I do not own ANYTHING. All respect goes to Suzanne Collins, the brilliant brain after this story.

Hey guys! After the story about James and Lily Potter, I decided that it was time for a little change. I hope you enjoy the story!

The booty was bad, today. One squirrel and a lean rabbit. We would be hungry tonight. Suddenly, I saw it. A rabbit, probably 3 feet above the ground, where no wild dog or lynx could get it. I was astonished. I touched the noose carefully.

'You may not steal', someone said. I pulled an arrow and put it on my bow while I turned.

'I wasn't', I said, ready to defend myself.

'Sure. What are you doing here anyway?', the boy asked. I estimated that he was 14, maybe 15 years old.

'Taking a walk', I lied.

'With a dead squirrel, a rabbit and a bow?', he asked sarcastically. Obviously he didn't believe me.

'What are you doing here?', I said, answering with a question.

'Taking a walk', he answered.

'Very funny. But now serious. Put your knife down, before I shoot you.'

'Easy, girl. What's your name?', he changed the subject. While he was saying that, he did what I asked. I put my bow on the ground.

'Katniss', I said.

'Catnip, beautiful name. I'm Gale.'

'I said Katniss', I said louder.

'I'm sorry, Katniss, but let's be honest. What's the real reason you're here?', he pushed.

I doubted he would let me go without telling him, so I did. 'My dad died last summer, in a mine. My family is hungry. I can't let them starve. So I started hunting based on what dad taught me.'

'Wait, you and your dad? Hunting? On Capitol ground?', he asked unbelievingly.

'Yes. But, the only weapons I have are a bow, a fishing net and a knife. No more. I have to knock for a good booty', I said.

'Don't you use traps? It's very handy', he said.

'I try, but every time I do , it doesn't work. It's frustrating', I grumbled.

'I know the feeling. But, when you practice a lot, you learn how to do it. I can show you, if you want?' The boy meant it. It wasn't a joke.

'Yes, why not? Wait, what's the catch?' I stood up and looked at him with an inquisitive look.

'You have to teach me something too. Learn me how to use a bow and arrow', he said.

'Seems good to me', I agreed. 'When do we start?'

'Tomorrow. 8 a.m., this place.'

'Then I guess I'll see you tomorrow', I said, not very friendly. It looked like I could trust him, but we were still hunters. In the forbidden forest. But, it was time to take a risk, or mom and Prim would starve.

'I guess. Oh, and Catnip, wait a second.' Gale turned and fiddled at a trap. Then, he gave me the rabbit.

'You're sure?', I asked. 'I guess you have family too, they will be hungry.'

'Don't worry, I have traps enough. And I think that your family needs it more than mine.' He smiled at me, but I took the animal and turned away. 'Bye.'

'Bye.' The rabbit was heavy. Very heavy. Tonight we wouldn't be hungry.

This was chapter one. Please review!