After her rebirth
Chapter 30

Amara saw Katniss dragging, so she tried to chill her out, saying, "Katniss, girl, you gotta call it a day. Save some juice for tomorrow." Katniss didn't even blink, "Yeah, you're right. We're almost outta coffee beans anyway. We can shut down early, so I'm bouncing now."

She figured she'd hit the books with the extra time. Sure, she wanted to stack some cash, but acing that big exam was the top priority. The school entrance was buzzing with people since it was mealtime. Just as she got there, someone hollered her name.

"Katniss!" Felix's voice cut through the noise, making her jump. She turned, "Felix, what are you doing here?"

Her heart skipped a beat, worried something was up with Maximilian.

"Katniss, Max asked me to give you this," Felix said, handing over a paper bag.

Katniss paused, not expecting Max to send cash.

Max and Desmond were brothers, but they were like night and day.

Thinking about Max's kindness, Katniss felt a pang of regret. Such a good man, gone too soon in his past life. She silently vowed to fix Max's illness, making sure he lived a long life this time!

She took the bag, smiling gratefully. Even though she didn't wanna take it, she really needed the dough right now.

Max was her lifesaver! This cash was just the start; his treatment had to keep going.

Katniss felt a wave of emotion, the bag heavy in her hands. She decided to whip up a special medicinal meal for Max.

Felix beamed, "Katniss, Max has been feeling way better since he started your meds. We're counting on you."

Katniss was all set to cook up something special for Max.

Blinking, she said happily, "Thanks, Felix. I'm gonna make a special meal for Max to help him bounce back faster."

Felix was stoked, "Awesome! When can I come grab it?"

Katniss decided she'd deliver it herself, feeling grateful for Max's kindness.

Thinking about how good-hearted Max was, Katniss felt even more determined to save him.

Felix drove off, the black Mercedes parked by the curb.

Katniss lugged the heavy bag, hustling towards the school. She thought it was full of medicinal herbs, but when she peeked inside, she found stacks of crisp hundred-dollar bills!

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head! She reached out with shaky fingers to touch the cash. How could it be money?

"Holy crap!" she gasped, eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

What the heck was going on? Had Max sent her cash again? Katniss's heart was pounding, and a grin spread across her face. How much was in here? Maybe enough to stock up on a ton of medicinal herbs! Her eyes got even wider, and she couldn't help but mutter, "Max, you are way too generous!"

How much had he given her? Looked like at least five or six grand!

Max was seriously generous! Katniss decided she'd whip up a fancy medicinal meal for him tomorrow!

She was dead set on helping Max get better and sorting out his problems. After getting back to school, she immediately went to buy the ingredients and herbs she needed, lugging around big bags. She still had some stuff left to buy, like fresh meat and fish, which she'd get on the day.

Katniss hauled the items home. It was still early, so Wesley and Daphne weren't back yet; only Anna was home. Anna eyed her shopping bags suspiciously.

Anna asked, "Katniss, why'd you buy so much stuff?" Katniss vaguely mentioned she was making a medicinal meal for someone.

"You? Making a medicinal meal? Can you even do that?" Anna asked, full of doubt, reaching for one of the bags. As soon as she opened it and saw all the ingredients, she mumbled, "This must've cost a fortune, right?" Katniss quickly shook her head, "I don't know how much it cost. The gentleman bought it and had it sent to me."

Anna asked again, "You're doing it for free?"

Katniss replied, "Of course not, I'm getting paid a bit."

"A fee? How much is he paying you?" Anna's eyes lit up. These ingredients weren't cheap, and someone asking for a medicinal meal must have money. Katniss was living here for free, and Anna had been thinking about how to ask her for living expenses. This was the perfect chance.

"Not much, Grandma Anna. I've got a ton of homework, so I'll head to my room now." Katniss said, putting the items in the kitchen and quickly retreating to her room.

Anna was a bit miffed, watching Katniss's back. Katniss was clearly dodging her. How rude, running off before she finished talking. No wonder her family didn't like her, she deserved it!

Katniss bolted so fast, Anna didn't even get a chance to bring up the living expenses.

Back in her room, Katniss let out a sigh of relief, not wanting Anna to ask too many questions or for others to know about Max.