The boy with the bread: The back story to Peeta Mellark

Chapter 8

"Just to let everyone know, There will be a wrestling match later today," the teacher announces to the class. Students exchange thoughts in whispers, "and representing our grade is Peeta Mellark." That's when the class started to talk. They all look at Peeta and claps, He smiles at lets them clap for him. It's about time he gets little appreciation. Mom. He totally forgot about the match. The team has been practising for over a year at his school, and known to be the best in his grade. But Peeta doesn't think so. He doesn't even know how he got so strong, all he does at home is carry sacks of flour and frost cakes. His brothers all do the same, yet their built too.

The teacher goes on with the normal routine of Panem history. How the war affected their country and gives reminders of why the rebellion happened in the first place. Peeta pays attention to this because he's naturally a good student and in a way want's to know more about the Capitol. Apparently over the years people in different districts rebelled and got severely punished. It all makes sense why violent peacekeepers run districts and they live in a command economy.

After lunch Peeta's coach summons him and his team to the gym. A few others start to show up to watch, which makes Peeta a tad bit nervous, but constantly reminds himself what job he has to do. Beating his opponent. The practice matches are only with a few people and the coach, so when 30 other students show up, it is different from what they are used to.

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"This match determines the best and strongest wrestler in the school. So don't hope you'll win...know you'll win!" the coach encourages the team, with enthusiasm that Peeta always admired with his coaching, "we are going to start off with Dale and Carl, the youngest of our group," he gestures them to the old battered ring, "get into your positions,"

Peeta stands back with both his brothers getting ready to watch the match. Dale, the blond fourteen year old, takes his position on the Matt. He remembers watching him practice, lots of practice still needed, but overall, an okay wrestler. His opponent, Carl also takes his stance, while blowing his back hair away from his nervous face. Carl is a scrawny boy who probably doesn't have enough food to eat on a regular basis, but he still manages to gain as much muscle as he can to be on the team.

More students feed into the gym, some teachers join also, with the same stern looks on their faces as always. They probably are just there to make sure no chaos will go about with the audience. Wrestling can have that affect on some people. Dale and Carl set their feet flat on the mat and look ready to begin, so when coach blows his whistle, they go at each other like there's no tomorrow. While watching them fight, Peeta notices the false moves they are making: Dale grabs Carl by the waist and literally a second later, Carl whips under and pound his opponent to the ground. Coach fights with every move they make, like he can make a difference with his dramatic movements. The students start to cheer when Dale tries to get up, but almost immediately the teachers stop them. What's wrong with cheering? Whatever, they weren't making a difference to the amount of noise, no matter how much they tried.

The match is almost over. Dale looks like he's beaten down to the point where he can't get up. Carl is still managing, but also on the verge of collapsing. Before it could get any worse for them, the coach ring the bell. Three rings echo throughout the gym, while a few other members of the team start to help out the competitors.

"The winner of this match is. . . Carl!" the coach announces while raising Carls arm in the air. The students clap and some start to leave, probably because they came to see only their match. A few look disappointed, they were routing for Dale.

"Next in the ring, Peeta Mellark and Carme Lerner!" the coach yells out to the crowd, and gesture Peeta and his opponent to the ring. Peeta takes a better look at the audience, his eye catches something familiar, a lose braid running down her back. He quickly realizes: Katniss came to watch.
Peeta's heart stops for a moment. Why would she come? She's never shown an interest in wrestling--or any school activities. Not that they had many.
"Positions!" Coach yells at them, distracting Peeta from his thoughts.
Peeta gets his feet ready, arms in front, and eyes on his competitor. He's got brown hair and a small scar on his left temple. It doesn't take long for Peeta to realize something special about Carme: he is the boy from the nightmare, standing there ready to beat the crap out if him.