Disclaimer: I don't own anything...just some things.

A.N.: I got positive reviews for this so I will continue, yay! :3 This is just the revised chapter 1. Hopefully chapter 2 by this weekend!

Episode 1 – Home & Away

District 8

Katniss Everdeen wipes the invisible stains on the knife with a wet cloth as she sits on the desk chair. Her partner, and best friend, Gale Hawthorne, headed over to the convenience store and she needs a distraction. She fixed her dark brown hair into its usual braid, cleaned up the room and even tried surfing the net.

She had been so sure that the demon they were after knew about Peeta Mellark's whereabouts. "Damn," she mutters when she sees her reflection on the knife.

The door opens and in comes Gale carrying two paper bags filled with food and drinks and salt. "Catnip?"

"Here," she answers. "Where are we heading tomorrow?"

"Home, to District 12," he replies. He places the bags on the table and waits for the reaction of his friend. "You'll get to see Prim."

Katniss's face brightens. Primrose Everdeen is the only person in her life that matters. The two grew up together quite close and the older sister used to disregard everyone when it came to the blonde haired girl. "Great, we could use the break, too! We can also visit Madge and see how she's doing."

Gale groans but nods. "Yeah, we can do that, too." He was never really fond of Madge Undersee, but she is Katniss's other best friend. "I talked to Dad a couple of minutes ago, he said if we want to be back by lunch we should set off at around six."

She places the knife back in its sheath and inside the bag. "What did you get me? My favorite bacon, I hope?"

"First thing I saw," Gale replies. He fishes through the bag before holding up a square case. "I couldn't find any of the sodas you liked so I got you some Fanta."

Katniss sits down on the chair and opens her bottle, slurping almost half. She shrugs at Gale's raised eyebrow. "Sit, eat," she says. "We can get some sleep and then be on the move. I want to see Prim as soon as I can."

Gale does as told and opens a can of Dr. Pepper and unwraps a ham and cheese sandwich. "I know you don't want to talk about it, but—"

"I was so sure, Gale," she interrupts. "I felt like this one knew where he is. It's so frustrating! We've been to three of this damn country and he's still nowhere in sight! No damn lead either."

Her partner sighs. Gale has always loved Katniss but has never once gotten the courage to show or tell her. For one, they're supposed to act like cousins on a road trip. They looked alike enough. Both had grey, stormy eyes, olive skin, dark hair and a tall built. "Panem has twelve districts, Katniss." He takes a deep breath, "It's been half a year…"

"Don't even go there," she snaps. "I'm not giving up on him."

Gale nods. "Right, sorry." He turns away and begins chewing on his sandwich. "Maybe we should get some souvenirs for Rory, Vick and Posy. Prim, too."

"And Madge, I'm sure she'll appreciate it," Katniss adds. "I was thinking of getting her some more knick knacks, like a pin. You know how she always gives me her mockingjay pin when we leave. I feel bad that she's always parting with it, it is from her Aunt."

Gale merely shrugs in response. "We'll pass by some stores on the exit."

District 12

Gale's car stops in front of a two storey house that had vines all over it. No gate or garage in the front, just a worn out fence by the side of the house. A man in his forties with chestnut hair stood by the walkway, waiting for them.

When the brunette girl gets out, she jogs over to him and gives him a tight squeeze. "There's my hunting girl," Gray Everdeen says with a huge smile. "How was District Eight?"

Katniss smiles and lets go, shrugging. "Peeta isn't with me, neither was Prim, how do you think it went, Dad?"

"As long as you're here, safe and sound, in one piece and it isn't a demon inside you, then I'm sure it went well." Gray chuckles.

The brunette rolls her eyes and takes out her bags from the trunk of the old convertible. "See you later, Gale."

Tell Prim I'll see her later. Bye, Mr. Everdeen." Gale nods, waves goodbye and leaves for his home just a block away.

Katniss and her father come in and the brunette isn't surprised when footsteps run down the stairs and petite, blonde girl yells her name and wraps herself around her waist. She immediately hugs her back and sneaks a glance at the back of her shirt. "Hey, little duck."

Prim hugs her sister tighter before letting go. "I missed you," she says, smiling up at her older sister. "Playing with the Hawthornes and Madge, when she gets lonely, isn't complete without you and Gale, you know."

