A/N: It's time for a new story! This one is very different from the last one but I hope people enjoy it all the same. It is a coming of age story and each chapter title hints at a teenage milestone that Peeta will achieve in each chapter. I'll warn you now, Peeta comes across as a complete square at the beginning, but this just allows his character to grow. Let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games or any of its characters.
Chapter One
First Car
September
The school bell rings at the end of a surprisingly warm September day. There are shouts of delight as the chairs are scrapped back and almost everyone ignores the teacher's calls to get ahead of the work for the year ahead. An excited buzz swirls around the room as plans are made for the weekend. But I carefully pack up my books and make my way to the balding teacher at the front.
"That was a great lesson today, sir. I'd be really interested in the extra reading list. I want to have a really full picture of organic chemistry," I say.
Mr Latier smiles kindly at me as he shuffles some papers on his desk. He is one of the best teachers at Coriolanus College, the posh all boys boarding school I've attended since I was eleven. He's extremely knowledgeable about chemistry, having studied at Oxford before becoming a teacher, and his passion for the subject shines through in his lessons. Though not everyone finds it as interesting as me.
"Don't tell the others, but you have always been my favourite student. Congratulations on becoming Head Boy," Mr Latier says. "I wish everyone was as hardworking as you. Then their fathers wouldn't have to buy them into university. I think you will find some of the research very interesting. I'd love to hear your thoughts."
I smile as Mr Latier hands me the list of extra reading. I carefully fold it and place it in one of my poly pockets in my bag.
"Thanks a lot, sir. And your secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone I'm your favourite," I say with a cheeky wink.
Mr Latier laughs and then shoos me out the room.
"Get out and enjoy the sunshine, Mellark," he says.
I smile again before turning to exit the room.
My friends wait for me when I leave and Finnick rolls his eyes as I approach.
"Don't tell me that you have asked for extra homework already," he says.
"It doesn't hurt to get ahead. This is a tough year. I need three As in my A levels to have any chance of getting into Cambridge," I reply.
Finnick fakes a yawn as he loosens his tie and slings his maroon blazer over his shoulder.
"It's the first week of term. We've got plenty time to catch up," he declares. "I mean this time last week I was on a yacht on the Mediterranean surrounded by beautiful women."
I roll my eyes. Finnick's parents are probably the richest out of everyone on campus and live a very extravagant lifestyle. Finnick is always regaling us with tales about parties on private jets and dining with royalty in Monaco.
"You got a lot of action then? It looked like you had your pick on Snapchat. I wish I could have got in on it," Marvel says.
"Like you know what to do with a girl," Cato replies. "If one comes in a three feet radius you clam up and start doing your Boris Johnson impression."
I laugh and Marvel hits Cato on the arm.
"Glimmer Heathcote said I was an excellent kisser," Marvel replies defensively.
The rest of us all laugh.
"Glimmer made out with Washing Machine Mike. Her standards are pretty low," Finnick chortles.
Marvel huffs and turns his back to us. Cato and I share a grin before he turns back to face Finnick.
"I still can't believe your parents let you have the yacht to yourself. It sounds like a non-stop party," he says.
Finnick grins as we turn to walk out into the large school grounds.
"I didn't go to sleep for forty-eight hours. The best part was cliff jumping under the moonlight," Finnick replies.
Marvel and Cato look impressed but I grow anxious.
"Isn't that really dangerous?" I say.
Finnick flings his arm around my shoulder and gives me a little shake.
"You've got to live a little, Peet. Life's not worth living if you don't take any risks," he replies.
Cato and Marvel snigger and I shake my head.
We continue to stroll through the luscious grounds of the school. The school has been educating young boys, in the south east of England, for over three hundred years. It is a gothic style building with turrets and arched windows which means it is often compared to Hogwarts in Harry Potter. The grounds are huge with perfectly pruned rose bushes and cherry trees line the pathways and buildings. As it is Friday afternoon many of the boys laze about on the grass or throw rugby balls between them.
Finnick raises his arms in the air and breathes in deeply.
"This is going to be a great year, lads! We're top of the school and all turn fucking eighteen! The World is our oyster," Finnick declares. We all share a smile. "Fancy a game of cricket to kick the weekend off? Losers have to try and score alcohol later."
"Hell yeah!" Cato declares. "Shotgun not with Marvel. I can't get detention again for breaking a window."
"That was a fantastic hit! It's not my fault the window got in the way!" Marvel exclaims.
Finnick and I snigger.
"I think I'm going to pass. I want to write up the notes from Latier's lesson," I say.
The rest of my friends look disappointed.
