Chapter 2

Peeta

The same sun rises on the same day I have every day at 12. The cool breeze blows gently through the open window. The sun shines through and I open my eyes and am met with the beautiful light shining. It dances through the golden curls of Madge, who sleeps next to me. I watch her chest rise and fall peacefully and steadily. I think most guys would love to be in my place. Madge Undersee, the Mayor's daughter. The most eligable Reaped girl in District 12. Long golden locks of hair, light peach colored skin, deep green eyes. One of the most beautiful girls in 12 by far. But....looks can be deceiving. Don't get me wrong, I love Madge. I just wish there was more than this feeling of being unhappy.

My family is rather well off than most in 12. We own the Mellark Bakery. The most booming business besides the mines. My family had the pick of the litter of girls at 12 for their sons. And for their daughter. My older brother married at 17. My youngest brother married at 16. My sister has yet to marry, but I don't really know since she is a gay. Much to my parents shame and embarrassment. And she is only 15.

I sometimes wish I never lived here. Be free to go someplace else and to love who I want to love. But.. I know I never can. Panem is the only home I know. For all anyone knows, there isn't anything outside of the walls of Panem. Not much is known, or taught. So we couldn't leave if we wanted to.

Madge is a very lovely girl when she is around others, but not when we are alone. We only fight. Never are happy. And she has a gift of manipulation. I am known for my kind nature and being caring. I hate to argue. It only brings back painful memories of my past. That was the same life I lived at home. I was never liked by my mother. She was verbally and at times physically abusive towards me and my sister, Ava. She liked my brothers the best. Told us that we were mistakes. But luckily, our Dad was there. And at times our brothers. I was happy to be able to be Reaped, but my Mother made sure I had the most acceptable girl in 12. The only one that was suitable for her was Madge. And things were great in the beginning. Just.. now things are spiraling.

It is expected that when you are Reaped, marriage is the first 6 months, then children are a next priority. I would love to have my own children. Madge all but refuses. And her father is fine with that. My parents are not. I am stuck between a hard place and a rock. Madge never wants to have children. With me or anyone else. And my parents want grandchildren. My mother, actually. My older brother Kyler has a daughter and a son on the way. My younger brother Aaron has a daughter on the way. Ava is too young to bear children, according to my parents, and is 'unfit' to bring them into the world because of her sexuality. She isn't allowed to be herself. Which makes me upset beyond belief. My parents isolate her like a princess in a tower. I save her all the time, and am more than happy to. I love to see her face light up when she can go see her girlfriend. She's a totally different girl. And I wish she could be herself and happy. But I know this world will never allow her to. Or anyone for that matter.

All Madge and I do is fight. Which makes my parents ashamed of me as well. More like, my mother is more ashamed of me. I can never be yelled at by her when I go to work. Or whenever she is with me. I don't even want to work anymore. But it is the way of the land. Men work. Women do some things in the world, but mostly are expected to bear children. Which is a God-awful way to think. But I can never speak my opinions of the world. Especially not to Madge. Since her father is the Mayor, he controls the security of 12 and all the members. But he is more leniatinte and nicer than most of Panem. For even uttering the words that a woman should be able to do something more, Peacekeepers will cut out your tongue and make you an Avox. And your family would face a severe penalty and watch from the Capitol. Luckily there is no need for such rash actions in 12. We are the outlying District in Panem. 13 was lost in an accident when they were working on weapons for the Capitol. The other Districts up until District 4 are considered outliers as well. District 1 through 4 are the Career Districts. Or rather the most favored and wealthy Districts. I have only been out of 12 once, and that was to District 9 when I was young. My father made payment to a farmer to keep our Bakery in business and wanted someone to come. I have never left since. And I can't now that I am Reaped to Madge. Once you are Reaped, you must stay in your District. Unless business means are required.

I don't know where I would really go. 12 is again, all I know. The woods, the mines, the Bakery. Sure we are the poorest District, I wouldn't want to leave. Not unless I had someone I truly loved with me. And that isn't anyone really. I had this one girl that I had a crush on for most of my younger years, but when she was Reaped to someone else, I let her go. But she will always have a piece of my heart. Always...

Madge rolls over in her sleep and wakes up. She looks at me sleepily and I smile a little.

"What are you so happy about?" She asks, a bit sarcastically.

"Nothing. Just.. thinking." I say.

"About what? It better be breakfast in bed." She says with a snip tone.

"Yes. It was." I lie. "What would you like?"

"You know. Don't act dumb. What I always want, Peeta." She groans.

"Right, sorry. Coffee with cream and one sugar cube, and French Toast with strawberries." I say and get up.

"Don't forget only the ripest from the patch. Last time they were not ripe." She says and rolls over.

"I won't. Promise." I say. "Be ready soon. Love you." I kiss her cheek.

She sighs and moves the covers over her head. I sigh internally and leave our room. I head down to the kitchen and start on breakfast. The phone rings right as I get the pan out. I go and answer it.

