Author's note: Hey reader! So this is my first fanfiction ever. Hope you'll like it. I don't have a beta reader so if you're willing to, the job is open. Please give me a review of what you thought 'cause I can use all the criticisms I'll get. I don't know if any of you will like it but I'll make sure to complete it all. Hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games. It belongs to Suzanne Collins. The song to be sung belongs to Florence and The Machine. And I looked up the ice cream.
Chapter 1: New school girl
Finnick's POV
"Dude, check it! We got a new hottie!" Cato says.
I turn around and meet their gaze. A girl in a white camisole who's curves is justFINE bringing out her breasts, black leather jacket, and skinny jeans. She's walking hand-in-hand with her cousin maybe? You can't really tell because the little one is blonde in two braids and has blue eyes that just hold happiness in her eyes while the older one is a brunette and has gray eyes with mystery and fire in them. Her little cousin pulls a smile out of her scowl. Shit! They're sisters. I turn my head back to my friends.
"I bet you each 20 bucks I can lay a kiss on the one in the leather jacket right now." I say. "Deal?"
"She doesn't look like the type to fall for the 'Finnick charm'." Peeta says. Oh! The ever so caring Peeta Mellark.
"You can keep your hopes up, Mellark." I respond. "So who's up for 20 bucks?"
"Deal." They say in unison.
"Wait! What do we get out of this?" Marvel asks. I think this for a minute and it hits me.
"I bet you 50 bucks that the moment you touch her she'll definitely give you a slap across the face." Gale says.
"Done, deal. I'll also pay you each 50 bucks." I retort.
I run off towards Katniss and swoop her off her feet. Prim is now gone. I guess she headed to her school on the other building. I immediately give her a kiss on the cheek. I hear the boys whooping and wolf-whistling. Now this is getting me and her a lot of attention. I kind of regret doing it. She looks bewildered and angry from what I did. Before she can act out, words come rushing out of my mouth.
"I promise, little squirrel." That's all I can say. Her anger in her eyes diffuse into confusion.
"Finnick? Is that you?" She asks, her voice barely audible from the guys whooping.
"Yeah! Miss me?"
She pulls me in for a hug and I instantly wrap my arms around her tiny waist. She seems so skinny for a 16 year old that eats a lot. I smell her and she still smells like pine trees. She's the first to pull away. I guess I held her pretty long.
"Your absolutely terrifying me in that getup. What happened to the pretty little-girl dresses, sweetcheeks?" I ask, tugging on her braid playfully.
"I outgrew them."
"We both gotta catch up later on. Bring little Primmy with you. How does ice cream sound like? My treat." 'You are pretty much the reason why I just got 80 bucks.' I think to myself but I don't say it out loud. I recall her eating a lot of ice cream in our sleepovers when we were younger.
"Uhmmmmm.." She's hesitating. Knowing her she doesn't like to be treated like that. I pull her in for another hug. "Fine. I guess Prim would like to see you, too. Bye, my little fish friend." I chuckle at this and I pull away. I walk back towards my friends, under the willow tree, grinning like an idiot.
"When you're done playing with that one, I'm up." Cato says. This makes me furious. I feel so bad for looking at her boobs. She's my friend like my baby sister I wished I had. I want to tackle him but I won't so I just keep it cool.
"I'm not letting her go." I say and flash him my 1 million dollar smile. "Now pay up! You too, Mellark."
The bell rings. Dammit! I forgot that Katniss is new here. I am so stupid. She'll get lost. This is a big school. Gale, Peeta, and I walk to our first period, Music, with Mr. Cinna. When we enter the room we see a pink ball of fuss. Great! Instead of Mr. Cinna being here, we end up with the annoying substitute teacher, Ms. Effie.
Katniss' POV
I walk around the school trying to look for the choir room. I'm already 30 minutes late. I mean I love being late and not attending school but I don't want to get called in the Principal's office this early. I finally walk across a room half-filled with instruments and I decide to walk in.
"You're late!" She shrills. I never knew someone can screech that loud. I shoot her an irritated look. She talks in the weirdest accent ever and I have been to different countries.
"I'm sorry. Look, I'm new around here and it's not my fault the school is HUGE." I retort, emphasizing the word 'huge'.
"Oh! You're new here. I'm Ms. Effie Trinket. The substitute teacher. I don't think you'll mind singing for us… uhmmm? Oh my! Where are my manners? I forgot to ask. Your name is?"
"Katniss Everdeen. You want me to do what?" I say, nearly a shout. I hear some gasps but I don't offer a single glance.