"I told you, Prim, it could get too dangerous, even if it is just pretend," Katniss says, shaking her head. "And, aren't you guys too old to be playing pretend?" Her sister replies that no one could resist the youngest Hawthorne's charm. "Just as long as you guys aren't hurting yourselves. Here, I have something for you." She picks around her duffel bag and brings out a brown bag. "I got in District Eight, I hope you like it."

Prim takes out the item, a silver circular necklace with a rose in the middle, from the bag. "Wow, this is so pretty! Thanks, Katniss!"

Katniss grins. "I'm glad. Do you think Madge will like this one?" She puts out another necklace similar to Prim's but it's a bit fancier looking, it's silver circular necklace as well, but instead of a rose in the middle, it has a butterfly with golden stud eye.

"Wow, that's perfect for Madge!" Prim exclaims. "I think she'll be coming over today."

"Why don't we surprise her after lunch?" Katniss asks. "I miss her, too."

Prim nods her head enthusiastically. "Let's bring Rory, Vick and Posy. Posy loves her."

"I'm not surprised." Katniss laughs. "Is Mom here?"

"She's in the clinic, treating some patients, she'll be home for dinner," Gray answers. "Go freshen up, I'll prepare lunch."

The twenty-three year old nods and goes upstairs, closely followed by her sister. When they reach her room, Prim frowns at the picture by Katniss's dresser, it's of her, Katniss and Peeta. Beside it is a family photo, with their goat, Lady, and cat, Buttercup. On the other side is group photo of the Everdeens, Hawthornes, Peeta Mellark and Madge Undersee.

"I miss Peeta," Prim says.

Katniss pauses at what she's doing and closes her eyes. "I know, I do, too," she murmurs.

"Do you think he's okay?"

"I'm not sure," she admits. "But I hope he is. Peeta's strong. He won't give up easily, he'll survive."

Prim nods her head and looks down at the necklace she's wearing.

"I'm going to ask Dad if he could make that necklace your protection amulet, the one you're using could be wearing out already. Do you think I should make Madge's, too?"

"And that mockingjay pin," Prim adds. "I can go and ask Dad now while you shower, lunch was ready before you arrived."

Katniss unhooks the pin from her jacket and hands it to Prim. "I'll see you downstairs."

Downstairs, Prim rushes to the kitchen and finds her father fixing the table. "Hi, Dad."

"Hey, little duck," he greets. "What's got you all excited?"

"Katniss said she wanted Madge's and my necklace to be turned into protection amulets, could you do it, please?" She hands him the necklaces and the mockingjay pin.

"Of course," Gray says as he nods. "Go prepare the table now, will you? I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Yes, Daddy," Prim replies, nodding her head.

"Mmm, I smell something good," Katniss announces as she walks down the stairs of her house. She had changed into sweats and a loose shirt, something she had missed while on the road, hunting, with Gale. "Bet you cooked it, Prim."

"Actually, Mom did," she answers, a small smile playing on her lips. "We just reheated it."

Katniss rolls her eyes. "Guess she's so happy to see me."

"Katniss," Gray warns. "She is, in fact, very excited to see you. She woke up quite early to prepare this since she knows she'll be coming home late, she gave us instructions on how to reheat it for you."

The brunette mumbles, "Okay, okay, you win." She sits on the chair nearest her sister and begins to put some steak on her plate. "Wow, I really missed homemade steak, steak outside is just too damn expensive."

"Tell me about it," her dad agrees, rolling his eyes. "That's why we only go out for steak during very, very, very special occasions," he states, causing his two daughters to laugh.

"Are we having dinner with Madge later?" Prim asks.

"If Dad doesn't mind," Katniss answers. She turns to the older man and tilts her head, "Are you okay with that, Dad?"

Gray shrugs. "Sure. Just make sure you come home before your mother goes to sleep, all right? I'm sure she's dying to see you."

"Gale Hawthorne! I've been dying to meet you!" someone shrieks from the living room.

The oldest Hawthorne brother has not yet finished greeting his parents when a redhead, middle-aged lady approached him. "I'm Grace Fisbey, a new neighbor in town. I live across from you with my husband. Oh, I knew it was the right thing to do to visit your parents today."

