IN BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

A few months had passed since Katniss graduated from high school. It felt as though she had just completed one level of her life, and now it was time to move on to the next—university. For as long as she could remember, Katniss had always had several possibilities running through her mind. She is brilliant, humble, and determined to make something of herself. More than anything, she had always wanted to attend a public university. She had mentioned it to her mother several times. There was something about earning a degree from a public university that appealed to her. In her mind, it represented independence. She believed that the struggle, the hard work, and the achievement would belong entirely to her—not to her parents, their money, or their connections. The only problem was that she hadn't decided on which public university she wanted to attend. At seventeen, Katniss was already remarkably mature for her age. She was beautiful, intelligent, and quietly ambitious. She knew exactly the kind of future she wanted, even if she hadn't figured out every step required to reach it. “Katniss…” The voice echoed through the large, beautifully furnished living room. “Katniss!” You could tell that the voice belonged to a woman in her forties. Mrs. Winnow sat comfortably beside her husband, Mr. Winnow, in the luxurious sitting room. The polished furniture, expensive decorations, and spacious interior made it obvious that the Winnows were a wealthy family. “Katniss!” her mother called again. A moment later, footsteps could be heard approaching. “Mom, you called me? Is something wrong?” Her mother looked up at her. “Yes, my dear. It's time for your lesson. Your teacher is already here. She's waiting for you in the lounge.” Katniss nodded. “Okay, Mom.” Her father cleared his throat. “Katniss.” “Yes, Dad?” “When you're done with your lesson, I would like us to have a talk about the university you want to attend.” Katniss glanced at him. “Okay.” “The exams are coming up quickly, and you'll need to decide soon so you can apply for the right university.” He paused before continuing. “Actually, a friend of mine recommended one of the best private universities in the country. One of his kids attends the school, and the feedback has been excellent.” Katniss listened quietly. “The Westbridge University,” her father said. Katniss raised an eyebrow. Westbridge University? Katniss ask in surprise. “Yes said her father,west bridge university is an elite institution known for producing some of the country's most influential businessmen, politicians, doctors, and lawyers. “I'd like you to look into it,” her father continued. “I think you'd have a very good future there.” “Okay, Dad. We'll talk about it later.” “But, Dad—” “I told you—” “Honey.” Mrs. Winnow gently interrupted him. “Kat, your teacher is waiting for you. Go to her first. This conversation can wait, okay?” Katniss looked between her parents. “Yes, Mom.” “Good. Now go on, dear.” Katniss gave them a small smile before turning toward the lounge. “Hi, Mrs.Grace Parker.” The woman looked up from her books and smiled. “Hello, Katniss. How are you doing?” “I'm fine, Mrs. Grace.” “I'm sorry I kept you waiting.” “Don't worry about it. Now that you're here, let's get started.” Katniss took her seat. Mrs. Parker opened her notebook. “Today, we'll be working on calculus. It's important that you master it before you sit for the SAT.” Katniss nodded. “Okay.” “Speaking of the SAT, have you picked a uni form yet?” “Not yet, Mrs. Parker. I'm still deciding, but I'll finalize it soon.” “Good. That's very good.” Mrs. Parker smiled before turning to the notes in front of her. “Before we begin today's lesson, I'd like us to review what we covered previously. I want to make sure you understand the earlier topics before we move forward.” “Okay, Mrs. Parker.” The lesson continued for nearly two hours. By the time they finished, the evening sky had begun to darken. Katniss closed her notebook and stretched slightly. Mrs. Parker gathered her books. “That will be all for today.” “Thank you, Mrs. Parker.” “You're welcome.” They walked out of the lounge together. As they reached the sitting room, Mrs. Winnow stood from her seat. “Mrs. Parker, are you leaving already?” “Yes, ma'am. I have somewhere I need to be.” “Oh, you should stay for dinner.” Mrs. Parker smiled apologetically. “I'd love to, but unfortunately, I really do have somewhere to be.” “I understand.” Mrs. Winnow glanced toward Katniss. “But how is Katniss coping?” Mrs. Parker looked at her student. “She is doing very well. She's picking up the lessons remarkably quickly.” A proud smile appeared on Mrs. Winnow's face. “Really?” “Yes. She's a very intelligent girl. She seems to understand almost everything we cover.” Mrs. Winnow smiled warmly. “I'm glad to hear that.” She paused. “Thank you for all your effort, Mrs. Parker. We truly appreciate it.” “Thank you, Mrs. Winnow. I appreciate that.” Mrs. Parker adjusted the strap of her bag. “I should be on my way now.” “Of course.” “Goodnight.” “Goodnight, Mrs. Parker. Take care.” After Mrs. Parker left, Mrs. Winnow slowly closed the door. For a moment, the house was quiet. Then she turned around. Her eyes landed on Katniss. “Kat.” “Yes, Mom?” “Your father wants to talk to you about Westbridge.” Katniss sighed. She had already guessed that. “I know.” “You should at least hear him out.” Katniss looked toward the staircase. “I will.” But deep down, she already knew one thing. She didn't want Westbridge. She wanted a public university. And somehow, she had a feeling that choosing where to study was going to become much more complicated than she had expected.