"Come on, Peet. Just because you are Head Boy doesn't mean you need to be a pussy. You have plenty of time to colour code your notes later," Finnick replies.
I clutch the strap of my bag tighter. It's true that I like to be organised and all my folders have a key inside them to help me sort through my notes. But I would hate to be under prepared. I shake my head at Finnick.
"I'll come and join you later. It shouldn't take too long," I reply.
Finnick shakes his head and turns away from me.
"Whatever, mate. We'll see who else we can round up," Finnick replies.
Cato and Marvel smile at me sympathetically and then turn to follow Finnick. I sigh as I watch them go but don't want to be made to feel guilty just because I want to get the best results.
I walk back to the dorms and haul my heavy bag on to my desk. Thankfully the dorms are empty due to the good weather so I have peace as I unpack my textbooks. I glance up at the study planner I have pinned to my wall and note I have an hour before I need to meet the Headmaster for tea. I sit down at my desk and pull my notebook towards me, eager to keep on top of things.
I never make it to the cricket. Tea with the Headmaster takes longer than I thought and I only have half an hour afterwards before my parents come to pick me up for dinner. Finnick lounges on the bed next to mine when I return and throws a tennis ball up and down in the air. He eyes me warily when I enter.
"You missed a good game. Marvel managed to knock Templesmith's hat off the top of his head. He loses the bet for the first person to get detention this term," Finnick says.
I laugh.
"I'm sorry that I missed it. I can just imagine the look on Templesmith's face," I reply.
"He went all red and looked like a constipated pig," Finnick replies with a grin.
I laugh again before heading over to my wardrobe to find something suitable to wear for my parents tonight. I pull out a pressed blue shirt and navy tie.
"I missed having you on my team," Finnick says. "You and I are the best double act. Cato gets too easily frustrated and throws hissy fits when thing don't go his way."
I smile sadly at Finnick.
"I'll play next time," I say.
Finnick sighs and rolls off the bed. He pats my shoulder on his way out.
"There are some things you can't learn from books," he replies.
I watch him walk out the room and he shouts loudly to get people's attention. It doesn't take long for a crowd to form around him and plans for the evening begin to be discussed in great depth.
I turn away from them as I put on my clothes for the evening. This year is too important to mess up with frivolous distractions.
My parents pick me up from school half an hour later. They only live about an hour away from the school and come to see me regularly during the school term. And tomorrow is the school's first rugby match of the season so they've come to spend the weekend here to support me.
Mum is as polished as usual in her crisp white designer dress and has her blonde hair pulled back into a bun. Dad smiles warmly at me in his suit and gives me a hug when I greet them.
"Good to see you again, son. How's the first week of school been?" he asks.
"Interesting. A levels are going to be a lot of work and I have a lot of out of school commitments as well," I reply.
Dad nods his head and Mum steps forward to sweep a curl off my face.
"You always have this one stubborn curl that refuses to stay in place," she sighs. "Maybe it would be better to cut your hair shorter to avoid it."
"That could be a good idea, Mum. I'll think about it," I reply.
Mum nods her head before linking her arm through mine.
"I know this year is going to be busy for you but Cambridge are not going to accept the average Joe. You need to stand out from the rest," she says.
I nod my head in agreement. Mum has always wanted me to study medicine at Cambridge. She expects the best from her sons and she has pushed me all the way to make sure I get the best possible results. My middle brother, Rye, has always resented Mum for this but I have always been happy to comply to her wishes. Cambridge is one of the best universities in the World and anyone would be lucky to get accepted there.
"Don't worry, Mum. I've already contacted Sebastian Gloss. He went through the Cambridge interviewing process last year and says he will coach me through it," I reply.
Mum gives my arm a little squeeze.
"That sounds wonderful. Anything to help you edge out the competition," she says.
I smile and nod my head before getting into the car and heading out to the restaurant.
We go to the fancy French restaurant in the centre of town and Mum coos over the good service as we are seated. The waiters even place the napkins on our laps and fill our water up without asking.
"I feel like royalty every time we come here. Some of the restaurants back home could take tips from this place. Last week Caesar's Kitchen served us white wine in red wine glasses!" Mum exclaims.
Dad and I share a grin. Mum lets Dad order for her and the waiter quickly jots down what we want before taking the menus and leaving. Dad turns to me with a warm smile after.
"Are you excited about the match tomorrow? I was reading that the team is one of the favourites for the schools' cup this year. I'm so proud of you for being made captain," Dad says.
