Flawless (Matt)

Waking up this morning sucked. A lot. It was a Monday, and I had stayed up late last night, watching the Hunger Games with my parents. I wasn't very fond of them, but my mother grew up in a family of Careers (her sister was actually a Victor, but that's a story for later), and as my father has such a high, Capitol job, it's his obligation to watch every second of them. It wasn't even part of the live broadcast; Just a woman with bright pink skin and a large, purple afro chatting about how attractive each tribute is. "Oh, that Takeba girl is so pretty, despite the dirt and cuts!" "I'm happy the Atlas boy was killed. He wasn't eye candy at ALL." I was so disgusted, I debated flinging the remote control at the television. I decided against it, and proceeded to listen to the woman's pointless rants.

I realized I had overslept, and I had to hurry to not be late. I chose a brand new pair of jeans and an orange hoodie, quickly throwing them on. "Oh, Orville, please don't forget your book bag!" cried mother from the kitchen, who was preparing a fancy breakfast for father. "I got it, mom!" I replied, grabbing a granola bar mother had conveniently placed on the coffee table for me. I bolted out the door, sprinting down the sidewalk. Opening the granola bar, I quickly scarfed it down, crumbling the wrapper into a ball and throwing it out into the street. Someone who isn't as rich as me could pick it up.

I rounded the corner, and the High School was in sight. Sweat poured down my forehead, entering the ruts my wrinkles produced. My cheeks became red as I glanced at my watch, not slowing down to do so. Only one minute left. I sped up, running as fast as I possibly could. In moments, I charged through the door, jogging to my first period class. Everyone stared at me as I burst through the door taking my seat. As soon as I entered the chair, the bell rang, signifying the start of an absolutely boring Monday.

The mathematics class was uneventful. At least, it was for me, as I didn't pay a lick of attention. I believe it had something to do with those opposite numbers. What were they called? Integers? I didn't know, and to be honest, I didn't care. I was the first out the door as the bell rang, telling me it was time to go to Period 2. Science.

I couldn't see my face, but when I saw we had a substitute, my grin was so large it looked like my mouth was bigger than it actually is. And that's saying something. A guy with glasses began to walk through the door at the same time as me. Instead of allowing him access, I muttered "Move." and pushed him out of the way. "Hello, Miss. I don't know if Mrs. Brell told you this, but I don't do work in this class. She gives me a 100 anyway, so whatever assignment it is, I get a perfect grade. Just so you know." I smiled at her, silently praying she'll buy it. "Aha, nice try, kid. And just so you know, I'm subbing for Mrs. Gillis. Mrs. Brell teaches English." I gave her a quizzical look, pondering what she said, before coming to the realization she was correct. I trudged back to my desk, a look of defeat on my face.

I looked over beside me, and realized that whatserface wasn't there. She's always here before me, as her 1st period isn't far from this classroom. Where could she be? As if answering my question, walked through the door, wearing a beautiful sun dress. Suddenly, I remembered her name. Edana Lightwood. So intellectual. So independent. So freaking hot. I smirked as she walked over to the substitute, handing her a note. So, I thought, Good girl decided to skip? She took her seat next to me, and I watched as she put on makeup. Of course. The teacher explained a science project that we were supposed to do in partners.

"So not doing it" I muttered to myself, looking around the room. Everyone was arguing about whose partner they wanted, and finally, the substitute couldn't handle it. Now, she would pick our partners. Whoop de doo. Now I don't get to choose the person I'll make do all the work and put my name on. "Edana Lightwood?" My ears perked at the name of the smokin' girl. "You're partner will be Orville Mentz." Score. I could see her confused expression as she searched the room, and I felt like crying. How could she not know who I am? I'm only the richest, most popular I decided not to stay anything, and tapped her on the shoulder. "That's me! But, you call me York." I smiled at her, showing my teeth in which I worked so hard in order to clean every day. This was going to be fun.

