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Chapter Three

"What the hell?" Gale couldn't help but explode when they reached the safety of their new living quarters. His fists were balled up tightly and the muscles in his jaw twitched as he tried hard to control the growl that was rolling up his throat as Effie just shrugged.

At least Haymitch seemed to be reflecting Gale's emotions rather than Effie's nonplussed behaviour. "Yeah, what the hell is going on Effie? This isn't right! One hundred kids?"

Effie raised her eyebrows challengingly; "and 24 kids was much better?"

"No! But a hundred? They don't stand a chance!" Haymitch in all his fury had seemed to have forgotten that his two tributes were standing just behind him, both feeling their chests constrict as he confirmed their darkest fears.

"It's no different than before." Effie said in a clipped tone, showing no signs of wanting to engage in the argument. Instead she rounded the large table filled with food and took her seat, not waiting for the others as she began to uncharacteristically shovel food into her small, delicate mouth.

Haymitch could tell that Effie too was nervous, she just didn't want to show it in front of the tributes, he however wanted these two kids to be under no illusions, if they wanted to live, they would have to fight. Really fight, no more playing games and hiding, no more hesitations with the tips of knives. They would have to kill everyone and everything to survive. He looked back at the two with narrowed eyes, there were so many stark contrasts between the tributes but he knew which one he'd back with money. Gale was strong, he was tall and well built, and he had a brain and could think quickly on his feet, he was also a natural hunter; like Katniss had been. Haymitch could see the fury flaming through the boy's bright ashen eyes and his lips twitched up; good he'd need that fury to enable him to drive a spear into even the sweetest of girl's hearts, in order to win.

Upon the thought his gaze wandered to the small girl. She was so petite and delicate and undernourished. Her face was gaunt and her eyes hollowed, with an inward sigh he removed her from his sight by facing forwards and walking towards the dining table. There was no point surveying the girls qualities, as far as he was concerned she had none, and she wasn't even worth his time. He knew he was being callous but he couldn't get attached to everybody and he had stakes riding on this game too. If his district could win in a second year running, he would be allowed to live out his days in peace, meaning no more dealings with the Capitol.

The two shaken tributes eventually slumped down in their seats and gingerly picked up bits of food to eat. Gale's stomach was in knots and the last thing he needed was to add food to the sickening feeling brewing inside, but he allowed himself a couple of bites of the tasty pork laid out in front of him.

His mind was reeling and he wished that he could just be excused to his room so that he could be alone and be able to process all that had happened that day. He didn't want to dwell on the new rules of the games just yet, if he did he might as well run to the bathroom and throw up the entire contents of his stomach, and so he sat back and instead thought of the other tributes, his tributes, the original 24 that were supposed to be his enemy's; but now he felt they were more like allies, fighting against the other 76 newcomers.

The image of the blonde angelic girl floated across his mind and he paused in his chewing, looking sideways at Effie he asked; "When are the highlights on?"

As soon as the words left his mouth the television across the length of the wall turned on, startling the four diners. Firstly Caesar came on the screen talking yet again about last year's winners. Gale turned his face away, his jaw locking as images of Katniss appeared on the screen.

It took him only seconds to realise that Caesar wasn't just talking about her, he was talking to her and Gale felt the air leave him as live footage leaked through the screen, showing Katniss in district 12 on the stage in front of a nearly empty crowd.

"Katniss, what do you think about this year's tributes?" Caesar asked over the phone. He was still in the Capitol, conducting interviews with different districts.

Gale's eyes were glued to the screen as he watched her bite her lips, her eyes were still puffy and bloodshot just like this morning and her breathing was rattled and shaky as she replied.

"I only know one of them well. Gale Hawthorne... he's the strongest person I know, he'll win. I know he will. He means a lot to me."

Gale felt his heart clench painfully and he was all too aware of Haymitch's eyes studying his every move. He knew he was absolutely terrible at hiding any kind of feelings he had for Katniss but tried his best to place a nonchalant but intrigued expression across his face.

"And what do you think about the changes to the game?"

