Just a new story idea I had of a "what if" situation if Katniss and Peeta were never reaped in the Hunger Games. Would they ever talk to each other and what would happen if they ever did.

Say Something

Chapter 1-Thank You

"Priscilla Carver," the clipped voice of Effie Trinket called out. A blonde who was amongst the 14 year olds cried out. Katniss Everdeen turned her head, her heart in agony for the new tribute who would now be heading into the most horrible of events-The Hunger Games. At the same time as she felt pained for her, there was also relief knowing that she herself had been given another year of relief. Katniss let out the breath she didn't know she was holding as the girl walked up onto the stage. Her body literally shook as it stood by the capitol woman, who headed toward the opposite side of the stage to another glass bowl. The immaculately polished hand tossed through the slips of paper a few times before pulling one out. Her heels clicked as walked back to the center of the stage.

Again, the entire population of the district was silent as the chaperone said, "Mason Baxter." This time, a tall boy in the group of 17 year olds bravely walked out. Katniss could see that his head was held high and his walk sure as he headed to join the group on stage. As quickly as it all happened, the two were turned around and taken inside the Justice Building, ending the Reaping. The dark haired huntress shook her head at the futility of all, and then turned to meet up with her sister, who had just endured her first Reaping. If nothing else, Katniss was glad that at least Prim was safe for now. That would have been the cruelest blow if that had happened.

For now, she continued to hunt and provide for her family. She spent most of her time with Gale, who had the good fortune to be done with Reapings, although now it meant a life stuck in the mines. At least for now, he was free to come with her on their outings for food. Through the next weeks, they watched the Games unfold, with the two tributes amazing the crowd at the capitol, as well as the district with their dramatic and fiery entrance at the tribute parade. Their training scores were middling, and their interviews were nice, but nothing special. It was no surprise to Katniss when Priscilla, a sweet girl who played piano, died in the bloodbath at the Cornucopia. Mason lived on for almost a week before the Career pack, led by a brutish boy named Cato, found him in the middle of the night and killed him. Katniss took a handful of squirrels she had hunted the following day to the families of the two teenagers as a token of her sympathy.

Before she knew it, school was once again in session. The endless lectures on Panem's history, government, and coal production did not settle Katniss in the least. She continued to see the starvation of her people, and the fire began to grow in her at the complete injustice of what had been going on for almost 75 years. If only something could be done. It's a waste for 23 children to die every year, just for the entertainment of the Capitol.

Her thoughts were continuing to ramble on in her head, so that she wasn't watching where she was going. Her body slammed right smack into something larger and stronger than she was. The petite body she had fell down to the ground at the collision. It took a moment for her to regain herself, but as she did, Katniss began to pick up the papers that had fallen around her. As she did, her grey eyes saw another hand helping to clean up the mess. Katniss tilted her head up, seeing waves of blonde hair and deep blue eyes staring back at her.

It's him. Her body seemed to be frozen in place. It was Peeta Mellark in front of her. It must have been him that she ran in to. The Boy with the Bread. The one who had saved her life five years before with his selfless gift of bread that caused him to receive a beating at the hands of his own mother. Guilt plagued Katniss' mind, not only for colliding with him, but for the one thing she had not done after that day in the rain. She realized now that she needed to say something, as the silence seemed to becoming so long it was awkward.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going," she tentatively began.

"It's okay. I was more worried about you. Are you alright? That was a nasty spill," there was concern that Katniss could see clearly on his face.

"I'm fine. Thank you for helping me pick up the mess," and she stuffed all of the papers into her bag.

"No problem," he said, and began to turn around going back down the hallway. Katniss couldn't explain it, but in that moment, she felt compelled to call out to him.

"And Peeta," she yelled at him. He turned his head to look over his shoulder back at her. "Thank you…for the bread."

He turned and strolled back towards her. Katniss felt the need to continue, "I wanted to say thank you for the bread you gave me."

The boy looked like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Katniss, that was five years ago. You don't have to thank me. I know how bad things were. I wanted to help. Simple as that."

"Peeta, you don't understand. I do need to thank you. That bread you gave me saved my life, and the life of my family. It has meant more to me than anything. I should have thanked you the next day, but I could never get up the courage to until now. I'm sorry it has taken me so long," and with that she looked down at the ground awaiting his response.

Tilting her head up to look at him, he said, "I'll tell you what. You want to thank me, then there is something you can do for me."

She looked at him curiously as she had no idea what he could possibly want in return. "OK, then. What do you want?"

His reply was quick, "You can thank me by letting me walk you home."

Katniss was stunned for a moment. Peeta wanted to walk her home? Why would he want that? She couldn't fathom the reason. Although, she had to admit, as a thank you, he wasn't asking for much. The dark haired girl tried to think of the cons to this request, but found none. So, she smiled back at the baker's son and replied, "Okay, you can walk me home."

The smile on his face lit up the room. "Great. Let's go."

So, what do you think. I am just trying out the idea, but let me know if you think I should go on. Next chapter would be the walk home and the conversation during it. I would love to hear your thoughts!