After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 10

In the dead of night, the phone's ring cut through the silence like a knife. Katniss was out cold, and without a second thought, she hung up. But the damn phone kept ringing, messing with her sleep and pissing her off. Eyes still shut, she hit the answer button.

Desmond's voice came through, pissed as hell. "Katniss, what the hell? You hang up on me?"

Katniss scowled, snapping back, "Desmond, seriously? It's the middle of the night! What do you want?"

Desmond, breathing heavily, shot back, "You gotta go back to school tomorrow and cede your exam spot to Clara! Or else, you're gonna regret it!"

Hearing this, Katniss's eyes flashed cold. No way she was letting them win. "Desmond, you lost your mind? The exam spot? Not happening. I'm not backing down."

Desmond, sounding all smug, said, "This is from the Manners family too." Katniss could hear dishes clinking in the background, like they were having dinner.

Then Oliver's voice chimed in, "Just give your spot to Clara. You owe her for putting her in the hospital. She shouldn't suffer, and you can always apply next year." Katniss shot back, "No way! Keep dreaming!"

Oliver, now fuming, barked, "Katniss, what's with the attitude? Got no manners?"

the phone, mocking, "What's up, Katniss? Throwing a fit again? You're so spoiled, you shouldn't talk to your parents like this. Without the Manners family, you're nothing." Elodie tried to calm things down, "Everyone, chill. Katniss, just apologize to Dad and Nathan, and this will

"No way! Over my dead body." She hung up

Manners family was left staring at each other, stunned. They didn't

plaque above the gate reading "Nexus Nova College." Katniss got to school earlier than usual. Only a few students were

a bit, Juniper Davis walked over. Katniss put down her book and stood up

up. Don't be mad," Juniper said, holding Katniss's hand, looking both happy and guilty. Juniper had sharp features and a tall frame, a

on, let's hit

spot before Desmond could pull any

all about public speaking, had always wanted to apply but missed the boat, and it bummed

you should say hey to Caleb," Juniper said, tagging along with Katniss to the advisor's

came the voice from inside. Caleb put down his book, waiting for them to spill. Katniss looked at Caleb and said, "Caleb, I wanna give my English speech spot to Juniper." Caleb looked at her, eyebrows raised. "You sure? Once you change it, there's no going back."

Caleb, "Caleb, she's just recovered from being sick. She's not thinking straight. Don't change it." But Katniss knew exactly what she was doing. She was done being Clara's pawn. This time, she was handing the

You fought for this spot. Why the sudden change?" Juniper asked, eyes

"Juniper, I know you've always dreamed of this. I just

Katniss's hand with tears in her eyes. "Katniss, you're

I want Juniper to have the spot," Katniss told Caleb