"Um…hello," he greets dumbly. He gives his parents a look and they give him back an apologetic one.

"Your parents tell me that you travel around the world with your best friend and cousin, Katniss Everdeen, am I correct? I visited her family a few days ago."

"Yeah, that's right. How do you do, Mrs. Fis…bey?"

She completely disregards his question. "You don't happen to have a girlfriend, do you, Gale? I have a niece coming here in a few days, she'll start working here, you might be interested."

"With what I do, there's really no time for that."

"Bummer." Mrs. Fisbey sighs and begins to chatter again. "Well, I wouldn't want to ruin your reunion. Visit me sometime, won't you? Bye now." She then leaves and disappears through the door of the other house.

"That was…weird," he says. "What was she doing here?"

"Don't mind it, son," Hazelle Hawthorne tells him. "Come in, come in, come in. I'll go call the others." She dashes for the stairs and calls her other children. "Rory! Vick! Posy! You're brother's here!"

Boone Hawthorne pats his son's back. "We're really glad you're back, Gale. You don't know how happy you've made us today."

"Hope I don't ruin your hopes, Dad," he replied. "Katniss and I are going back on the road. I'm not leaving her alone while she looks for Dough Boy."

The man sighs. "Yes, of course. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. Any luck, though?"

Gale shakes his head. "No, none at all."

"Gale!" he hears his sister, Posy, squeal. "You're back!"

"Hi, Pose!" Gale greets. Even though his sister is already nine, he still had the energy, and height, to carry her on his hip. "How've you been?"

"Great! Did you bring me any souvenirs?"

"Sure, did," he answers. He puts her down and slings his bag down on the ground. "Here's a necklace for you, Pose." It's a golden chain that had a pendant shaped like a padlock and beside it is a daisy with the stem shaped like a key. "Sorry, I couldn't find any posies."

Posy gasped. "Wow, Gale! This is so pretty!"

Just as she was about to put it on, Gale snatches it back. "I still have to ask Dad to protect it, if you don't mind."

Posy nods. "Of course I don't mind. What did you get Madge?"

"Nothing," he responds, standing up.

"Nothing? Why not? She comes here almost every day! The four of us, and Prim, play all the time! I think she's secretly a princess!" she exclaims. "In fact, we're supposed to meet up with her later and play! She's really pretty! Don't you think so, Gale?"

Gale shakes his head. "I've got no time for that, Pose."

"But, Gale! Don't you miss her?"

"No, I don't."

The little girl pouts. "Well fine, if you don't wanna play with me and the princess later, I won't speak to you."

As much as Gale wanted to tell his sister that she's too old to play these kinds of games, he knew that, childish or not, she really wouldn't speak to him for awhile. "All right, fine, fine, we'll play." He rolls his sleeves up and rubs his face. How do those three teenagers manage to keep up with this girl? He checks his bag again and asks, "Where are your brothers?"

"Gale!" he hears a deep voice. The older one looks up and sees his sixteen-year-old brother, Vick. "You're back!"

He nods and the two give each other a brotherly hug. "How've you been, Vick?"

"Good, really," the younger one answers. "Pippa finally said yes to me!"

"Oh, that's great!" Gale exclaims. And really, he is happy for him. Pippa Wellington is a girl Vick hadn't really been in good terms with ever, until two years ago when he realized that she had feelings for him and vice versa. "I'm happy for you, man."

"Thanks," Vick says with a huge smile. "Rory's coming down in awhile, he's talking to Maya."

Posy wrinkles her nose. "I don't like her. I like Prim more."

Vick nods in agreement. "We all do."

Hazelle sighs. "Why don't I go and prepare lunch, okay? I'm sure you'll all drop by Madge's place today, right, Gale?"

"Katniss wants to," he grumbles. "I don't." Then he sees Posy's glare. "I'm just gonna do this for Posy." His sister breaks into a grin.

Heavy footsteps descend the stairs and Gale smiles at his twenty-year-old brother. "Rory."

"Gale!" He grins and gives him a hug. "Are you staying here for good?"

