A/N: Thank you for all the encouragement and a big thanks to all the reviews I couldn't PM to thank personally. I really do love the feedback. It's always frightening to enter a new fandom.

No beta so all mistakes are mine.


Madge stood alone in a sea of girls in grey, light blue and off-white shirts and dresses. Her earlier thoughts about being the only one with a dress of this color and style were correct. As she looked around the blank or terrified faces, a strange calm settled over her. She should be shaking in fear, having second thoughts about what she was going to do. What if that evil Penelope Watson were reaped? She pushed you in the mud in eighth grade, which prompted several other kids to stop and laugh at you. Or Natalie Preston who started that nasty rumor last year that you offered to pay Peeta Mellark to take you to a dance. Can you really step up to die if those mean girls were selected?

She shook her head and concentrated on the faces of the younger girls in front of her. The terror on the faces of all the twelve-year-olds-who were facing their first reaping solidified her resolve. Madge wavered once again when she saw her father stand as the chime sounded 2:00pm, Reaping time.

Having heard the story of the Dark Days and the Treaty for many years, Madge zoned it out. She ignored the silly Effie Trinket with her pink hair and eccentric clothing. A trance settled over her until the Capitol flunky laughed and said, Ladies first.

This is it. Her heartbeat increased and her palms became sweaty. You can do this Madge. If you don't, someone will die and you could save them. You can finally do something useful for District 12. Her hand flew to the pin on her dress. Maysilee Donner was a sixteen-year-old just like her. Her aunt had no idea she was going to her death when she woke up that morning. All the things she'd never done must have weighed on her. At least you got to kiss Gale Hawthorne before your death.

"Primrose Everdeen."

Several things happened almost simultaneously. Prim shakily stepped toward the Peacekeepers that surrounded her section. The other twelve-year-olds moved out of the way as if Prim had a plague. Katniss screamed from a few feet behind Madge. A commotion could be heard as she tried to get to her sister. Shouts of No echoed in the square.

"I volunteer," Madge said softly. She took a deep breath and walked toward the Peacekeepers.

Primrose finally got out of her section and glanced back at her sister who was pushing through the Peacekeeper behind Madge. Fearful that Katniss would do something stupid, the Mayor's daughter screamed louder than she'd ever spoken before. "I volunteer!"

Silence filled the square with the exception of a strangled No from behind Effie on stage. Madge's eyes flew to her father when she made her way into the center aisle. He had his hand over his mouth and sat down, probably realizing this will be broadcast throughout the districts and the Capitol today. How embarrassing for the Mayor to not know that his only child would be volunteering to be a tribute.

She looked up at the closest Peacekeeper and saw Darius, a young man who guarded her father at large gatherings on most occasions. He wasn't much older than Gale and had a sad expression on his face. Madge smiled softly and muttered, "It'll be okay."

The Peacekeepers were not all the fierce animals they were said to be in other districts here in 12. Most socialized with the residents of the Seam and town. Some of them ended up marrying local woman and some settled here after they were discharged. Of course others and the women they married just disappeared.

"A volunteer?" Effie's accented voice rang through the air. "We have a volunteer. Oh, bravo!" She raised her hands and clapped heartily. There wasn't a sound except Madge and the two Peacekeepers behind her walking up the aisle.

Madge could tell Effie was getting annoyed because no one was clapping. No one ever clapped in District 12 because the tributes always died quickly and never left an impression. Or at least not a positive one. Several years ago the male tribute puked all over Effie's feet. Both tributes passed out one year and fell off the chariot in the Tributes' Parade. At least I'll show those Capitol snobs that District 12 isn't a laughing stock this year.

"Come up here," Effie cooed as she held her hand down as Madge went up the stairs.

She deliberately ignored her father and turned to face the crowd and the cameras. A slight smile touched her lips as she nodded to Effie.

"What is your name, my dear?"

"Margaret Undersee," she said, using her full name in case her mother should ever watch this. Madge didn't go by Margaret because it was the one thing she shared only with her mother.

"Mayor Undersee, how proud you must be?" Effie turned slightly to look at Madge's father, but Madge looked over the crowd.

