"No fair

You really know how to make me cry

When you gimme those ocean eyes

I'm scared

I've never fallen from quite this high

Falling into your ocean eyes

Those ocean eyes"

-Billie Eilish

16 Years Ago..

KATNISS

It all happens in a blur. First the boy on the kitchen table, then the door bursting open to reveal my father, pale as a sheet. There's hoards of people behind him as they run from something, all as pale and as scared as each other. Then I hear it, an explosion. A burning smell invades the household, making us all gag. I run to my mother, who is still busy getting the tracker jacker stings out of the blonde. She places me on a nearby countertop as my father quickly locks the door shut.

'Mr. Everdeen?' The boy's mother asks, 'Are you okay?'

My mother turns to face him as he crumples into a ball on the floor in front of us, tears streaming down his face as he lets out sob after sob. He tries to speak, but all that comes out are garbled sentences.

'Take your time,' My mother says distractedly as she places some sort of cream on where the stingers once were, 'What happened?'

'I-I couldn't save them.. G-gone..' He manages to choke out cryptic sentences.

'Save who?' My mother asks him.

'M-My friends.. E-explosion.. M-mine!' He says loudly, as if the scenario was replaying in his head.

The boy's father goes to him and helps him to a nearby chair so he can calm down. Silence ensues as we listen to the heartbreaking sobs that are coming from my father. I look up at the boy, who is beginning to stir, as he groggily looks around in confusion.

'M-Mom..?' He asks shakily and slowly, 'w-where am I..?'

'In Twelve, honey. You're all better.' She says distractedly as she goes over to calm my father down.

Everyone leaves him, apart from me, to go comfort him. I look at the boy and tilt my head when I see the tears in his eyes. He catches me looking and gives me a small smile before wiping away the tears.

'Hey there..' he says quietly, 'I'm Peeta.'

I wave shyly at him as he chuckles at me quietly. The look in his eye is gentle and soft, but changes when he sees his family with mine to a sort of sadness only seen when one's family ignores them. I tilt my head, confused as to why he was being ignored.

'They always do that,' he says when he notices me, 'I don't know why. It just seems that they care about others more than they care about their own son..'

I hide behind my hair shyly when he continues to look at me, as if he's half expecting me to say something.

'You don't talk much, do you..?' Peeta asks me, 'Shy?'

I peek out at him from under my fringe and nod quietly, smiling softly as he chuckles at me. I usually am not shy, but strangers make me very shy. I'm only 1, but I like to talk. New people make me nervous. Swinging my legs, I notice my mother coming back to us with Peeta's mother and father.

'Will he be okay?' His father asks my mother.

'He will, but just let him rest for a few days.' She advises, 'the poison will work itself out of his system over time.'

He nods and picks him up off the table, carrying him out of the house. His mother pays for the treatment and follows them. My father curls up in his seat with a strange look of anger in his eyes. I shrink from sight and run from the kitchen in case anything happens.

Then it does.

A slapping sound followed by yelling comes from the kitchen as my father screams obscenities at my mother who is crying and pleading for him to stop, he scares me. I sit on the steps and cover my ears in an attempt to blot out the yelling. It doesn't work; the swearing and sobs are still audible through my fingers. The tears fall as I listen to the sounds. I wish it would stop and we would all be happy again...

~4 Years Later~

My mother's screams get louder and louder with each push. I have never seen someone give birth before, if it's this painful to have kids I certainly don't want any. I know there would be my other, but I don't want to put myself through that. My mother was absolutely miserable during this pregnancy. My sibling was hard on her. I couldn't imagine carrying a child within me in my womb then giving birth to them. My father looks like he's in a trance, he holds onto my mother's hand, almost like it is holding him up. I stay in place across the room. Stuck in a trance of wonder, fear, and horror.

"Katniss...Katniss!" The doctor screams my way.

"Yes?" I stutter

"I need your help when the baby's all the way out of your mother. I want you to cut the umbilical cord."

