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The Tutor: Chapter Seven
Summary: When Finnick Odair, star quarterback and golden child of the Panem Nightlock’s football team is seriously injured on the field, his coach is willing to go the extra mile to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Enter Annie Cresta. From ‘The Bet’ universe.
Rated: M
You can read Chapter Seven here!
Friendly reminder that this blog is pro-choice and if you don’t think everyone should have full control of their own body, then kindly unfollow me right now and go to hell
The Tutor: Chapter Six
Summary: When Finnick Odair, star quarterback and golden child of the Panem Nightlock’s football team is seriously injured on the field, his coach is willing to go the extra mile to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Enter Annie Cresta. From ‘The Bet’ universe.
Rated: M
You can read it here!
In honor of the tenth anniversary of the very first Prompts in Panem writing challenge, we would like to have an event to celebrate this milestone. You might choose to take inspiration from Katniss and Peeta's own milestones, such as exploring the span of 5, 10, 15 years before they had children, or pull from any of the prompts we have given before.
Whether taking place in the past, present, or future, we look forward to your everlark works.
Submissions will be accepted Friday, August 19th through Monday, August 22nd.
READ AND SKETCH #15: OUTSIDE CHANCE BY KATNISSDOESNOTFOLLOWBACK
My dearest friend @katnissdoesnotfollowback is planning to update her fantastic story “Outside Chance” soon! The last update was like, ugh, two years ago? And as I said before Hunger Games and Winter Olympics are my two biggest obsessions so no wonder that “Outside Chance” is a killing combo for me. Not to mention that my boy Rye(n) is literal perfection here (in a Rye way of perfectness 😅) AND he has competed and got silver medal in MY city in 2014 (I live in Sochi). And I used to imagine that I saw it with my own eyes (eyes full of hearts😍😍😍). But we will talk about Ryen next time, he has his own side story (bless you @katnissdoesnotfollowback ). So! Can’t wait to read about these two! Cupcake and Hummingbird ♥️. I miss them so much ♥️.
SSS - Outside Chance - ch 28
Eventually, he shifts enough so that he’s on his side next to me, his broad frame wrapped protectively around me. As we lay there in the afterglow, Peeta twirls the end of my braid around his fingers and grins.
“So. What do you want to do today?” And I can’t help it. I burst out laughing. And he joins me, teasing me through his deep chuckles. “Literally anything I suggest is going to seem boring after yesterday, so thanks for ruining this trip for us so early.”
I cover my face with one hand and groan. “What am I supposed to do now?”
“Enjoy it,” he whispers, his voice surprisingly sober. I pause and slide my hand off my face. He picks it up in his, and brings my fingers to his lips for a soft kiss. “Enjoy it and do whatever you want to do.”
I shift in the bed and prop my head up on one hand, fingers threading through my hair as I smile at him.
“You know what I really want to do?”
“What?” he whispers conspiratorially and I grin.
“I want to be shamelessly lazy today.”
Six Sentence Sunday: The Bet [Peeta POV]
Obviously it’s more than six sentences because I have no self control. Enjoy!
+ + +
“Hey, you made it.” Finnick appeared from behind me, slinging a casual arm across my shoulder in greeting. He held out a half-eaten piece of celery towards me in offering, shrugging when I declined. “Want a beer? We gotta sign up soon, anyways.”
“How many people are allowed on a team?”
“Five. Fucking Thresh posted about it on instagram and half of campus showed up. It’s all good though, our team is stacked.”
“Hi Peeta,” an unfamiliar voice caught my attention, two girls who I didn’t know were squeezing past to get closer to the booth of players. Before I could reply, their eyes were already trained on Finnick, slightly lidded with seduction. “Hello, Finnick.”
“Ladies.”
“Hi,” I replied, stuffing my hands down into my jeans. Finnick waited until they were out of earshot to nudge me hard in the side.
“Who knew trivia night was hiding all the chicks? This place has been Pussy City since we got here.”
“You know you have a girlfriend, right? Annie Cresta? Ringing any bells…?” I teased, making Finnick roll his eyes. It was laughable to imply he’d forgotten about her. He’d practically worshipped the ground she walked on since they started dating last spring.
“Never heard of her,” he replied back, dryly. “Obviously I am not suggesting P.C. for myself. I’m saying you could say more than hi to a hot girl walking by.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but Finnick was already fixated on something else.
The music was loud, coursing through the speakers that sat just behind the booth we’d managed to snag. A large television positioned on the wall replayed highlights from last weeks game, going over the best passes and plays.
I shifted on my feet, glancing around. It really had filled up, the bar was completely surrounded, at least three people deep. If new groups had to be signed up for trivia by nine-thirty, we probably needed to head over now.
When I looked back at the table, Gale was pounding chicken wings and Finnick was in a lively conversation. Thresh, who they mentioned being on the team, was whispering something into a girl who wasn’t his on again off again girlfriend, Delly, and Brutus had disappeared.
Guess that left me.
I headed over towards the bar, awkwardly trying to keep on the narrow walkway and avoid tables and other people who packed in tightly around it. I was a big guy…well over six foot and over three-hundred pounds. It was nearly impossible to weave through a crowd smoothly and despite how hard I tried to go unnoticed I didn’t miss the way people glanced at me over their shoulders or instinctively pressed closer together to afford me more space.
