Dawn light filtered in through my closed bedroom window. It gently warmed my closed eyelids, telling me that it's time to wake up. I cracked open my eyes, just enough to see the yellow, buttery light. Smiling, I opened my eyes all the way. There's nothing I love more than watching the sun rise in the morning.

I propped up my elbows and looked at the golden heap of fur at my feet. I stretched one of my feet out and gently nudged it, urging it to wake up.

Immediately, a feline head popped up, blinking its sleepy green eyes at me. I grinned and reached forward to scratch him behind his ear, just as he likes it. Arrow slipped his eyes closed and purred, deep and low.

I slid my feet out from the bed and touched the cold wooden floor. I shivered slightly, but I didn't want to miss the view. I crossed the room and pushed open my window.

Sunlight fully streamed in, warming the coldest corners of my small room. The fresh morning air hit my face, cold and clear. I sighed in pleasure and looked outside, toward the woods. I craned my neck so I could just make out the snowcapped peaks of our beloved mountains. Most people don't want our house, because it is so close to the outer reaches of the woods, and all the dangers they hold. But, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else, I absolutely loved these woods. I had grown up in them and knew every inch.

I gazed outside until the sun fully rose. When the full sun finally rose above the horizon, I stiffly stood up and stretched, working out the kinks in my spine. I opened the top drawer of my dresser and pulled out my normal clothes.

I slipped out of my night wear and into my daily wear. It consists of plain brown pants and a worn dark green long-sleeve shirt. I slipped a brown leather vest on over it, to help keep the cold out. I pulled on woolen socks and shoved my feet into my favorite leather boots.

My long, dark brown hair spread about my shoulders in its natural waves, and I decided just to leave it there for today. I opened my door and stepped into the hallway, heading toward the kitchen. On the way, I passed a closed door that hadn't been opened in well over a year. I slowed down, a sudden wave of grief washed over me, so strong that I almost stumbled.

Arrow, ever loyal, pressed into my side, purring comfortingly. He reached my hip now, so I no longer had to bend down to pet him. My dad used to joke that he was a genetically engineered mountain lion, and now I'm starting to believe him. Normal mountain lions did not grow this big, but I liked to believe that Arrow was special.

Just thinking about my parents made my eyes moisten, and I hurried past their bedroom. It was sad really, neither me nor my brother wanted to go inside and clean it out. But, keeping it the same way was haunting. I banished those thoughts from my head, today was going to be a good day. I didn't want to ruin it before it even started.

I quietly stepped inside our homely kitchen. I looked around for the familiar figure of my brother, but I was the only one in the room. I absentmindedly patted Arrow on the head as I headed toward the cabinet, intending on getting Arrow and I some breakfast. As I pulled the door open, a flash of white caught my eye. I turned and saw a pristine white note resting on our clean, but old table. Next to it rested a small box tied with a beautiful satin ribbon.

I gasped in surprise and moved closer to examine this strange occurrence. It wasn't an abnormality when my brother left the house earlier than I woke up, but this package and note was definitely new.

I reached out to gently touch the ribbon. I barely felt the cool material; it was so light and soft. I was unused to this sort of fabric, it looked like it belonged on display. I fingered the soft material as I picked up the note. I smiled to myself as I recognized the hurried scrawl.

Be back soon. Happy Birthday, Grace.

Lucas

These seven simple words warmed my heart. My brother had so much on his mind, yet he still went through the trouble to remember my birthday. I looked back toward the neatly wrapped package, knowing that he had bought me a present when I specifically told him not to.

I still couldn't withhold my giddy excitement when I carefully pulled the ribbon off. I was just about to lift the lid, when I realized that I should probably wait for Lucas to get here. I bet he wanted to see me open it.

I slumped back into my chair, wondering what to do. Arrow pushed his head against the pantry, signaling that he was hungry. I grinned and realized that my stomach was growling too. I decided to make breakfast for the three of us, Lucas shouldn't take too long getting back home.

In about ten minutes, I had whipped up some French toast, using my mother's old recipe. By the time I had set the table, the front door creaked open. A burst of cold autumn air hurried in before Lucas entered and shut the door behind him. His usual serious expression was fixed on his face as he took his hat off and hung it on the peg by the door, exactly where Father used to hang his hat. Lucas was only five years older than me, so at 22, he had already taken on the responsibility of supporting both himself and me.

He stepped into the warmth of our kitchen and looked around.

"Good morning, Grace," Lucas said before he sat down. I pushed his plate of French toast toward him, smiling and waiting to see his reaction. We haven't had any of Mother's French toast since she died, and this was the first time I had tried my hand at making it. It turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.