"Don't worry. I'll give her a boost." Someone speaks up. I whip my head towards the speaker. Finnick. I have never been more furious towards him than ever. He picks up a guitar in the corner of the room and he starts playing. Wow! He's really good at playing. It actually calms me down until I realize I still have to sing. He throws me a wink. I take a deep breath and I start singing. My voice starts out raspy. I haven't sung for a while now. Only occasionally when Prim gets horrible nightmares.
Regrets collect like old friends
Here to relive your darkest moments
I can see no way, I can see no way
And all of the ghouls come out to play
I open my eyes and look out the window. I can't look at anyone. I see that the birds outside have gathered around to listen to me. They're silent just like how they used to every time my dad opened his mouth to sing. I can feel my tears threatening to spill. I shut my eyes and continue singing.
Ever demon wants his pound of flesh
But I like to keep some things to my self
I like to keep my issues drawn
It's always darkest before the dawn.
I see them shouting my name to get out of the burning house. My eyes flutter open and face the only one here I can trust, Finnick. I can't handle seeing them die over and over again. A tear escapes the corner of my eye. Dammit! I look so weak. He gives me an apologetic smile and nods for me to continue but I do not dare take my eyes away from him.
And I've been a fool and I've been blind
I can never leave the past behind
I can see no way, I can see no way
I'm always dragging that horse around
Our love has passed such a mournful sound
Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground
So I like to keep my issues drawn
But it's always darkest before the dawn
Shake it out, shake it out
Shake it out, shake it out (oh woah)
Shake it out, shake it out
Shake it out, shake it out (oh woah)
And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah
And I am done with my graceless heart
So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart
'Cause I like to keep my issues drawn
It's always darkest before the dawn
Shake it out, shake it out
Shake it out, shake it out (oh woah)
Shake it out, shake it out
Shake it out, shake it out (oh woah)
And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah
And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
And given half the chance would I take any of it back
It's a fine romance but it's left me so undone
It's always darkest before the dawn
Oh woah, oh woah… Ooooh!
And I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't
So here's to drinks in the dark at the end of my road
And I'm ready to suffer and I' ready to hope
It's a shot in the dark and right at my throat
'Cause looking for heaven, found the devil in me
Looking for heaven, found the devil in me
But what the hell I'm gonna let it happen to me
Shake it out, shake it out
Shake it out, shake it out (oh woah)
Shake it out, shake it out
Shake it out, shake it out (oh woah)
And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah
So shake him off
Shake it out, shake it out
Shake it out, shake it out (oh woah)
Shake it out, shake it out
Shake it out, shake it out (oh woah)
And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah
So shake him off
When I'm done singing, Finnick gives me a pat on the shoulder and a reassuring squeeze. Everyone is so silent, even Effie. Normally I appreciate the silence but it's so unnerving at the moment. I don't even get applause or something.
"You were great, sweetheart. You even got better." Finnick whispers.
I walk to the vacant seat by the window and sink into the chair. I just want to go home and hunt in the woods. This is the problem with moving around. First, I have to deal with so many languages and now that I'm finally talking in my own language, I get humiliated. Once the bell rings, I shoot right up and half-walk/half-run out the door. I don't even know where I am or where I am headed. I can hear Finnick shouting my name but I don't even look back. This just makes break into a full sprint out the door. I need some time and space to think. I can't stand those crowded and stuffy classrooms. I check my schedule and I have a free period. Great! I wouldn't worry about skipping class and getting called in the Principal's office. I roam around the campus, looking for a nice spot to stay. I choose a spot under a tree in the back of the school. I wonder why it looks so abandoned. Maybe because they still have classes? I am just thankful this place is so peaceful and windy. I pull out an apple from my bag and start climbing up the tree. I think it will be a good place to hide if anyone else will come by.
THE HORN OF PLENTY
I walk into the cafeteria and look for a seat. I see Finnick waving me over to his posse of friends-cheerleaders and varsity players I assume. Leave it to him to hang with the popular group. I fight the urge to roll my eyes. I choose to avoid him and sit with a girl alone on a table.
"Hey." I say.
"Hi." She whispers, not looking up at me. She seems so shy and quiet. She has lovely brown and wavy hair. Wavy like the waves that fall and rise from the ocean.
"Do you mind?" I ask, placing my tray on the table. This is the time when she looks up. She has soft green eyes, just like Finnick.
"No. Go ahead. I'm Annie Cresta" she says, smiling. Her voice is now louder.
"Katniss." I respond, holding out my hand. She shakes it. Just when I'm about to eat my pasta, someone places an arm around my waist. I'm about to jerk it off but when I look up I see Finnick.