At the start of the week, our rugby coach pulled me aside and told me he was going to make me captain for the school's first team this year. I was thrilled and know Mum has been bragging to all her friends that I am Head Boy and First XV rugby captain. Our first match of the season is tomorrow afternoon against one of our biggest rivals. After a tough preseason I am eager to get back to the part of rugby I actually enjoy; playing rugby matches.
"The team is looking good this year. Finnick is already planning to beat the twelve tries he scored last season," I say.
Dad chuckles.
"He certainly knows how to make a show when he scores them. It must piss the other teams off," Dad replies.
I nod my head in agreement.
"I hear the England under eighteen rugby team coach is coming to watch the match tomorrow. It would be a good chance to impress him," Mum says.
I nod my head in agreement.
"It would certainly look good to Cambridge. They have a pretty good rugby team. Though I'm not sure I would want to do all that extra training," I reply.
"Extra training is a small price to play for the prestige of playing for England under eighteen. You would be silly to pass it up," Mum says.
"You're right, Mum. I'll do my best tomorrow to impress them," I say.
"As long as you have fun," Dad replies.
We share a smile and the waiter comes back with our drinks. There is a lull in the conversation as Dad tests the wine and I sip on my coke. Once the waiter is gone the conversation resumes.
"It's not just about the sports though. Cambridge want you to be an all-rounder. I'm a little concerned your application shows nothing creative," Mum says.
"I spoke to the nursing home this week and they are keen for me to start painting classes when I go in and volunteer," I reply.
Mum smiles at me and reaches out to rub a thumb across my cheek.
"You are such a perfect son. You've thought of everything. I just wish Rye was like you," she says.
I smile back at her and Dad coughs.
"Rye is doing what makes him happy," Dad replies.
Mum drops her hand from my face and turns to my dad with a scowl.
"So dropping out of uni and working as a tour guide is a good thing? If he spent as much effort he puts into smoking and drinking as he did studying, he'd get a first-class degree," Mum says.
Dad sighs and plays with the stem of his wine glass. This is an argument they've had too many times.
"He doesn't need to go to uni to be successful," Dad points out.
Mum opens her mouth to reply but I sense the need to move on so chip in to distract her.
"I had my first tea with the Headmaster today. He says I'm a really good role model for the rest of the students," I say.
Mum turns away from Dad and gives me a wide smile.
"Of course you are. I'm very proud of all that you have achieved so far," she says.
Dad flashes me a smile of thanks and I smile back at him before turning back to Mum and answering all her questions about tea with the Headmaster.
My parents drop me off back at school after the meal and we promise to catch up after the rugby match tomorrow. When I get back to my dorm I find Finnick putting the finishing touches to his bronze hair for a night out.
I unbutton the top of my blue shirt and collapse onto the bed as I watch Finnick pimp and preen himself.
"You sneaking out tonight?" I ask.
Finnick finishes his hair by twirling a bit at the front and steps back to admire his reflection.
"Yup. Some party on Merchant Street. I would ask you to come but already know you will say no. You don't like breaking curfew," he says with a grin.
I shake my head. Finnick takes the piss out of me for how good I am. I haven't broken a single rule at school since I started and the thought of getting a detention terrifies me. I just think that rules were made for a reason. We should respect them.
"I'll cover for you if they come and check in on us," I reply.
Finnick grins at me before scanning the room for his wallet and phone.
"You might actually enjoy it if you snuck out. There will be plenty of girls there. You might even get a kiss or two," he says.
I roll my eyes.
"I don't have time for girls," I reply.
"That's because you've not met the right one," Finnick says with a cheeky wink.
I shake my head again and Finnick grins broadly at me. He then walks across our room until he reaches the window. He yanks it open and clambers out.
"Don't miss me too much while I'm gone," he says.
He then blows me a kiss so I throw a pillow at his face. Finnick laughs before climbing down the drainpipe and disappearing into the night.
He sneaks back into our dorm sometime after three in the morning and keeps me awake for a while with his annoying singing. But eventually his singing turns to snores and I get a few hours of decent sleep before a busy day tomorrow.
After I wake up I head into town to pick up some new stationary supplies for the term. I am seriously running low on ring binders and highlighter pens. I hop in my shiny white Audi A3 to pick up the supplies. I passed my driving test at the start of the summer and enjoy the freedom of having a new car. Last year I was limited to where I could go while at school and Mum and Dad were more than willing to buy me this car for my seventeenth birthday.
I spend longer that I should in Staples stationary as I get excited by all the different varieties of folder I can buy and the credit card my parents pay off takes a serious hit. I even let the sales person convince me to buy another electronic sharpener.
I'm running behind schedule as a result and need to get back to school quickly to start preparations for the match today. I decide to take the short cut through the Seam, the rough part of the town, in an effort to make up time.
