake so don't you dare touch it. If she wants to eat it later, she'll eat it later, Understand young man?" He nodded his head sulking.

"Yes, Mom."

"It's time," Gale announced. He opened a panel on the wooden floor and took out a radio. It was old. The wood varnish was gone and a few knobs were missing but it was still functional.

"Prim, honey," Dad called out to her. "Can you and Rory take Vick and Posy to the next room?"

"I want to listen and be here," Rory exclaimed, anger in his tone.

"Rory, listen to Mr. Everdeen and take Rory, Posy into the bedroom," Gale commanded.

"You're not my Dad, Gale. You can't tell me what to do,' Rory fired back. 'I'm old enough––"

"Rory, take your brother and sister into the next room now," Hazelle demanded him.

"Fine." He pulled Vick and Posy by their hands with in tow. Prim followed behind them shutting the door.

A few minutes later, the adults gathered into the dining room. They turned down the electricity and sat in a candle lit room. Gale took the small radio and placed it on the table. He switched it on. Then he passed a couple channels as we heard 'music' coming from the Capitol. Music piped into the room, then he turned the dial again. There was nothing but static and then…

"Hello, Panem," the muffled voice announced. "This is the voice of the MockingJay." I couldn't tell if the voice was male or female since the voice was low pitched and it spoke in a slow tempo. "It's a beautiful night tonight. I look at my family and praise the high heavens for their safety and well-being. Tonight there is food on the table and a warm bed to sleep on. Today I'm happy to be alive and well. This should not be a luxury but way of life. It is not right that we should live in fear, always hungry and in terror. It is not right that our lives are not our own but in the hands of a tyrant who doesn't care about the people who he's suppose to govern and protect.

We deserve to be, to have no fear for retribution, to have the right to eat, work and sleep in a free Panem. It is not right that President Snow and the Capitol has tight grip in our heart, our hands and our lives. We deserve freedom and equal rights to all." I looked around me. Gale had a stern look on his face, both Mom and Hazelle was quiet and subdued. Sadie appeared bored and disinterested.

As for my father, I couldn't tell or decipher the look on his face. It was the same look he had every time we heard his messages. The broadcast started a couple of months ago. Since then every few days we listened for any news. The radio speeches were never scheduled but tuned randomly. Everyone from Seam to Merchant knew of his existence. This was why there were rumors of the rebellion being formed, a rebellion that Gale advocated and encouraged vocally.

'When the time comes, Panem. Will you be ready to follow the MockingJay? Will you heed his call to arm yourself against the Snow and the Capitol. To fight for freedom. To free Panem. Get ready Panem, the time will come for you to decide. Free Panem or live under Snow's rule. You're children will die and children's children will die. This should not be our legacy." He paused for a second. "The MockingJay is coming and Panem will never be the same ever again."

I sighed as I rested my elbow on the table and covered my eyes with my hands. For the past few weeks his messages were subtle, never instigating or mentioning the prospect for a rebellion. Tonight he was meant to instigate it. It was a certainty and not a rumor that a war was imminent.

"This is it," Gale started. "It's no longer a rumor. The Mockingjay does exist. There's a rebellion forming." His eyes were round from excitement. He looked forward to the rebellion.

"I'm afraid so," my father sounded, his voice low and soft. "It's just time, I guess." My father may have been a broken man after the accident. Had he the strength he would join the rebellion alongside Gale. Me, I wanted no part of it. All I wanted is to keep Prim and my family safe and alive.

"Any idea which district the MockingJay is forming his army?" Gale asked. There's a gleam in his eyes as he spoke. I hated this part of him at the eagerness he had to involve himself in a war. Has he thought of the consequences for his family and friends? All I was saw or anticipated was death and destruction, homes ruined and families torn apart.

"You're getting ahead of yourself, Gale," my father said. "Don't you want to know who you're following so blindly? Who is he and where is he from?"

"Who cares? He wants what all of Panem has been wanting for years," he argued back.

"Don't think you speak for all of Panem, Gale,' I expressed. "We all know what you want. You don't speak for everyone."

