Author's Note: This purely an imaginative writing work and is in no way a professional work. This is just something creative to express some ideas/scenarios I could imagine certain characters in. All Hunger Games characters and content belong to Suzanna Collins, I own none of them. Hope this is at least mildly interesting. As a heads up I am regularly rereading and editing as I produce chapters so there may be slight changes here or there. Alright, enough of that. Enjoy!

Chapter One

Annie's P.O.V

Today is the day, the first day of my brand new start. I am anxious as this is my second college and don't want to repeat the same mistakes. My last college was near my hometown in Montana. It wasn't a horrible college but many of the people I went high school with attended there. Due to that I was unable to start fresh as rumors had circulated about me already. I stayed for two semesters before taking a year off to balance my anxieties. That's when I realized I needed to go somewhere new and maybe, just maybe I'll find somewhere I can be comfortable. Closing my eyes, I listen to the engine my mom's pickup truck with the radio humming in the background. Smelling the imbedded scent of pine and maple in my family truck brings me to a place of peace. Suddenly I really miss home.

Auburn hair dances around me as my eyes take in the surroundings. Continuing to drive up hill, I notice the banners welcoming me to Oceana University. Its rich colors of vibrant blues and white dance in the beachy breeze. Feeling anxious I shift my eyes back to the town out the window. It's full of villas and quaint shops, while lines of boats sit at the dock. The deep cerulean of the ocean compliments the white dusty sand beautifully. I smile wondering when I would be able to sink my toes into it. Amongst all the places I've travelled Oceana was by far the most breathtaking.

"Annie, we're here." I lift my head from the passenger window to face my mom.

Her eyes are identical to my own, bright green with a hint of apprehension. She looks worried for a minute before I flash a weak smile that she returns. Making this change has been hard on her since I'm the oldest and the first to travel this far. Here I am, states away on California's southern coast away from the cool wilderness of home, hoping for a change in luck. Slowly, I exit the vehicle as I am bombarded by techno music and cheering upperclassmen.

After getting my eyes adjusted to the bright sun my breath escapes me as I see the campus. Up until now I've only seen the school online and it was lovely. But in person, it was breathtaking. The buildings are bright white and smooth with a smooth texture. Some of the buildings have been remodeled with large paned windows while the older buildings are quaint with blue shutters. Everything is southwestern styled, giving the feeling of a modern village. The university sits up high upon a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has perfect view the town and blends in perfectly with it. I'm so taken with view that I don't even notice the girl with bright red hair in front of me. Surprised, I stumble back.

Her freckled face stares at me apologetically. "Oh! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"I-It's okay, I was…distracted."

"It's a pretty site isn't it? Wait till you see the boys!" She winks as she extends her hand. "I'm Tinley by the way nice to meet you…"

"Annie." I say shaking her hand.

Suddenly my mom appears from the other side of our truck. "Annie are you okay dear?"

This girl wastes no time and rushes to my mom who looks as surprised as I am. "Hi! You must be Annie's mom, you two look just alike! I'm Tinley, I am part of the welcoming committee."

My mother smiles wide and shakes her hand. "Hello Tinley, it's nice to meet you."

Suddenly Tinley blows a whistle and a group of students head over to our parked truck.

"Well now that we've introduced ourselves, Annie what dorm are you living in?"

Oh man, I already forgot…

Quickly I grab my shoulder bag and shuffle for my paper.

"Um, it says Huxley 304?"

"Alright that's going to be two buildings to your left when you enter through the main gate here, got it?"

"Uh y-yeah I think so." I brush a lock of hair behind my ear suddenly feeling shy.

"Now that that's settled, welcome to Oceana University Annie!" Tinley enwraps me in a big hug. "The students here will move your stuff from your truck to your room so hurry. Your dorm director is Effie Trinket-Abernathy and she will give you the ID card you need to get in to your room."

Before I can ask anything Tinley runs off to the next newly arrived student. I turn around to see my mom directing the students on what to take off the truck.

"Mom?"

"Oh! Annie do you have all the information you need?"

"Yup, I just need to head to the dorm to get my ID."

"Well go on, I'll keep watch you never know who will want to take our luxury vehicle." My winks teasingly as I let out a hearty laugh.

This beat up orange pickup truck has had more breakdowns than me…and that's saying something. It was my mom's truck from when she married dad. She nicknamed the truck Miranda after her best friend because she relied on both through hard times. Honestly, Miranda is a piece of junk but she's a part of our family. My mother gives my shoulder a reassuring squeeze and I head to Huxley's dorm. As I make my way to the building I find myself surrounded by a sea of gorgeous people. Girls are carrying Prada and the boys are walking in Sperry's. Soon a bright white building with an arch way covered in beautiful flowers appears before me. At the top of the stairs is a woman with tall blonde hair and vibrant pink lipstick. She's a petite woman and decorated elaborately. Noticing my stare she waves me over with a pink gloved hand.