The back of Gale's neck prickled with anger, did she know about the changes? He needn't have worried though as the frightened and confused expression was soon plastered across her face, clearly she had no idea like the rest of them.

"What changes?" She asked softly, her eyes narrowing at the screen.

"Why the bigger arena, longer games and 100 tributes!"

"100 tribu- What?"

Haymitch let out a heated string of curses that caused Patricia to blush as they all watched Katniss try to process the new information on live television. Gale could see her eyes start to gloss over but knew she wouldn't allow the capitol the satisfaction of causing her to cry. Taking a deep breath in, she looked deep into the camera lenses with a look of determination shining through.

"Gale will still win. He's a hunter -"

Katniss's voice was cut out as Caesar's face filled the screen with a pleasant yet sinister smile protruding across his gaunt face.

"Sorry we've run out of time! Pleasure speaking to Miss Everdeen as always. Now for the run of the tributes. And folks, this may take a while!"

Gale frowned at Haymitch, his heart still hammering from Katniss's words. Why couldn't she be that sure of his abilities when she was standing in front of him? Haymitch raised his eyebrows as though waiting for Gale to say something about the girl he was so clearly still in love with.

However, Gale decided to change the subject, his heart was aching and he needed a distraction. "Where did they get those other tributes anyway?"

Before Haymitch could reply, Effie interrupted with her own answer. "After we left, the peace keepers went back and reaped 6 more children from each district, you may recognise a few, and an additional 4 careers."

Gale couldn't believe his heart could've sank any lower in his chest, but right now, it felt as if his whole being was evaporating, how he wished the ground would just swallow him up in a painless death.

"So how many careers are there in total?" Patricia's faint voice asked from beside him.

Effie's lips pressed into a grim line and sighed; "there are about 15 maybe 20, maybe even more."

Gale felt as if he were facing a black hole, how on earth could he win against 20 or so careers plus another 80 people on top of that? His body was shaking with anger and he abruptly stood up, his chair was knocked backwards and his hands fanned out in front of him, swiping away his plate and some of the food off the table in a fit of rage. The plate smashed against the wall and immediately a couple of Avox's tended to the mess.

"This is bullshit!" Gale shouted, his voice was thick with emotion. "They're just setting us all up to die!" He couldn't think straight but as the silvery glint of the carving knife caught his eye he swiped it from the table and held it up.

"Whoa, Hawthorne! Calm it!" Haymitch ordered as both he, Effie and Patricia backed away from the frenzied boy.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just-" His voice was cut off and his froze in his actions as the mysterious girl's face filled the screen, the sharp knife slipping slightly as his grip loosened.

"Genevieve Hunt"

Whilst Gale was distracted Haymitch acted quickly and ripped the knife out of Gale's grip, slicing his hand cleanly across the palm. Gale let out a hiss of pain and clenched his fist as blood began oozing out between his fingers.

"Effie, get him a bandage and Patricia; go to bed. I need to talk to Gale alone." Haymitch's voice was dark and Gale wasn't sure whether the drunken man was going to punch him for his outburst or give him a comforting hug. Either way he felt his anger ebb away as exhaustion took its place. He glanced back at the screen but Caesar had now moved on and the girl's face had disappeared. At least, he thought to himself, he'd learned her name; Genevieve.

Haymitch snatched the bandages from Effie's hands and told her to go look on Patricia as he had things to discuss in private with Gale.

Gale sat silently, his hand outstretched grimacing every so often when Haymitch would press particularly hard on his open wound. "Listen here boy. I got a plan. It's not a good one, but I don't think there's any better ways to proceed in this game."

Gale's handsome face pulled into a frown, "shouldn't Patricia be here?"

A cold and haunting look flickered in Haymitch's eyes as he shook his head; "No, she's a lost cause-" He held his hand up as Gale was about to protest; "-you can't deny it. She's useless, I would be very surprised if she made it past the initial blood bath. I'm not going to waste my time helping her, and neither are you."

Gale's features shadowed over in a fierce scowl, not prepared to promise anything. "So what's this plan then?"

"Allies."