I needed a beer.
As if I’d spoken the request to karma itself, at that exact moment I felt cold liquid slosh onto the front of my shirt.
“Dell, wait–oh god, I’m sorry!”
I barely had time to register what had happened before my eyes caught sight of the responsible stranger. She had a petite build and dark hair that fell over her shoulders. Light brown skin and glossy lips which formed a look of surprise. Her startling gray eyes were wide as she looked between me and my shirt.
She looked so familiar.
I turned to look over my shoulder at the person she’d been chasing when she bumped into me. Delly Cartwright, Thresh’s girlfriend. Or, I guess ex-girlfriend at the moment. That had to be why I recognized the girl standing in front of me. If she was Delly’s friend, chances are I’d seen them together.
I liked Delly. She was loud and bubbly and a little crazy sometimes, but that was part of what made her fun to be around. We’d known each other since I was a freshman and she was a sophomore here at Panem. She was one of my first friends.
I smiled down at her friend reassuringly and reached over at the bar for a few napkins to wipe myself off with.
“It’s okay,” I promised. “It’s just a shirt.”
Relief washed over her, followed by an awkward expression as she stood glancing between her own top and the half empty glass of liquid.
“Did any get on you?”
“Uh, no,” she replied shortly, eyes shifting.
I could hear Finnick’s voice in my head, telling me not to just say hi to a pretty girl and walk away. But nerves were beginning to take over. She wasn’t pretty. She was gorgeous.
One hundred lifetimes out of my league.
Part Seven of "Photograph"
Did I really just post two updates in a weekend?
YUP!
-------
“You write something, post a picture, and then what happens?”
“Well, most people want to gain popularity, or maybe get sponsors aka free sh—stuff.” Katniss reached and placed her set of arrows in the container between herself and Lo. “I really did it for fun, but it made me realize how much I’m into designing. I like to make things aesthetically pleasing whether it be a room or a piece of furniture.”
“Hmm.” Lo raised her bow, pulling it taut, before letting it go. She landed just a bit short of the target. “What’s going to happen to the blog now?”
Katniss placed her bow down and sat in one of the nearby lawn chairs. Honestly, she wasn’t sure. It had been busy since the press conference and as expected the demand was high for the new King and Queen Consort of Panem.
Johanna’s campaign to present them as modern royals was working perfectly. Their Instagram had reached a million followers within two hours of its release and their Twitter account was just about equal. She and Peeta’s schedules were packed during the weekdays and by the end of dinner, Katniss would promptly fall asleep.
“I don’t know,” Katniss admitted. “I’d like to maintain it, but it’s hard when I’m being pulled in so many directions. I can’t even imagine how many comments I’ve received since the press conference. I know that I’m supposed to be using it as a way for citizens to get to know me and my focus on sustainability for Panem, but as we get closer to Peeta’s coronation and the ball, the pressure is building.”
Lo raised a brow, giving her a dry smile. “Katniss, get it together.”
She snorted. “Of course, I didn’t expect any sympathy from you.”
Read the rest of Part Seven HERE!
The Point of No Return
Author: JLaLa (@jlalafics)/Image by @daydreamsandcaffeine
Prompt Number: 12
Prompt: How about a story based on the Fast and the Furious series? It can be any of the characters and can be in any place in the world. Peeta and Katniss both love fast cars. Family is the most important thing in life
Rating: M
Peeta hated days like these.
Hot and dry, perfect to start out the usual September brush fire in the Bay Area. Autumn usually began with a three-day stint of hot days before welcoming back Karl the Fog. Residents of the city welcome the overcast like an old friend, Peeta included.
He stretched behind the gas station counter, whistling along to the tune from the latest TikTok musician that played from his laptop speakers.
Outside, cars came and went, owners pumping gas or coming into the small store that he manned to buy snacks or drinks.
It wasn’t the greatest job, but the schedule was flexible and let him study during his downtime.
As his gaze went to his laptop screen, the bass-like rumble of a Spoon exhaust system caught his ear. Peeta’s eyes shot up just as a deep-orange Acura Integra pulled up to the gas pump in front of the market. He was immediately impressed by the bodywork; the anodized aluminum black rims, the aggressive lip kit, the carbon fiber wing—
Not to mention, the woman stepping out the car.
The same song playing on his speakers blared from inside her ride, filling the air. He watched captivated as she walked over to the pump, her movements perfectly in sync with tune.
“This ain’t build a bitch…I’m filled with flaws and attitude…so if you need perfect, I’m not built for you…”
The song fit her perfectly. Peeta watched as the dark-haired woman Facetimed, her hand gesticulating angrily. She was definitely pissed about something. He snorted as the call ended with her giving the caller the finger before tossing her phone through the open driver window.
Running a frustrated hand through her hair, she finished pumping and returned the gas nozzle.
Her gaze went to the market and Peeta straightened seeing that she was heading in. His eyes shot back to his laptop, pretending to not acknowledge her entrance as the woman went straight to the fridges in the back.
However, Peeta could feel her. His hair stood on end with each step that brought her closer to the counter…to him.
No woman had ever had such an effect on him.