She smiled softly and watched Effie as she walked toward the bowl with the boys' names. The Mayor's daughter deliberately didn't look at the boys' section, terrified of seeing Gale Hawthorne's face. My fate is sealed and my death is only a week away. I cannot ever think about something that can never be. The fear she tried to ignore came back for a moment as Effie swirled her hand around. This is the right thing to do. We must show the Capitol that they can't control everything in District 12. They can't make an innocent be sacrificed this year. I chose my fate, not them.

Her fear was replaced by anger that this was forced on people. Clinging to the anger, she plastered a fake smile on her face and waited to find out which boy would join her in the Capitol.

Effie pulled a slip out of the bowl and, smiling broadly, announced the next victim for the Hunger Games from District 12. "Gale Hawthorne."

"No," Madge gasped as her eyes zeroed in on the paper in Effie's hands, willing it to be a different name. This can't happen. No, no, no. Gale's family needs him. Katniss needs him.

Sure enough several cries echoed through the square, Prim and a much smaller, louder cry, most likely his youngest sister who couldn't be more than four. She hadn't been born when his father died four years ago.

Forcing herself to look at him, she noted that his face was a stony mask. His eyes glanced briefly toward Katniss and Prim, clutching each other. He pulled his arm from the Peacekeeper and walked straight and tall toward Effie.

When he drew closer, Madge's gaze connected with his and for an instant she saw it. Fear. Definitely not for himself. Gale Hawthorne was tall and strong. Years of being the man of the house had developed his muscles beyond those of the other boys his age. The male tribute from District 12 this year was as physically powerful as any Career had been in the last few years. His fear would be for his family. Well I can help with that.

Gale stared straight ahead when he got on the stage. His eyes looked over the crowd because it was probably too much for him to look at his family and friends.

"I give you the tributes from District 12. Gale Hawthorne and Madge Undersee," Effie said, clapping.

Once again no one clapped, but they did do something far more important. Madge's eyes widened and tears threatened as the crowd put the three middle fingers on their left hands together, brought them to their lips and raised them in silent salute. It was an old gesture of admiration and love. The smile she showed the cameras and the people of District 12 was genuine this time.

"Please shake hands," Effie said, pulling Madge from her moment of pride.

She turned and offered her hand to Gale before fully realizing what was happening. His hand was warm and his skin was roughened from the years of hunting. It also fully engulfed her much smaller, softer one. A feeling like electricity ran up her arm. Madge felt her breath catch as she looked up into grey eyes. The face was like stone, but his eyes held a look of… Pity?

Of course he pities you. You don't have any chance whatsoever. Madge offered a weak smile and pulled her hand back. Gale tightened his grip slightly before releasing her hand.


Madge was somewhat dazed from the contact with Gale. When she got her faculties back under control she realized that she was being ushered into the Justice Building. Her father was close behind. Time to say goodbye.

Before the door to her room was closed she heard the sound of a little girl screaming. Gale's family must be right behind her own. He's just got to come back to all those people who love him.

"Madge," her father cried as he engulfed her in his arms. "Why did you do that? How could you do this?"

"I wanted to do something useful in my life. At least once. Because of me, Primrose Everdeen will never face a Reaping Day again. The law states that if someone volunteers, you won't have to go," Madge said, pushing her father away. "Listen, we don't have much time so you have to listen to me. I won't be home with mom, so you have to have someone look out for her."

"Madge," her father sobbed as he pulled her back toward him.

"No!" she snapped. "Listen to me for once in your life."

He stopped and his eyes connected with hers. His eyes were green, while she had her mother's blue eyes. They held shock and something that could be called pride, if Madge thought her father could ever be proud of her.

"You need to take care of Gale's family," she pleaded. "He has a real shot."

"Shot?"

"At winning. He hunts, you know that. How else do they get those strawberries? He knows about the woods and survival. Katniss said he's almost as good as her with a bow. Gale Hawthorne could win this for District 12 so we have a better Victor than Haymitch." The more Madge spoke the more an idea took form. "You should sponsor him. Sell my piano and my things. Help him to win."

