[kian]

Curiosity peaking (I have also seen peeking) is quite an interesting mondegreen for curiosity 'piquing'. The latter means 'stimulating' or 'aggravating', whereas the former implies that when you hear about something for the first time your curiosity is at a maximum - which is a fun interpretation :)

[sidpatil]

I wouldn't be surprised if peak and pique have similar etymology.