Two cans of Arizona iced teas (lemon and raspberry), a bag of Cheetos hot fries, and a Vero Mango Chili Lollipop were placed on his counter, and he immediately reached to ring them up.
“$8.23,” Peeta said as he started to bag her purchases.
The woman snorted. “Damn, that’s expensive.”
Smoky eyes greeted his blues and his breath stuck in his throat. He coughed nervously before giving her a smile.
“You’re not from the Bay, are you?”
“No, just moved here.”
She was even more beautiful up close; her dark waves framed a heart-shaped face with almond eyes, a pert nose, and naturally plump lips. His eyes roved over to the dark wash jeans, the fitted black tank tucked into its waist, and the olive-green moto leather jacket.
“Welcome to San Francisco where the gas prices are high and you pay up to 3K to live in a possibly illegal in-law,” he joked.
She examined him before replying, “But you love living here.”
Peeta grinned. “Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. This is home.”
“That’s nice,” the woman replied quietly. “I’d like that one day.”
“Maybe you’ll find your place here.” Peeta held out his hand. “Peeta Mellark.”
“Katniss Everdeen.” She shook it, and a tingle shot through his spine. Her gaze suddenly went to her car. “I should get these to my sister. Hopefully, she’s still napping.”
He looked at the Integra’s tinted windows.
“Would be pretty hard to notice any sunlight through those. It’s a ‘97, right?”
“A ’95 Type-R, actually.”
“Tight work,” he remarked. “I like the Spoon rims.”
“Thanks. My Dad and I put them in before—” Katniss stopped, her voice catching. “It was a pet project of ours.” She let out a breath before giving him a smile. “I better get going. Have to meet my uncle at his place. It was nice meeting you, Peeta Mellark.”
“Wait—” Peeta rounded the counter and grabbed another Vero Mango lollipop from the canister nearby. He went to her, holding out the candy along with her bagged items. “Your snacks and this extra piece are on me. An official welcome from a true San Franciscan.”
Katniss took the lollipop, unwrapping it and sticking it into her mouth. She sucked, the sound reaching his ears, and Peeta resisted the urge to groan at the sheer sexiness of it.
Goddamn—she was his dream girl.
Katniss smirked, as if she had heard his thoughts.
“I think I’m going to like it here.”
++++++
“I saw that! You hella failed!” Peeta scowled at Finnick Odair, his best friend, who in turned beamed at him. “Just joking, bro, but I could tell you liked her.”
Finnick worked at the auto shop adjacent to the gas station along with Thresh, another one of their crew.
“Doesn’t matter,” Peeta lied. “I have to focus on other things.”
Their attention suddenly went to the white Porsche 911 Turbo that was heading towards them. It turned in sharply to pull up and park and Finnick jogged over to open the door.
“Hey Peeta!” Annie Cresta, Finnick’s girlfriend, greeted brightly as she stepped out of the car. “Y’all ready?”
Finnick kissed her quickly before looking back to him.
“Just about to close. Peeta was telling me about this girl that he just bombed with.”
Annie was a former car show model, not surprising with her flowing dark hair, slim figure, and deep green eyes. It was actually how she met Finnick, whose car—a Shelby GT 500—was on display. The two hit it off when Annie asked to check out his engine—her dad was former race car mechanic—and had been inseparable ever since.
“You met a girl?” Annie reached over and pinched his cheek. “So cute!”
“Nothing will come of it,” Peeta informed her, smiling wryly. “She had a nice ride though.”
“Ride?” Annie looked at him in confusion. “Like her ass?”
“No, like her car,” he told his friend. “A ’95 Integra, gorgeous color. Not to mention, she was gorgeous, too.” Pulling his cellphone from his pocket, Peeta looked at the time. “We should get going. Haymitch and the rest of them should be there now.”
Finnick reached into his shirt pocket and tossed the keys at him. “She’s in the back.”
Peeta nodded before heading into the open garage, past the cars being serviced and toward the silver custom fit car cover. Finnick’s shop was popular and with everything going on, he made sure that she was well-protected.
Going to the front of the cover, Peeta carefully rolled it back, checking for any marks before fully exposing her to the evening air.
“Hello, love,” he greeted.
His GTR gleamed in greeting; the dark green paint job shimmering with flecks of silver and Peeta opened the door to climb inside, taking in the scent of the leather. He adjusted the rearview mirror, making sure that the rosary from his mother wasn’t tangled.
“God, those Volk rims are bangin’,” Finnick said as he started his engine. “How many shifts did it take to get them?”
“Six months’ worth.” Peeta grinned, his hands already on his steering wheel—a Momo that cost him a pretty penny. He ate Maruchan noodles for a year to save up for it. “It’s always worth it, though.”
“You really need to get laid, man.”
Peeta gave him the finger.
“Hey, guys!” Annie skipped towards them, her skirt and long hair flouncing with her. “Last person at the meet-up buys dinner!”
“You’re on, babe,” Finnick replied before heading to his Shelby, newly painted electric blue with a white stripe down its middle.
“I want Golden Boy!” Peeta yelled as Annie rushed to her car. Fastening his seatbelt, he turned the engine over and revved it up before putting it into drive to move gently out of the garage.
He stopped next to Annie’s car, and she drew down her passenger window. “You think you’ll see your girl again?”
