This is my first story on here, so please review giving me tips on how to improve it. This is set after the 74th Hunger Games which in this version Katniss and Peeta did not compete in. It's based around the relationship Katniss has with other characters had she not been apart of the Games, and what would happen if she met Peeta without the Games aswell.

Disclaimer: I obviously don't own the Hunger Games.

Hunting Blossom

The late afternoon sun filters through the colander of tree's above- leaving shadows dancing across Gales concentrating face. His hands work rhythmically with the rope for the snares, a skill I still haven't mastered up to his level. I sit against a tree trunk to the left of him, draining the last of my water; the wood is quieter now. We had stayed out longer than anticipated due to the abundance of game: 6 squirrels and 3 rabbits. We also picked strawberries and a variety of medical herbs. And I just felt free within the trees, like district 12 is a whispered nightmare. So I try to spend as much time as I can in the woods as it almost feels like my real home.

Basking in the sunlight my mind drifts off to the horrible topic which has been plaguing my thoughts all day: the annual 74th Hunger games ended a month ago today. Of course the district 12 tributes were some of the first to be killed. They were both from the Seam and could have easily been mistaken for brother and sister. I used to see the girl, Sara, round school. She was one year younger than me and could never afford to bring lunch to school with her. I had never seen the boy before he was reaped at the start of the summer- his name was Dray and he was the first to die. The Games were even more disturbing this year. What little I was forced to watch of them only succeeded in increasing my hatred towards the Capitol.

The growing fire within me is extinguished as I become absorbed in the shadows of Gale standing over me with his hand outstretched, "Ready to go?" I steal one last moment sat here- letting my anger seep out of me then reluctantly take his hand and stand as the wind blows strands of hair into my face. "I think we should trade 3 squirrels to the bakery, half of the strawberries to the mayor and split the rest between us." Gale states.

I nod and adjust my hunting bag on my back. Peering at the quickly setting sun I say "I'll go to the bakery and you can take the strawberries to the mayor, it's getting late."

"You sure?" he quires, his face framed by the burning sky. I know he doesn't like me going on trades alone but I hate that he feels he has to protect me when I have been protecting my family since I was 12.

"I can take care of myself without you having to look out for me" I retort, huffing as I lead the way out of the woods.

"Come on Catnip," Gale calls as he easily catches up with me, "you know I didn't mean to offend your obvious toughness." He teases which only increases my anger.

"Well my toughness has gotten me by so far hasn't it?" I shout.

I can hear his smile now, "And how many times have I saved you whilst we're hunting?" He's holding back hysterics now, which threatens to spill over at any moment. I narrow my eyes at his mocking of me and barge into his shoulder knocking him off balance. His surprised face sends me into fits of laughter which automatically lighten the mood of our conversation.

After recovering Gale playfully bows before me "Oh great Katniss, you are indeed the toughest of us in district 12" he mimics the posh voice of someone from the Capitol which only intensifies my laughter.

"I knew all along," I tell him between laughs. We both smile at each other savouring how happy and in control of our own lives we feel out here. "You can always be the second toughest though I'm pretty sure Rory is stiff competition." We relax and continue walking through the woods.

As I reach the fence I listen for the rare humming sound which means the electricity is on. When I hear nothing I turn around I take in one last sight of the majestic qualities the woods possesses and climb under the fence. When we get closer to town Gale and I split up, me wanting to go to the Seam so I could offload what we caught so mum could start cooking before I head to the Bakers whereas Gale wanted to go straight to the Mayors house.

"Bye Gale." I call over my shoulder as I turn the corner heading towards the Seam.

Walking the route home I notice how cool the evening breeze is for late summer. Then I walk past the house where Sara used to live. It seems lifeless even though I know she had two younger siblings. I pause and stare at the house for a while, lost with sorrow for her family and vengefulness towards the Capitol.

I come up to the door of my house and enter into the kitchen. It's dark with no candles lit. I know mum and Prim aren't home without looking through the rest of the house as it is has no warmth or presence. They are probably at Gale's house or with a patient.

I dump the rabbit (I let Gale have 2 as his family is bigger than mine), strawberries and herbs on the table. Then rearrange the three squirrels meant for trading in my hunting bag and leave the house empty again.

The sky is rapidly darkening as I head straight towards the bakery so increase my pace not wanting to be out here for long. As I reach the bakers back door I give it a tap, knowing the inhabitants may be asleep due to the late hour. To my surprise the baker's oldest son opens the door. His brow is knotted tightly and is dripping with sweat. He seems to recognise me and opens the door wider signalling me to follow as he charges back up the stairs to where they lived on top of the bakery. "They're upstairs!" he calls over his shoulder, leaving me in shock in the Mellarks open doorway. What is he on about?

I think about leaving and coming back tomorrow when an agonised scream pierces the silence. So I slam the door behind me and rush towards the sound. If only I had known the horrifying scene which awaited me.