'Hello?'

'Peeta.. I need help..'

'What's wrong, Ava? Are you okay?'

'No. It's Mother. She's... sending me away. To the Capitol. To that 'Prim and Proper School for Young Women'. I'm going to run away. I don't want to leave Delly.'

'Ava, no. Don't. You know that the Peacekeepers will find you and bring you back to Mom and Dad. Then they would definitely send you there.'

'Why does this world have to be so God-awful..?'

'I don't know Av... I'm sorry.'

'Can we talk at the Bakery? You come in today right?'

'Yeah. Just have to get ready for the day.'

'And leave that bitchy Dragon, right.'

'Ava.. don't say that.'

'Oh please. You can't tell me you don't think so either. I see how you two are.'

'I'm not going to talk about my wife that way.'

'Of course you won't. You're too soft.'

'Am not. You don't even know me.'

'I am you. Just gay.'

'Are they really going to do this to you?'

'Mother seemed pretty serious when she was talking to Dad after breakfast. So I'm guessing yes.'

'I'll talk with her. You don't need to go to a school to be normal.'

'Not to her. I have to go. I'll text you.'

'Okay. Ava, I mean it. Don't do anything reckless.'

'You know me. I'm gay and reckless. Always have been, according to Mother. Why not be more reckless before I'm sent away and brainwashed into liking dick?'

'You know why. And don't say that.'

'You know it's true. This world is so stupid. Might as well make a statement before I go.'

'Don't get the Peacekeepers called on you, Ava. I'm serious.'

'Okay, Mr. Perfect Baker Boy, I won't. See you in a few hours.'

'Bye, Ava.'

'Will you take care of Aloe for me? Since when I got back I won't like pussy anymore.'

'Not funny, Av. Don't talk like that.'

'It's true. But will you?'

'Madge is allergic.'

'Good. Send her running.'

'Ava...'

'I'm joking. I'll see if Delly wants to watch her, then. Since Mother will bury her in the garden the day I leave.'

'She wouldn't.'

'Bet.'

'I have to make breakfast. I'll see you at the Bakery, okay?'

'Fine. Bring that poodle her prized dog food.'

'Love you Ava.'

'Same, Peeta. See you.'

'Bye.'

I hang the phone back on the jack and get back to breakfast. I make sure to do all the Madge asked to make it her way. I finish and bring it to her.

"What took you so long?" She huffs and folded her arms.

"Ava called. Just wanted to talk." I explain.

"Well she can when you go to work. You're mine when I'm here." She says and takes the tray.

"I know. I'm sorry. She just needs me." I say.

"I need you more. You're my husband. Not her's. Now come be with you before that gay takes you." She snaps.

I sigh and sit back down in bed. I unplug my phone and look at it. Madge nudges at me. I look up and she puts food in my mouth.

"My Little Baker. So cute." She says and pokes my nose with her index finger.

"Wouldn't you like another Little Baker...?" I ask cautiously.

"Of course not. Never in a million years. I'm not having a baby. I'm too fragile. And I'm not having my body go through that. Not for you, at least." She says and goes back to eating.

I sigh. "Okay... just asking." I say.

She scoffs. "For the millionth time? Let it go Peeta. I'm not having a baby! And I never will." She says frustrated.

"You know we have to." I say, trying to keep my voice from raising.

"Um, no. We don't. My father doesn't need Grandchildren. And I'm not going to give them to him if he doesn't want them! So drop it!" She yells.

"I'm not the only one here! I have a family too that has expectations! I can't keep failing them, Madge!" I yell.

"Then just leave! I don't need you! I don't even love you!" She screams.

"Well neither do I, but here I am!" I yell.

"Go be a Capitol slave! I don't want you here anymore! Get out!" She yells.

"Fine! Maybe I will! I'd rather be than be married to someone who doesn't care for anyone else, but herself and her status in life!" I yell.

"Oh, and you're so perfect? Mister Baker's Boy, dysfunctional family with a lesbian, too nice for his own good?! At least I know my place and have a family that is normal." She says.

"Don't bring them into this! Everyone on this planet has a flaw in life. You do too! Don't be so perfect, Madge. When you are anything but, no matter how much you tell yourself that!" I say.

"You son a bitch! I'm going to tell my father about this! Just wait for what will happen to your family! Get the hell out of here! And don't come back, you piece of shit!" She screams.

"Fine! Tell him! See if I care! At least I wouldn't be with you! Don't think your Father won't see my side rather than yours." I yell.

I get up and slam the door. I luckily keep spare clothes in the bathroom whenever we fight like this and I leave. I change out of my sleeping clothes and then get dressed. I grab my jacket and get my wallet and keys. I go start my car and drive to the Bakery. I get out and slam the car door, still angry from the fight. I go inside and get on my apron. I clock in and then head to the front of the store.

"You're late." Someone says.