Peeta shrugged, his mind going to those sparkling greys. “I can only hope.”
Finnick joined them, a wide smile on his face.
“Come on, you two! Let’s roll out!”
Taking a deep breath, Peeta shifted into gear and in the blink of an eye, the three cars were racing into the evening.
++++++
Peeta lost himself in the drive, forgetting about the wager between himself and his friends.
Instead of heading for the easiest path from the gas station in Bayview—getting on the 101—he decided to cruise the streets and found himself driving through the Dogpatch District.
There was a distinct divide between the neighboring districts due to gentrification. In just a few blocks, it went from shipyards and old factories to state-of-the-art apartment buildings, the Uber HQ, and Chase Stadium.
While Peeta loved discovering new facets of the City, like the new Asian fusion bakery near his apartment, he missed other things like the family run restaurant that was walking distance from the gas station. His father used to take him there on the weekends so they could have man-to-man time while eating hefty servings of char siu and rice from Styrofoam containers.
Just as Peeta crossed the small drawbridge next to Oracle Park, his cellphone rang. Making sure there weren’t any cops around, he answered, putting it on speaker.
“Hey asshole, where the hell are you?”
Peeta rolled his eyes at the greeting. “Almost there, Gale. Just drove by the ballpark. Who’s there?”
“Haymitch, Johanna, Thresh—wait…Annie and Finnick just arrived—” There was a shuffle and some muffled words before Gale got back on the phone. “Little Miss Annie said that you’re getting pizza for Haymitch’s tonight.”
“Guess I am,” he replied. “See you in a few.”
His eyes went directly onto the 3rd Street.
It was surprisingly quiet, which made sense since there wasn’t a game going on.
Peeta shifted gears, put his pedal to the floor and sped through, hearing the squeal of his tires as he gained speed. He grinned at the rumble beneath him, the sounds of his car as familiar as his heartbeat.
Maybe it wasn’t that he lost himself in the ride, it was that found himself in it.
Making a turn into the lot, Peeta quickly found the rest of his crew despite the throngs of other automobiles arranged around their own group.
Everyone knew that Haymitch Abernathy’s crew had the prime spot; dead center in the lot with the perfect backdrop of the Bay Bridge behind them.
Peeta parked in his usual spot, to the right of Haymitch’s 1973 Barracuda, which was a source of envy and desire for many. There wasn’t a single driving crew that didn’t know of the man or his car.
It was pure black with leather bench seats and a 3-Spoke walnut hardwood steering wheel—timeless pieces for a classic. Unlike the rest of their cars, Haymitch’s had no body kit or other flashy additions. He didn’t need them because his racing skill alone was legendary.
Peeta stepped out of his car and immediately Haymitch came over, a wide smile on his weathered face.
“About time you showed up.” He put an arm around Peeta, patting his back. “I hear you’re bringing pizza over to my place. Effie will be happy. She hasn’t done a Costco run this week and will have nothing for any of you to eat.”
“If she ever needs anyone to help her out, I can go with her,” Peeta offered.
“And that’s why you’re my favorite,” the man declared.
Effie, Haymitch’s lady—practically his wife—was a retired officer from the San Francisco Police Department. It was how the two met; each time there was some sort of street race, Effie was immediately sent out to deal with Haymitch, who had taken a special liking to the woman.
It got to the point where he would start running lights on purpose and, even once, making donuts by her precinct just to be pulled in for an interview with her.
About the weirdest way to get someone but now the two were living happily in sin.
“Of course, he’s your favorite!” The woman with the ponytail shave approached, a glint in her dark eyes. She put her hands to Peeta’s cheeks to squish them together. “Peeta is so adorable!” Her words were laced with sarcasm. “He might even turn me straight.”
“Hello, Johanna,” Peeta greeted with a chuckle. He hugged the woman and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Who’s your conquest tonight?”
Johanna looked around and then sighed.
“Slim pickings tonight. Might just have to eat out Cato’s girl like last time.”
“God, I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he finds out about that.” Peeta’s stare went to the group adjacent to them. A tall blond with an unusually long neck met his eyes and sneered before taking a sip from the Corona in his hand. Beside him, the petite girl with long, sleek hair and round eyes looked to them, her gaze zeroing in on Johanna.
In response, his friend made a V with her index and middle finger before sticking her tongue between them, flicking it up and down. The girl startled before pressing herself closer to Cato, though her eyes flit once more to Johanna.
“I have no time to deal with a closet case like Clove,” Johanna told him.
Johanna Mason was the crew’s second in command. If Haymitch and Effie were considered the Papa and Mama Bear of their crew, Johanna was essentially their Aunt Bear—who liked pussy. She knew everyone strengths and weaknesses on the road and if they were ever challenged, she would immediately send the best driver for the race.
Besides Beetee, their tech guy, Johanna knew every road in the Bay Area and how to handle each one.
“The right one will come along,” he assured her.
“God willing,” she retorted before suddenly snapping her neck to her left. “Hands off the car, Gale!”
The dark-haired man, who could easily be mistaken as Haymitch’s son due to having the same olive skin and grey eyes, raised his hands in surrender.