I normally avoid driving in this area. Most of the houses here are owned by the council and many have smashed windows or smoke stains on the walls. The grass is over grown and used condoms and dirty needles litter the street. I make sure my doors are locked as I drive through and scan the streets for any sign of trouble. I want to get out of here as soon as possible.
However, I drive over something hard and sharp and the whole car sinks as the tyre deflates. I roll the car to a stop and bang my hands against the steering wheel.
"For goodness sake! This is the last thing I need!" I yell.
I take a deep breath to recompose myself and then peer out the window to check if there is anyone dodgy hanging around outside. Thankfully the street seems to be deserted and I take another deep breath before tentatively getting out of the car.
I make sure I am on high alert as I go around to check the tyre. I keep scanning my surroundings to make sure no one comes up to attack me. I bend down to check the tyre and sigh when I realise there is no way I can drive to the nearest garage. I get up and go around to pop open the boot. I pull up the floor to reach the spare tyre but sigh again as I realise that I have no idea how to change one.
"Car trouble?" a female voice says from behind me.
I jump at the sound and bang my head against the top of the boot. I let out a yelp of pain and rub the sore spot on my head as I turn around to face the owner of the voice.
I struggle not to gape when I catch sight of the girl. She's slim with toned legs that are showed off in the short denim shorts she wears. Her glossy dark hair is tied in a simple braid but it is her eyes that captivate me. They are a smoky grey that changes to silver in a certain light. Her eyes look at me curiously and pin me to the spot.
I stand staring at her in silence for way too long and she smirks at me. Eventually, I regain my senses. I cough and run a hand through my hair as I step to the side.
"Yeah. I need to get back but I've got a flat tyre. I have no idea how to change one," I reply. "I'm Peeta by the way."
The girl shakes her head and then steps round me to pull something out my car.
"I'm Katniss," she replies. "I can help you out."
I scan my eyes over the surroundings again as Katniss gathers the items she needs. She still seems to be the only person about but the street still gives me the creeps. A shiver goes up my spine.
"Will it take long? Is this street even safe?" I ask.
"Oh yeah. You should definitely be worried. Me helping you is just a scam. I've got my gang hiding back there, ready to jump you at any moment," Katniss says.
I look alarmed but then see the smile on Katniss' face and realise she's joking. I laugh, feeling like an idiot, and scratch my neck.
"Sorry. I guess I'm a little paranoid," I reply.
Katniss smiles at me and my heart does a little flip.
"Don't worry. I'll keep you safe if the bad guys come," she replies.
She's teasing me but I don't mind. I relax after she says this and lean against my car. I watch her as she bends down to place the jack underneath the car and extends it until my car starts to rise. I'm a little in awe of her and can't help but flick my gaze down to her arse as she bends down. The fabric of the shorts stretches across her bottom perfectly.
"You might want to watch what I do. That way you can change it yourself next time," she says.
I snap my gaze from her arse and bend down to note what she is doing.
"You know a lot about cars?" I ask.
Katniss bobs her head as she unscrews the nuts on the wheels.
"My uncle owns a garage. My mum used to drop me off there so he could babysit me and I learned a lot watching him tinkering about," she replies.
"That's cool. You're kind of like Megan Fox in Transformers," I reply.
Katniss grins and shakes her head. My eyes flick across to look at her arse again and I lick my lips at the sight.
"I'll take that as a compliment," she laughs. "And I'm totally aware that you are checking out my arse!"
I snap my head up and then look away, embarrassed.
"I was just seeing where you got your shorts from," I say, slightly flustered.
"Because you want to buy a pair yourself?" Katniss says, raising an eyebrow.
I chuckle a little nervously and scratch the back of my neck.
"Ah…no. I was…I was just thinking of buying a pair for my… my sister," I mumble.
Katniss struggles to hide a grin.
"You don't have a sister, do you?" she replies.
My shoulders deflate in defeat and I shake my head.
"No. No, I don't. Two brothers unfortunately," I say.
Katniss grins and shakes her head again before reaching down to take off the flat tyre.
"I don't mind you checking my arse out. I was checking yours out before I decided to come and help you," she replies.
I'm left speechless and my mouth hangs open. Katniss laughs at me again but I don't mind. Every laugh sends a jolt to my heart.
"You're from Coriolanus, right? Don't see you lot round here often," she states.
"Is it that obvious?" I reply.
Katniss turns round to me and grins.
"You drive an Audi A3, wear a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and I'm pretty sure that's a rugby kit in the back of the car. You don't need to be a detective to figure it out," she replies.