My face turns pale as my father gives me an encouraging smile. I nod my head slowly as I move around the table to where the doctor is. My hands are shaking. I can feel the sweat building, I don't know if I can do this. What if I hurt the baby? My mother's screams bring me back, and I realize I don't have time to worry the baby is on their way. Mother gives her all and I catch my sibling freeing itself from my mother's womb. Everything freezes when her beautiful eyes meet mine. My baby sister. All the fears go away, and I realize nothing is ever going to be the same. And I couldn't be more happy about it. I cut the cord holding my sister and mother attached, the doctor wraps her up in a blanket, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Katniss, what should we name her?" My mother asks, staring at my sister.

"How about Prim?"

"It's perfect, she's perfect."

.....

The night sky shines through the window giving a little light in the darkness. Just enough so I'm able to see Prim. I take all I ever said about not wanting kids back. If I could ever have a child this beautiful all the pain would be worth it. Prim's eyes open and meet mine, she lets out this horrible cry. I pull the covers back, making my way to her, I pick her up from her crib and hold her close to my chest. And then I start to sing.

"Deep in the meadow

Under the willow

A bed of grass

A soft green pillow

Lay down your head

And close your eyes

And when they open

The sun will rise"

"Here it's safe

Here it's warm

Here the daisies guard

You from every harm

Here your dreams are sweet

And tomorrow brings them true

Here is the place

Where I love you"

~Few Weeks Later~

My mother is still weak after giving birth to Prim. I never realized how much work it is. A part of me doesn't want it again, but everytime I sing Prim to sleep my heart is softened. I just hope that I have someone with me who will help. My father and I took a trip to the Hob and the City Center with a list of things mother and Prim need. Father's been struggling lately. Ever since the explosion a couple years ago he's never been the same. But I wouldn't expect anyone to be after something like that. We used to be close before everything. We would hunt everyday before school. Sing songs. Enjoy time with each other in the meadow. Be happy with Mother. But everything's changed... He's changed. I can't blame him, he watched his friends die that day. I'm sure they would be the same way if it was him instead. No one would the same... As we get to the Hob, I start to take in the place for the first time. The building used to be an old warehouse but since then has now become the Hob. My father used to go hear a lot. He'd tell me and Mother what he did and give us the things he traded for his game. I feel a bit uneasy now that I am here.

"Katniss, I need the meat," My father says, snapping his fingers at me.

Handing my father the meat, I back up into a body, I turn around to see a little girl around my age. With straight blond hair, and blue dress with lace on it. And the most beautiful blue eyes, like the ocean.

"Sorry about that," she says smiling

"It's okay,"

"I'm Madge by the way,"

"Katniss," I stutter. I've never been the best at talking to people, especially when they are my age.

"Madge time to go," her father voiced grabbing Madge's hand and leading her the other way

It takes me a minute to remember where I've seen him before, and then I realize, he's the mayor. And Madge is his daughter. She looks my way with a shy smile before heading the other way with her father, the mayor.

I bring my attention back to my father who has moved on from the meat, I run to catch up to him. But something catches my eye, a small teddy bear, perfect size for Prim.

"Excuse me.. how much for this bear?" I ask the man standing at the table.

"What ya want it for?" the old man asks with a growl on his face

"My baby sister, she was just born a couple of weeks ago, I thought it would be a nice gift ..." I utter, lowering my head while my checks grow warm. I myself am much too old for such things. I gave up the only toy I had a long time ago. A simple doll my father traded once when I was young. But a ten year old girl here in 12 would never have such a thing now. I glance back up at the man to see a smile plastered on his face.

"For her Miss, one coin,"

"Are you sure? It's probably worth much more,"

"I'm sure Miss," he smiles, taking the coin from me and handing me the bear.

"Your baby sister will love it,"

"Thank you so much," I say as I'm on my way to find my father.

I see my father talking to a man I have never met. I make my way over excited to show him the bear I got for Prim. But as I get closer and we make eye contact I can see anger begin to take form on his face. He quickly says goodbye to the man, never taking his eyes off me. I swallow my happiness and then fear consumes me. He hurries my way. Grabbing me by the wrist, digging his nails in my skin. He drags me to a dark empty corner. People move aside when they see him coming. He shoves me against the wall, taking the teddy bear by the neck and almost ripping it in half.

