IN BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

Chapter 3

Katniss woke up early the next morning to the sight of someone pulling open the large curtains in her room.

“Mom, is that you?”

“Yes, baby. You’re up already?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Oh, that’s good because we’re having a very impromptu brunch with one of your dad’s friends. They’ll be coming over in less than a few hours, so get up and go get yourself ready.”

“Mom…” Katniss murmured sleepily, still holding tightly onto her big brown teddy bear. “Why are they coming over?”

“Um, well, they’re Dad’s friends, and they’re coming to see your dad. So get up, get yourself ready, and stop asking questions, Kat.”

“I’ll see you downstairs, alright?” Mrs. Nina said before closing the door behind her.

Katniss sluggishly dragged herself out of bed and headed to get ready. But before entering the bathroom, she stopped in front of the large teddy-bear-shaped mirror in the left corner of her beautifully furnished room.

Looking at herself in the mirror before entering the bathroom seemed to have become part of Katniss’s morning routine.

A few minutes later, she could hear faint voices coming from downstairs as people exchanged pleasantries.

“I guess Dad’s friends are here,” Katniss said to herself.

She slowly made her way down the stairs.

The moment she reached the bottom, her eyes met Reid’s.

Reid Carter was the son of William Carter, a politician and one of Katniss’s father’s friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Winnow and Katniss were seated around the customized brown dining table. Sitting opposite them were Mr. William Carter, his wife, Layla, and their son, Reid.

“Hello, Katniss. Meet my son, Reid. He attends Westbridge University, and maybe the two of you might need each other if you choose to attend the same school,” Mrs. Layla Carter said with a smile.

“Hello,” Katniss replied awkwardly.

She remained seated at the table for a few moments, quietly observing everyone around her.

It didn't take long for her to figure out what was happening.

Both sets of parents seemed to be trying to matchmake their children.

Katniss had witnessed something similar before with Michael, and she wasn't about to let it happen to her.

“Nice to meet you, Katniss,” Reid said.

“Nice to meet you too,” she replied awkwardly.

As the conversation continued, Katniss began to understand why her father was so determined to make her attend Westbridge University.

He wanted to establish a serious connection with the Carters through her.

Soon, it was time for the Carters to leave. The Winnows offered to see them off, and Katniss was forced to tag along.

As they reached the entrance, Katniss suddenly found herself being pulled into a warm embrace.

She looked up and realized it was Reid.

She felt awkward and displeased by the unexpected hug, but she forced herself to return his smile.

“Katniss,” Mr. Clark called. “I would like us to talk.”

“No, Dad. I don’t want to have any conversation with you.”

With that, she turned around and left the sitting room, quietly making her way back to her bedroom.

Once inside, Katniss threw herself onto her bed and stared at the creamy-colored ceiling. A shiny gold chandelier hung slightly above her, but her mind was occupied with one thing.

Reid.

“Why did he even hug me?” she wondered.

“Is Dad trying to play one of his tricks again?”

“I won’t let Dad win this time.”

She frowned.

“Of all the people in his friend group, Dad wants to set me up with Carter’s son. I have never liked that man. He is so arrogant and pompous. Only God knows what his son is going to be like.”

She shook her head in disgust.

Katniss sighed and got up from the bed. She began taking off her clothes, intending to put on something more comfortable, when a knock sounded on her bedroom door.

“Who is that?” Katniss called out. “You can come in.”

The door opened, and Mrs. Nina walked into the room.

“Oh, dear. We need to talk.”

“Mom, what is it this time?”

“I know what you’re thinking, darling. And as your mother, I want to tell you that it’s not finalized yet. I don’t want you to let it interfere with your studies. Is that clear?”

“Mom, if what you and Dad are planning turns out to be true, I’m going to run away, and you won’t see me again. Ever.”

Mrs. Nina remained calm.

“No, baby. You won’t do that. I told you, I’m still talking to your dad about it.”

“But, honey, Reid is a fine young man from an affluent family, and I think the two of you would make a great couple. I saw the way he was looking at you,” she said with a chuckle.

“Mom! What are you even saying? I don’t want any part of what you and Dad are planning for me with that politician’s son. Mom, you should know that I hate that man, and I don’t want to have anything to do with his son. And that’s it.”

Disappointment filled Katniss’s voice.

“Mom, I didn’t expect this from you. Really.”

She turned and walked toward her closet.

“No, baby. Don’t think of it like that…”

“Mom, I’m done talking. I want to be left alone. Thank you.”

Mrs. Nina reluctantly stood up and left the room, closing the door behind her.