"Allies?" Gale snorted, "that's all you got? You just told me not to bother with Patricia."

Haymitch glared and dropped Gale's bandaged hand. "I mean, make allies with strong people like yourself, there's no way you can survive this going solo. You need to make a clan, or join one. Even the careers would be a good place to start."

Gale clenched his teeth at the thought of pairing with the careers and shook his head. "Katniss said you can trust no one."

Haymitch nodded, "and she's right."

A frustrated growl rolled up Gale's throat and he tore out of his seat, his hands flying up in the air. "Make your mind up old man! Either I can trust no one, or I have to trust everyone!"

Haymitch, growing tired of the younger man's furious demeanour, drew a long gulp of fiery liquor from his glass and into his mouth before surveying the boy with a steely look.

"You can't trust anyone no. But in this game, all of you are in the same boat; you're all going up against 76 other tributes. You all need to come together, when the numbers have dwindled, then you fight solo. Then you win."

"Somehow I don't think the other tributes will be so keen to rub shoulders with me."

Haymitch shrugged, "I guess you'll have to see in tomorrow's training session. You know last year I told Katniss not to show off in front of the other tributes. To keep her talents hidden so it would surprise them in the arena. You, however, need to show off. You have to show those other tributes you're a fighter, you have strength and they need you to defeat the extras. Only then will they not stab you in the back until your use has run out."

Gale remained silent, the only outcome of this game that he could see was bleak. If he fought solo he would surely be outnumbered, and he if he fought with allies, and arrow would probably be shot into his heart as soon as he turned his back to protect them.

"I'm going to bed." He grunted, holding his bandaged hand in the other and slinking silently off to his room. Haymitch watched him until he disappeared into the shadows and sighed. There must be something he could do to aid his disturbed tribute.

The training grounds were enormous and impressive. Targets lined the outside along the left edge whilst the opposite held tables filled with every kind of weapon under the sun. Across the other end there were weights and body enhancing equipment and beside that fake foliage climbed up the sides of the buildings with some tributes already practising the art of disguise, blending in so well you'd have to stare unblinkingly just to notice the small eyes peering out and watching you.

With Haymitch's advice running through Gale's mind as he stepped into the training grounds, he first told Patricia that he was heading over to the throwing knives, whilst she should concentrate on something she's not brilliant at. He felt wrong and evil for deceiving her but in his alone time the previous night he'd realised Haymitch was right. If he wanted to return to his family, to his little sister, to Katniss... he was going to have to leave the girl that would only be a hindrance to him, behind.

As Gale walked stealthily towards the knives, careful not to make a sound, he looked around the arena, trying to memorise all of his 23 tributes faces, he'd learn their names later. It was important to keep an eye out, as Haymitch had said, and discover which tributes were well rounded fighters that could aid him in the games.

There was already someone at the throwing knives station, a young man of similar age and height to Gale was already spinning the knives round nimbly in his fingers.

"Looks like you're not too clever with these, are you sure this is your right station?" The boy smirked motioning to Gale's still bandaged hand. He'd removed one of the layers earlier that morning so only a thin layer of gauze was wrapped around the cut that was still weeping blood.

Gale smirked back, "Well that was a carving knife, I'm much better with these." And without much thought or precision he drew the knife up behind his ear and threw it towards one of the targets. His smirk grew as the knife stabbed the very centre of the target, wobbling up and down from the vibration and intensity of the throw.

The boy looked up at him, clearly impressed. "I'm Milo."

"Gale." The two shook hands and then proceeded to each throw the remaining knives on the table. Milo wasn't half bad, not quite as accurate as Gale but he was a fast learner and was improving with every throw. He had fiery red hair that was cut short save for two bangs hanging down either side of his face. He had wide and mischievous eyes that sparkled every time he hit the target, Gale got the sense that he was in fact imagining some other tribute fall as his knife struck.

Milo finished before Gale and turned to face him. "So I'm guessing you've been told to find allies, am I right?"

Gale remained impassive and shrugged, "you've been told the same?"

Milo nodded, "Yeah, but I have a strong aversion to getting stabbed in the back. Think I'm going to head this one solo."

