The knock on the door was heavy. Rain pounded against the side of our house. My father was staying late at the justice building tonight, so I would be alone with my mother. She had already retired to her room. Our house was a comfortable place. My father being the mayor gave us privileges. We were well fed, and had a house that was larger than most. Especially the seam. The seam kids had a disdain for merch kids. We had enough money to survive. Never have even felt hunger compared to those kids. I stood up, putting the book down. My room was the shared a wall with the walk in room. I always kept check on who was leaving and coming in. I looked out my window, but knew it was useless. A tall group of plants always blocked my view from who was on the porch. I could recount the many times when I would try to spy on my father on the porch. Talking to important people who never walked into the house. What was weird was that it was late into the night. People of District 12 returned to their houses once the sun set. I walked out into the hall. I was used to the cold of the tile beneath my feet. Being twelve I never really got to leave the house, other than for school. So I spent my time conjuring up adventures that took place in between the walls of my house.

The knocking was heard again. To my confusion, it seemed that someone was knocking from the back door. I doubled around and walked towards the back door. Maybe Father forgot his keys and needed to use the back door. He would be soaked wet due to the heavy downpour. I opened my door, and to my surprise was confronted by a boy. He had dark black hair, and his eyes were a tint of grey. He was a seam kid. The rain was falling hard to the floor in heavy droplets.

"Hi, I'm Gale." He said. He held out his hand, and I reluctantly shook it because they were drenched. "Is your Father here?"

I shook my head, "No, what do you need." I was not the type of person that appreciated short talk. He held a bag and said, "I'm here to trade the kill." He said confidently. I was confused but saved the questions for later. "Alright then." If my father could trust him then I probably should be able to. I grabbed the bag. "What do you trade for?"

"Food." The tone of voice seemed familiar. I realized who he was. Gale Hawthorne was one of the 14 year olds at my school. We vacantly saw each other at school. I usually saw him around with Katniss. I recall him having a large family, and his father died in the mining accident. I felt remorse for the boy. He had to provide for his family at such a young age. He probably supported his family by trading with people across the merch.

Taking the bag, I walked away into the kitchen. I laid the dead animal on the table. I wasn't sure what else to do with it. Going inside the fridge I grabbed the large carton of strawberries. My father wouldn't mind me giving these away. I grew them myself and managed them. This season was a weak growth. It was on its last leg. Those strawberry roots have given me strawberries for about three years now. My mother says they should only last for about a year, with all the smog in the air. I put the carton into a paper bag and walked back over to the back door. The rain had lighted into a small drizzle. I handed him the bag.

"All of this?" Gale said with a suspicious look on his face.

"Sure, Don't you have Rory, Vick and Posey to take care of?"

"Yes"

"Then just be sure to give them extra tonight."

I felt good about myself. My father usually said that a good deed could help you in the long end. Gale left and I returned to the room. My Fortune and good luck has given me the things I need to survive. I didn't have to hunt outside the boundaries of District 12, or dig through trash cans. Or worry about my next meal was coming from. I was a privileged Merch kid. I was horrible for being put above the rest of the district.

Katniss is Reaped

I was in shock. The wind was caught in my throat. Katniss was yelling, and so was Prim. I rushed up the Aisle and picked her up; she was struggling to get free. I walked Prim back to her mother. On the stage I could hear Katniss sate her name. I could hear Effie's side comments. But most of all, I heard the fear in her voice. I have never seen Katniss be an ounce of afraid. She was a strong girl. She had never shed a tear for anything. They called the male tribute, but I didn't care. I just looked up from the back of the crowd, to Katniss.

I could hear Ms. Everdeen saying something to Prim. Something about keeping hope and faith that Katniss would survive. That's when my mind just plain went blank. And all I could do was watch Katniss walk into the Justice building.

The crowds after the Reaping were always slow. It seemed that the grim situation slowed everyone down. I tried pushing through people and towards the Justice Building. All of the Family and friends of the Tribute had to enter through the side of the building. Finally, making my way through the crowd I pulled open the door. The peacekeeper stopped me and told me I had to wait till Katniss was done with her family. Then, I would enter. In the meantime I would sit in the waiting room.

The waiting room was a small place. It consisted of furniture that at the least matched. I sat down on one of the couches. It was empty, and the sun poured in through the window, revealing all the particles of dust in the air dancing around. My heart was pacing fast. I was sweating and I was breathing loudly. I was alone until a door opened. I stood up expecting a peacekeeper but instead was greeted by a light blonde girl. It was Madge. She wore her hair in a ponytail, which was tied with a red bow. She wore a white dress that came down to her knees. At the sight of me she looked away. I kept staring examining her. She took a seat across the room and was holding something in her hand. With the other hand she would smooth out the wrinkled part of her dress. I felt guilty. It was this morning when I had insulted her. Now we both were here, differences aside both for the sake of Katniss. I drew a loud breath in.

"What's in your hand?" I asked. She seemed startled by my attempt to begin a conversation. She looked up to me and stared me in the eye. This was something that not a lot of people did. We would try our best to avoid each other's gazes in public.

"It's a Mockingjay pin; I'm going to give it to her." I could see the glint of water in her eyes. I could tell that she was trying to hold the tears in, hide her emotions. But It wasn't working. I was almost an expert on body language. Her arms were folded and she kept her stare a tree that was blowing in the steady breeze outside the window.

"I'm sorry Gale." She said aloud. Her voice was shaken.

"Don't worry about it Madge, it's not like you picked Prims na-"

"I mean about for whatever I've done to you. For you to hate me."

I was confused, Why would Madge think that I hated her? Was it how I spoke about Merch kids to her? Or does she think that I do not want to talk to her when she answers the door, and I ask for her father? If anything Madge has helped me. She was a constant supply of food for my family. Her strawberries seemed to be the only thing that would put a smile on Posey's face these days.

"I don't hate you. I just-" A peacekeeper walked in, he motioned to Madge, she looked to me and I said it was okay for her to go first. Once she left, I knew that at least something good came out of Katniss' misfortune. I have, what may be called, a new friend. Maybe I could get to know Madge more.