He looked at it, puzzled, before the first whiff of the sweet bread hit his nose. His eyes widened in recognition. My smile grew wider as he took his first bite, and closed his eyes in rapture.

"I take it that you like it?" I teased, taking a bite out of my own plate.

Lucas gave me a look and resumed eating. I tore a piece off of my French toast and tossed it to Arrow, who caught it in the air and swallowed it in one gulp. He looked hopefully at me for more. Arrow could hunt and fend for himself just fine in the woods, but he still sticks with me. Usually, I'll take him with me during my daily treks in the woods and he'll do as he pleases, eventually finding me and walking home after satisfying his feline instincts.

After we were both done with our meals, Lucas grabbed my plate and took it to the sink, along with his. I got up and started to protest, I didn't want to make him do all the work. We had an unspoken agreement; he would go to work and I would manage the house.

Well, actually it was more my agreement, Lucas would rather me not do anything and still be the innocent little girl I was before the rebels took over. But, he had to grow up and accept responsibility, and so did I.

"Sit down, Grace. Just let me do it this one time, it is your birthday after all," Lucas said, quietly but with his usual focus and concentration. When he talked, people tended to listen. So, I sat down with a huff and made a show of rolling my eyes.

When he finished, he sat down across from me. He gently pushed the present toward me, urging me to open it.

"You know that I told you not to buy me a present, Lucas," I said firmly.

"Just open it."

I grinned and carefully pulled the lid off. I peered inside and immediately caught my breath. Reaching my hand in, I gingerly pulled out my present.

A soft, warm deep burgundy scarf lay in my rough, calloused hands. My eyes widened as I recognized this as the scarf that I had been admiring in the Plaza a couple months ago. This must have cost a fortune.

I looked back up at Lucas, who was watching me with an unreadable expression in his blue eyes. When he saw my obvious pleasure and delight, something in his eyes softened, and I caught a glimpse of the Lucas from two years ago, when life wasn't so complicated.

"Lucas…" I was at a loss for words, but my eyes told the depth of my gratitude and love for him. Lucas was all I had left, and every day just made me glad that I still had him in my life, even though my parents were out of it.

Lucas looked almost happy as he got up from his seat.

"I'm glad you like it. I have to get to work Grace, I'll see you tonight." With that, he stepped toward the door and slipped his hat back on.

I was still sitting at the table, frozen in shock and grinning like an idiot. But, I shook myself out of my reverie and hurried to the door before he could leave. I quickly wrapped my arms around Lucas's middle, holding on tight and pushing my face into his jacket.

"Thank you," I whispered, so quietly that it was barely audible, but I could tell that he heard it.

Lucas hesitated for a moment, before slipping his arms around me and resting his chin on the top of my head. I could feel the gentle beat of his heart against my cheek as we stood there, brother and sister.

Lucas sighed after a moment and pulled away. He tenderly placed a hand on my cheek and smoothed my hair back from my face. I felt like I was 8 years old again, and how Lucas would comfort me after I had hurt myself. I usually didn't want to feel this young and helpless, but today, I felt safe under his protective wings. I blinked up at him as I tried to read his unfathomable blue eyes.

"You are very welcome," he murmured. He straightened to his full height and opened the door, heading out into the cool wind. I watched as he disappeared from sight, merging into the morning crowd. I felt unbelievably sad that he had to leave, but I knew that I couldn't keep him here. I closed the door and turned back to the kitchen.

I headed back into my room and grabbed my satchel off the small table I had in there. Slinging it across my body, I also grabbed my small knife and hooked it to my belt. On a sudden impulse, I knotted my new scarf around my neck. Immediately, the cool draft was shut out and I felt warm and comfortable.

I stepped in front of our full length mirror. It was a little smudged, but I could still see myself standing there. My dark, wavy hair tumbled past my shoulders, and half way down my back. My hazel eyes stared back at me, warm and inviting as always. My friends used to say that I was too nice to anyone and everyone. I didn't believe them of course, I wasn't that nice.

I also realized that I had grown a couple of inches without my knowledge, I remember that the top of my head now almost reached Lucas' chin. My cheeks were already flushed with the cold.

Arrow made an annoyed sound and waited at the door, impatient for me to come. I smiled and went back into the kitchen, where I grabbed a hunk of bread. Shoving it into my bag, I pushed the door open and headed out, with Arrow on my heels.

Since school was out for the weekend, the street was unusually quiet. Not many people got up early if they didn't have to. The normal crowd of people heading to work were the only people out and about at this early hour.