Gale felt an air of disappointment as he stared back the red headed boy. "Yeah, I have that aversion too but I realised that there's probably only so many objects I can keep my back against whilst facing 99 other tributes."

Milo shoved his hands in his pockets and began backing away, "how about 98 and you and I promise not to kill each other?"

Gale was quick to reply, "what about if we're the last ones left?"

Milo grinned, "then we won't have to worry about our backs being turned, will we?"

Gale couldn't help but smile as Milo chuckled to himself, "so we got a deal?"

Gale studied Milo's features, usually he was pretty good at guessing what others were feeling and he sensed no malicious intentions behind Milo's words. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to have at least one friend out in the field who wouldn't try to kill him. "Alright, deal."

Gale was doing a fine job proving he was more than capable on a huge variety of weapons, currently shooting arrows that whistled through the air and struck the target in the heart every time. He felt a sense of pride wash over him and several tributes regarded him with envy at his abilities. Whilst stringing up another arrow his eyes glanced over at a small group of tributes who were huddled in the corner, every now and then they'd look over at him before dropping their heads in conversation once more. Gale knew they were careers, or at least some of them were. There were about 7 of them stood closely together and once the arrow sailed through the air, striking one of the dummies in the head and making it wobbly uncontrollably, he set the bow down and strode over to the group. He had his back straight, his biceps bulging as he crossed his arms over his chest and made sure his arrogant face reflected their own.

"Can I join?"

At first no one spoke, but slowly a girl slithered forwards and raised one pencilled eyebrow. Her face was thin and pointy and with her hair black as night and wildly bushy, it made her look slightly witchy in her features, cold and calculating.

"And why would we want your help?"

The corner of Gale's mouth tugged upwards; "you've all been watching me destroy every single target in this hall, why wouldn't you need me help?"

Suddenly another boy stepped forwards snarling, "We don't need anything from you. I could kill you right now, 12."

Gale watched as the rest of the group looked uneasy at each other, obviously not all agreeing with the boy's heavy handed statement. Gale decided he would call their bluff and shrugged.

"Fine, I look forwards to encountering all of you in the games." He smiled pleasantly and began to walk away, he had yet to stop at the herbs and medicinal station and decided it couldn't hurt to brush up on a few healing facts.

"Wait!" Another girl stepped forwards, halting him in his steps. He turned around and raised an eyebrow, satisfied to see the snarling boy glare away in defeat.

The girl motioned for him to come forwards. "We could use your help. It's just hard for us to accept someone from 12. But you're very talented and we'll protect you, if you protect us. Until the end that is, then we'll cut you up." She added coyly.

"I'm Senza," she pointed to herself then began to rattling off the names of the other careers, "that's Trey." She pointed lastly to the snarling oath and Gale made sure to send him an extra wide smirk as he greeted all of them.

After a few awkward minutes of silence the group carried on their conversations, mostly of discussing the other tributes, their strengths and weaknesses and how best to kill them. Gale remained silent and instead his eyes found to his delight, the girl he'd been hoping to see.

Genevieve. She was wearing a skin tight, dark green, suit which showed off her curvaceous figure. Her long blond hair was pulled back into a braid and wrapped effortlessly around the crown of her head in an elaborate twist, pinned down with green jewels. Gale wondered briefly how she'd managed to find the time to decorate her hair in such fashion, but immediately realised she'd probably already met his stylist; something which he had yet to face.

Gale watched in interest as Genevieve picked up one of the elegant and long samurai swords and began twisting in the air, flipping and diving with the grace of a trained gymnast. She flew into a handstand and as she righted herself threw the sword across the room and smiled brightly as it hit the target in the stomach. Gale's mouth turned up as she cart wheeled over to the target and returned the lean sword in her hand.

"She doesn't want to join us." Senza said from beside him in a snotty tone. She obviously wasn't a fan of being turned down and regarded the girl with frosty glare.

"Maybe I could persuade her? She seems pretty lethal with that samurai." Gale commented noticing Senza openly checking him out. She bit her lip and drew herself against his side, her hand slithering up his arm. "We don't need her." Gale could see that this girl was clearly jealous of his interest in Genevieve and the thought made him want to laugh.

