Linking Arms

Chapter 11

Katniss

Peeta's not in school today. In gym, he was apparently marked absent.

"Katniss, c'mon. I bet he's fine." Clove rolled her eyes as she kept tugging on the hem of my p.e shirt.

I keep wandering my eyes at the guys playing basketball, looking for Peeta. "I know, but I just wanna know if he's okay."

Clove groans and starts to tug on my arm. "I wanna play already."

"Looking for your boyfriend?" Glimmer said from behind.

I roll my eyes as I turn to her along with Clove. "Glimmer, shut it."

She laughs and flips her hair over her shoulder. "Peeta's not here, Katniss." She looks to Clove with crossed arms. "You're still hanging with this social injustice?"

Clove shrugs and backs away. "I-I'm not in this."

"Whatever, but remember you still have a spot with us, justices of the school." Glimmer said in a sing-song voice. With those words, Glimmer twirled back around and headed to the other girls.

I arch my eyebrow at Clove and chuckle. "You better not leave me, or Imma beat your ass."

Clove shakes her head and laughs. "Never in my life."

Peeta

"What the hell do you mean you lost my keys?!" Mom yelled before slamming me down with a slap.

I wince and back away a little. "I think s-someone stole t-them."

"You incompetent ass!" Her voice grew louder. "Don't lie to me!"

She slaps me once again, my eyes growing with tears. I back up even more into the countertop. "I-I'm sorry. I'll find them, I-I promise."

"You better." Her voice toned down, but it was still filled with rage. Her similar eyes pierced my own.  "Or don't even think about coming back home."

I gulp as she walks back into her room, slamming the wooden door shut. I twitch at the sound. I need to get my keys back.

+++

I call Finnick to ask for help at three, when school ends. I mean, do I really want to ask Katniss for help after attempting to kiss her? Hell to the no. Finnick answers my call after only two rings.

"What's up?" His voice slurred.

"I need help."

"Watcha need? I'm with Annie right now, so both of us could help you."

I sigh in relief. "Ok, thank you so much. It's about my car keys."

I hear Finnick sigh into the phone. "Gale has them?"

I sigh back. "Yep."

"Listen, I'll pick you up and bring you to my place." Finnick informed. "Bye."

"Bye," I said before he hung up.

Finnick arrives at my place no longer than eight minutes. I stand outside on the porch before hopping in the backseat. Both, him and Annie turn to me. "How the hell are we supposed to get your car keys back?"

I shrug. "You guys are the ones helping me."

"Whatever, we'll talk more about it once we get to my place." Finnick turned back around and switched the gear.

Once we arrive, Finnick grabs some sugar cubes from the pantry.

"What are those for?" I asked, leaning on the counter.