Life of the Mockingjays (Sequel to Panem High)

The Lollipop Queen

Katniss P.O.V

I wake up with a start because I heard crying. It's not loud but my super hearing must have picked it up. I stand up without waking Peeta up. I walk downstairs quietly and follow the crying to the movie room. Okay so it's either Alex, Ashton or James. I quietly walk in to see James stirring in his sleep. He has tears rolling down his face and he is panting. I quickly go over to him and shake him slightly. He starts to wake up and I shake him again. His eyes shoot open and he looks around scared. "Hey are you okay" I ask him and he just nods. "Yeah , I'm fine" he says sighing. "Nightmare?" I ask. "More like memories" he mutters and I look at him curiously. "I get those all the time. They're horrible" I say and he nods sadly. "You want to talk about it?" I ask and he shakes his head. "Okay. Well if you need to talk about something you can come get me. I understand" I say and he looks at me curiously. "How?" He asks. "My dad died while I was in the car with him. My sister and stepdad and mom were murdered and I was kidnapped. I get nightmares all the time and I have PTSD" I say and he gasps. "Oh my god , you were kidnapped!" He says. "Yeah long story , I'll tell you sometime. But what I'm trying to say is that I will understand what your going through" I say and he smiles slightly. "It's just the bullying" he says and I smile sympathetically at him. "Oh" I say. "They were horrible Katniss. They used to try and tip me and they would hit me and call me names. I had no friends" he says and I bite my lip. "Well nobody should ever treat you like that. Now you have those two" I say pointing to Alex and Ashton. "And do you know what I think you should do?" I say and he shrugs. "What?" He says. "I think you should go back after summer with Alex and Ashton and prove to those bullies that you are better than they are and that you have friends." I say and he sighs. "It's scary" he says. "Believe me , I know it's scary. High school is always scary. But you could make sure you are in all of their classes. Alex's mom and dad work their , all the teachers are nice and Alex and Ashton will protect you from the bullies" I say. "I really want to go back. Just so I can feel normal. Teenagers shouldn't go to internet school." He says. "Why don't you talk to Cato. He'll tell you what to do" I say and he nods. "I will, thanks Katniss" he says and I smile. "Glad I could help. Are you going to go back to sleep?" I ask and he shrugs. "If I can" he says. "Do you want me to stay for a while?" I ask and he smiles. "If you don't mind" he says sweetly and I smile. I sit on the bed right next to his and lean over the side. "Thanks Katniss" he says and I smile. "For everything." He finishes. "You're welcome" I say and he wraps his arms around me. I smile and hug him back. We let go and he tries to get comfy on the bed. He's such a sweet boy.

----------

I wake up with Alex and Ashton looking at me weirdly. "What are you doing here?" Alex asks. "Uh James had a nightmare so I came down" I say sitting up and looking at James who is still asleep. I smile slightly. "How are you all getting along?" I ask and Alex smiles. "He's so nice. I can tell well be great friends" Alex says. "Yeah it feels like we can be ourselves around him. He's cool" Ashton says. "Well I'm glad to hear that" I say and they smile. "I'm going to go and shower. Call Cato if anything happens" I say and they nod. I walk out the movie room and back upstairs to a confused looking Peeta sitting on the bed. "Hi" I say. "Where were you last night" he says. "James had a nightmare so I went to see him and must have fallen asleep" I say and he nods. "How did you notice I was gone?" I ask and he blushes. "It doesn't matter" he says and I smile. "Why?" I ask curiously. "Because I moved to hug you and you were gone" he says quietly. "Awe your so sweet" I say and hug him. He just blushes more and hugs me back , kissing my forehead. I smile and peck his cheek before standing up. "I'm going for a shower" I say and Peeta nods as I walk to the bathroom. I wash my hair and body before stepping out and putting a towel around me. I exit the bathroom to find Peeta has fallen asleep again. He's so cute when he sleeps. I walk over to my wardrobe and pick out clothes. I decide on a pair of skinny jeans , a grey crop top , grey converse and a beanie. I brush and dry my hair before sticking it on and doing my makeup.