"Yoo-hoo!"

I quickly run up the stairs to greet her. "Hi I'm Annie, Annie Cresta."

She quickly looks at her clipboard before smiling. "Annalise Cresta right?"

"Yes, but I go by Annie, nice to meet you."

"Yes, yes, Effie Trinket-Abernathy at your service, Ms. Cresta you are in room 304 with Clove Pendle. Good luck with that one…" She murmurs the second half under breath.

"E-excuse me?"

"Oh no worries dear! Everything will work out splendidly in way or another. Here's your ID card and Ms. Pendle has already moved in so don't be surprised if the door is already open, alright?"

"Thank you." Grabbing my ID I head into the building admiring the blue tiled roof.

300…302…304!

As expected the door is already open with a tall girl making her bed. Feeling unsure on how to make my presence known I fight with myself for about 15 minutes. Eventually, she turns around and sees me in the doorway.

"Are you going to come in or what?" She turns to face me and I flinch inwardly.

"Y-yeah, sorry I-"

"No need to apologize this is your room too I'm guessing?"

"Yeah…" I walk in and notice she choose the left side of the room.

"Well, I'm Clove Pendle. I'm a sophomore and play volleyball as I'm sure you could guess, shifting her eyes to the wall full of volleyball posters."

"I'm Annie Cresta. I just transferred here."

"Where are you from? Based on your outfit I doubt you're a local."

Is that an insult or compliment?

"I'm from Montana I-"

"Montana? No wonder you're here."

"H-hey! I happen love Montana. It's a beautiful state!" I blushed realizing I got a bit worked up.

Clove stared at me oddly before laughing. "My bad I didn't mean to insult you, I'm from Salt Lake City, Utah. As far as these Cali kids know Utah's nothing but Mormons and polygamy."

"Oh I…"

"All jokes Annie." I looked down awkwardly as the movers started to bring my stuff in.

After a few minutes the last box came with my mother right behind. Clove greeted my mother before leaving for her practice. The next hour my mom and I setup my room. My room varies between dark green orange and white with white being my main color. On my wall is a beautiful picture my dad took of the sun rising in our backyard. My mom is talented in crafts and made into a tapestry for me so I wouldn't get home sick. After getting the last lamp working it's time for my mom to go. I can tell she's antsy because she runs a nervous hand through her dark brown hair. I gently grab her hand and suddenly I feel tears.

"Mom…thank you. I know that we don't have a lot but you and dad did everything you could to send me here. Oceana University is so far away from you…."

"Annie, it's alright I'm not going anywhere. Yes there is distance but if you ever need to come home you call me, no ifs, ands or buts about it. I love you and so does your father. Libby and Deacon are always cheering you on too."

"Well tell those kiddos to stay in school particularly Libby…"

My mother playful nudges my shoulder. "Hey, no harping on your sister! Worry about yourself, okay?"

"Alright, alright." I give my mom one last hug before I watch her leave.

Now here's where the struggle begins. A horrible sensation comes over me as I realize that I'm officially alone. Alright Annie Cresta take a deep breath and do your best. Just keep breathing steady. Already feeling anxious I decide to go for a walk around campus. As I explore I make note our academic quad keeping metal notes of where my classes will be. It's around 4pm and the last big group of move ins are making their way into their rooms. I notice that many family rented boats or are preparing for dinner by the coast. Unfortunately my mom is a pediatric nurse and has work Monday morning. Although it's Friday it's going to take my mom awhile to drive back. Being on this campus is like a dream I honestly never thought I would get accepted but again. Here I am.

Every building is so beautiful and the sense of serenity on the campus eases my nerves. As I explore I find myself at Chapel Peak which is the highest point on campus, overlooking all of Oceana. I sit down in the freshly cut grass and take everything in. This will definitely become a regular resting spot for me. I hum to myself quietly just watching the waves against the shore. After listening to the chatter of bypassing classmates I realize that everyone must have settled in already. Pulling out my phone I check the time and realize I've been sitting here for two hours. I get a text from Clove that the dining halls have already open for dinner. Before attempting the awkwardness that is sitting alone in the dining hall I quietly begin to braid my thick hair which is now mid-thigh.

I take my time hoping to eat after the rush of people. I hear rustling beside me as I reach the end of my braid. Choosing to ignore it for now I continue till reach the tip and pull a hair tie out of the shoulder bag I've been carrying. Once finished I stand up and stretch. Dressed in heavy navy sweater, jean shorts and black cow boots I realize I am dressed quite inappropriately for the warm beachy weather. As I stretch I notice a body beside my feet and stumble back. It's a guy and really hot one at that. He's lightly tanned with bright copper hair and jaw that could've been chiseled out of stone. My cheeks start to burn as I notice he's shirtless. The heavens truly blessed him.

