A/N: Back again. Much thanks to Ellenka, who faithfully reviewed all my Gale fan fics, and even took time to give me a long lengthy message about him! :) GALE FOREVER!Thanks so much! Also, thanks to every other reviewer who took the time to read and review my story. You guys leave me the best messages, and it helps inspire me to write more, for you guys! The summary of this is basically Gale's early life. Before the 74th Hunger Games. Time for a disclaimer, cause I heard it's a just in case thing...
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE HUNGER GAMES, 'CAUSE IF I DID, KATNISS WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH GALE! (so Gale doesn't belong to me...oh pooh.) Rights go to Suzanne Collins.
Prologue
"Dad!" The growing boy gave the soot covered man a hug. It was a rarity for Gale to have time with his dad.
"Hey, Gale, let's get going. Your mother's going to be waiting for us." The man led the way home.
While they were walking, Gale said, "Dad. How come you're here today?"
"What do you mean, Gale?" His dad tried to shift the topic.
"I mean, you're usually always busy. How can you just have free time?" Suspicion was apparent in his voice.
Gale's dad was silent for a moment. "Gale. I knew I couldn't hide it from you. I'm here, because the boss of the coal mines let us out early today."
Gale looked at his dad. "Why?"
"Because tomorrow we are heading down deeper into the mines. This is the reward for it."
Gale's gray eyes widened. "That's too dangerous! You can't go! Mom won't let you!"
His father looked guilty. "I haven't told her."
"Why not?" Gale's tone was shocked.
"She doesn't need to worry. It'll be fine. But you know what Gale?" His dad turned sideways and smiled at him.
"Yeah?" He responded.
"I'll always be here for you, even when I'm gone. Always and forever." He pulled Gale into a tight embrace.
Little did Gale know that that would be his last moment with his father, or how close to the truth his father's statement was.