"Think of your family, Gale," my father advised him "Think about the consequences. I'm not saying that you should walk away from it and not fight for what you believe in. But…" He looked at Mom and me. "Do it for the right reason."

"What other reason do we need?" Gale retaliated. "I only know one thing, we don't need the Capitol or Snow telling us how to live our lives. I want a better life for me and my family. Why should only the Merchant have a better life than me?" Though I do agree with Gale that we don't need the Capitol or Snow dictating our lives, I find his reasoning selfish. He wants a better life for himself and his family. What about the rest of us and the rest of Panem? He's angry that the Merchants live better than him. His motivations were self-serving.

"Anyway," Gale stood up hand on Sadie's elbow. "I'm walking Sadie home." She followed as they walked towards the door.

"Thank you for allowing me to join your family's celebration," she said. "It was really nice to meet you." She hugged Hazelle who looked surprised by her gesture.

"It's nice to meet you as well," she returned.

"See you in school, Katniss," she said to me. I frowned. I never paid mind to most of my classmates so I wondered if Sadie was in any of my classes. Whatever. It wasn't as if we're buddies now that she was dating Gale. I hope see didn't see it that way.

We bade the Hawthornes goodnight and proceeded home. In bed with Prim, I reflected on the long, eventful day I had. I longed for a day when I could just enjoy a walk in the woods with no interruptions and game to bring home to my family. Because of last night's broadcast, the rumor of the rebellion was no longer a rumor. The MockingJay was alive and well ready to start a war against the Capitol. It didn't matter whether I wanted a war or not, it was going to happen. Gale and those who thought like him would see to it. Again, my life was no longer in my own hands, first Snow and now the MockingJay was about to set Panem on fire. It was inevitable.

Peeta POV ––

The moon cast a bright light into the dark alleys of the Merchant area. I loved walking during the evening when the air was crisp and cool. After working for a few hours in the bakery the light breeze grazed my heated skin. I took a large gulp of air into my lungs feeling the cold enter my chest. I snuck back into my house before my mother realized that I was missing. On a night like this, I needed to leave the confines of my home.

Just when I thought I'm home free, a hand reached out and yanked me inside the window. I crash-landed on the wooden floor in my bedroom. Before my eyes could focus, I'm pulled off the ground and was greeted a hard painful slap on my cheek. Tears formed in my eyes from the impact.

"What the hell do you think you're doing sneaking out of the house?" my mother's angry voiced echoed in my head. I reached a hand to cover my cheek when she shoved me by the shoulders. "I'm talking to you, you…useless brat." I opened my mouth but words failed me. "Don't think I didn't know what you did this afternoon with that Seam slut." My eyes grew wide as I swallowed a ball of saliva down my throat.

"Evelyn, leave him alone," my father barked as he appeared by the door. My father was a tall and large man with broad shoulders. Unlike me, my two older brothers were built like him. I was shorter than them but developed muscles due to my training as a wrestler. My brothers were bulky while I was lean. I may look like my brothers with our blond hair and blue eyes, but I wasn't built like them. The other major difference were our hair color, while Graham and Rye had ashen blond hair, mine was golden blond; it's the only thing I inherited from my father.

"He's sneaking around with that Seam brat––"

"That's enough," my Dad interrupted her. There was a look in his eyes I have never seen before. "Peeta was not sneaking around. Katniss was a paying customer who you refuse to do business with. She paid for the cookies."

"I don't care. I don't want the likes of her anywhere near our business or near him." She pointed at me. It wasn't as if she cared for me only that I wouldn't taint or shame the Mellark name. "I don't want her money. We don't need it."

"That's where you're wrong, Evie," my Dad corrected her. "If she or any of her 'kind' has money to pay for our bread and cake, they are welcome in the store."

"Since when did you decide this?" She took a step toward Dad. Her face was red with fury.

He sighed and took a deep breath. "Times are getting harder. We need the income if we intend to keep the bakery. I heard that taxes are being increased within the next few months."