I heard my name being called through the crowd, so I pivoted on my foot, trying to locate the source.

A familiar old woman was waving at me from a couple of houses down the street. I grinned and waved back, making my way toward her.

"You look more and more like your mother every day, as pretty as a snowdrop," she said in a voice cracked with age as I neared.

I felt heat tinge my cheeks and replied, "Always with the joking, eh Mrs. Lacasio?"

"You can deny it all you want, dear. But, you know it as much as I do."

It was true. I wasn't nearly as pretty as my beautiful mother was, but I have been starting to see some resemblances. The only major difference were my eyes, my mother had blue eyes. My father was the one with the hazel eyes, a rare color for our District.

"So how have you been Mrs. Lacasio?" I said quickly, deciding to change the subject.

"It's been bearable, I suppose. Oh and how are you today, Arrow?" Mrs. Lacasio directed her attention at my mountain lion.

Arrow purred and went to her outstretched hand. Mrs. Lacasio was the only other person that Arrow would go to, besides me. Not even Lucas got that treatment; both of them mutually distrusted each other.

"Remind me again why you named your cat such an unusual name?" she croaked. I smiled slightly to myself; she always seemed to forget the story, even though she must've heard it at least fifty times.

"Remember the Cleopatra story?" I prodded, seeing if she'll remember on her own.

Since the Dark Age, many of the books in the world had been destroyed or lost. Nowadays, people didn't have too many. We were lucky to own one; it was the story of Cleopatra. The story had always used to entrance me as a little kid. So, it made sense that when we found Arrow in the woods, to name him after Cleopatra's faithful leopard.

"Oh, right. I remember now dearie, no need to bore me with the details," she said, before I went into the whole story.

I laughed and started to step off her porch. "I'll see you later, Mrs. Lacasio! I have some things to do."

"Take care of yourself! And send my regards to your brother."

I smiled and nodded, gesturing for Arrow to come with me. Arrow lightly jumped off her porch, waving his tail happily in the air.

We gradually made our way to the Plaza to turn in our daily tax fund. When the Rebels took over, they had instated a tax in order to pay for damages that the war had caused, along with training new soldiers. I didn't see how the Rebel control would be any better than the Capitol, but I've learned to hold my tongue.

As we neared the Plaza, I clicked my tongue to get Arrow's attention. I pointed at the woods, and he took off. I didn't want to take him with me to the Plaza, in full view of the Rebel guard. I didn't necessarily trust them, and Arrow was too precious to me to lose. Even the Capitol Peacekeepers didn't mind my larger than usual cat.

I stepped into the full light of our cobble-stoned Plaza. I saw the guards, wearing pristine red uniforms, instead of the usual white. They think that by changing the color of their uniforms, they're different from the Capitol. But, the only difference is that the Hunger Games doesn't exist anymore. The Rebels that ran Panem still have all the Districts on a tight leash, for fear of another revolt in favor of the Capitol.

Although, the control level hasn't changed much, I will admit that our conditions have greatly changed. We no longer have to work long hours for crusts of bread. The resources of the Capitol have been more fairly spread. The people of District 2 did not have as hard conditions as the rest of the Districts, but that did not mean that we had it easy.

I hurriedly crossed the Plaza, not making eye-contact with any of the guards, and made it to the tax booth. I murmured a quick greeting to the bored-looking attendant and counted out the coins needed.

"Wait a second, you're Lucas' sister aren't ya?" the attendant said with renewed interest, after asking for my name to mark out on her list. On a second glance, I realized that the attendant was actually quite young, probably only a couple years older than me.

"Yeah," I said cautiously, wondering what my brother had to do with this.

"Really? Does he say anything about me? I'm Carlotta," she said eagerly, with a quaint Capitol accent. I took a small step back; her enthusiasm was starting to frighten me.

"He doesn't talk about work too much," I said honestly, trying not to hurt her feelings.

"Oh, well when you see him, tell him I said hi," Carlotta said, batting her eyelashes at the memory of my brother. His jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes tended to have that effect on women.

I grinned and nodded, amused by her notion that my brother might like her. I couldn't even remember the last time he had a girlfriend; it was way before the War. But, it was still typical that women would try to get the unattainable. It also helped that Lucas had 'killer good looks', as I've often heard.

I picked up our tax slip and continued through the Plaza. We needed a tax slip in order to enter any stores. It was the Rebel's way of making sure we would actually pay, thank goodness that they didn't enforce them with violence.

