Hey Fanfic! I'm a first- timer so go easy on me. R & R OK?

Who totally agrees with me that Gale and Katniss should be together? Ignore Katniss's hunger games death match because it doesn't exist. My story is about how Gale and Katniss gradually realised their love with each other despite the odds that are always against them. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: You recognize anything in my writing? I don't own any of it. Credit goes to Suzanne Collins

Chapter 1

Katniss's POV

I let the rain fall into my open mouth. I licked it and it tasted foreign as if the toxic fumes from the coal mines mingled with this small supply of water. Perhaps it did but even then, the atmosphere, the air; they all feel wrong and uncomfortable. I'm drenched all over and I feel sluggish but nether the less, I headed straight towards the woods into another dreary and wet hunting session.

I arrive at the meeting place that Gale and I share and I see a hunched figure, wrapped up in a fully saturated blanket. Gale. He's enigmatic; sometimes he's acting this way and other times, he acts in ways I can't fully comprehend. I believe we're both growing up, together.

There's nothing between me and Gale except we're just friends. I'm not sure about Gale's feelings but at this point, I know there's something wrong with our relationship.

I trudge up to him and I call out.

'Gale'

'Hey Catnip' he replies in such a moody way that's totally expected. However, I'm surprised he's calling me by my nickname.

We sit in silence until Gale suddenly springs up.

'Let's hunt, you take the lead today' he says but his accusing glare startles me. He has picked up his bow and an arrow is notched, ready for use. He is drawing the bow back and forth in mock aim.

I get up and start walking slowly, imitating Gale's renowned velvet steps and I pass in front of him. Just as I reached my bow and tourniquet, I feel a searing pain in the lower part of my leg. The sensation is so abrupt, tears have blurred my vision. I look down at the pain's epicentre and I see a green marked arrow protruding out of my thigh. A specially designed poisoned arrow. I glance up and catch the open- mouthed expression in Gale's face and he starts bending towards me, bow still in hand. I realise that Gale does care for me but I see a cold expression in his eyes and I'm unconvinced. Thinking that he had meant to kill me, I launch myself at him and I pin him to the ground.

'Gale, you tried to kill me.' I panted.

'No. It was an accide...'

'You're wrong' I whispered. 'You've glared daggers at me since last week'

'Katniss' he breathes.

'Stop!' I scream because the pain in my leg is becoming unbearable. The poison in the arrow is also making me nauseous.

'What you did was unforgivable!'

I'm about to land my fist into his face when he suddenly sits up and pushes me back into the mud. My leg slides behind me and the arrow shaft gouges further into my flesh. I scream in pain and I see my scarlet blood stain my muddy leg. I see Gale's shadowy frame tower over me and I stare up into his face. In his expression, what I see is not the anger for retribution, but a tear- stained face. Tears are channelling down his cheek. He gently touches and holds my hand in his.

'Katniss, I…'

I begin to lose consciousness and I know this because a foggy blackness is rimming at the edge of my eyes but Gale's touch starts warning bells in my head. I pull back at the gesture and I see his concerned face changed to broken hope before I plunge into

darkness.

Eek! I hope that was good. Please write a response and review. I need feedback! Tell me how I went! New chapter is coming.