Disclaimer: the Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. I do not own it.
1: The Reaping
Gale POV
Effie's hand twirls over the reaping bowl as if she is excited to send a girl to her death in the Hunger Games. Yes, death. I'm not stupid, District 12 has the least Victors of any district. I don't hold much hope for a new Victor this year. Her hand dips downwards, seizing a scrap of paper.
'Please not Katniss, please not Katniss,' I think 'Anyone but Katniss.'
Effie opens her mouth, ready to announce this years death. "Primrose Everdeen," she calls to the crowd. Damn. Katniss' sister. The only name that could possibly be worse than Katniss. Fate is cruel, Prim's name is only in the Reaping ball once, there are so many others with tesserae. If Prim dies it will destroy Katniss. But even worse, what if Katniss volunteered for her? In that split second, I know that she will. Like I would volunteer for Rory. Besides, Katniss is the most caring person I know. Prim started to step forward. Then I hear Katniss.
"No! No, Prim," she screecheS desperately as the peacekeepers crowd around her to restrain her. "I volunteer!" she screams. They pause. I doubt the peacekeepers even know what to do in these circumstances. Katniss is the first volunteer in living memory from our district. Soon to be second, I think suddenly. I won't let Katniss face careers alone.
Katniss straightened up in determination. "I volunteer as tribute," she says, her voice controlled. Only I could hear the sheer hate towards the Capitol expressed. The hate-fuelled fire rose up in me as well as the peacekeepers led Catnip up onto the stage. Effie seemed surprised, but disgustingly happy.
"Well, it looks like District Twelve has its very first volunteer," she says in shock. "What's your name my dear?"
"Katniss Everdeen," Catnip muttered.
"Katniss Everdeen," Effie spoke into the microphone. "Everdeen eh? Well I can bet my buttons that that was your sister down there wasn't it?"
"Yes."
There is no applause for her sacrifice. Slowly, I put my hand with three fingers up, a gesture of respect and good luck. The crowd slowly follow my example. Another first in Hunger Games history. No applause, just farewell and good luck. Well it won't be farewell from me.
"Now for the boys."
The same hand-swirling above the ball with my name in it. Hand dipping down, drawing a scrap of paper. "Peeta Mellark." The baker's son. I see him get up shakily and head towards the stage. You're lucky, I think coldly. That isn't the love of your life waiting for her death up there.
"I volunteer!" I shout rising up and walking towards Katniss. Catching her eye for a moment, I am surprised only to find confusion. Why would she think that I would just leave her behind? I nod reassuringly, but keep the stubborn look on my face. Katniss glares slightly, but I can see that she is slightly grateful. I can just hear her saying 'you volunteered for me! Gale! Who's going to feed our families?'
Oh no. I completely forgot. Catnip and I had an agreement that if one of us was reaped the other would help feed both of our families. With us both here... I can only hope that Rory had paid good attention to my hunting training, and the snares that I had taught him. He would be able to feed the family. And besides, I know Peeta. He doesn't forget a debt. He would probably help. But what about Katniss. Prim could forage and Mrs Everdeen sold remedies, I guess they could manage. Especially with Rory's help.
"Another volunteer?" Effie asked in complete shock. Get used to it, Hawthornes don't play by the book, I think.
"Gale Hawthorne," I introduce myself to the cameras. The same three-fingered salute comes to me as well. It seems a lot more daunting now that I am the subject of it, but infinitely better than the horrid half-hearted applause that tributes get every other year. A personal farewell from District 12.
We are taken off the stage surrounded by peacekeepers. Katniss looks as if she wants to say something, but I shake my head slightly. Not here, I signal. Later though, I promise. Katniss seems to get the gist of my message. Years of hunting together having to communicate in complete silence has given us an almost telepathic bond. A slight gesture from me or her, our expression, anything, and we can hear what the other wants to say. Katniss puts her head down. Later, she agrees.
We are led into the justice building into separate rooms. This is the time where a tribute's family comes to visit them. And give their final goodbyes, I realise the gravity of the situation crashing down on me. Katniss and I cannot make it out of the arena together. And I know which one of our lives I value more. I never really understood what my mum said about love until now. I couldn't imagine the idea of putting someone else's life above my own. Now I know exactly what she means though.
My mother, Rory and Posy come in. They are pale-faced and their eyes are red as if they have been crying. "Gale!" Posy flings herself at me attacking me in a hug. "Gale, please come back alive! How could you volunteer." I hug her back firmly, though feeling guilty. How do I tell Posy that I'm not coming back? In the end, I can't bring myself to.
"I'll try Posy," I murmur. "I'll try." Posy's pain-filled eyes break my heart. She is not placated by my words.
"Promise Gale," she insists.
"I promise that I will try my best to come home," I say. Doesn't mean my heart will let me, I add silently to myself.
My mother catches my eye and I can see that she knows what is happening. "Good luck Gale," she says finally. "District 12 will have a Victor this year." Yes, I think, but it won't be me.
Posy disentangles herself from me and I hug mum. "Yes it will," I say with determination. "Goodbye mum," I whisper to her.
"Rory, you are the man of the family now. Remember what I taught you about snares. It is your job to keep this family fed. You will probably have some help from Peeta," I add.
He nods seriously. "I will Gale."
"And remember that I love you, all of you."
"So long as remember that we love you," Rory and mum say at the same time.
"Love you Gale," Posy says sadly. "And remember your promise." She knows just how to twist the knife of guilt in me.
"I will. Goodbye," I say before the peacekeepers come to get them.
The next person to come in is Peeta. He sits in front of me with worry shining in his eyes. Why is he worried for me? I wonder.
"You love her, don't you?" he starts.
"Yes," I admit. There is no question about who he is talking about.
"Keep her safe for me," he pleads.
I nod. "Why do you care so much though?" I ask curiously.
"Because I love her too."
xXx-X-xXx
Authors Note:
First story in this site. If any of you have any constructive criticism or like the story, please review and tell me. Thanks.