"Where did you get this?" He yells, spitting in my face. I've seen him mad before but never like this. Not even when he has a bad night of sleep.

"I bought it f-for Prim..." I try to get around him to get out of the corner but he steps closer blocking me in even more.

"I know for a fact you didn't, so what did you steal? Is that what you are now? A lowly little thief? Do you steal things and then pretend like you're some innocent little girl who got a gift for her baby sister?"

"No.. I'm not, h-he gave it to me. He said I could have it for one coin. For Prim," I explain as tears start to fall. The words he says about me hit my heart. All I wanted to do was get something for my sister. Why does he have to be like this? Why doesn't he care about me anymore?

"Well it's too late to take back. I won't be embarrassed by you. Come on," He grabs me again for what feels like the millionth times today, as we make the long walk to the Bakery. His fingers get tighter and tighter on my skin every time I try to move. I try to pull my hand out of his grasp but he forces me closer. Gripping my wrist tighter. We finally come to the Bakery, the old place looking funny with a letter missing on the sign. The bells ring singling someone has entered, I make my way in from the cold to the smell of fresh bread out of the oven. It is another type of smell. Heavenly. We can't always afford it but when we can, that's always my favourite of times, it awaits makes me feel rich much like a new dress would for someone else. I find my way standing in front of the cupcakes, they must have been just made. They are the perfect shape, with frosting sprinkled on the top. If only I could have one, just looking at them is making my mouth water. But I know we certainly can't afford it and I can't risk father getting mad again. Suddenly I hear a voice.

"They sure look tasty don't they?" A tall man standing above the cabinet asks. He looks to be around he's 20s, with blond hair just long enough to run your fingers through, and bone structure like nothing I've ever seen. I swear I've seen him before, I recognize that voice, the deep beautiful voice. I've seem to have lost mine as he stares at me waiting for a response, but I can't remember exactly what he asked to begin with.

"Haha, here, have one. It's on the house," I don't get what he means at first. But I soon realize he means the cupcakes grabbing one for the showcase and holding it out for me with a smile brighter than the sun. I take the cupcake from him speechless as I continue to stare wondering where I know him.

"I'm Peeta by the way. What's your name, hun?" Then it hits me exactly where I know him from. But I don't have time to react as something yanks me the other way, making me drop the cupcake on the floor. My father grabs me by the shoulders and begins to shake yelling at me.

"You worthless ungrateful child! How many times do I have to tell you? Now you are having everyone give into your lies for something you say? What type of child are you?! So ungrateful about the things we already have you have to steal?" He screams as he hits me in the face. It sends pain throughout me. He's stuck me before, but not with this force. I feel my face start to burn from the impact and the tears. Time stops. My eyes water as the stinging intensifies. I hear yelling but I'm not sure where it is coming from everything is a blur. Someone's hands wrap around me and carry me out, and away from the danger away from him.

I sit in the back of the store with the cupcake boy. Who turns out to be Peeta. Peeta Mellark. The boy who my mother saved just a couple years ago. Now who has just saved me from my father. We don't speak at first, we just sit there. I hold onto my burning face. Wondering what I did this time. Wondering what will be next. If I'll survive what he throws at me next for something. I can't cry infront of him. I just try to wipe away the tears and sniffle. The storage closet is cold and dark. It's filled with worn out boxes filled with all things a Bakery needs. Giant bags of flour lay around everywhere. Aprons hang on a rack nailed to the wall. Boxes labeled with ingredients stacked taller than me.

"Are you okay?" he asks, bringing his hand up to my face. I flinch at he's touch. He brings his hand back almost like my skin is fire that might kill him. He places it back gently and gently rubs my cheek with his thumb. He gives me a sad look and gently tilts my head to look at it better.

"Oh dear. I'm so sorry, Hun."

