So I've always wondered what was going on in Gale's head during the whipping scene. I decided to write a fan fiction about it. I know it's been done before but please R&R!
I walked around the forest. To most it would seem creepy and unnerving but I was at home here. I allowed my mind to wander keeping the surroundings in the back of my mind still listening for any creatures. Soon however I was deep in thought.
Katniss wanted to run. I had told her no at the time but maybe she is right. I can't stand the thought of her in danger. I would give my own life to protect hers. But I can't stand the thought of leaving and not helping the rebellion. To find out that something I've believed in for so long is finally taking root is unbelievable. But then Katniss, sweet Katniss wanted to run.
I wanted to say yes! To make her happy and to follow her. I wanted her to see what I would do for her. But most of all I wanted her to love me like I love her. I used to think that I had a chance. That maybe it all could happen. But then Prim's name was drawn. I felt horrible I had loved Prim like she was my own sister. Then Katniss volunteered… I held Prim back struggling to keep my own tears at bay. Katniss had done so well. Then Mellark came in and they fell in love with each other. And now everyone thinks I'm here cousin. I've started from the beginning again.
I'm snapped out of my thoughts by the noise of a wild pheasant squawking. I quickly ready my knife and hit it killing it instantly. I give a small grin. I better get this to Cray. He pays more for it if it's fresh.
I head for the fence and listen for the buzzing I know won't be there. I duck under it quickly. I head for Cray's house calmly not bothering to hide my catch. I knock on the door a small grin on my face and reel back in surprise.
It's not Cray. A large man is standing there in a peacekeeper uniform a twisted grin spreading across his face. A small ripple of fear runs through me but I steel myself.
"What do we have here?" He sneers.
"I I killed this bird with a stick when it wandered in through the fence I came here to report and hand it over." I stammer then steel myself. Be strong Gale. For your family and for Katniss.
"Hmm poaching and defying the capitol. Those are some serious charges boy." He sneers then points a gun at my head. "I'm afraid you'll have to be punished."
Before I can even think about running he's handcuffed me and is dragging me through town. What? Where's Cray? Oh no… if he finds out I was poaching what if he finds out about Katniss! I'll withstand any punishment just to help her. I won't allow this to kill me. I can't!
With that thought I steel myself and look around. I see people gathering and gasping. Eyes look at me that are filled with pity. I look them in the eye and try to remain strong. Inside however I'm a wreck
The other peacekeepers join us but I ignore them. They murmer things I think I catch them calling this man the new head peacekeeper.
That must mean things are changing around here. And not for the better.
I gulp as we reach our destination. The whipping post. The cruel man nails my catch the pole then faces me.
"This man has been charged with poaching and defying the capitol. Do you admit to these charges?" He growls facing me.
I can taste the word no on my lips. I want so badly to say it. To spit in his face. But I look into the crowd of people from the Seam and the Hodge. And they all shake their heads. I realize in that second that defiance will mean death. I swallow the words tasting bitter on my tongue.
"I admit to all the charges placed on me." I spit the words out and fear descends.
He nods and grins evilly. The peacekeepers come and tie me to the whipping post.
The ropes sting my wrist with how tight they are. Greasy Sae comes forward and cuts off my shirt and whispers in my ear.
"Hang in there boy. Don't let them destroy you." Before she pulls away leaving me there.
I raise my head and watch as he picks up the whip. A loud crack goes through the air then fire appears on my back.
I have to fight the urge to scream. I won't let them see me suffer. The next one hits my legs and they collapse beneath me. I can't help it. A low moan escapes my lips as I feel it crack down yet another time.
The hits start to fade into one another and my back is screaming. I feel warm blood trickle down my spine and all I can think is about the sweet relief of death.
I close my eyes about to give in but see her face. Katniss... I see her dark brown hair pulled back into a simple braid. The grin on her face when I first met her, I thought she said catnip… it became my favorite nickname for her… Then it hits me. I can't die now! Other wises I have no chance with Katniss.
That thought gives me new hope and I manage to last until I hear him call out the number.
"Forty lashes so far." He says with an evil grin.
Forty?! How many is he planning on giving me!
My back is screaming in pain and I let out a yell as the whip hits muscle. My vision starts to swim and I am dimly awhere of Darius running up.
There's a pause and for a second I think the torture has ended but then he falls to the ground and he hits me again. My vision swims and I black out.
I hear Katniss in the distance. I force my eyes half open. "Katniss.." I try to say but it comes out a low moan.
I see her try to stop them and the whip hits her in the face. No Katniss!
Weakly I try to speak but the whip hits me again and I allow the blackness to overwhelm me.
I'm sorry catnip. I couldn't last long enough to stop you from getting hit..
So what does everyone think? Should I continue with the rest of the events in catching fire or not? R&R!