"Well I think she could be an asset." He shook her hands off of him and stepped away, "I'm going to go talk to her."

Although there was a chorus of protests, stating she'd already turned them down, Gale ignored them and was already half way across the training grounds. If anything he was just glad for the excuse to go talk this intriguing girl that had peeked his interest since he'd caught sight of her on the stage the previous night.

As he approached her he was amazed by how beautiful she was up close. Her heart shaped face was striking and the colour of her eyes made her appearance all the more appealing. Green always was his favourite colour.

"Genevieve?" He spoke softly as he stood behind her.

She jumped slightly as she spun around, sounding out a surprised "oh!" with the sword pointed towards his chest. Gale was satisfied to know that his skills of silent and soft treading hadn't vanished.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He smiled with ease, noticing the flyaway blonde hair framed her delicate face perfectly as it came loose from the pins due to her gymnastic actions.

Genevieve let out a soft laugh, "you would've been sorry if you were standing a couple of inches closer," her sparkling eyes looking to where the tip of the sword was just inches from piercing his stomach.

She darted forwards suddenly and Gale had to quickly sidestep in order to avoid the sharp end of her sword. He was confused and slightly annoyed by her actions but when his eyes flew up to meet hers he was surprised to see the impish sparkle of her eyes and the wide grin that showed off her straight white teeth.

"Oh, you're pretty quick on your feet." She acknowledged, finally lowering her sword and placing back in its hold. Her tone was light and tuneful and made Gale was surprised by the confidence in her behaviour, yesterday she'd looked so shy, though he supposed with the shock of what was happening, everyone felt like curling inwards on that stage.

"And you're pretty talented with that sword." He noted, not bothering to hide how impressed he was by her. She smiled up at him and it was only then he noted how small she was. She looked to be about 5,4 and her frame was easily shadowed by his 6 foot build.

Genevieve nodded, "my father taught me how to use it. Just in case I ever got reaped. What about you? You're pretty talented with every object in this room."

Gale raised his eyebrows, "you've been watching me?" Resisting the urge to smile as her flawless cheeks tinged with the slightest bit of pink.

"Well we're supposed to size up the competition aren't we?" She replied coolly, ignoring the blush rising up her neck and cheeks. Ever since she saw the handsome boy from district 12 she had hoped he would come talk to her, she knew it was foolish to feel attraction towards someone that would mostly likely end up killing her if she didn't kill him first, but ever since their eyes had met only 24 hours ago, she couldn't get him from her mind. Gale Hawthorne. She'd memorised his name when it was announced on stage, she thought it was particularly suited to him. It was a strong name fit for a strong individual such as himself, she also sensed the kindness he possessed which was evident in the way his eyes would every now and then wander the little girl from his own district, a pained look flickering in his grey irises, mirroring the look he had last night when the little girl held his hand for comfort.

Gale spoke through her thoughts, his smooth forehead pulled into a slight frown and there was a hint of a pout on his lips that made her smile, "I'm competition?"

"Gale Hawthorne, were the rules of this game not made clear to you?" She was teasing him now but he didn't mind, the only thing bothering him was the thought of ending up meeting her in the games and having no choice but to fight.

"They're clear. But the games changed now, so have the rules. Don't you think it'd be wise to join forces... if for a little while?"

"Join forces with you?" Genevieve smirked, her hands resting on her hips as she pretended to think about his offer. She was amused seeing him impatiently waiting for her response and also the hope in his eyes that they could fight on the same side. Turning swiftly around she grasped two samurai's in her palms and threw a cased one at him which he caught with ease.

Her head was titled down and she peered at him from beneath her long, flirtatious lashes. She drew her sword out of its case and threw it to one side, her fingers delicately wrapped around the hilt and she drew the sword upwards in a blocking stance.

"Can you show me how well you handle a sword?"

