After her rebirth
Chapter 25

Katniss strolled over, all apologetic, "Saskia, my bad for keeping you waiting so long!"

Saskia flashed a smile, "No worries, I've just got here."

Truth was, Saskia had no clue when Katniss's class ended and didn't have her contact info. She'd been hanging around the door since 4 AM.

Saskia turned to Katniss, "Let's hit up Grandma's place to grab your stuff. My parents have already set up your room, and it's all brand new. You're gonna love it." Katniss felt a wave of gratitude. Wesley had really gone the extra mile to make her feel at home with all the new stuff.

Compared to her real parents, Wesley's family showed way more care. Her own parents had just handed her Clara's old sheets and clothes.

Clara even pretended she was giving her the stuff she cherished most, but it was really just junk she didn't want.

The hand-me-downs from Clara, which the Manners family saw as trash, were just tossed to her, showing her low status in the family.

The school was just a quick ten-minute bike ride from their destination.

After hopping off the bike, Katniss waved off Saskia's help with her luggage, not wanting her to see the mess at home.

She quickly stuffed some clothes and toiletries into a bag and headed downstairs.

Hearing footsteps on the stairs, Saskia came over to help with the suitcase, which was super light, holding just a few pieces of clothing.

Saskia sighed. Oliver's family had money, so why didn't they buy Katniss more clothes?

She remembered visiting Oliver's family when they moved into the new house. Clara had a walk-in closet that couldn't even fit all her clothes, shoes, and bags. Yet her own daughter's clothes couldn't even fill a suitcase.

Saskia smiled, "This weekend, let's go shopping for some new outfits. You can still rock summer clothes now, but in a couple of months, they won't cut it." "Stuff's pricey now; it'll be cheaper when it gets colder," Katniss said with a grin.

If Wesley took her shopping, he definitely wouldn't let her pay.

Wesley's family wasn't loaded, and her staying there was already a bit of a strain.

She needed to make more money in the next few months; winter clothes were expensive.

Saskia thought for a moment, agreed with Katniss, and didn't push it.

While riding, Katniss suddenly noticed a band-aid on Saskia's hand.

"Saskia, what happened to your hand?" Katniss asked, concerned.

"It's nothing, just got splashed by oil while cooking lunch," Saskia replied.

Katniss's face darkened, thinking seriously, 'Looks like Saskia's life isn't easy either. Cooking so late, she must be having a tough time.'

But Katniss kept her thoughts to herself, not wanting to stir the pot.

"Saskia, is Kieran treating you right?" Katniss asked.

"Why do you ask? My husband treats me well," Saskia replied with a smile.

Katniss blinked, staying silent.

If Kieran was really good to her, then why did she seem so off?

She didn't know much about Saskia's situation.

By the time she found out, Saskia was already gone.

The last time she saw Saskia was at the funeral, staring at her black-and-white photo.

Katniss and Saskia quickly reached their destination.

Stepping into this place again felt like a trip down memory lane. Since returning to the her parents' family in her past life, Katniss hadn't set foot here. Now, being back, a wave of familiarity and warmth washed over her. Suddenly, an elderly woman carrying a fruit basket walked over and smiled at Saskia, saying, "Whose little girl is this? She's so pretty."

Saskia smiled slightly, nodding, "This is my cousin. I haven't seen her in ages, so I brought her home for a meal."

The elderly woman continued, "I was wondering why your parents bought so many groceries today. Turns out you have a guest. Alright, it's getting late. You two should head home." Saskia and Katniss smiled sweetly at her.

Wesley's family lived on the fifth floor of the third row, in a three-bedroom apartment. Saskia rummaged through her bag but realized she had hurried out and forgotten the keys, so she rang the doorbell. After a bit, the door opened, and a middle-aged man appeared.

"Katniss is here, come on in!" Wesley said, joy lighting up his eyes when he saw Katniss.

Katniss smiled, "Uncle Wesley."

At that moment, a middle-aged woman walked out of the living room, her eyes red.

"Katniss, I heard you got hurt and ended up in the hospital. Let me see," Daphne Parker said, pulling Katniss into the living room to check her wounds.

Seeing the scar on Katniss's forehead, Daphne said with distress, "How could your parents treat their own daughter like this? They kicked you out and trashed your place?"

"What? That's insane!" Wesley said angrily, completely unaware that Katniss's home had been trashed.

"I just heard from someone at the store that it was Simon, doing it for Clara, trying to take Katniss's speech slot," Daphne said angrily.

Wesley was furious but gently comforted Katniss, "Katniss, don't worry. From now on, you can stay here. We'll protect you."

Daphne nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we won't let Oliver's family hurt you again."