The guy is asleep with and arm over his eyes, breathing lightly. Clearly he's tall just from comparing my dent in the grass to his. Around his neck is a shell necklace that matches the bracelets on his left hand. Rather than an orange tan he has a summer glow about him that just makes him seem warm. His long blue surf shorts rustle in wind as his feet lay barefoot, exposed to the sun. For second I thought I saw a smirk when I get a text from Clove about meeting at Sherry dining hall (the only one open till classes start tomorrow). Forgetting the guy next to me I rise to go meet my roommate. At least I'll have someone I know to eat with tonight.

I approach Clove and finally get a good look at her. She's beautiful but in an unexpected way. She has black eyes and hair that reaches just pass her shoulders. Her freckles are prominent but compliment her pale complexion. Clove seems to stand around 5'10 with long athletic legs. She's a slender girl but clearly an athlete. Her outfit consists of a white tank top, black yoga pants and sneakers. Behind her is this massive guy. He stands at 6'3 with broad shoulders. His dirty blonde hair is gelled up. His hazel eyes look at Clove quite affectionately. Dressed in a red cutout shirt and black basketball shorts, he is quite imposing. Gulping slightly I approach the duo and wave.

"Hey Annie, what's up?" Before I can respond she continues. "This is Cato, he and I go way back. He's got a temper but he means well." She says this with an emotion I can't quite place.

He extends his hand out which I shake noticing the intense grip. "Clove told me you're her roommate this year. She wasn't kidding when she said you were shy." Taking notice my adverted eyes and limp hand.

I laugh nervously unsure of what words to say. Clove jumps in and drags us into the dining hall. I stick with salad and a fish sandwich. I'm keeping it light since I have trouble keeping food down when I'm nervous. We sit a large booth with me on one side, Clove and Cato on the other. We exchange small talk before Cato notices some teammates from the basketball team and goes to speak with them. Tired from holding in my curiosity I ask Clove quietly but directly. "Are you dating him?"

Clove's dark eyes look up and she drops her fork. "No."

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get in to your personal matters."

"It's not a problem." She lifts a dark eyebrow amused. "I got asked that ever since we came to Oceana together. I just didn't think you had the guts to ask."

"Oh." Was all I could muster up before Clove sighed and leaned back.

"Honestly Annie, I don't know." Now I look up in surprise. Is she really confiding in me? "Cato and I… we are thing when we are together but…when we aren't then we aren't you know?"

"Truthfully…I don't."

"You never had a relationship?"

"No…"

"Aren't you like 21 though?"

"No, I graduated early… I'm 19"

"What?! Then I'm older then you…damn. Well you look young but…"

"But?" I ask with genuine curiosity.

"It seems like you been through and/or seen some shit."

Hearing her sudden coarse language is throwing me off.

"Uh well…everyone has something."

"Sorry for the language Annie, if it bothers you I-"

"Its fine I just don't normally hear it in conversations much." Not to mention, I am very familiar with foul language, ask my siblings. I just never get close enough to people to use it.

"It doesn't seem like you have conversations much." I cringe and go silent feeling some of my insecurities gnawing at me. "Sorry. I didn't mean it like that…"

"No it…it's fine I'm just awkward, I'm working on it though."

"Just be you. There's nothing wrong with you, you just need some warming up."

Clove stares at me but this time her eyes are reassuring. She may have an intense personality but it seems that she a warm side then again it's only been a few hours since I've met her. I notice Cato coming back over but this time with a few people. He gives a wave along with three other guys. Clove greets them knowingly. "Hey Peeta, Thresh, Gale." The all give her knowing nod before shifting their gaze to me.

Tinley wasn't joking, it seemed like all these guys were offspring from Adonis. "Who's this?" A boy with thick curly hair and bright blue eyes smiles kindly at me.

"That's Annie, Clove's roommate." I was surprised to hear Cato introduce me.

"Hey Annie nice to meet you." He reaches out a hand giving me the sweetest smile I've ever seen dimples and all.

"Hey Annie, I'm Thresh clearly the coolest out of these guys." Gives me a playfully suggestive look and I laugh. Thresh is the tallest of the guys with deep ebony skin and eyes. Definitely an attractive man.

"Aw shut up Thresh, what's cool without wisdom huh? Hey, I'm Gale" His built was similar to Cato's just slightly thinner. His brunette hair contrasted strikingly with his light blue eyes.

They all begin to talk mostly about sports and summer break. Though I don't contribute much it's the first time in years I've been around this many people. I'm still weary as I haven't mastered the art of conversation but at least Clove seems to be reaching out.