Authors Note
Hi everyone! This is my first fanfiction, so please review, even if it's criticism, as it helps me improve. This story will be written in the point of view of Gale and Madge, and will switch frequently. However, I don't label the points of view, as I think that if I needed to, I must have failed as a writer. Please enjoy and review! Thank you! :)
Also, this chapter is pretty short, but chapters will usually be longer! :D
The knock at the back door brings me back to reality. My fingers hover over the piano, and I realise no one is around to answer the door but me. I rush over, unlock the door and open it. Katniss and Gale are waiting with a pack of strawberries for my father.
I like Katniss. Unlike many other of the kids at school, she actually talks to me. We eat lunch together, as she too has no one to sit with. I wouldn't say we talk too much, but it doesn't bother me.
I notice them both look down at my dress, and I shift uncomfortably, feeling suddenly self-conscious.
"Pretty dress" Gale says. Is he being serious? Or is he being rude and ironic? I can't tell by the closed off look on his face. I smile anyway, in case it was a genuine compliment.
"Well if I end up going to the Capitol, I want to look nice, don't I?" I mean at is a light hearted joke, but the look on Gales face shows it's been taken seriously, I've pushed it too far.
"You won't be going to the capitol." He says as his eyes go down to the golden Mockingjay pin attached to the silky white material of my dress. His eyes dart up again and find mine. They're full of hate, but I can't help the longing in my chest as I stare in to his silver Seam eyes.
"What can you have? Five entries? I had six when I was just twelve years old."
"That's not her fault." Katniss shoots Gale an impatient glance.
"No, it's no ones fault. Just the way it is." Gale shoots back. Before I can say anything I might regret, I turn to fetch the coins left on the table. I put them in Katniss' hand and take the berries from Gale, avoiding his hateful stare. "Good luck Katniss."
"You too." I shut the door and sink down in to a chair at the kitchen table. What was I thinking getting so dressed up for the reaping? I trace the outline of my Mockingjay silently for a few minutes, before going back to the piano.
I want to hate Gale so badly. Hate him like he hates me, but I just can't do it. I want him.
...
I can tell Katniss is pissed off with me. As soon as the door shuts, she turns on her heel and strides off. I quickly catch up with her though, and study her face as she looks on. She's angry, I can tell. Whys she angry? It's not like I slapped the Mayors daughter. I can't help but sigh, "what?"
Without moving her head, she says, "There was no need for that Gale. She was just being nice."
"Yeah, well it's all fun and games for townies, isn't it."
"Oh yes, I'm sure she's not scared as hell like the rest of us, just because she has a few less slips in the ball." Katniss retorts sarcastically, and quickens her pace. I'm right behind her, and match her quickening pace.
"Katniss, slow down will you? Look, I wasn't trying to be mean, I was just saying!" She let out a sigh and turned to me.
"Whatever Gale, I'll see you later at the reaping." She gave me one last look before walking off to her house in the Seam, leaving me standing in the middle of the street. Why is she so wound up? I know she and Madge are friends, but Katniss doesn't speak too much of her. I start walking again; after all, I need to get ready for the reaping as well.