"Madge," her father started sobbing again. "Oh, Madge, why did you do this?"

"I…" Madge paused. She remembered hearing that the Capitol was always listening. I will endanger my father if I talk about free choice. "I just want to make sure District 12 puts its best foot forward…"

"Madge! You are going to die," he shouts, waving his hands in the air.

"I know that." Madge realized how odd that sounded. "I want you to sponsor Gale Hawthorne. Take care of his family. And give my dresses to Primrose Everdeen. They are too small for Katniss and she'd never wear them."

"Stop, Margaret!"

"Don't call me that. Don't you ever call me that," Madge yelled.

"You don't understand. A sweet girl like you will be… Oh, Madge there are things that happen in those Games that never get broadcasted."

Madge didn't respond. Her eyes widened as she waited for her father to continue.

"I can't think of my little princess tortured. Those savage beasts from the Career Districts…" Her father, a man she thought had no emotions besides anger and disappointment, was sobbing. He pulled her to him, crushing her against him.

She couldn't hold back her own tears. Never in her life did her father cry.

"Madge." He pushed her back, tears streaming down his face. "I want you to run away from that bloodbath. You run and hide. Remember that year where the girl who ran and hid actually won?"

"That was because everyone else froze to death. The Capitol won't do that game again." Madge was forced to watch the Games since she was a child. In order to avoid concentrating on the murders that were occurring, she studied the Game itself. She managed to catch herself before she said that the Capitol wouldn't do a cold environment again because no one gets any joy out of watching people freeze to death.

"You promise to hide," he begged. His hands took a hold of her shoulders and he studied her face like he'd never see her again. "You are as beautiful as your mother."

"Promise me you'll take care of her. Don't let her see me in the Games. It will be too much for her." Madge felt tears course down her cheeks. Her father nodded so she offered him a weak smile. "Thank you. I don't want her to have any more pain because of the Games."

"Oh, Madge…" Her father crushed her into a hug as the door opened behind them.

"Time is up, sir," a Peacekeeper said.

"I'm the Mayor. I should have more time with…" he said, turning angrily.

"Sir, I need you to leave."

"Dammit. I am the leader of District 12…"

"Daddy." It had been years since she called him that.

He quickly turned back to her, shock on his face.

"I love you." She fought her tears. Madge wanted him to see her with a smile. Of course he'd see her on television in some outrageous costume and painted up so much she'd never resemble the teenager who shared strawberries with her father each Saturday morning.

"I love you, so much." He tried not to sob, but failed.

"Go," Madge said as she stepped back. She didn't want to see him any longer. This was the best way to remember him. A caring father whom was devastated by losing his only child.


Madge turned her back to the door, hugging herself. Her father didn't go into details about what he meant by things not televised. That ominous threat hung in the air, threatening to make the next week even more difficult than she imagined it would be.

The door opened again and she spun around to see Primrose and Katniss Everdeen. Primrose launched herself at Madge.

"You are going to have a great life, Primrose," Madge said as she hugged the thin little girl. "You can grow up to be a healer like your mother." Prim clung to her and cried while Madge looked at Katniss, who had a look of sadness on her face. "You'll meet a nice young man, get married and have a family."

"All because you are going to die," Katniss said.

Prim sobbed harder into Madge's pretty white dress. The wetness from her tears soaking through, but Madge didn't care. She hugged the young girl and smiled because Primrose Everdeen wasn't going to face a Reaping any longer.

"I can't thank you enough for …" Katniss stopped.

"Take care of the Hawthornes and keep bringing my father strawberries," she asked.

"The Hawthornes?" Katniss looked confused.

"Gale can win this. If he knows his family is fine, he'll concentrate on winning. Did you see him yet?" Madge asked.

"Yes, with his family." Katniss seemed to want to say something more, but didn't.

"I will do anything I can to help him out. Not sure what, but if I have the chance I will. I'll make Haymitch train him and get him back to you." Madge swallowed the lump in her throat as she imagined Gale and Katniss being reunited and having beautiful dark-haired babies with grey eyes.