Gale shakes his head. "I wish, but I'm not. Katniss and I still have to go on the road. Haven't found Mellark yet." He looks down at the bag he's holding then holds up two amulets. They had exotic shapes and he gave one each to his brothers. "I'll ask Dad to protect them first, though." He turns to Vick and shows him another necklace that looks a bit like Posy's except with a tree as the symbol. "Got this for Lucia," he mentions Vick's childhood and best friend, "I know she knows about Katniss and me."

"Whoa, thanks, Gale," Rory says. "These are really cool."

"What did you get Madge?" Vick asks.

Gale shoots him a glare. "I didn't get her anything."

Rory rolls his eyes. "Boo. You suck."

A knock came from the door and Posy dashed from the kitchen. "That must be Prim and Katniss! I'll get it!"

Hazelle chuckles and wipes the remaining plates. "Gale, are you ready?" she calls, hoping her voice would be carried upstairs.

"I'm coming," he replies as he goes down the stairs. "Vick, Rory! Don't make Posy wait!" He had changed into a pair of jeans and a gray shirt. "Posy, wait for us!"

Once everyone had left the household, the two families make their way to the Undersees' mansion. Gale grits his teeth with each step they take. Madge Undersee is the daughter of the mayor. She has everything he wishes he could give his baby sister.

"Madge thinks she's supposed to come by our house late in the afternoon," Posy explains to Gale. "She'll be so surprised when she sees us! She misses you two a lot!"

Gale shrugs but he gets a look from Katniss that tells him to behave.

Gale knows when they reach the mansion. The metal gates stood tall and proud, beside it were freshly painted bricks to cover the huge, white house inside it. Posy giggles and runs to the guard on duty. "Mr. Green!"

"Oh, Posy!" the middle aged man greets. "Miss Madge is probably with her mother, but be careful, okay? Don't wake Mrs. Undersee up."

"Is Mr. Undersee here, Mr. Green?" Prim asks.

"No, he's at the Justice Building as usual. He'll be home after supper," he answers with a smile. "I'm sure Miss Madge would love your company."

"Good," Katniss says, "because I miss her."

Mr. Green opens the gate and allows the family to enter.

The house looks even bigger inside than out. Inside, the house is adorned with ivory and fine china. There is a black, shiny piano by the patio, overlooking the garden. The floors are adorned with carpets and rugs; every part that could be stepped on seems to be covered. The curtains all look new while the glass shone that Gale could see his reflection clearly.

Posy, Vick, Rory and Prim seem to know their way around the gigantic place as they continue to greet the workers inside. Katniss had been here her fair share years back, when she, Peeta and Madge would play—but for Katniss, she'd be here to make sure they don't do anything rash. Gale had been here a lot, but he would never come in. He used to sell the family strawberries—Katniss suggested that he sell to the Undersees because Madge loves berries.

"Don't act too surprised, Gale," Katniss whispers, "they'll think you're some sort of newbie."

"I am one," he retorts.

He wasn't able to finish eye-touring the house when they reach a grand staircase that looks as if it goes on forever, and it did, to Gale at least; to the rest, they only when four floors. Being the mayor of the city, they had more than enough money to buy a house with lots of rooms. They didn't want to live in the obligated house for the mayor because Mrs. Undersee told them that they would have to move out again one day. Mr. Undersee, his wife and Madge owned the third floor, guest rooms were on the second and the fourth floor is restricted.

"Do you still not know what's on the fourth floor?" he asks his best friend.

"Not even Madge knows," she answers as they ascend the stairs.

Gale follows them upstairs hesitantly. "I'm surprised the kids aren't using the elevator," he mumbles.

Katniss silences him. "They don't know about that. This exercise is good for them."

Posy knocks excitedly on Madge's door. After a minute of not hearing or seeing any signs of the door being opened soon, the little girl knocks once more. Again, no answer. "Maybe she's sleeping," she says, already about to turn the knob.

"Posy, no!" Prim warns. "You're not allowed to do that."

"Are you looking for Miss Madge?" a maid passing by asks.

"Yes," Vick replies, "have you seen her?"

"She's in Mrs. Undersee's room. Come, I'll knock." She beckons for them to follow her and leads them to a room a few doors away. She knocks gently and they hear a faint voice tell her to come in. Opening the door slightly, she turns to them, smiles and walks away.

