After a few year off and promising I wouldn't write anything else, I'm back.

A sigh of relief escapes my mouth as the breath I was holding in for the past minute is released. Prim and I are both safe for another year. I turn to catch Prim's gaze that is seeking me out and notice the anxiety that had shown on her face all month seems to have vanished. Our mother gives a slight smile directed at Prim that is as good of a response as I could have asked for from her.

As the unlucky 14-year-old girl from the seam walked forward to the stage, I search out Gale who gives me one of his ever-steady nods before he takes a deep breath, still waiting to hear the name of the male tribute be called.

I focus my attention back to the stage where Hilt Collis is standing, visibly shaking and holding back tears next to Effie Trinket. I feel sorry for Hilt. She lives a few houses over and is the youngest of five siblings. She has an older sister in my year at school but I know she won't volunteer. No one ever volunteers in District 12, even to save a sibling. Who would when going into the Hunger Games as a tribute from an outlying district means near-certain death?

Effie turns her attention to the male reaping ball and I find myself repeating not Gale, not Gale, anyone but Gale over and over in my head.

But with 42 entries floating around in the glass ball the odds proved to not be in his favor. His name rung out over the crowd, mispronounced by Effie Trinket's harsh Capitol accent, and before I can even comprehend what just happened, Gale has put on a brave, determined look as he steps forward and walks with large, solid steps to the stage.

All I can think is how each step he takes is one step closer to his death, one step closer to his siblings starving, one step away from helping me keep my mother and Prim fed. I feel disgusted at myself for thinking such a selfish thought but it's true; with Gale gone I will be single-handedly responsible for feeding not only my own family but trying to help Hazel out as well.

From the stage, Gales eyes meet mine though his resolute look does not waiver even for a second. I consider for a moment that he could make it out alive. He is already playing the game. Gale would never want to seem scared or weak and being selected as a tribute for the Hunger Games is no exception.

Effie Trinket looks pleased to see a strong man and not a starving child selected for once, though it is likely because she hopes to get more media coverage this year, not that she actually thinks he could have a chance at winning.

Gale reaches out to shake Hilt's hand at Effie's instruction and firmly wraps his hand around the now-crying girl's fingers giving a stiff shake. And just like that, the ceremony is over and Gale is escorted by two peacekeepers off the stage and towards the entrance of the Justice Building.

The town square turns to chaos as family members seek each other out to celebrate another year their children were spared. I quickly lose sight of Prim's blonde head and try to push my way back to where my mother and the Hawthornes were standing.

By some miracle I manage to catch a glimpse of Prim's shirt and reach out for her. Pulling her towards me I lead us to our mother who pulls Prim in close for a hug. She reaches a hand out to tuck a loose hair behind my ear, but I am too preoccupied with trying to spot Hazel to respond in any way.

I see her holding a distraught Posy, who while too young to understand what just happened, is likely frightened by the huge crowd of people. Vick and Rory stand to Hazel's left and are also crying. I quickly walk over to them and put an arm around Vick to try to comfort him, not that it will really do much good.

"Katniss," Hazel exhales as she sees me standing there with Vick, "Thank you for coming over."

"It will be alright Mrs. Hawthorne." I respond, more for my benefit than anything else. "Gale's strong and smart."

She gives a faint nod and I can see it is taking everything she has to hold it together in front of her other children.

"We should head over to the Justice Building to see him off." I state.

"Do you think you could hold Posy when I go in?" Hazel asks with a level of desperation. "I don't want her to see me all upset."

"Of course." I reply.

"Would it be alright if I go to say goodbye as well." Prim must have snuck over while I was talking to Hazel.

"Sure Prim." Hazel smiles down at her, still as kind as ever even when facing the possibility of her oldest son's death, "I'm sure Gale would be happy to have you pay him a visit."

The six of us as, well as my mother who I'm sure is just coming because Prim asked her to, solemnly make our way towards the entryway to our District's grandest building.

A peacekeeper standing guard out front asks which tribute we are here to see then escorts us down a hallway where a large door is positioned at the end. Hazel hands Posy over to me, who has somewhat calmed down now that we are inside and away from all the noise, and goes through the door to see Gale first.

I wait on a bench outside with Posy on my lap and Prim just beside me while Hazel says goodbye to Gale. No one says anything as we wait for Hazel to return.

I begin to think about what I should say to Gale when I see him for what could likely be the last time. I internally scold myself for already thinking the worst and know I must seem positive when it's my turn to speak with him.

Hazel emerges from the room with tears streaming down her face, which she hastily tries to wipe away. Posy, Vick and Rory enter the room next. I let Prim go after them and realize I still don't know what exactly I will say to him. Time passes all to quickly and before I know it, it is my turn to walk through the door and say goodbye.

Gale is stood by the door waiting for me when I enter. He pulls me into a tight hug immediately and I find I don't ever want to let go.

"Katniss." He whispers desperately, "Katniss, my family. Posy, Vick, Rory. I don't know what will happen to them without me."

"Gale, don't worry about that. You know I will take care of them. I'll go hunting everyday and even skip school if I have to." I assure him even though I have had doubts about the wellbeing of his family myself. Sure, they will be able to hold out over the duration of the games, but if Gale never returns, I don't really want to think too deeply about what the outcome may be.

"Gale, you can do this. You have to do this for your family." I insist. "You are the best hunter I know. You have tried to teach me snares for years and I have never been able to replicate some of them. You have a good chance."

"Of course I will try, Katniss. I want to return to my family and you." He asserts.

I am glad that he hasn't already given up. He could never make it out alive if he let go of any hope. Sensing our time could be running short due to the amount of visitors he had, I feel the urge to draw him in close again.

"Be careful." I plead, not trying to sound as desperate as I came off, "You can do this."

Gale rubs my back, not wanting to let go just yet. The door is forcefully yanked open, announcing our time is indeed up.

"I'll take care of them Gale, I promise." I shout, as I am pulled none too gently from the room.

"Katniss, I…" Gale's voice is shut out by the slamming of the door and I feel a pang of guilt as I realize I will never know what he last wanted to say to me if he does not return from the Games.

For the first time in a long time, I allow myself to cry.

A/N: Hopefully I'm not too rusty! Don't worry this is a Cato and Clove as well as a Katniss and Peeta fan fiction, even if they weren't mentioned in this chapter. They will be in the next chapter though! -Kelsey