"Hey! I waved you over." He says.
"Finn, Annie. Annie, Finnick." I introduce. "I didn't feel like coming over."
"We know each other. She's the Captain of the swimming team and I'm the quarterback of the football team." He says, politely. "We still up for later?"
"Uhmmm.. Yeah, sure. Wanna join us, Annie?" I ask.
"You guys don't mind me joining in your date?" she asks, sweetly.
When the realization hits me, I nearly spit out my food. Finnick just laughs his ass off. I feel like punching him. I wished I did spit out my food and on his face.
"We aren't dating." I respond almost immediately, after clearing my throat. "He'll be treating me and my little sister for some ice cream. I'm sure he won't mind you tagging along. And I'm sure that he won't mind treating you, too. Right Finn?" I nudge his rib with my elbow.
"OWWW!- I mean yeah, right. Of course! The gentleman that I am wouldn't mind at all. Well, I have to go back now." He stands up and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and winks at Annie then walks back towards his table.
THE HORN OF PLENTY
I wait under the willow tree with Annie and Prim. They have been chatting non-stop. They got along so well. I'm glad that Prim likes her already. A yellow Porsche stops by on the side of the road. Finnick comes out from the driver's seat and Prim dashes to him. She jumps on Finnick right away. He loses his balance but regains it quickly.
"I miss you too, Prim." He laughs.
We hop into the car, me in the front seat and Annie and Prim in the back.
"So Prim, do you like it here in California?" Annie asks.
"Yes! It's such beautiful place." Prim replies, enthusiastically.
"What about the beaches here?" she asks.
"I haven't been to one yet. It's not Kat's kind of thing. She just doesn't like the bikinis they wear."
"Don't worry! I'll bring you there myself sometime that is if Katniss is okay with it." I look at them over my shoulder and just nod. I can see Finnick glancing at them through the mirror. I soon tune out of their conversation. I don't wanna think about this place right now. I miss New Jersey. I miss the woods. I miss Madge. Through the 5 years we have been apart we still manage to keep our friendship alive, We would chat on Skype normally. New Jersey is the best place I have transferred to. Russia was just too cold for me to handle. France was too fancy. I didn't like the way they would kiss both my cheeks every time they would say hello. Australia was alright but New Jersey was the best yet. I love hanging out in the woods there. I pull out my phone and decide to text Madge.
Madge, I miss you. ='C
"Kat?" Prim asks.
"Oh! Hmmm?"
"We're here already."
"Oh! Sorry. I was just thinking."
"So I wanted to sleep over my friend, Rue's place. On Friday? Can I go please? Pretty pretty please with a cherry on top?" She pouts her mouth and gives me those puppy dog eyes that I can't resist.
"Fine." I roll my eyes at her playfully and ruffle her hair. It's not like I can say no to her and if I do say no she won't quit bugging me. Finnick opens the door to "The Seam".
We walk over to the counter.
"Hi! Welcome to the Seam!" the lady chirps. "What can I get for you today?"
"What's in the Hokey Cokey?" Finnick asks.
"Caramel Luxury Ice Cream with Cinder Toffee Pieces."
"I'll take that. How about you girls?" he asks, flashing us an amusing smile.
"I'll get the Chocominto. That's chocolate and mint right?" I ask.
"I'll have Blue Heaven." Prim squeaks.
"And uhmmm.. I'll have Cinder Toffee." Annie says, quietly.
"You should go find seats. I'll be right there." Finnick says.
We take a seat by the window sill and Finnick comes over with our ice cream in a tray. Finnick sits by my side and wraps an arm over my waist. He can never keep his arms to himself. Annie starts asking us questions.
"How did you guys meet?" she asks.
"We got stuck in 7 minutes in heaven. She just couldn't keep herself away from me." Finnick replies. I slap him hard on the shoulder.
"Finnick! Prim is with us!" I scold. "Don't listen to what this dummy says." She and Prim giggles. "We met in Summer Camp 5 years back. We got lost in the woods when we went for a trip with the rest of the troop. We lived there for like a week." I laugh, remembering the memories we shared.
My phone rings with a text and it's from Madge.
Sorry, haven't replied. Miss you too, Kat. Also the animals in the woods. No one is hunting them down no more. This makes me laugh more.
I'll try visiting, yeah? I text back.
We finish our ice cream and head home.
Author's note: I hope you will like it. No offense to Russia and France. I'm sorry. I haven't been there yet but I think it looks wonderful and I just thought how would Katniss feel like every time they kissed both her cheeks.