Another Day Another Dollar

Title: Another Day Another Dollar

Rating: M

Chapters: 3

Word Count: 35,080 (WIP)

Summary: AU. Katniss is living in an over populated area of the city called the Seam. Join her as she traverses the hazards of living in industrial North America circa 1900 as she tries to protect her family.

Excerpt: 

“Katniss,” he finally manages, his voice sounding too loud and high pitched to his ears. He cringes internally but relaxes his face into a smile.

She doesn’t move, doesn’t smile, doesn’t speak a word. Peeta has seen rabbits do the same thing when they catch the scent of a predator nearby. He wonders idly if Katniss has ever seen a rabbit and wagers a guess that, being from the Seam, she probably has not. Most of those who live in the Seam are born and die there, never having made it more than a handful of miles from their home. There certainly aren’t any rabbits wandering around the inner city.

“How are you?” he tries, hoping that a proper question might bring her back to her senses or at least summon up her well-bred manners. He knows her mother came from the middle class and raised her daughters to behave like ladies. Prim has shown him that much.

This seems to do the trick, as Katniss shakes her head almost imperceptibly before speaking.

“I am well, Mr. Mellark,” she replies in that soft-spoken, slow manner so characteristic of her. She said his name- or at least his surname. Peeta’s heart soars and he must remind himself not to look like a giddy schoolboy. That would only scare her off and he couldn’t have that now that she’s spoken to him. To him. To Peeta Mellark. He realizes too late that a silly grin has found its way to his lips and clears his throat before continuing.