Beauty and The Geek

The Play's The Thing

***
Glimmer

"Okay, students, places." Ms. Trinket says excitedly, clapping her hands. "Places!" We all get in our places. "Where's Finnick?"

We all shrug. Annie rushes in. "Finnick's sick!" She shouts.

"Sick?" Ms. Trinket exclaims. "Well, Cato, darling, it looks like you're taking his place."

"Me?" Cato says in a shaky voice.

"Yes." Ms. Trinket nods. "Go on. Go get ready." She shoos him off and he obeys.

***

"Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take." Cato says then leans in to kiss me. He jumps and runs out a door right before our lips touch.

"Cato, come back!" Ms. Trinket shouts out to him as the curtain closes.

"I got it." I say, running after him. "Cato!" I shout. "Cato!"

"What do you want?" He snaps viciously as soon as I get outside.

"What's up?" I ask as calm as I can.

"I'm not going back out there," he says. "I don't care how good everyone says I am."

I prop myself against the wall beside him. "It's okay." I rub his back with my hand.

He rolls his eyes. "Whatever."

I feel like something is bothering him but I don't bother asking him what. "Who's your understudy?" I ask.

"Marvel," he says.

"So, Marvel is the understudy's understudy?"

He nods, the light making his face look even more pale. "Yeah." He chuckles.

The door opens, revealing Ms. Trinket. "Come on, children." She says. "The play must go on."

We all walk back into the building together. "Um," Cato begins. "Ms. Trinket?"

"Yes, dear." She asks.

"Would it be okay if Marvel took my place?"

She stops and turns toward us. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing. I just feel uncomfortable being on stage with so many people watching me perform."

Ms. Trinket shrugs. "That's fine by me." She says. "Marvel!" She shouts. "Get ready! You are our Romeo!"

"Yes, ma'am." Marvel says, getting the clothes together. He casts a glance at Cato. "Thank you." He mouths with a smile.

Cato smiles back, grabbing his original clothes from his bag and walking to the bathroom.

  ***

Marvel's lips fit perfectly on mine as the two pairs connect. His are warm and soft. The kiss creates sparks as our lips stay in perfect sync. Everyone cheers as the curtain goes down.

We pull away, smiling. "You're good." I say.

"Thanks," he says. "You are too."

"Good job, guys." Cato says, smiling. His blond hair shines in the light we have back stage, creating a halo-like glow around his face.

He's so handsome. I think. He looks like an angel.

"Thanks, Cato." Marvel says as the curtains open back up.

  ***

"Good job, Glim." Clove pats me on the back.

"Thanks, Clo." I say, smiling.

"Two pumpkin-spice lattes?" Finnick asks as he comes through the door.

"Thanks, Fin." Clove and I say in unison as we receive our drinks.

"No problem." He says. "You done very good out there, Glimmer." He pats my back.

"Thanks." I take a sip of my latte.

"Everything cleaned up?" Finnick asks Cato as he walks through.

"Almost," Cato replies, dusting his white t-shirt off. He walks over to me. "What's that?"

"Pumpkin-spice latte," I reply.

"Gross." He says.

"You're crazy," I chuckle.

"I hate pumpkins."

"Weirdo."

"I'm not weird."

"Yes, you are!" I shout, laughing. "Get away from me, Freak!"

He makes a pouty face as he walks out the door.

"Where are you going?" Finnick asks.

"I'm done." Cato says, sliding his jacket on. "Plus, I'm going to getting outta here since she's being mean."

I laugh and shake my head as I watch him walk out of the building.

"Glimmer!" Marvel shouts. "Hey," he reaches me. "Need a ride home?"

"No," I shake my head. "I got it." I spin my keys around my finger.

"Okay," he says, smiling. "Bye."

"Bye. See you tomorrow." I begin walking out the door. "Come on, Clove." I say.

"Coming!" She shouts, running after me. "Hi," she waves when she gets beside me.

I laugh, "Hey."

When we're both in the car, we turn on the radio and heat. Tonight hasn't been that bad.