What happens during the narrator’s first lunch period?

On her way to sit down during her first lunch period, Melinda is hit by a flying forkful of mashed potatoes.

Thwap! A lump of potatoes and gravy hits me square in the center of my chest. All conversation stops as the entire lunchroom gawks, my face burning into their retinas. I will be forever known as "that girl who got nailed by potatoes the first
day." The Basketball Pole apologizes and says something else, but four hundred people explode in laughter and I can't read
lips. I ditch my tray and bolt for the door.