"Gale, no, this isn't like you!" Katniss screamed, she couldn't accept the fact that Gale, her only best friend was trying to end her life.
"This is The Hunger Games, Catnip." Gale looked down, unable to look at Katniss' eyes. "I have to do this." He touched her pale, wounded face. His fingers traced her forehead, down to her nose, and down to her chapped lips.
Gale and Katniss were the only ones left in the Arena. Side-by-side, they defeated everyone. But now, they're alone. There could only be one victor, and Gale was desperate. He was desperate to get out, to get rich, to feed his family and to end this year's games.
But this was Katniss, his best friend, the love of his life. He just couldn't kill her that easily, he wouldn't sacrifice her for the fame and fortune, they were better off hunting together in the woods. But Gale was right, it was The Hunger Games,
He had no choice.
Tears started streaming down his cheeks. He got his dagger ready, aiming at her stomach. "There isn't another way, Katniss. I'm terribly sorry."
"Gale." Katniss breathed hard. "I—" She fell on the ground, her eyes wide open, her body—cold and unmoving, she was gone.
And Gale never forgave himself.
Gale had turned mad.
He never showed his face to the Everdeen's ever again. Not even Buttercup.
And every night, in his nightmares, that scene was on repeat, haunting him for the rest of his life.