Oneshots and Drabbles from District 12 and Beyond

Sin City- Everlark (Modern AU)

Peeta pulled into the parking lot of the strip club on two wheels, putting his car in park before looking at his watch. It was nearly eleven and Cato's bachelor party had started at ten. As a busy man, Peeta had hoped that his friend wouldn't hold it against him and at least be thankful he showed up, being that he drove in just to be at his bachelor party and wedding, having to check into his hotel room before that.

He worked almost 24/7, being an entrepreneur and all. At the age of fifteen, he began the starting stages of his business, selling his product to his peers. He was a baker and a chef, and by senior year, he added caterer to his list. He was now twenty-six, and his small business had expanded to a national level. He had locations in almost every state. Of course he couldn't manage every location, but he did make trips every now and then just to check up on things. He ran his first location though, which was out of state and about an hour from his hometown. It did very well regularly though. His friends obviously envied his success, but regardless, Peeta remained the same, old Peeta they grew up with and enjoyed being around.

He turned off the car, looking at himself in his rear view mirror. His curly hair was smoothed back to give him a more mature appearance, seeing as he had a meeting with some teens he hoped to invest in earlier that day. He looked away from the mirror, taking off his tie, tossing it in the backseat, and reaching for his "man bag". He grabbed ahold and pulled it into his lap, getting out his cologne and spritzing himself minimally before stepping out of his car. He left his bag in the driver's seat before closing the door, making sure to lock it on his way towards the door. As he walked, he rolled his sleeves up to around his elbows. He could already smell the alcohol and hear the rapid bass vibrating throughout the premises. It was going to be a long night.

When he entered the building after going through the line, he almost automatically spotted his friends at the bar throwing back shots. He made his way over to them, a smile spreading across his face. "Hey," he called out and they all turned around to face him.

"Look who finally showed up!" Finnick greeted him, clapping him on the back. Cato's smile faded as he caught a whiff of Peeta's cologne.

"God, you've got on the chick magnet cologne," he groaned. "That expensive stuff always attracts hot girls, especially strippers. It's supposed to be my night, remember?"

Peeta flashed his I.D. to the bartender as he ordered himself an Old Fashion. "I understand that, Cato, but I put on what was in my car," he replied, sliding the bartender his payment as well as a tip once he was handed his glass.

"You mean your one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollar car-"

"Hey, hop off Peeta, Dude," Gale interrupted Cato.

"Yeah," Marvel added. "We're not worried about Peeta's success at the moment. Right now, we're worried about you celebrating your last night as a bachelor. How does it feel?"

Cato downed another shot, his face wincing some. "Can somebody remind me why I'm marrying Clove again when there's girls like that around here?" He asked as he motioned to a girl, a stripper, who passed by them on her way to the back. All five of the men's eyes followed her, and Peeta took a sip of his drink, his eyebrows furrowing. That was a good question, but it was one that didn't need to be asked on the night before the wedding. The stripper looked back at them, almost as if she sensed them watching, and winked.

"Jesus," Gale sighed. "If only she wasn't half silicone," he said after awhile, and the group erupted in laughter.

"You know, the headliner is coming on in a few," Finnick stated as they got quiet. "I heard she's a real...treat."

"How did you hear that?" Peeta brought his glass up to his lips, taking a long sip.

"The announcer guy, Caesar...Caesar Flickerman I think it was said it. She racks up the most money in a night. Name's Kitty or something."