"Madge…"

"Katniss, you've been the only friend I've ever had. I want you to live a long, happy life." Madge pushed Prim back and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Katniss stepped up and pulled her crying sister away.

"I-I'll never forget you, Madge," Prim wailed.

The door opened and they were gone.


Gale stalked around the room he was locked in. His mother, brothers, sister and the Everdeens had been taken out by the Peacekeepers. He couldn't get the image of his terrified baby sister out of his head. She clung to him so tightly Katniss and his mother had to rip her off his leg.

Katniss would take care of them. He knew that, but it was a lot to put on the shoulders of his best friend. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but all he could manage was that he'd try to come home.

She said he could win because he knew how to hunt. Sure, he could take down a lone wolf, but not a pack. And those Careers run in a pack.

The door opened and he spun around expecting the Peacekeepers to take him away, but he saw the white face of Mayor Undersee.

Oh no, now he's going to beg me to take care of Madge, the Mayor's daughter who insanely volunteered.

"M-mister Hawthorne…" he stammered, wiping at his face. His eyes didn't make contact with Gale's.

"Mister Mayor," Gale responded, anger flooding him. I'm afraid my family is going to die of starvation and he's got the nerve to come here…

"I will take care of your family. I promise. Without Madge," he paused as a sob wracked his frame, "my wife needs someone. I would like to ask your mother to help out around the house. It wouldn't be full-time but it should help while you're away."

Gale stared incredulously. Was he serious?

"I hope she'll accept the position." The Mayor stood up tall for a moment.

"She should." Gale let out a sigh of relief. The Mayor looked sincere. Now he'll ask me to do a favor.

"I need you to…"

"I know. I'll do what I can for Madge," Gale cut him off. He meant what he said, he just wasn't sure what he could do.

"No. You can win this. My Madge said you can and she knows about this sort of stuff. She's picked the winner the last four years." He had a smile and a look of pride on his face. "She studies strategy and such. So smart that Madge is."

Gale couldn't imagine anyone studying the Game and the idea disgusted him.

He looked up at Gale, since he stood a half a head shorter than the Miner's son. Taking a deep breath, the Mayor of District 12. The most powerful person Gale saw in person on a regular basis, dropped to his knees. His green eyes swimming in tears.

Gale took a step back, wondering what this man was up to. Perhaps insanity ran in the entire family, mother, daughter and father.

"Please… There are horrible things that happen in the Games," he choked out in a cracked voice. "My baby, my princess, she shouldn't… Oh God, help her. Please kill her. Kill her as painlessly as you can. Help her get away from that bloodbath in the Cornucopia and kill her somewhere. Just keep her from being defiled by those animals." It seemed that speech took everything out of the Mayor and he collapsed at Gale's feet, wailing like a child.

The door started to open and Gale hefted the Mayor to his feet. He wasn't sure why he didn't want the man to be embarrassed for crying before a boy from the Seam, but he was. "Thank you, Mister Mayor."

The Peacekeepers looked skeptical at the sight before them, but said nothing. The Mayor shot a look of gratitude to Gale before he headed for the door.

The Peacekeepers ushered him out, but before the door closed, the Mayor put his foot in the way.

Gale knew he hadn't answered the man's question and wasn't sure he could. How do you kill an innocent, especially someone like Madge, who just showed incredible bravery or stupidity to save Katniss' sister?

"Promise me, young man," the Mayor said.

"I promise I'll do everything I can to… to get Madge home." Gale swallowed the bile he felt in his throat. He wasn't specific about how Madge got home, so he didn't lie, but he didn't commit to killing her either.

After the door closed, Gale heaved a couple times, but lack of food kept him from vomiting all over the room. His hatred for the Capitol increased after the Mayor's visit. In addition to people losing their children to the Games, it reduces men of power to their knees begging for the painless death of their child. Staring out the window toward the mountains in the East, Gale vowed that if he returned from these Games, he would find a way to destroy the Capitol and their sick Games.

TBC


A/N:My first attempt at Gale POV. I hope it doesn't sound to OOC.