“Just checking out the new body kit!” Gale called out before stepping away from the grey Nissan 370z. “No need to be a bitch about it.”
“I’d watch your mouth before I call your mama,” Johanna warned.
“Leave him alone,” Peeta said. He walked over to Gale and patted his shoulder. “He’s still learning how not to play with other people’s property—”
The group erupted in laughter as Thresh and Finnick launched into a rendition of Naughty by Nature’s O.P.P.
A few weeks ago, Gale sat inside the Barracuda—strike one—then touched the steering wheel—strike two. Just as he was about to sign his death warrant and open the glove compartment, Haymitch found him and tore him a new one.
Gale hadn’t looked at the Barracuda or Haymitch ever since.
Peeta finished greeting the rest of the crew, hugging it out with Thresh, who was off from Finnick’s garage today. Then he said hello to Brutus and Gloss, two cousins from Oakland, who were essentially muscle men—they owned a high-end gym in the City. The two were checking out the paint jobs on their matching Toyota 86s; Brutus’ was midnight purple and Gloss’ was chartreuse.
Brutus asked when he would be coming to train to which Peeta said that he would look into his work schedule.
Truthfully, the last time that he trained with the men, he couldn’t move for three days. They meant well but didn’t understand that not a lot of people were on their level fitness-wise.
His last stop was Beetee, who was sitting in his Dodge Charger with a laptop in the passenger seat.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Hacked into the SFPD’s CB radio system,” Beetee replied. “Just keeping a watch in case.” He pushed up his horn-rimmed glasses. “Would hate for them to ruin such a fun gathering.”
“Any reason that they should?”
“Cato is a little heated since you bested him at Twin Peaks,” the man informed him. “I have a feeling he might be feeding info to the police to shut this all down.”
“What an asshole,” Peeta replied. “I thought he was just bent out of shape because Johanna gave Clove head.”
Beetee guffawed. “That might just push him over the edge.” He looked up at Peeta. “Just watch your back, okay?”
He smiled warmly at the man. “Of course.”
Haymitch let out a whistle and they all gathered. Behind them, the music coming from one of the lowriders was quickly cut and even Cato’s crew turned to hear what their leader had to say.
“I’m glad that you were all available to come out,” Haymitch started. “Seeing you all here reminds of how much of a family you have become to me.” He cleared his throat, his grey eyes solemn and Peeta felt something stick in his throat. “With that in mind, I’m stepping down. Effie and I need to focus on some family matters, and we thought that you should be the first to know.”
For a moment, the crowd went silent.
“So, you finally knock her up?”
The question came from one of the guys where the lowrider cars were parked. Peeta remembered this man’s car being the ’64 Impala; he had invited Peeta for a ride once.
Haymitch snickered. “No, but don’t give Effie any ideas!” Everyone howled and Haymitch held his hands up to quiet them down. “I know this is a surprise, but things came up…and it’s what needs to be done.”
Out in the throng, someone held up their 40 oz bottle of Olde English. “To Haymitch!”
The crowd roared and those with a drink held it up to honor the man.
Johanna was the first to confront their leader. “A little warning would’ve been nice!”
He looked to each of them, regret in his eyes.
“We’re going to talk about it at my place tonight. Especially with everyone around gunning to take my spot…our spot. Also, there’s someone I want to introduce you to.”
A familiar orange Integra roared into the lot, braking sharply in front of their group.
Peeta’s heart began to race.
It couldn’t be—
The door opened and there she was, still wearing the same green leather jacket. She rushed over to Haymitch, giving him a smile before looking to the group.
When she zeroed in on Peeta, her grey eyes rounded before delightfully sparkling in his direction.
Heat filled him at her provocative stare.
‘Hello again, Dream Girl.’
“Guys—” Haymitch put an arm around her. “This is my niece, Katniss Everdeen.”
++++++
“Please be into girls…please be into girls…” Johanna murmured in quiet prayer behind him.
Peeta sat frozen in his spot, watching Haymitch introduce Katniss to some of the older folks in the mob.
Of all people, why did she have to be related to Haymitch Abernathy? Someone he knew for a definite fact could get away with murder.
However, there would be no problem if Peeta just kept it in his pants and avoided her.
“Peeta!” Haymitch headed right for him; Katniss following behind. “This is Katniss. Katniss, this is—”
“Peeta Mellark of gas station fame,” she finished with a smirk. “It’s been what—eight hours?”
“I didn’t realize that the uncle you were referring to was Haymitch.” Peeta avoided Haymitch’s curious gaze. “Again, welcome to the City.”
“And, how do you know my boy?” Haymitch asked.
Katniss looked at her Uncle. “Your boy? I was hoping Peeta was single—”
“Katniss…” Haymitch warned though it was tinge with warmth.
“Don’t worry!” She winked at Peeta. “I promise to not eat him alive.” He hoped that neither noticed the slight twitch at his lower half. “Anyway, Peeta was the first person to welcome me to San Francisco. He made me feel much better about the whole situation…”
The lightness in her eyes dimmed for a moment.
“I want you to be happy here, Katniss,” her uncle said gruffly. “You and Prim.”
Katniss embraced the older man, giving him a kiss on the cheek as they pulled apart.
In return, Haymitch patted her shoulder awkwardly.