"How did you––"

"Listen, I'm not going to argue over this," my Dad stated with finality. It was a first with him to go against mother. "We're accepting everyone including the Seam in the bakery and that's final."

"But––"

"I am the sole owner of the bakery, Evie. If you're not going to help me then…stay upstairs." Mother opened her mouth to protest. Dad crossed his arms over his chest in kind waiting for her to argue back. "I mean it, don't fight me on this." She stalked off stamping her feet on the ground. Once she was out of sight, Dad sighed.

"Peeta, I don't know what you're doing out late at night, but…I just want you to be careful, okay? Things are going to get really…difficult." I nodded my head. We all heard the rumors of the conflict from the other districts. But after tonight, tonight's broadcast just confirmed what we all thought was just conjecture. The MockingJay was making an appearance soon…Panem was coming alive. I was scared and excited all at once. It meant danger to everyone whether you were born Merchant or Seam. Even a hint of speculation that you were involved with the rebels meant a trip to the Capitol in which you never returned or heard of again. I wondered what my life would be like if Panem was free from Snow? Hopefully better than what I had now.

The life of a Merchant wasn't as enchanted as the Seam people thought. Yes, we had jobs that helped us keep a roof over our head, but each quarter my family had to fulfill a quota that the Peacekeepers collected. What they took hardly kept the bakery afloat. Taxes were steep and supplies were expensive. We struggled each month to meet the quota and have enough for ourselves. I was lucky to have fresh bread if any at all since what we produced was for profit. Working in a bakery didn't mean we ate from the fruits of our labor. Every bread, cookie, dessert was accounted for. A task my mother worked on diligently. We ate the over expired and staled leftovers. It was hardly a treat.

I found out the hard way when I was four years old. Hungry, I pilfered a muffin. My mother caught me. Not only did I receive a slap on the face, she locked me in the storage cellar all night and without dinner. It was a hard lesson to learn but I never touched anything ever again until I was nine. By that age I was used to starving and the abuse my mother doled out on me. I was resigned to accept my life with an abusive mother and a father who wouldn't stand up for himself and his sons. It was a fact of my life; a life of misery and loneliness.

Until one day I saw Katniss Everdeen shifting through the garbage cans in the alley. She was a girl I had a crush on ever since I attended school. She was the bright light in my lonely and empty world. The first time I heard her sing I knew there was more to life than just surviving. I'll never forget that day, the day that changed my life forever. The day I knew that there was good and beauty in the world.

Flashback ––

"Peeta, are you ready to go to school," my Dad asked as I held onto his hand really tight. It was my first day in kindergarten. I had never been anywhere besides the bakery. The school was big and loud as children ran around us yelling at their friends. I had no friends except my brothers Graham and Rye. They ran off ahead of us while Mom worked at the bakery.

Once we were in the playground, I grabbed onto my father's pant leg wrapping my arms around his leg. "I want to go home," I cried. Everything was loud, bright and big. I didn't' know anyone in my new school. All I knew was the bakery and the people who visited us. I wasn't allowed to have friends or play with other children. The only people I knew were my brothers and the Cartwrights.

"Peeta, what did mommy tell you about sucking your thumb?" my Dad scolded me. I didn't realize that I had been sucking my thumbs until he pulled my hand away from my mouth. I felt tears start to form in my eyes. My lips quivered in anxiety and fear.

"I don't like it here. I want to go home," I told him again. Then Dad bent down onto his knees so we were eye to eye. As soon as he was eye level I wrapped my arms around his neck tight. "I want to go back to the bakery." My voice shook and my knees trembled.

"Peeta." He pulled me away wrapping his large hands around my waist. "You have to go to school. You can't stay at the bakery any more."

"Why?"

"Because all the children have to attend school. You're getting big now and it's time that you started to meet people, make friend with kids your age." I couldn't understand why now after years of being isolated from other children. He reached over and wiped the tears that ran down my cheeks.

"Please, Daddy. Please," I pleaded with him as I wrapped my small hands on his hands on my waist.

