Townsfolk. The ones who lived better.

Wyatt Callow did not like townspeople.

More often than not, he would always find himself going to the market for whatever oddities his father needed from him. And sometimes, he would stop by the candy store for those chewy marshmallows. The Booker Boys earned enough, and Wyatt liked indulging himself - from a little of his own earnings as an Oddsmaker. District 12 was a rough place, and such fine things did not come often.

Until, a new shop opened - much to everyones surprise. Shop openings were not common in 12, but a long standing merchant family decided that it was a fine time to open a bookstore, to much fanfare. At affordable prices, for the merchant and Seam kids, they sold books. While they were only Capitol approved books, sometimes they would sneak out unofficial books, such as fairytales or stories of heroic tales, such as a long forgotten Percy Jackson, a book the Capitol banned years ago. On a sunny day, Wyatt wiped away the little coal dust on his face as he walked into town - his mom had wanted a book from the store, and his father his usual groceries. Grudgingly, he walked into the store. He didn't like books - why would he ever need to read them? They were a waste of time!

He grabbed the book he needed, before placing it on the counter, pulling out the coins needed to pay. Wyatt made the mistake of looking up, only to be met with the prettiest girl he had ever seen - she had to be his age. His hands froze, his eyes drifting to the pretty dress and boots she wore, with an open book laid besides her "You're... uhm, a reader?" he asked quietly

Dumb question, Callow. Her parents own the bookstore, of course she reads!

He went blank, quickly paying before leaving, a red hue growing on his face. Out of all things, he liked a merchant girl? No way in hell was he ever getting that. And yet, he still found himself coming back to the same bookstore, finding the courage to spark a conversation. Friendship bloomed into lingering glances and touches, conversations outside the store. You both knew it was forbidden. Your family would never approve of you dating a Seam boy - a Booker Seam kid, no less, Your family strayed away from the Callows, your dad often shooting dirty glances at Jertho Callow if their paths ever crossed, but you and Wyatt would stare, a soft look on both of your faces. From there, you both swore to secrecy - a loving relationship would bloom, away from prying eyes.

Somewhere outside the border of the Seam in district 12, both of you sat in the grass, a math book in Wyatt's lap alongside a pencil. You both knew he was good with numbers, and often needed to use his sharp mind. Dates for the both of you consisted sitting in the grass while one reads, and the other does maths. You would tease him - for such a quiet guy with a good build, he was a total nerd. A shy one too, if it ever came to his partner.

"Hey," Wyatt mumbled, tugging on your sleeve - the same, dorky, yet shy, grin graced his face "I solved the hardest question." He said softly, showing you his work. He was proud, his fingernails which were slightly stained with coal holding up the book carefully. You found it for him, and he took great of it. Anything from you was of great value.