“We will be. Thanks to you and Effie.”
“Wow.” Peeta guffawed. “I’ve never seen you so…soft.”
“I’ve seen you cry watching The Notebook. I don’t think you’re in a place to be calling me out,” Haymitch retorted.
“That is the last time that Annie decides on a movie!” Peeta turned to Katniss, who watched the banter in amusement. “I’m not making myself look good, am I?”
Katniss snorted. “No, you aren’t, but I like you this way.”
They stared at one another for a moment, and Peeta felt his mouth rise at the sight of her smile—as wide and bright as his own. He wished he could stop time just so that he could remember every bit of this moment; the way the corners of her eyes crinkled and the slightly higher lift of the right side of her lips.
And that dimple on her chin.
He wanted to press his mouth to it, imprinting it forever in his memories.
“This is getting weird,” Haymitch suddenly said, breaking them both from the stare. He whistled, calling the rest of the crew towards them. “Everyone, this is my niece Katniss. Treat her nicely, but don’t stare at her weirdly like Peeta just did.”
Each of them introduced themselves; Johanna with barely contained lust, Annie with excitement, Thresh with friendliness, Finnick with flirtation, Brutus and Gloss with quiet grunts, and Gale with suspicion. Beetee had already been introduced in the first round along with all the elders at the gathering.
“Katniss here is quite the driver,” Haymitch told them proudly. “Her dad was one of the best drifters in the country and he taught her well.”
“Bullshit,” Gale busted out.
Katniss stepped up. “Excuse me?”
“I’m just saying—this isn’t just some single-road town in the middle of nowhere. This is San Francisco. Not everyone can drive it—or drive it like we can.”
“Name a street.”
Gale was taken aback. “What?”
“According to you, not everyone—specifically me—can drive the streets of San Francisco,” Katniss countered. “Give me a street and I’ll show you I can.” She stepped into his space, and Gale retreated, but just slightly to save face. “In fact, you can drive against me.” Her eyes went to Gale’s Cherry-Red Viper. “Unless you can’t handle that weak ride of yours.”
Gale’s eyes flashed. “Top of Vermont Street.”
Peeta joined the two, turning to Katniss.
“You don’t have anything to prove.” He glared at Gale. “Especially to him.”
Katniss’ stare softened and she moved close, brushing her knuckles against Peeta’s.
“I know I don’t. I just think that he needs to be taught a lesson.”
His stomach fluttered at the fire in her eyes. “And what is that?”
“That it’s not about the car. It’s about the driver.”
++++++
While many believe the most crooked street is Lombard Street, San Franciscans know the truth.
It is actually Vermont Street.
Settled in Potrero Hill, the street is hidden in a residential area surrounded by trees. It’s not a place to take photos and you never had to worry about having to wait in a queue like Lombard. In fact, because of its seven sharp turns, it was disorienting to take photos.
That wasn’t going to stop Annie.
“I’m totally going live on my Instagram,” she told everyone at the bottom of the street where the crew was parked and gathered.
“Are you really putting your niece through the ringer over Gale?” Johanna questioned, her hard stare on their leader. “You know he’s all talk.”
“She needs to prove herself,” Haymitch responded before turning to Katniss. “You good?”
Katniss nodded. “I’m ready whenever he is.”
“How do we know that neither of them is woofing?” Brutus called out.
“Easy. Send in a witness,” Haymitch told him. “Katniss, pick someone to ride with you.”
“Peeta,” she answered immediately. His face warmed as he joined her side and she leaned towards him. “I’m glad I haven’t scared you off yet.”
“You’ll have to do a lot more to keep me away.”
Katniss barely managed to hold in her smile.
Haymitch looked over at Gale, who was sitting against his car.
“Gale? Who’s your choice?”
“Finnick.”
“We’ll flip on who goes first,” Haymitch continued. “Katniss is heads, Gale is tails.” He dug a quarter from his pocket before flipping it and covering the coin with his other hand. “Annie, call the result.”
Annie danced towards him, and he moved his hand away. “Heads!”
“Peeta, you record Katniss driving,” Johanna said. “Same for you, Finnick. The fastest split time is the winner.”
Katniss nodded. “Got it. Let’s go, Peeta.” They walked over to her car, and he went to the driver’s side, opening her door. She smiled as she sat down. “Thanks…no one has ever opened a door for me.”
“That’s a damn shame,” he replied. “I’ll have to fix that.”
Closing it, Peeta rounded the car to the passenger’s side and opened the door, plopping himself in his seat. He looked around the interior in admiration; the seats were taupe leather and smelled like they were just put in.
“Before you ask, they’re new,” Katniss informed him. “Wanted to make the trip easier on Prim.” She reached to her stereo system, an Alpine, and turned the volume up. “I can’t drive—the way I need to—without music.”
“I get it. I’m all about my dance mixes.”
Katniss started her engine and the smooth rumble immediately comforted him.
There was something about being in a well-built car. You could feel the love and the dedication put into it. Being in a custom-built car was like being in someone’s home, you’re able to get a glance of the kind of people they are. If they’re messy or neat, if they’re a minimalist or extravagant, or even if they are rebellious or a law-abider.
Peeta could tell immediately that she was an analytical driver, already planning the next move as she used her short shift and smoothly turned her Momo—they matched—up to the top of Vermont Street.
