After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 24

Hearing Saskia's words, Katniss got all choked up again. The tears she just wiped away started making a comeback.

Life's been a real grind for Katniss. Back when she was with Aurora, she was the baby of the family. Sure, things were tough, but at least no one messed with her. But after she got back to the Manners family, even though they had money, she was pretty much invisible, and only Clara got all the love.

Katniss agreed to Saskia's request, not wanting to stress out Wesley's family, and also to dig into what had led to Saskia's depression and suicide.

Seeing Katniss nod, Saskia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She checked her watch and freaked out-it was already 12:30. She had to hustle home to whip up lunch.

"It's late. I gotta get home and make lunch for my mother-in-law," Saskia said, all flustered. "Katniss, pack your stuff this afternoon. I'll swing by to pick you up after school."

Katniss knew Saskia's mother-in-law was a real piece of work, so she didn't argue, just found the nearest bus to send Saskia off.

Saskia was now a stay-at-home wife with no job and no cash. Every time she needed money, she had to beg her mother-in-law. Maybe that was part of why Saskia would develope depression. No matter what, Katniss had to figure it out. When Saskia got home, she saw her family sitting on the couch, looking all ticked off.

She threw on her apron and apologized, heading into the kitchen to get lunch going.

Kieran Scott stormed into the kitchen, glaring at Saskia as she prepped the meal, and snapped, "Why are you late and not making lunch? We're starving here."

Saskia quickly explained, "I was late 'cause I had to deal with something with Katniss. I'm really sorry. Next time, I'll get the meal ready ahead of time."

need to apologize to my mom right now.

eyes flickered, and she bit her lip,

away," Saskia said, putting away the ingredients. Even though she felt crappy,

up with your family?" Before

But she couldn't win over his

Since I live nearby, I went to check." "Katniss? That

expect Kieran to

in college

looked at Kieran, puzzled, replying, "No, why do

met him at our wedding. If it works out, it would be great for both families." Saskia replied, a bit annoyed,

mom always bringing him up. He was in his thirties, unmarried, wasting his days on video games and booze, with no real job. No way she was setting Katniss up with someone like that. "What do you mean 'mismatch'? If he likes Katniss, it'd be a blessing for your family. Be careful, all that book reading might leave her single forever!"

words, he

go for it," he instructed Saskia. "Didn't she move out? Bring her home for

hate the kitchen smell. It's hard to clean your

Saskia off, Katniss bolted towards the classroom

part-time gig was busy but full of interesting stories. But the real drama always happened in the classroom. Luckily, the school wasn't far, and she made it just before the bell

Katniss actually sent her fourth brother Simon to the police station herself. He's gonna

be a Manners. She didn't even spare

they immediately shut up. Katniss shot them a cold look, and