Linking Arms

Chapter 27

Katniss

"So you got the plan down?" Clove asked me. She's been going on about Finnick's grand gesture to win Annie's trust. Finnick's really sincere on this, holding meetings and so forth. I haven't really been attending them since Peeta's there, and I don't want this to be about us when we're there for Finnick, which is why Clove's elaborating about it to me in my room now.

I nod. "Why is Finnick surprising her at the lake out of all places?"

"Annie used to live by the water," Clove explains. "She transferred from District 4, remember? Apparently, whenever Annie would be homesick of her district, Finnick would take her out by the water to calm her."

"That's sweet," I sat, leaning against my bed frame. "So, anyway, I'm going to pick up Annie from her house to 'take her shopping', and just head to the lake?"

"That's pretty much all you have to do," Clove shrugs. "The rest is covered."

I cock my head. "It doesn't seem right to leave all the decorating to the four of you. I can help, you know."

Clove shakes her head. "Finnick directly said that's all you had to do."

I roll my eyes. "That's stupid. I'm meeting you guys before I pick up Annie to help decorate with or without Finnick's or your permission."

Clove looks down at my quilt. "H-He just doesn't want you to feel bad, that's all."

I bite my lip. She doesn't even have to say his name, and I know what Clove's talking about. I sigh, reaching my hand out to Clove. "Clove, it's been what, a month or two since the breakup? I think I can handle being in the same place as him. I'll be okay."

Clove squeezes my hand and slowly looks up at me. "You sure?"

"Yes," I smile. "Now, enough about my boy problems, when are you going to ask out Cato?"

Clove then quickly changes the subject and goes on about Cato, but I don't hear her. I'm thinking of Peeta and I don't know if I will be okay seeing him.

~~~

"I hope you all are ready to present your power points on your women!" Mr. Arelius enthusiastically says, holding out a clipboard. "Let's get started, shall we?! First off, Rylie Gallatin and Peeta Mellark!"

I drop my head down on my chin as the two make their way up in front of the class. I despise how happy they look together, all buddy-buddy. Lately, Peeta has isolated himself from our little group, because of well, me. He's now hanging with Rylie and they're the equivalent of best friends now.

"Mary Lyon," Peeta begins, "a women's rights activist, establisher of the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, but most importantly, a believer of equality."

I roll my eyes at his enthusiasm and drop my head down on my desk. I can't listen to this. I can't listen to how happy and confident he is without me. I can't stand it. I'm so tired of this, avoiding him in the halls and in the cafeteria.

And it gets worse at night. I still have that dream, the dream of Peeta and me snuggled up together on my couch, us being in the perfect moment. . . and having it turn into a nightmare.

"You think you're my exclusive?" Peeta's words echo in my mind. "Stupid mutt. . ."

"No!" I scream out, panting. Everyone's staring at me now, murmuring and whispering about me. I pick up my bag and hastily stand up, finding Peeta's eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."