His phone rang and he answered to find Johanna’s face on the screen. “Hey, we’re at the top.”
“Okay,” Johanna said. “When Katniss is ready, let me—”
“I’m ready now,” Katniss interrupted, looking at the road before them. She gunned the engine, shifting with one hand and gripping her steering wheel with the other. “You?”
Their eyes met and her steel gaze went soft. However, her chest rose, her lips blowing out her tension unsteadily.
She needed him. In what way, he wasn’t sure, but he knew one thing.
Whatever Katniss needed, he would be there—co-driver, friend, family…
The other possibilities…they would just have to wait.
Because it was time for Katniss to show them what she was made of.
Johanna called out from his phone, “Starting in…3…2…1! GO!”
Her tires squealed as they flew off the concrete.
Peeta hung up on Johanna and got on camera mode to record. He focused on Katniss’ braking techniques, so smooth and stealthy that there was no jerking as they made their way through the first turn. Expose’s “Point of No Return” blared in the background, the bass making the whole car pulsate, but Peeta noticed none of it.
All he saw was her.
“I’d like to feel the passion To the point of no return I will be in full reaction I wanna take you in my arms
You’re taking me to the point of no return…you’re taking me to the point of no return…”
Despite their speed, he recorded steadily to make sure that he was getting all the proof that prick Gale needed. Katniss’ driving skills were flawless, her turns were tight and control on the wheel firm. She was focused completely on the road as they reached the halfway point.
All the while, a radiant smile lit her face.
She looked like he felt whenever he drove.
Like there was nothing else in the world that they would rather be doing.
“Why are you staring at me?”
Peeta moved the phone to meet her eyes. “Because I have to, I’m recording.”
“That camera hasn’t moved from face since the third turn.”
“Oh shit—” He quickly panned the camera to where she gripped the wheel. “Sorry.”
Katniss cracked up. “It’s not you I have to prove anything to. I know you trust me.”
He raised a brow at her words. “How do you know that?”
“It’s an instinct, like driving.” They made another turn, the second to the last. Peeta could see the line of their crew’s cars blocking the end of the road. “I know that you wouldn’t steer me wrong—excuse the bad pun.”
“Driving and puns,” he remarked. “My kind of night…with my dream girl.”
They reached the last turn and Katniss shifted as they made their way to the finish, braking to a full stop.
She turned to him, her cheeks flushed and her chest heaving. Her mouth curved in a smile as they stared at one another.
“What are you doing after this?” Katniss asked.
“I owe everyone dinner from Golden Boy Pizza.” His eyes went to where their hands rested at the console. Slowly, he covered her hand with his. “You want to come with me?”
Without a tic, her hand turned under his to entwine their fingers.
Their eyes connected, her own full and warm for him.
Peeta knew the look as sure he could breathe; he knew it reflected his own.
Love.
The point of no return.
“I would go anywhere with you.”
End of Part One
Yes, if you this is by no means over and I’m already working on Part Two. Watch on my Tumblr for updates.
Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading!
*Music:
“Build A Bitch” – Bella Poarch
“Point of No Return” –Expose
So, for some reason, the aesthetic board for this did not catch! So I’m posting this awesomeness by @daydreamsandcaffeine for you to check out!
Also, hope you enjoy this first part.
Outside Expectations - 26
Summary: Sometimes, the best person for you is the one you don’t expect. An expansion of the “Outside Chance” universe focused on Graham and Savannah and how they wound up in that ivory and estrogen tower with a pack of daughters.
Warnings: RATED E for sexual content, language, parenting shenanigans, mentions of verbal abuse, accidental pregnancy and associated discussions of options, postpartum depression and adjustments, children with illnesses, miscarriage, discussion of amputations and associated recovery, lots of mental health crap because I put all these characters through a lot, does that cover all my bases?
Chapter 26 - The Swerve Back
https://twitter.com/ErinInTheMorn/status/1524224285082066953?t=AW-7wEu820f0TP0xImVRMg&s=19
Just me crying in the bathroom so I don't wake my partners with this, fuck.
So to sum up: CT and DC have passed laws making it illegal to extradite someone to another state if they are being charged in that other state for crimes pertaining to abortion or trans health care, and makes it legal to sue and get your money back if you are targeted by a TX-style "bounty" law. DC also includes "crimes" of consensual adult sex, gay and interracial marriage and cohabitation and providing or using contraception.
This is, as the thread explains, basically legal interstate warfare. CT and DC's laws bar compliance with such laws.
This is, on one hand, kind of terrifying, because this is where we are now. It's going to get worse long before it gets better.
On the other hand... holy shit, someone fucking did something.
Someone fucking did something real.
Two Night Stand
Author: @absnow
Prompt Number: 34a
Prompt: A winter storm turns Katniss and Peeta’s one night stand into two. Based on the movie Two Night Stand.
Rating: Explicit
Written for @ouateverlark challenge 2022
Where the Stars Crumble to Life - Chapter 6
Summary: Earth has collapsed. Separated from her family in the chaos, Katniss Everdeen escapes on one of the last lifeboats to leave the planet. After a harrowing journey, she has arrived alone on a strange new planet, a penal colony now turned refugee camp. As she attempts to build a new life, she comes to realize that while she might have escaped the destruction of her planet, she cannot escape her past. Or the person she loved beyond her own life and the stars themselves.