I couldn't help but smile as Edana did the same, mirroring her as she studied my face. She was nearly perfect, almost like me, though I may be a bit closer to the goal I strive to achieve. Her face was formed like that of an angel, and I could almost feel the beauty radiating off of her face. Her hair flowed past her shoulders like a wave of pretty, except my locks looked far better than hers. She was blonde, and I loved that, but the fact her hair wasn't the genuine color like mine pecked at my mind. Why did it have to be bordering brown? Why did it have to be a mutt?

"So, Orville, well, York. How would you like to do this? I can go to your place, you can come to mine, or we can go to the Library." Her eyes were so mesmorizing, I hardly heard what she said. It was like I was in a whole new world, the pupils a portal to a distant universe. "I'll do anything you'd like..." I responded, still dazed. Almost immediately after I spoke, I snapped out of it. "Uh, I mean...you can come to my place, then the next day I can go to yours. Libraries scare me...those ladies are just always staring at you, waiting for you to make the slightest whisper so they can tell you to be quiet in a very rude way."

I smiled, nervously looking away toward the window. I'd never acted like this before. Of course, I'd met many fine loooking women on my Prowls, but my stomach was never filled with butterflies like right now. It must be the fact she wasn't all over me like the other girls, practically begging for sex like they were. She was different. I'd never actually tried being just friends with a girl before, so is this what the feeling in the pit of my gut is? The feeling of friendship?

I looked to the front, where Ms. Canter sat quietly at her desk, paying no attention whatsoever to the class. She was vigorously writing something down, trying her best to get finished in the shortest time possible. Her hair was prettier than Edana's. Closer to my blonde. For an old lady, her face was pretty sexy too, but not as amazing as her body. I surpressed a grin from forming on my face as I just looked at her, praying she wouldn't look up to see me staring. "My god, the substitute is hot!"

I looked over at Edana, and realized that she wasn't like my other friends. She was a girl, and what I said probably would offend her. Oh, how I wish I could take back what I said, to just erase it from existence, but life didn't work that way. I tried my best to smile at Edana, hoping to erase all nervousness from my expression. "So, uh, what are we suppose to do for this project? I didn't here....I was distracted." What I didn't tell her was that she was what I was distracted by.

"Sure, sounds great, I’ll see you tonight? Where do you live?" she aks, an angelic ring to her voice. That right there, the sweet tone she just used, almost made me forget about how awkward this conversation became. I decide it would be best to ignore what just happened, and to start anew. This girl...I like her. She would make a great friend, as I can just tell she's real. Most people only pretend to get inside my house, to see what luxory I live, and at times, steal my things. I force a fairly real looking smile on my face, a skill I picked up over the years as a Prowler.

"Sounds like a plan." I say, getting out a notebook to write down my address. "Number Four, Elliot Lane. It's the big white house. You can't miss it." I tear the sheet out of the book, and when I look up, I notice she is now wearing sunglasses. She must have seen me catching glimpses into her eyes, and got weirded out. Great, I think, Now she thinks I'm a creeper AND a pig..

“Um, yeah, we’re supposed to prepare a research paper on diamonds. I’ll give you the notes tonight, okay?” Diamonds. Perfect. If there was anything I knew about in the world, it would be jewelery. And money. And other expensive things. Anyway, this assignment would be easy as cake. I could actually get a good grade on this, with the help of Edana. And I wouldn't let an elephant in the room come between that.

"So...um...about what I said before. About the substitute...I meant, she looked hot. Like she has a big coat on, and it's stuffy in her....I'd never do her, I mean. Wait, that was uncalled for...I mean...I don't really think she's that attractive. I'd rather date someone my age, and pretty. Kind of like you." I took a deep breath after finishing this ramble, unsure if anything I said would be offensive or awkward to her. I hope not, or my plans for this assignment will completely fall through.

Before she answers, though, I look out the window, where snow is gently falling down.Tapping my fingers against my desk, I wish I could be out there, sticking my tongue out and catching the falling flakes like a child. Anything to get out of this boring classroom. Almost instantly, my head is on my desk, and I swear to only rest my eyes for a few seconds. I listen to the ticking of the clock, making a sort of rhythm as I just sit there, eyes closed. It didn't take long before I was deep asleep.