I called out a quick greeting to the people that I knew, and walked toward the woods. After the war, the woods were no longer off-limits, but almost no one took advantage of them. Most of the people were still terrified of creatures in the woods. I didn't necessarily hate it that people were afraid, it kept nosy people out.

Although the Rebels made a public pathway into the wooded areas, I still preferred to use my lesser known way. I slipped past the Path, as everyone called it, and made my way to the stump of a giant oak tree. I nimbly clambered to the top, and using the stump as a springboard, I launched myself to the wall that surrounded our District.

I caught the edge of the fifteen foot wall, and hauled myself up. I had perfected this process over the years, so I no longer suffered from bruises and scrapes. I jumped down the other side, landing lightly among the myriad of colorful leaves.

This was my favorite time of the year, when it just started to turn cold, and all of the leaves changed color. The forest was so much prettier during autumn. Not to mention, all of the animals bustling around, building up their stores for our long and unforgiving winter.

I stepped lightly over the crackly leaves, careful not to crush them. Leisurely, I made my way to the small brook, about a mile from the wall. Once I was out of earshot of the rest of the District, I raised two fingers to my mouth and blew. The sharp, clear sound whistled throughout the trees. Immediately, the birds took up the call, and passed it around, until the trees were alive with birdsong.

The call stood for two purposes, one, because it was pretty and comforting. And two, because it lets Arrow know where I am. I don't exactly know how, but once I give the call, Arrow will find me, wherever I am in the woods.

I waited a moment, relishing in the feel of the weak winter sun on my face and the breeze threading its cool fingers through my hair. I could almost hear my father's voice. Autumn was his favorite season too, and he used to take me outside as a little girl.

Suddenly, a low keening sound drifted by, so softly, that I wasn't sure that I had heard it. I cocked my head, and listened closely.

There it was again!

I couldn't be sure, but it sounded like something was in pain.

I quietly made my way toward the noise, careful not to step on the leaves. I made my way to a grove of trees, where the sounds seemed to be coming from. I slipped around a tree and entered a small clearing.

In the middle of the clearing, a deer lay on its side, facing me. One of its legs was pulled awkwardly to the side, and was wrapping in a coil of thick, braided rope. The good quality that only the rich can afford. As I watched, the deer tried to shift its position, and immediately let out the keening noise. I realized that it was a sound of pain, and that the leg must be dislocated, since I couldn't see any other break in its beautiful dappled hide.

I stepped out of the shadows, trying not to startle the deer. But to no avail. The deer went crazy and started thrashing around, becoming hopelessly entangled in the rope. I instantly backed up and dropped down, crouching low on the forest floor. I made a soothing cooing noise, like I was talking to a baby. I softly reached my hand out, towards the terrified creature.

Gradually, the thrashing ceased and the deer eyed me cautiously, but no longer with fright. I continued speaking softly and stretched my hand out, for the deer to sniff. It worked with dogs, so why not deer?

Turns out, I was right. As soon as the deer gave my hand a cautious sniff, it visibly relaxed. I stretched my other hand out and gently rested it on its fur. The deer tensed, but didn't react. I lightly danced my fingers over its injured leg, careful not to apply too much pressure. I felt the shoulder and its socket, and concluded that it was definitely dislocated.

I had absolutely no idea how to pop a shoulder back into place. I've only seen it done once, when Mother had to pop Lucas' shoulder back in place when he was 15. Did the same method apply to a deer? Well, I was about to find out.

I murmured soothingly to the deer as I firmly grasped its foreleg. The deer gave a little jerk of pain, and started panting. I maneuvered the bone into position as gently as I could. Steeling myself for the next step, I gave the leg a sharp tug, and heard the satisfying click as it popped back into place. The deer jumped and flopped back down into the grass.

I sighed in relief, and wiped the thin layer of sweat off my forehead. I gently stroked the velvet-like ears as I went to work on the rope wound around its legs. I quietly unsheathed my knife and slipped it under a length of rope. Continuing to murmur comfort, I began to saw the rope off, until finally the deer could stand up.

The deer stood up and regarded me with its soft brown eyes. Then, it gracefully loped off, showing no sign of its injury. I smiled softly to myself as I saw the joy in the creature's simple movements.

I turned back to the rope, and saw the intricately formed snare. Immediately, my light-heartedness turned to cold, hard fury. No one had any reason to hunt. Food was plentiful nowadays, and even if you didn't have enough, you could sign up for food stamps at the local market. Hunting for sport was not worth the loss of an innocent life.