"Down cry, Peeta," he soothed me. "You don't want the other boys to see you crying like a girl." I looked around me and saw a few kids my age both girls and boys crying too. "You're brave, Peetie. You always have been. You're braver than me." He wrapped his strong arms around me. I felt safe and loved. My mother never held or comforted me. I accepted it even at an early age. The only time she ever touched was in anger hitting in areas where no one can see the bruises. Her current form of punish was pinching my back.

"Listen, I'll make you a deal," he said. "You go to school today and try to make friends. And by the end of the day, if you don't like it, I'll sneak an extra chocolate chip cookie for your recess for a whole week." I didn't care about the cookies for recess. What was recess?

My Mom was in charge of making our lunches. Everyday I watched her prepare Rye and Graham lunch boxes. Each day they had a sandwich, fruit and a canteen of milk. If she felt generous that day, she would pack a muffin or fruit tart as a treat. Since I was in kindergarten I was released during the lunch hour. I was at home by then with my Dad in the bakery. I loved being in the bakery with him. Who cared if I got chocolate cookies for recess when I could be in the bakery?

But Dad knew my love for chocolate. The sweet ingredient was a luxury in District 12. Only Merchants like the Cartwright, Undersee and Morgans could afford it. However, it was rare that Dad made the cookies.

"Okay," I sighed in resignation as my lips trembled.

He looked at his watch. "See this number?" he said as he pulled out his watch and pointed at 12. "Once the clock in your classroom reached 12, I'll be here really fast to pick you up to go home and have lunch." I stared at his watch willing it to move faster.

"Just try to be good and don't make any trouble," he added. "You don't want mommy to get mad, right?" I shook my head. "And one more thing," he whispered in my ear. "Anything bad happen in school you tell me, not mommy, me. Okay? Don't talk to anyone that you don't know, listen to your teachers only. No strangers." I didn't understand why when I was in a school full of strangers. He let go of me and walked me to my class. My teacher Mrs. Jones introduced herself then did role call by seating us in alphabetical order. Merchants seated first then Seam. I didn't understand until I realized she separated yellow hair children to the dark haired ones. This was my first introduction to the social class structure in District 12. The bell rang and Mrs. Jones told all the parents to leave.

"You can pick up you child in the schoolyard at 12," she announced. I watched my Dad leave as I tried not to get up and run after him. For an hour we played a game. Everyone said their name then Mrs. Jones would pull out a card and ask us where he or she was sitting in our class. It was easy as I memorized everyone seated in my class. Then she asked everyone who knew their ABC's and made them recite it. I was bored and anxious after I had my turn. I raised my hand.

"Mrs. Jones," I said, my voice low. "I need to pee." Everyone laughed. She looked at her desk at her chart.

"Okay, Peeta?" she stated. "Next time ask me and say, 'may I go to the restroom?' Not I need to pee, okay?" I nodded my head frowning. It was the same thing. "Does anyone else need to go use the restroom?" Several hands were raised. She led us out the room.

"When you're finished I want you to go straight back to class." She turned and left us. I washed my hands and excited the restroom. I was so flustered that I forgot how to get back to my class so I wandered around peeping into rooms. Then, I heard singing. I listened for a few seconds, my feet leading me to the sound.

I peeked inside a classroom to find a tall girl with dark hair singing in front of the class. She wore two braids with green bows tied to the ends. It was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. She was the prettiest girl I have ever seen.

I was lost but mesmerized by her voice. A school monitor found me and led me back to my class. After hearing her sing, I was distracted for the rest of the day. After school I ran to my Dad as he picked up to go home.

"Daddy, Daddy," I yelled as I held onto a school bag filled with pad of lined paper, pencils and erasers. "I love school. Can I come back tomorrow?" My Dad laughed and picked me as he cradled me in his arms swinging us around in a circle. I giggled in glee.

"I knew you'd love it, Peetie,' he said with a big smile on his face.

"School is…awesome." I learned a new that day while playing in the schoolyard with other kids my age.

"Awesome, huh?" I nodded my head. Since that day my life has never been the same.