"It's..okay..." I mumble so low I'm not even sure he hears me. He stares at me, He opens his mouth like he is going to say something but is interrupted by his friend.

"Hi there, Sweetheart. I'm Haymitch. Haymitch Abernathy. You're gonna be okay now, Sweetheart. Peeta, can I talk to you?"

The two of them head over to the corner with their backs turned to me, whispering about the mess I'm in. I wish I could say father's outburst surprised me. But it isn't the first time something like this has happened. He doesn't have a good hold on his temper. And I usually take the brute of his outbursts. It's always over small things. The supper wasn't good enough. The house wasn't clean enough. My school studies are falling behind. Prim wouldn't stop crying. He's never hit me before. No, that's new. But I know now it will be a pattern.

"Sweetie, I'm going to take you home now," Peeta says, bringing his hand out for me to take. I'm hesitant at first, not because I know he will hurt me. But because I can't understand if he remembers me. If he remembers my mother saving his life years ago. I take his hand, realizing just how small mine is in his. I look up to see him smiling down at me. He takes me down a dim hallway. I pull back a little. He looks back, meeting my eyes, before tagging at my hand leading us out a door into the busy cold streets.

"I just realized I don't know your name," He smiles down at me showcasing the dimple on his right cheek. My mouth becomes dry as I try to spit out my own name. I open my mouth to speak but nothing comes out.

"Not much of a talker, it's okay I was the same at your age," That reminds me of the age difference. He's eleven years my senior. But he doesn't seem to be that old to me. We come to a stop as I look up and see we are in front of my house. It takes me a minute but then I realize I never gave him directions. How did he know? I wonder. Before I can ask the door swings open and my mom comes running out with Prim attached to her hip.

"Katniss, darling are you okay? Oh look what he did to you. I'm so sorry baby," she takes me face in her free hand turning my head back and forth. We all knew this day would come. But I guess we never thought it would be me on the receiving end. She takes her attention off me to see that we aren't alone. She looks over Peeta before a smile comes across her face.

"It's you! The boy from the day of the explosion. Peeta Mellark? How are you?"

"I'm good. Thank you. Just being Katniss here home,"

"Thank you so much. I would've but the little one wouldn't let me. Would you like to come in for some tea?"

"No thank you. I'm good, thank you for the offer. Maybe another time. I should be on my way," He says. He glances my way and gives me a smile before leaving.

I follow my mother into the house to see father sitting at the table. I knew mother would take him back. She always does, no matter what he does. Hurting her or me or even Prim. She always will. I don't know why she does. Why she doesn't care about Prim and I's safety. Or even her own. To still be with a brute like him. How mean he is. How loud he yells. How hard he hits. She takes him back. She'll never change.

"About time! What right do you think you have leaving like that? To defy me?!" He yells slamming his hand on the table. I jump at his action

"Leave her alone. You have already done enough. How can she go to school looking this way?" Mother expresses

"Don't tell me what to do, Woman!"

He gets close to mother. Almost like he is going to hit her. It's like it's a drug once you get the taste of hitting it becomes an addiction. I fear for Prim since she is so young. Her cries erupt and make the tension in the air sharper.

"And you! The little thief of the family. Did you have fun today getting away with everything? Maybe that black eye taught you something. Or maybe you need another!" He raises his hand and I feel myself tense. My mother starts screaming before he can reach me, trying to make him hit something other than me. I take off running. I threw the door open. I ran out of the gate into the street. I could hear my heart beat into my ears. The tears stream down my face. I can't keep them away. I can't keep it in. The fear is too much.

I didn't even realize where I was going until I bumped into a body. I look right up into ocean blue eyes. They look down at me with concern and worry.

"Hey, are you okay Hun?"

Hello all! Its @calisto_undead  @Blacklivesmatter22  and I here! What do you guys think? Blow up the comments and leave a vote if ya like! This one is a lot, I know. But it will turn around. Eventually. But let us all know what you think! Pm us or drop a comment or leave a message on out pages! More will be out soon! Give us ideas if ya like too! Thanks for the love and support on this! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