Different endings
Summary: What if Katniss and Gale had been dating? If it had been Gale's name that came out of the bowl? Will they both make it out alive and how will this affect their relationship? A.N- this is a hunger games fanfiction and as you can guess from the name there will be a different ending and different pairings. Hope you like it!
The reaping
Katniss P.O.V
The satisfying thud of a bird falling to the ground hit my ears as the sun rose. I inhaled the familiar and homely scent of the wood and crept off to retrieve my kill. As I bent down to gather the bird I felt a large pair of hands wrap round my waist and clamp over my mouth. I spun round and pointed my bow at my attacker's chest. It was then I heard the chuckles and raised my eyes to his face. Gale. Huphing, I pushed at his arm in annoyance when he crushed me to his chest in a warm embrace. I struggled for moment before relaxing into his grip and hugging him back.
Our hug was broken when we heard the unmistakable crunch of leaves under an animal's foot. We assumed our hunting positions and Gale made a noise to drive the animal towards me. Releasing my bow I caught sight of of the deer looking straight at me when it dropped to the ground. A grin etched its way onto my face and I shared the grin with Gale. Food.
Gale hauled the bird and deer over his shoulder and we scurried back to the Seam. We stashed the meat in the shade and said our goodbyes. As I held his broad shoulders I couldn't help the tears that trickled down my face. I wiped it away quickly and whispered "Let the odds be ever in your favour" before kissing his cheek and going into my house to get ready.
As I shut the door I picked up the dress my mother had laid out for me and ran my hands over the light blue fabric. I made my way upstairs and scrubbed off all evidence of being in the woods. I walked into my room to find Prim and my mother hugging, crying silently. My mother smiled at me as I sat on the floor at her feet and she began intricately braiding my hair.
When Prim and I were both presentable (after I tucked in her ducks tale) we held hands and made our way to the square. I hugged her tightly and took my place with the other kids my age. I caught sight of Gale and held his gaze as Effie talked about how the hunger games came around blah blah blah. Only her cry of "Ladies first" made me break our stare and focus my attention on the brightly coloured Effie.
She reached into the bowl and swirled her hot pink fingernails around before grasping a single slip. Please don't be Prim. Please don't be Prim. It couldn't be. Her name was on one slip out of thousands. I found Prim and gave her a small smile which she didn't return. Her eyes were transfixed on Effie and I averted my gaze back to the stage.
"Primrose Everdeen". No. No. No! A strangled cry escaped my lips and my body froze as Prim was lead onto the stage. I didn't even think about it- I just said it. "I volunteer." No one looked at me so I pushed my way through the crowds and stood directly in front of the cameras. "I VOLUENTEER!" I heard the sudden intake of breath followed by Prim's shrill cries. I was marched past her screaming figure and I vaguely registered that a boy named Peeta was restraining her. I silently thanked him and he carried the still screaming Prim to my mother.
I stomped onto the stage and stared directly down the camera. I wouldn't cry. Not now. Effie confirmed that Prim was my sister and then laughed that I wanted the glory. I forced a stiff smile and cringed when I heard Prim screaming again. I closed my eyes to lock my tears in place. Effie then turned back to the audience and cried "On with the boys! Do we have any volunteers?" I expected silence but a solitary voice rang through the crowd. "I volunteer!" My eyes snapped open and zeroed in on the all too familiar voice. Gale. He moved from his place and walked towards the stage. A small whimper escaped my lips and my breath came out in small gasps. Effie was delighted but I felt as if my whole world had just been shattered.
As he got on stage my sadness was replaced with hatred. How could he? He promised he'd take care of my family! What about his family? My blood boiled and I let an involuntary growl escape my mouth. My hands balled into fists before I lunged at Gale. He wasn't prepared for my attack so the force in which I slammed into him made us both fall to the floor. I shook him and screamed "HOW? HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME? NOW WE'LL BOTH DIE! WHAT ABOUT PRIM OR RORY, HUH? HOW COULD YOU?!" My body was dragged off Gale as I continued to try and batter him. He stared at me, trying to say sorry with his eyes, before two guards locked my body in place. I stood there fuming whilst Effie prattled about "saving it for the games". I turned my head away from Gale and saw both our families huddled together in tears. I fought to hold back my own and stared at the floor for the remainder of the reaping. Just before it was time to go I heard a shuffling in the crowd. I looked up to see that they had all raised their fingers in a sign of gratitude. Despite of the situation, a grin spread across my face but quickly faded as I was led away.
I was put into a small, luxury room and waited for my family. Not a minute later they burst into the room, both bawling their eyes out. I extended my arms and engulfed them both in a hug. After a few minutes I held them at arms length. "Prim, remember what I taught you about plants and foraging? Use that to feed yourselves. The peacekeeper who lives next to the cloth stall owes us a bit of money and... and use Dad's book to help you..." I trailed off not knowing what else to say about food. My mother then spoke in a trembling voice "I I I'll start making my medicine again. We need food... until you get back." She finished with a smile and I hugged her once again, whispering "Just don't leave her again ok? With me gone you need ot stay strong!" Before I knew it they were being escorted out I had a new visitor...Gale.
We stood on other sides of the room for a few seconds before closing the gap and sobbing into each others arms. He whispered how sorry he was, but couldn't bear to see me go off alone. I also apologised for attacking him and we soon settled on the lush sofa. After what seems like only seconds, guards burst in and dragged Gale out. I began screaming and when a peacekeeper tried to stop me I sunk my teeth into his flesh. He lashed out at me before storming out, muttering about maybe having a winner this year. I glared at his retreating figure before I was ushered onto the train and took my place in Gales lap. He stroked my hair as I said my silent goodbyes. Goodbye Prim. Goodbye mother. Goodbye district 12.
A.N- ok that was the first chapter of what I hope will be a fairly long story! (If you like it and I get reviews! Let me know what you think! I'll update soon- faster if I get reviews, or even views!
Byee H :)