Seething, I kicked the rope into the bushes and stood up, angrily sheathing my knife. I turned around and froze. I could just make out a figure in the shadows, just standing and watching me. My anger seeped away, and was replaced by fear.

The figure was definitely human, I noted with a breath of relief. But, I kept my hand clasped tightly on my knife, ready to pull it out. I couldn't actually hurt anyone with it, but maybe it will intimidate the person long enough for me to run. My mind was running a million miles a minute, trying to keep me calm.

The figure stepped forward, into the sunlight. Upon second glance, I saw that he was masculine, probably about my age. His tan skin formed sharp angles on his face, giving him a ruggedly handsome look. He was dressed in simple casual wear, similar to what I was wearing. But, the thing that really stood out was his eyes. His steel grey eyes were cold and uninviting. But underneath the cool mask, I could make out an unusual dullness, as if someone had drained the life out of them. I involuntarily took a step back.

"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you. I just came here to check my traps," he said, leaning against a tree.

My anger returned, hotter than ever. "This was your trap? There is plenty of food in the District! Why in the world would you hunt? You're hunting for sport, aren't you? Do you think the loss of an innocent life is fun? Fulfilling somehow?" I said, uncharacteristically loud and brutal.

But, the hunter just looked amused. This infuriated me even more. He didn't even care that he was killing innocent creatures!

"Who do you think you are? What's your name?" I demanded, fully intended to report him to the Rebel authorities.

"That's not important," he said quietly.

"No, tell me your name," I ordered.

Still, he hesitated. But, something in my eyes probably tipped him off of my determined anger.

"Gale. Gale Hawthorne," he said, looking at the forest floor and not meeting my eyes.

My stomach dropped, and left me with a cold feeling in my gut.

"Huh?" was my intelligent response.

I stepped a tiny bit closer, in order to see his face better. I remember seeing him on the public broadcasts during and after the War. I had heard that he was currently stationed in District 2, but I had never seen him before now.

Immediately my cheeks burned, I was screaming at an authority figure! And not just any authority figure either, one of the famous soldiers who had singlehandedly brought down the Capitol. I mentally slapped myself for not thinking. I almost physically slapped myself, but I assumed he thought I was crazy enough.

"Oh, I'm sorry Capt. Hawthorne… I'll just be leaving then," I murmured, subdued. I began backing away slowly, trying to hide my face behind my hair.

"No," he said softly, "Don't leave yet."

I waited, with my head bowed, looking at my feet. This behavior is common courtesy when talking to an official. My heart pounded, was he going to punish me for being rude?

"Stop acting like that."

I looked up, surprised. I wasn't exactly sure what he meant, but I could see by his position that he was agitated. He had moved from his casual position against the tree trunk, and was now standing up straight, running his hand through his dark hair.

"Like what?"

"Like… just like that! The bowing and the sudden respect, weren't you just mad at me for hunting?" he said, sounding frustrated. His steel eyes glinted, showing emotion for the first time.

"I'm sorry?" It came out more like a question than an apology. He was really starting to freak me out. Maybe if I backed up slowly enough, he wouldn't notice.

"No, no it's not your fault," he muttered, looking slightly distracted.

I licked my dry lips, suddenly at a loss for words. That was an unusual rarity.

I nodded and backed away slowly, he didn't seem to notice. I turned and slipped away through the trees, not making a sound.

Once I had put some distance between me and him, I hurriedly climbed a tall maple tree and settled down in the highest branch that could support my weight. My heart was still thumping, loudly, and my hands were shaking. I tilted my head and leaned it back against the trunk, feeling the comforting brush of the light leaves against my forehead.

I felt the branch above me shake, and I opened my eyes. Arrow was lounging there, looking down at me and dangling his tail in my face. I laughed when it tickled my nose, and pushed it away. I reached up and absentmindedly stroked one of his paws.

Gradually, I calmed down enough to start the walk home. We were still pretty far from the District and the sun was already starting to set. Lucas would start to worry if I was out after dark. I lightly jumped down, using the branches to break the drop, and headed off toward District 2.


Greetings, all you lovely people!

I literally had this on my desktop for MONTHS, before I finally decided to publish it. I finished the first couple chapters, but never got around to publishing it until now, weird right?

Moving on, I'm actually pretty excited for this story! Gale is my all-time favorite character hands down, and the way the books ended did not satisfy me at all! So, this is my sad attempt at trying to provide some closure for our favorite hunter!

Okay, so... Now, you see that button. I see that button. And we all know how to use that button, so review!(;

(total creds to another author about that review button bit, I just saw it somewhere and literally laughed myself off my seat)