Warnings: Rated E for explicit language, explicit sexual content, violence, police brutality. This is a science fiction-ish prison-ish au set in the future with a divorced Everlark (I promise I fix it), a healthy dose of mutual pining and mutual idiocy. Also they protect each other so there’s that.
Read Chapter 6 on AO3.
Please note that this chapter contains depictions of violence and police brutality. Preview below the cut:
I truly can't believe I'm having to address this again but I'm not going to be quiet about it. The last time this happened (nearly 6 months! Of repetitive biphobic posts AND asks being sent to writers/artists some of who ARE bisexual!) it contributed to keeping me off Tumblr/fandom specifically because it was becoming very pervasive for these types of comments to be made in my area. I ended up being gone for roughly ~9 months solely because of the biphobic/homophobic comments that were being made.
1. Commenting on a fic characters sexuality to say that you can't see them as *insert label* adds nothing of value, distracts from the fic itself, and minimizes the value of having an LGBTQ character. It hurts LGBTQ people who read these fics because we are already starved for LGBTQ content and now people that we interact with in our fandom are questioning our existence, again, in fiction! Which truly should be a safe space for exploration of sexuality. Please, before you comment, ask yourself, why do I need to say something about this characters sexuality? Is it a positive thing? If it's not, then shush! The fic isn't for you! That's ok! Especially when it is a gift from one fan to another. You're degrading what someone else likes. There are literally millions of fics with heterosexuals.
2. Putting any sort of laughing emoji with a comment rejecting a character being *insert label* is at best annoying to the writer and at worst public prejudice that you are subjecting people of that community to. You are hurting people with your words, I don't know why we are still having to explain in 2022, after 3 years of majorly internet based interactions, that what you do online everyone can see and it affects them just as if you said it out loud in a classroom, a meeting, or meeting someone for the first time. You can think whatever you want, that doesn't mean your thought needs to be said/typed for all to hear/see. You can read, not enjoy, click away and move on. Not every thought we have needs to be shared. Before you say something T.H.I.N.K. Is it...
True?
Helpful?
Inspiring?
Necessary?
Kind?
3. Following up a comment with "I'm not trying to be rude" means you know, in fact, that what you're saying is a rude and impolite thing to say to someone. It doesn't matter if that someone is the writer or anyone else in society. What you've said is not good! Not ok! Period. Stop doing it. Why are you wasting your energy on perpetuating harm? Why are you continuing to do things that harm others? Even if it's just one person in your fandom. Y'all wanna talk about peace on earth? Then fucking be about! Treat your community with dignity and respect. You can't pick and choose who you afford it to. It's all or none.
4. Making an assumption about why a writer chose to use a specific sexuality is ignorant. There is a vast array of reasons why a writer chooses certain details. Age old phrasing, what happens when you ass/u/me, yadda yadda. Really, truly, you look like an ass when you say things like "just because xyz doesn't mean they are LGBT!!!!" If you're actually curious ask the writer directly, what made you choose this for this fic? Do not ask them unless you're truly curious. A writers choice for their fic is not up for debate. Don't like, don't read. Read it and didn't like, click away. Writers don't want your interaction if you're going to ass/u/me.
That's it. That's the post. Unpack your homophobia + biphobia. Queer people don't need to be reminded in their fun place of how much the world detests their existence.
Everthorne Farms - Part 2 by Court81981
So I appreciate the response this little pumpkin patch/Scare Farm drabble got at Halloween, and while I didn’t plan anything beyond that, listening to Taylor Swift’s Christmas Tree Farm invited this little Part 2 to unfold in my head. It’s edited hastily but I hope you enjoy. Thank you for all the continued support. There are more updates coming in the New Year, and yes, I hope 2022 is the year that sees CMP complete. And El, thanks for putting up with me! Love you. to pieces. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! XOXO Court
“Can you believe it’s snowing?” Prim dances past me and peers out the tiny window of the shed. “It’s never snowed on opening morning!”
“It’s just a few flurries, Little Duck. Nothing to get too excited about,” I reply as I check the hot chocolate and cider urns and make sure the extra package of cups is nearby. “This is all just about ready. You’ll be okay in here?”
Keep reading
Outside Expectations - 25
Summary: Sometimes, the best person for you is the one you don’t expect. An expansion of the “Outside Chance” universe focused on Graham and Savannah and how they wound up in that ivory and estrogen tower with a pack of daughters.
Warnings: RATED E for sexual content, language, parenting shenanigans, mentions of verbal abuse, accidental pregnancy and associated discussions of options, postpartum depression and adjustments, children with illnesses, miscarriage, discussion of amputations and associated recovery, lots of mental health crap because I put all these characters through a lot, does that cover all my bases?
Chapter 25 - The Minuscule Goals
Part Thirteen of "I loved you first"
Summary: There are divorced couples. Then, there are Katniss and Peeta Mellark.
We're back...
Part Thirteen is now on AO3 and FFn!
Please enjoy and I'd love some feedback.
Happy Easter! -LaLa, Hubbs, and Toddler J
