A/N: This is my first fanfic… I am so inspired by all the different stories. I thought I would share one of my own. I absolutely love Katniss and Peeta's relationship! However, I feel Gale was not given any justice. So I would like to explore the new life of Gale Hawthorne. Madge is a very intriguing character… and I just love Gale and Madge together! This story takes place five years after the Rebellion.
Enjoy!
Unforeseen Future
ERR, ERR, ERR…sounds the alarm clock angrily. "Ugh… Why is so hard to wake up Monday mornings?" Today is the big televised unveil of RUS, formerly known as the Nut. RUS is short for Rebel Union Station and is home to Departments of Defense and Ethics. One would think I'd be more excited getting ready. Considering I've pretty much devoted my entire life for the past five years to reforming the Nut into today's RUS. Beetee and I have also been working on a Code of Ethics to be used for education, research and even war… if the time ever comes again. I've given so much of myself into these projects, even though it will never be enough; I still owe it to them.
Most days I try to not think about them… my family, Katniss… Prim. As I stand here in the shower trying to rinse away all the sorrow. I can only see sweet innocent Prim. In most ways Prim was the fuse that ignited the rebellion. If her name had not been chosen at the reaping that day, we would all be back in District 12 living a different path. However, here we are today. Panem's children and future are free from the Hunger Games and lives enslaved to the Capital's greed. Now we are all working together as one country united.
I step out of the shower, wrap a towel around my waist and step in front of the mirror. As I smooth shaving lotion over my jawline, I notice how much older I am beginning to look. I had to become a man long before any child should. Now at the age of twenty five, I wear the mask of a man who has seen lifetimes of suffering, sorrow and death. As I shave and expose smooth skin, I start to look a little better. I've got to make sure I look like the real Gale today. I've been on TV lots of times; in fact it's actually a requirement of my job. However, today I know they will all be watching back in District 12.
These are my own personal projects that will be unveiled today. I can never be able to express how much guilt I bare. Knowing it was my bomb that killed all those innocents and Prim. In my quest to self fulfillment, fueled by rage against the Capital, I only hurt the ones I truly loved. I just hope to convey to everyone I care about back home, how very sorry I am about how everything turned out. I hope they can see that I am trying to make sure nothing like that ever happens again. I know I will never be able to repent against any of my actions. But, I've devoted my life in memory of those who were lost.
I unzip the garment bag the holds my class A's. Staring at the insignia that shows five stars, I remember the day President Paylor announced that she had appointed me as General of Panem's Army. That day standing in her office at the Capital, I was furious. I felt like I was being rewarded with the highest accolades for all the destruction I caused. I vehemently declined the offer. I was more than satisfied being a Captain of my brigade out on the front lines. Then she explained how someone of my caliber, with an understanding of loss and fierce ambition for freedom, could do a lot more good for Panem as the General, helping to reform the new country. So here I am, General Gale Hawthorn, channeling all my angst into the good of mankind.
My communicuff starts beeping, sounding that my team is out front waiting for me. "Hello Handsome." I hear behind me. Awe… Frankie the voice of reason. Her voice is all I needed to hear to snap me out of my little self brewing manic moment. Francis is my secretary, and unlike anyone I've ever met before. She's a very robust woman in her forties. She has very tan skin and artificially colored blonde hair. She wears lots of makeup and jewelry. Her very bright wardrobe actually brings a smile to my face! She's originally from District One. From a town or island called Long Island? I don't know. I say it like question, because I've figured out which one it is. She always says in her stern accent, "It's where all the movers and shakers are from. We know how to make things happen." I have to agree with her. She never gets "no" for an answer. To be honest sometimes, she really intimidates me.
"GALE…. We're leavin'! Either with or without cha!" Frankie yells at me.
"Yes ma'am" I say as I run up to her. "Oh wow, Frankie! You look amazing as always." I say to smooth her over. She raises her eyebrow at me, but can't resist a smile.
"Oh Mr. Panem's most eligible bachelor, you are most irresistible." She says smiling at me. "Now lets' go before we're late."
"My lady" I say to Frankie, as I open the car door for her, and then follow her into the car.
The car ride to the RUS is all business. Today Beetee and I will have the usual Q & A with the press. Then we will also have a televised briefing in front of a panel of "misery seeking" lawyers that make up the Ethics Committee. They will be reviewing the "legalities" of the Code of Ethics Beetee and I helped construct.
Frankie gives me a brief profile of each of the members of the panel. Their names and profiles all send the same message; "can't wait to suck the life you." I know most of them are from the capital but seriously, who thinks of these names? "Can't wait" I say unenthusiastically.
"Oh you'll be fine honey." She says to me smiling. "Just flash them that gorgeous smile of yours. Then unleash the full power of your eyes on them. They will all fall under your spell and be rendered speechless." Says Frankie
"My love, I'd be lost without you!" I croon "But, I'm afraid you have too much faith in me. I haven't won you over yet now have I?" I jokingly say to her.
"Oh honey, when my husband Mr. Carter finally retires or bores me… You'll be the first one to know!" Frankie says. "Wow, look at all the press already here. Well, looks like our fun is over. Time to put your game face on handsome; it's go time."
I really do owe Frankie. She's amazing. She knows when to say all the right things to help prepare me for anything. Now I feel ready to take on this pack of mutt lawyers and defend all my hard work. So here we go. As soon as I step out the door of the car, the cameras start flashing and the sound of my name is being called my many. "Its go time" I say back to Frankie.
I walk through the crowd flanked by Frankie and an unnecessary entourage of soldiers on security detail. We are all clad in our Rebel black uniforms, even Frankie in her "power dress" as she calls it. I have to admit, at this moment I feel untouchable. Like there is no person on earth that can stop me. I can definitely take on any mutt lawyer of the Ethics Committee.
A/N: Please review and all criticism is very much appreciated! I do have a nice fun story mapped out... I hope! By the way The Hunger Games and characters belong to Suzanne Collins. I am just trying to continue thier lives in a happy manner. The story will be sort of canon wrapped in funky fresh!