"Sorry.. Had a busy morning." I say gruffly.

"Obviously, Big Brother. You and that Bitch had a fight, didn't you?"

I turn around and find Ava with a smirk on her face. I roll my eyes and get out a crate of dough. I cut it into the portions and weigh it.

"I'll take that as a yes." She says and laughs to herself.

"Fine, yes. We did. Again. Happy? Can I work now?" I snap and turn around at her and shoot her a glare.

"Okay, Damn.. I'm sorry your life isn't the best, but mine isn't either. That's why we have each other, remember?" She says, with a bit of anger and sadness in her voice.

I sigh. "Yes.. we are... I'm sorry, Ava. I just..."

"I know. But that's why we stick together." She says.

"Yeah. We do." I say.

She smiles a little. "Remember Peeta and Ava's adventurous?"

"You mean, Ava's reckless endangerment and Peeta taking the fall and getting in trouble for her actions." I scoff.

"That's the one!" She laughs and playfully punches my arm.

"What about them?" I ask, with a laugh and roll my eyes.

"Nothing. Just keep those in mind since things aren't going good. At least you had fun with one girl in your life. Even if we are brother and sister. No homo." She says and hugs me.

"I will. Thanks Av." I say.

"Of course, Big Bro." She says.

"Why aren't you working already!? And you need to be packing! You leave tomorrow!" We hear our Mom yell.

"I will. Have to work first, though, Mother." Ava says and lets me go.

"That can wait! Go get ready! And you, get back to work you sorry excuse of a Baker!" She yells and strikes the back of my head with the newspaper in her hand.

"Okay, sorry.." I say.

~

The day finally comes to an end. Not a happy end, but at least an end. All my Mom did was yell at Ava and I. But I'd rather have her yelling then the anger and spite thrown from one another from Mage. My Dad and I worked to change my Mom's mind about sending Ava away. She's agreed for now. But is now going to have her in a tower with lava, a dragon and a black knight. But luckily, I'm still here. I got a text from Madge. She sent a picture of all my belongings on our porch. I sigh frustratedly and finish getting ready to close. The bell on the door rings and I look up from cleaning the counter. I stop dead in my tracks, and almost forget to breathe.

She's come back.

"Are you... still open?" She asks.

"Y-Yeah we are." I say and clear my throat. "What can I get you?"

She looks at the menu over my head. "What would you suggest?" She asks.

"Hmm. Are you a sweet's type of girl, or a hearty and savory type?" I ask.

"I'm not sure really.." She says and signs.

"Hmm.. I think I have just the thing for you." I say.

She smiles a little. I see her grey eyes glossed over in tears. Her face has some marks of dried ones.

"And this will cheer you up, too." I say genuinely.

"Thanks.. I could use something to cheer me up." She says and shrugs, while tucking her long dark hair behind her ear.

"These will definitely cheer you up then." I say.

I open the display and grab the tongs. I get out two cheese buns and put them in a bag.

"Those look good. What are they?" She asks and gets her wallet out of her coat pocket.

"World Famous Peeta Mellark Cheese Buns." I say proudly.

She laughs a little. "Someone is cocky." She says.

"Maybe not world Famous, but District 12 famous." I say with a grin.

"They're the only bread that's good at 12." She says.

"Maybe so. But they are World Famous then, aren't they?" I say with a smirk.

"Maybe so. I won't say it, though. I have yet to try them." She says.

"Well here you go, Miss Judge of all Food in Panem." I tease.

"It's Katniss. And thank you. I love the new title, Mister Cocky Baker." She says and rolls her eyes, and hands me her credit card.

"Thanks for the new title. And it's Peeta." I say.

I swipe the card and then give it back to her. I hand her the bag of cheese buns.

"Hope these do cheer you up, Katniss." I say and smile sincerely at her.

"Me too... Thanks Peeta." She says.

"Have a good night." I say.

"You too.. Keep making your 'World Famous Cheese Buns.' I may be back." She says.

She heads to the door.

"Hey, wait! Katniss!" I say.

She turns back. "Yes?" She asks.

My mind and tongue failed me right then. Probably making me seem like an idiot to her.

"Do.. uh.. I'm off... Um.. are you.." I stumble.

She smiles and laughs a little. "Yes. I'm free."

"O-Okay. Cool. Where do you want to go? I just have to clock out." I say.

"How about the Hob? Could use a drink of two. And someone to share these quote-unquote, 'World Famous Cheese Buns' with. Don't think I can eat them alone." She says.

"Um, sure. Yeah. Cool." I say.

She laughs a little. "Better get going then. I bet you have to come back here tomorrow. Wouldn't want you to miss out on making me a new hot batch tomorrow." She says.

"Right. Um.. meet you outside." I say.

"Okay." She says and smiles.

She leaves and I go to the back to clock out.

'I can't believe I can see her again. Katniss Everdeen.' I think.

I grab my things and go outside. Ready to see her for the first time in ages. 

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