A Twist in Our Game (Hunger Games High)

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

We followed Snow through the halls into his office, I wasn't sure what the problem was. We weren't late and couples kissed at school all the time. In fact, couples at our school did a lot more than kiss, even on campus.

"Principal Snow, I understand that Katniss was sent here earlier. But she apologized and I don't know what we did wrong." Peeta started as the door shut behind us and we sat down in front of his desk.

"This isn't about that, I hate to threaten her with the suspension but I needed to make sure we could get both of you in here to talk. Obviously you two have been dating recently, it's not exactly a secret. But I received an anonymous tip that you've been causing trouble. Sneaking into vacant classrooms alone together, skipping classes-"

"Whoever told you that is wrong. We haven't missed the same days or times of class which I'm sure you have access to knowing. Are you not allowed to tell us who told you we were doing this? Because they should be talked to for giving the principal false information." I told him. This was ridiculous. Peeta and I had just started dating.

"I trusted the source because you and him are often around each other. It was Gale, Ms. Everdeen." Snow said.

"Oh well that makes sense," I rolled my eyes.

"Principal Snow, Gale has been making Katniss's life. . . Unnecessarily difficult the past week or so. He's not happy that we're together and even before that happened he was causing trouble because he was mad at her for not having the same feelings he has. You can check our attendance records and keep a close eye on us we have not been doing anything wrong at all. Katniss and I are smart enough to know that there's consequences when you do stupid things at school. And no offense, Principal Snow, but unlike Gale, Katniss and I aren't the ones showing up drunk or hungover to school and school events." Peeta told him.

"Peeta," I said quietly. He could've gotten Gale in trouble which would've only made him bother us more.

"Is this true, Ms. Everdeen?"

"Yes," I said. "He has. I didn't interact with him those days and I would've told you but he. . . Would've reacted badly. At the time I needed Gale around, you know? My sister and I needed rides to school and he helped us out a lot I couldn't risk ratting him out."

"I understand, Ms. Everdeen. We can't punish you for something that you had no part in and something that happened in the past." He took a sip of his tea. "I'm sorry for the confusion."

"Is that all, Principal Snow?" I asked.

"One more thing," he said. "As I'm sure you're aware, homecoming is just on the horizon."

"Yes, it's a few months away." Peeta said.

"Well I'm sure you'll both rack up quite a few votes for King and Queen." He suggested.

"And why would that be?" I asked.

"Well you see, Ms. Everdeen, while the students' vote counts ultimately it's me who decides. The people elected have to be well behaved students-"

"It's a silly, petty, immature little beauty contest why does it matter?" I wondered.

"Ms. Everdeen, please." He continued, "I was just informing you, that aside from this false report delivered by your friend Gale I believe that you two are both model students. And I think you better dress for the occasion seeing seeing as though I can almost be positive the winners this year are sitting in front of me."

"Why is it a big deal to you?" Peeta asked.

"Popularity is very much so a thing in high school. As principal I believe that popular students should be well behaved students and if you're not well behaved you don't get to win a contest." He explained. "I'll write you notes for class."

"Thank you," Peeta and I said in sync.

He handed us the notes and we walked out of the room.

"God he's weird," I said.

"Yeah no kidding. He doesn't have anything better to do then pick homecoming winners and spy on couples. Isn't there security footage of couples actually doing what we were accused of doing?" Peeta asked.

"Probably. And he probably just sits in his office and watches it like the creep he is. He makes my skin crawl," I cringed.

"It's over Katniss. We'll just fly under the radar, don't even say hi when we pass him in the halls. Let's both just. . . Pretend he's not there," Peeta suggested.

I nodded, "Yeah, that sounds good."

There was a short silence before I thought of something.

"Hey Peeta," I said.

"Yeah Bow?" He smiled over at me.

"What if we didn't go to homecoming?" I questioned.

"You mean. . . The dance Snow just talked about?" Peeta questioned.

"Yeah. What if we didn't go? We could all get together at Glimmer or Cato's house instead. What if everyone just stood it up?" I wondered.

"Katniss. . . Everyone is going to want to go to homecoming. I wanted to go with you, too," Peeta said quietly.

We slipped into our English class with Mr. Abernathy who was hungover per usual, and asleep on the desk. I slipped the note under his hand and stabbed a pen into his desk between his hands. He didn't even flinch but it got a few laughs from people.

Peeta and I sat in the back to finish our conversation.

"Then what if we just have a formal party at Glimmer's or Cato's or someone's house. I just. . . The whole homecoming thing. . . It was all so plastic before and now it's even more so. And if we told the students then why would they want to go? I mean think about it. Everyone who goes wants to be recognized. Whether it be getting a few good pictures in the yearbook or taking home a plastic crown to match their plastic personality, if they knew that was all premeditated why would they even participate?" I explained.

"Katniss. . . I just don't think it's a good idea to mess with Snow. Don't you think he would eventually find out who planned all of this and take it out on you somehow?" Peeta said.

"I don't think he could punish me for not going to a dance. It's a school dance where you wear ties and tutus not a final I'm ditching," I said. "This is just something I think we should try and do, it's not going to mean anything if two people don't show up. It's going to mean something if no one shows up. Do you really want to sit around and drink punch and dance to crappy grind-music for five hours?"

"I was only going to go if you went. If we went together, I mean. So if you're not going then no, I do think whatever Snow does with this dance is stupid and homecoming king and queen is supposed to be the students decision no matter how shallow. So here's what we should do, we talk to our friends, we get their opinions on this whole situation and if they don't want to go, we won't go and we'll throw a party. Deal?" Peeta suggested.

I nodded, "Okay, deal,"

They would agree with me that this was all ridiculous. Right?