"Be quiet, Pose," Rory tells her, "Mrs. Undersee might be asleep."

The young Hawthorne nods and peeks through the door. "Princess?" After a few seconds, she lights up and nods then faces the others. "She's just going to say bye to her mother."

A minute later, Madge Undersee, still looking as lovely as ever, has stepped out of the room and greets Posy with a warm hug. "I'm surprised you came here, I was just about to get ready to go to your house."

"We have a surprise for you, Madge!" the girl exclaims.

"Really?"

"Really," Katniss repeats.

Madge looks up and becomes wide-eyed when she sees her best friend, standing in the flesh. "Katniss!" She runs to her and engulfs her in a tight hug. "Oh my God, I missed you so much."

"I missed you, too," the brunette replies, pulling her in. "How have you been?"

"Just great," she answers. "As you can see, my playmates are these adorable children."

"We're not children," Rory and Vick mumble in unison. Prim giggles and Posy smiles at the acknowledgement.

Madge smiles at them then turns to her brunette friend. "How are you? How was your trip? Is everything okay? Did you two…" she begins to trail off, her face stiffening, "um…get hurt…or anything?"

If Katniss knew about Madge's almost slip up, she didn't show it. "I'm fine. The trip was okay. Yes, everything's all right. Gale and I didn't get hurt, whatsoever, at least, nothing serious."

Madge hugs her brunette friend again then turns to the tall, strong man beside her. "Hi, Gale."

"Undersee," he says with a nod. "Haven't seen you in awhile."

"You don't really make an effort," she snorts then immediately wants to bite her tongue. She had just said that in front of his baby sister. "Sorry," she mumbles, half sincerely.

Before Gale can say anything, Katniss pulls out the necklace she had shown Prim earlier and hands it to Madge. "Here, we got you this from Harrisburg. Dad already put a protective charm around it so it's safe." Then she unhooks the mockingjay pin from her shirt and hands it to her as well. "Thanks. It's yours…for now." She knew the blonde would give it back to her when she and Gale leave again.

Madge grins and puts on the necklace. She takes the pin from the other girl's hand and pins it back. "Thank you, Katniss, for this wonderful gift, and how many times do I have to tell you that this pin is yours now. It'll give you good luck, really. Look at Aunt Maysilee."

Gale scoffs. "Good luck?"

Katniss throws him daggers before facing Madge again. "But, Madge—"

"It's yours, Katniss. Don't worry. I told Aunt Mays about it, she said she'll make another one for me."

"But this is the original!"

"But that's the one Peeta acknowledged when your first talked. Remember what he said? That it looks good on you." Madge fixes the pin and smiles. "It's yours, okay?"

Gale rolls his eyes. Prim sighs dreamily while the Hawthorne siblings have a small argument.

After a few seconds, Katniss finally smiles. "Okay. Thank you."

"You're welcome." She smiles again then turns to the younger ones. "So, what are our plans today?"

After an exhausting two hours of playing pretend—once again—a housemaid calls for them. "Snacks are served in the living room!"

Posy and Vick immediately run in while Rory and Prim follow, not too fast, not too slow. Katniss and Madge continue to talk while Gale watches them, mumbling about the big garden.

"So, aside from this, what do you do when we're…you know, on a trip?" Katniss asks once they settle down on the couch. The Hawthornes and Prim watch television. "Aside from playing with them?"

Madge blushes. "Well, remember that time you took me to the woods and taught me how to use the bow?" She waits for her friend to answer, she gets a nod. "I enjoyed it so I asked Dad to ask someone to make me a bow and a handful of arrows and tried it out. I practiced every day. I still do, actually. I receive a new box of arrows every weekend, I've got thousands now!"

Katniss's eyes widen. "Really?"

"Yeah. I hope you don't mind I steal your weapon."

"No, no, not at all." Katniss shakes her head. "You know Gale and I use Colts now, mostly. It's easier to conceal and use."

"I know, but, it is your weapon first…and…"

"Why don't you show me?"

"What?"

"Why don't you show me your aim? You practice every day, right? You must be good at it now."

"Maybe…"

"Show me. When we're done eating, show me."

"Okay."