End of Flashback ––

Year after year my devotion for Katniss Everdeen grew exponentially. Though we never talked and became friends, she became the focal point of my existence. I dreamt and longed for her from a distance. It was pathetic. She was two grades ahead of me, but during middle school I was advanced one class ahead of my classmates. We still didn't interact but we circled around each other never meeting or talking. I was too scared to approach her since I knew that Gale Hawthorne was boyfriend. Every boy in school never bothered her. Gale Hawthorne was tall with broad shoulders. His dark head and lean frame towered most of all the kids in school. Everyone was afraid of him. Not even Rye who was an inch shorter than him messed with Gale.

I was resigned to the fact that Katniss would never be mine let alone notice me. She was friendly but never socialized with both Seam and Merchants as she mostly kept to herself. It wasn't until the mining accident that she became more sullen and unapproachable. Before the accident she tolerated her classmates now…she barely acknowledged them. How she became good friends with blond haired Madge Undersee was a mystery.

When I first had a class with her, I waved my hand to say hello. She turned her head and hasn't looked at me since. I was crushed but understood her reluctance for any form of friendship I extended to her. I was Merchant and she was Seam, a divide never to be acknowledged in the open or ever crossed.

When I heard of Gale bedding girls both Seam and Merchant, I was angry with him for betraying Katniss and angry at her for staying in a relationship that he took for granted. He disrespected her when she deserved better. But I still never approached her. She was too intimidating.

I looked back to the incident that caused me to seek refuge away from the bakery. After my prep work this morning, Dad took me aside leading me to the front of the bakery.

"Peeta, can you frost these cookies for me upstairs?" He handed me a bag. "Make sure your mother doesn't see you working on this." I ran up the stairs and headed to the kitchen. In the bag, were 10 cookies with a note, 'Six sugar cookies for Posy Hawthorne, Prim Everdeen will be picking up the cookies after school. There are four extra cookies for your girl and her little sister.' I blushed at what he had written. 'She will meet you after school behind the bakery.' I gasped in surprise. Dad knew of my long time crush with Katniss. We never spoke of her in front of my mother.

I knew that Katniss walked her sister Prim to and from school. I was elated, scared and nervous as I frosted the cookies and topped them with flower sugar frosting. Pleased with my work, I hid them in the back of the pantry. All day during school I was unfocused and distracted. The day felt long, as I couldn't wait to finally speak to Katniss. This was my chance. At lunch period I forced myself not to look at her and Madge sitting under their tree, the usual spot they reserved for themselves. Ordinarily, she sat with Gale for lunch with a bunch of his Seam friends. This year Madge joined her. I smiled at the thought that Katniss befriended a Merchant, Madge Undersee.

I cringed as I remembered Katniss' reaction. I was crushed and despondent with her behavior with me since I couldn't figure out what I did wrong. I wasn't giving the bag of cookies to Prim out of charity but a gesture of friendship. After all, Prim was my friend. She, however, didn't see it that way. When I came back inside the bakery my dad smiled at me asking me how it went. I told him everything. Thus, I snuck out of my window in the second story of the bakery. It was unfortunate that my mother caught me.

"Peetie," Dad spoke disrupting my train of thought. "You need to be patient with Katniss. She didn't meant to be…"

"Mean to me?" I took a deep breath inhaling the smell of bread and sugar in the air. The bakery was closed but the aroma from the bakery still lingered. Everyday after work I took a shower to remove the scent of flour and yeast off my skin. My classmates often teased me, especially the girls telling me I smelled of bread and cookies. When I was in 8th grade, one Merchant girl one grade ahead me told me I smelled good enough to eat. Back then I never realized what she meant until Rye explained it to me.

"Give her time and be patient. In the end, you'll see. She will be worth it." I appreciated my father's optimism. It gave me hope. I have two more years before I pass reaping age. I made no plans of my future since it seemed bleak with the thought of Katniss not in my life. I needed a miracle. I just prayed that it would happen soon.

AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Any comments or reviews will be greatly appreciated. Thanks to my muse, you know who you are. Have a great weekend everyone.