Disclaimer: Suzanne Collins owns "The Hunger Games". I do not.

Warning: Slash- Gale/Peeta, some dub/non consent for a few chapters, lemons.

Summary: The Quarter Quell is selectively calling for male tributes only. District Twelve is to send Gale and Peeta. How will they fare in the arena? Gale/Peeta Slash

Prologue

"…and for this year's Quarter Quell, any two males will be chosen as tributes- regardless of whether they have competed before…"

Peeta knew he would be returning to the arena the minute he heard the announcement on the TV. He could feel it in his bones. There was only one fortunate part about the Quell, and it was that Katniss would have no chance of being tribute again.

Katniss. The thought of her would be the only weapon Peeta needed to stay strong- to survive. However, there would be another participant in the games that would also be fueled by the thought of her.

Peeta's jaw nearly dropped when Gale's name was called on the day of the Reaping. He was more shocked than when his own name was announced. He was sure that Gale was going to jump at the chance to claim his head because there were two very obvious things about him: He was a skilled hunter, and he had a very envious hatred towards Peeta because of his media portrayed love with Katniss.

Of all the people to be chosen, it had to be Gale. Of course Peeta couldn't have someone he could partner up with. He had to be placed with someone he knew wanted him dead. But were partners truly even partners in the Games? Peeta didn't think so.

"You two need to get some good rest before you enter tomorrow." the sound of Haymitch's voice raised Peeta from his thoughts.

"Yeah…" Peeta trailed off, glancing at Gale. He had stayed mostly broody his entire time in the Capitol, and had hardly said a word to Peeta. He spent most of his time training (which made Peeta feel worse about himself, for he did not train nearly as much).

"Well, I'll be seeing you two in the morning, then." Haymitch stood and stumbled from the room, taking with him the pungent smell of alcohol.

Then, there was silence, and the painful awareness of the awkward tension the room held. Or at least that was what Peeta sensed.

Gale stood up and gave Peeta a long stare across the dim room. Finally, he spoke, "Only one of us is coming back for Katniss. And if you truly want what is best for her, you'll let that person be the one she needs. Think about that."

Gale exited the room swiftly. Peeta sat, fuming. Gale thought he was better for Katniss? Where was he during the Games last year? Why could he offer Katniss that Peeta couldn't?

His thoughts continued to swarm, even as he lay down to sleep.

Let the games begin then, Gale. Let the games begin.