I laugh and blush a little.
"I guess not. I'm actually captain of the team. I'm supposed to be back at school for our warm up. First match of the season," I reply.
Katniss nods in understanding before asking me to roll the new tyre to her.
"Good thing I'm here then," she replies.
She smiles back at me and I can't stop the wide smile that spreads across my face. I'm suddenly aware that my heart rate has picked up and there is something pleasant swirling in my stomach. Katniss really does have the most beautiful smile.
"What about you?" I ask. "Do you go to the local six form college?"
Katniss surprises me when she shakes her head.
"Nope. I quit school at sixteen. Didn't do too well with my GCSEs," she replies.
"But you can retake them at college. I hear the college is really good," I say.
Katniss smiles and shakes her head at me.
"Not everyone needs to go to college or university. I never really liked school any way. There's more to life than books," she says.
I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion.
"So what do you do instead? Do you have a job?" I ask.
Katniss shrugs her shoulder as she secures the new tyre.
"I work the checkouts at ASDA," she replies.
"And you're just doing that until you want to do…" I say.
She can't seriously aspire to work in that supermarket her whole life. Katniss shrugs her shoulders again.
"I don't know. I don't have a big life plan. Life is too unpredictable to bother making any. I much prefer to go with the flow. I think it's exciting not knowing where I will end up," she replies.
I look at her dumbfounded. I never met someone that has no plans for their life. Even my friends at school who don't know what they want to do at uni are planning gap years until they decide. Katniss sees my expression and shakes her head.
"Don't look so shocked. I may know that I don't want to work in a supermarket for another ten years but that doesn't mean I won't achieve anything. Life always throws you unexpected surprises," she says.
I shake my head.
"I've just never thought like that. I've known I'd be a doctor since I was five," I say.
"Of course you did. Probably because your family expect you to be one. I bet you're applying for Oxford too," she says.
"Cambridge," I admit sheepishly.
Katniss smiles and shakes her head at me.
"Well good for you. I could never go to a uni like that. You must be pretty smart," she says.
I shrug my shoulders.
"I study a lot," I reply.
"I'm not surprised," Katniss says.
She smiles at me and I smile back. She finishes securing the tyre in place and then stretches as she stands up. I stand to and she smiles at me again.
"All done. I hope you get back in time for your rugby match," she says.
I begin to panic as I realise she will be leaving soon. I've really liked talking to her. She is so different from anyone else I've met and I want to find out more. I want to hear her laugh again and keep her smiling at me as long as possible.
"Thanks. I would have been stranded without you," I reply.
I search my brain to try and find anything to say that will make her stay and talk to me longer but my mind goes blank. I can't think of one good thing to say.
"I never did find out where your shorts are from. Are they comfortable to wear?" I ask.
Katniss barks out a laugh and I cringe when I hear the question leave my lips. I wish I was Finnick right now. He would have had the perfect witty question to ask. However, I quickly get over my embarrassment when I feel Katniss place her hand on my forearm. A jolt of electricity goes through my body as I look down,, stunned at where her hand is touching my skin.
"You don't talk to girls often, do you?" Katniss says.
"I have two brothers and go to an all-boys boarding school. It's a lot easier to talk to boys. Start a conversation about the best place to get a meatball sandwich or the lengths of everyone's dick and you're fine," I reply.
Katniss laughs again and the sound sends a tingle through my body. It may be my new favourite sound.
"You're funny. More than you realise. I'm glad you got a flat tyre," she says.
She moves closer to me and our bodies are only a inches away. She smiles up at me sweetly and my heart starts to hammer in my chest. Her lips look so appealing. Soft and rosy. I wonder if they taste sweet.
I don't know what to do. I've not been in this situation too many times before. If I was Finnick I would bend down and kiss her but I've never been that bold.
Instead I cough and pull back from her.
"I better get going. The coach will be wondering where I am," I say.
A flash of something crosses Katniss' face but it is so fleeting that I don't have time to analyse it. She soon plasters a smile on instead and then lifts the flat tyre into my boot. She reaches round me to slam the door of the boot shut. Her body stands closely in front of mine again.
"I bet you don't admit that a girl changed your flat tyre for you," she says.
She pauses for a long time, as if waiting for something but I don't know what. Her eyes flick down to look at my phone that bulges out my jeans' pocket but she pulls them back up to look at my face.
"Good luck with the match today," she says.
She then smiles demurely at me before brushing past and sauntering away. My eyes follow her until she is out of sight.
It's only later, after I have retold the story to Finnick, that I realise my mistake. Katniss wanted me to ask for her number.