district high school ♞ everlark

Chapter 3

Katniss POV

"Okay, so that's the science lab," I point to a black door.

"Cool," Peeta replies.

The group went outside for free period while me and Peeta roam the school alone.

"And here's the gym," I walk into the huge, tall room. Peeta walks over to a basketball rack and picks up a ball.

"You play?" I ask.

"Yeah," he nods.

"I play, too," I say while grabbing a ball as well.

"Oh really? Let's play then," he smirks and drops his ball.

"Oh, you're on," I start bouncing the ball. We play a game and I keep the ball away from him. He steals it but I manage to get it back. I shoot it half-court at it sinks into the net.

"Whoa."

"I never knew I could do that," I say astonished.

"You're good."

"You are too."

"What other sports do you play?" he asks.

"Volleyball and gymnastics."

"I play football," he replies.

"Cool," I nod as we walk out of the gym.

We come over to they tree were the others sit. "Hey guys," I smile and sit next to Clove. Peeta sits beside me.

"Hi," they say back.

After a lengthy conversation, the bell rings, signaling it's time for the next class.

Peeta and I head to the gym. I have to admit, I kinda have some feelings for him. His smile, his personality, he's just perfect.

I go into the locker room to change into some spandex shorts, an under armor t-shirt, and Nike tennis shoes. Then I walk out to meet up with Peeta and Finnick, who had this class with me.

"Hey." They say a quick hello before Boggs starts talking.

"Today, we'll be showcasing sports that you can play. I know you did this is music, if you had that yet." He gets through a couple people until my name is called. "Katniss Everdeen."

I stand on a long blue mat. "I play volleyball, basketball, and I do gymnastics as well."

I shoot another half court shot with the basketball and I get some gasps from the crowd after it sinks into the net. I return to the mat and perform an aerial and back tuck.

"Nice job, Everdeen," Boggs smiles.

"Thank you, sir."

I sit back down next to Peeta and watch some other people.

Soon, the class is over. Finnick, Peeta and I walk out of the gym after we change into our regular clothes.

Finnick goes into math class, leaving me and Peeta to walk to social studies.

*AFTER SCHOOL*

I place my books inside my locker and secure the lock just as Peeta walks up to his. "Hey," I smile.

"Hey," he smiles while putting his books inside his locker. We walk to the oak tree to find the group talking amongst one another.

"Hey guys," Glimmer smiles.

"Hey," I reply while sitting next to Cato with Peeta sitting beside me.

"-so she rides down the hill, and falls on top of my neighbor!" Finnick laughs.

Clove glares at him, "My damn bike caused the problem, not me."

"It was still funny though," he laughs.

"Yeah, cuz it fell apart!"

After some more laughing and goofing around, Peeta gasps when he looks at his watch. "Oh no, I need to get home!"

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"I just need to go," he frantically says while getting up. He grabs my hand and runs to his car with me, leaving me and the group dumbfounded.

"Promise not to tell anybody about this," he looks straight into my soul.

Peeta's eyes aren't the bright orbs, but a stormy blue, almost gray.

We get into his car. "But my car is still here," I sigh.

"You can pick it up later, just....." he puts the key into the ignition, but receives a coughing sound from the truck. He slams his hands on top of the steering wheel. "Shit!"

"We can use my car," I say while getting our of his truck.

"Fine." I guide him to my car and start it up. I back out and ask him where to go.

"Go to Night Street," he says. While driving, he blurts out a few words. "My mother beats me."

"What?!"

"You heard me. She beats me when I do something wrong. I have a feeling she'll beat me when I get home."

"Oh, Peeta," I whisper.

We pull into the bakery parking lot and he brushes forming tears away. "Hey, don't cry for me. Your tears aren't worth it," he murmurs softly.

I feel butterflies in my stomach at his touch. "Let's go."

We step into the bakery, and the sweet smell of baked goods flood my nostrils.

He whispers in my ear, "You're the only one who knows besides my brothers and father."

I'm surprised that he trusts me this much. A woman with blonde hair tied into a bun comes from the kitchen.

"Hello, Peeta," she falsely smiles. Oh, this is his mother.

"Hi, Mom. I'm sorry I'm late," Peeta shakes slightly in worry.

"Yes, ma'am, I was just showing Peeta around the school after class." I lie.

"I'm Katniss, his friend," I hold out my hand, but she remains with her arms crossed.

"Peeta, where's your truck?" She looks out the window to see my car.

"Um.... it broke down," he fumbles with his car keys.

"Peeta, may I speak with you in the kitchen?" She asks with a scowl on her face.

"Yes," he walks with her. He turns his head to look at me worriedly. I frown and press my ear against the closed door.

A loud crash erupts from the kitchen and his mother screeches, "That's what you get!"

I back up towards the exit. She hit him.
Peeta stumbles out of the room to me, holding his head.

"Oh no," I embrace him in a hug. He smells of honey and vanilla. Comforting.

"It's fine, it happens all the time." he pulls away.

"I can help you," I offer.

"No, it's fine," he sighs. "Thanks, Katniss. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye," I give him a hug before walking out of the bakery.

Driving home, I can't stop thinking about how hard his life has been.