Peeta x Reader

Chapter 1: The Sunrise

Song: "Skylight" by Pinegrove

Y/N POV

    I sit on the ground in front of the District 12 bakery. It is so early in the morning that the sun just graces the horizon which I can see rising far off to my left. I've been waiting outside for about 10 minutes, too tired and hot to go up to the door. It's summer, so even though the sun is not fully out, the air is sweltering. I am interrupted from my thoughts as the door to the bakery abruptly slams shut and a tall blond boy named Peeta Mellark steps out and sits on the ground next to me.

     Peeta and I have been friends for as long as either of us can remember. We met in school when we were young and ever since we've been inseparable. While I live in the Victor's Village with my older brother and Peeta lives in the merchant area, we see each other every single day. I look to my right and see that his eyes are staring into mine. He smiles at me and holds his hands behind his back.

     "Here," He sticks out his hand and I look down to see a pastry, carefully and beautifully decorated with a blue sky, fluffy clouds, and dainty yellow birds.

     "Happy birthday." he says.

     It is easy to remember when my birthday is because it is always the day before the reaping. We don't usually have a celebration, but my brother uses his victory money to buy me a thoughtful present. This year it's a leather bracelet with my parents initials carved into it, which hangs loosely off my wrist. Some of my other school friends send me good wishes, but not much can be spared for gifts from their families. This is okay with me because I do not expect gifts from people who already have so little for themselves.

     Peeta, though, always writes me a note promising me a lovely house, pretty clothes, and happiness. It's silly but thoughtful, even though it seems highly unattainable because of how our lives have played out so far. This year, however, his note is accompanied by an exquisite treat.

     "This is beautiful Peeta. Really, thank you." I say graciously.

     "You're welcome. I spent a lot of time deciding what to put on the cookie, because this is such a special occasion," says Peeta, blushing, "The birds on there are called goldfinches, I found that out. And I know how much you like to...um...look at the sky..." It's an awkward attempt at explaining his gift, but I know what he means. Especially today.

     Every year, the day before the reaping, we sneak out of the gate that encompasses District 12 early in the morning because it might be the last beautiful morning we get. We sit by a small lake and watch the sunrise. Peeta always says, "The color of the sky, it's my favorite." The muted orange glow of the sun always reminds me of him. He goes on about how it's been difficult for him to replicate this exact color on his cakes. It seems like a silly thing to talk about, the struggle with color for a cake, considering what we go through daily. But it's a nice escape.

     "This morning every year at 6," I start, "The 'goldfinch' flies overhead to signal it's time to leave."

     "We then walk to school," Peeta chuckles, "It really is horrible they even make you go to school on your birthday, especially when they have to do the same old history lesson."

     The same story is told every year on this day. Why we even have the games. Why two people are selected from the districts to fight to the death as a reminder that we are helpless against the Capitol. Against President Snow. Even against ourselves. It is definitely a morbid topic for my birthday morning, but we aren't allowed to miss it.

     "They tell us in school and then play a video the next day with the exact same information, just dramatized on television." Peeta continues.