Gale's eyes peered over to where his new group of career tributes were watching their encounter closely, trying to listen to every word that was said between the two. Genevieve cleared her throat quietly, succeeding in her attempts to pull his attention back towards her. He smirked as he unsheathed his samurai and held it up in a similar pose to her.

"Sure-" Before he could even finish is word Genevieve jumped forwards, swiping the long blade at his torso, instinct told him to sidestep and block her attempts which he managed to do, though unfortunately the torn fabric of his loose shirt became the first causality of her skills. He looked up at her shocked, not actually thinking she would come so close to injuring him. His eyes flickered over to the guards who forbade any real fighting because god forbid one of their tributes gets hurt before its caught on camera.

Gale straightened up, an exciting gleam in his eyes and dashed forwards as she let out a laugh when their blades came into contact with a loud clash! He felt a warmth spread through his body as they duelled, it reminded him of the fun and thrill he used to feel back in the woods with Katniss when they used to hunt, and was grateful that even in this bleak city of death, he still found someone who could give just a few moments of joy.

"Ahh!" He hissed as the tip of her blade cut across his cheek. It wasn't deep but it was enough for blood to line it. Genevieve let her blade fall to her side as she looked apprehensive of his reactions with rounded eyes.

Gale gingerly touched his fingers to his cheek winced, "you are clearly better at this than me." He remarked with a smile that instantly made her relax. She shot him a dazzling smile before taking his sword away and placing them both back on the rack.

"So will you join us?" Gale asked once more, though he was disappointed to see her begin to shake her head, he thought they'd made some kind of connection and she still wanted to compete against him?

"I would join you." She said evenly, "but not them." Her stance grew hostile as she noticed them listening in and quick as a flash she was standing directly in front of him. She was so close he could smell her perfume, or natural scent, he wasn't sure which but it smelt like all the scents of spring rolled into one, it was refreshing and calming.

His breath hitched noticeable as she raised her hands and delicately touched the cut across his cheek with her dainty fingers. She was up on her tip-toes and he had stooped down slightly so that their faces were only inches apart.

"You shouldn't be with them." She whispered her eyes staying focused on his cut, "I have a keen sense of hearing and... did they tell you I accepted their offer to join at first?"

Gale frowned and shook his head slightly, wincing when she pressed her finger a little too roughly to his cut, but he understood she was using it to cover up the fact that she was whispering about the careers who stood even closer to the two tributes.

"When I walked away, they were whispering to each other and said they'd kill me whilst my back was turned. They said it would be easy to get rid of the strong ones by making out they were allies."

Gale felt his heart sink at her words. So the careers really weren't interested in making alliances, just using it as an excuse to kill everyone who wanted to fight with them. "That's why I'm not joining them."

Genevieve finally stepped away and pursed her lips as she noticed just how close the careers had slithered up to the two, sending them her best icy glare that made her emerald eyes darken, she turned back to Gale with a pensive look on her face.

"You're strong Gale, you don't need them. If you're as smart as I think you are, you won't stay with them."

With that she turned on her heels and walked away. The training session was coming to an end and if possible Gale felt more confused about his game plan than before. He heard the careers behind him sniping about the talented girl that had just left him breathless and as he turned around he wasn't surprised to see Senza standing directly behind him. Unfortunately for her, she did not possess his silent abilities.

"We don't need her, she's only good with that sword. I'll take her out with my bow, or you can with your knives. Aim straight for her pretty little face."

A spark of fury shone in his eyes before he masked it over with a pleasant smile, his decision had already been made before Genevieve had walked away.

"Actually, I've decided not to join you guys. I think I'd rather take my chances against 97 tributes alone than fight with you."

Senza's aura became dark as she moved away from him, "your math is off, don't you mean 99 tributes?"

Gale smiled softly, "nah, I think I know at least two people that won't stab me in the back."

Senza sneered ruefully, "well I hope they're there to help you when we come after you, if you're not with us, then we're going to kill you before you even have a chance to run."

Gale nodded, "I'll take my chances alone."

Whoa... yeah so this is the longest one I've ever written, above 5000 words! I hope you all made it to the end and didn't think it was boring! Would love to hear from you all, so please review! Thanks