Mum and Katniss insisted that I take 'it easy' for the next few days. It was sort of suckish because I couldn't hunt, couldn't even work to make money. But our money problems were a lot less then most people's because Katniss got mum a job working for the drunk (probably shouldn't call him that.)

I walked towards our tiny sitting room where mum and Posy were waiting for President Snow's announcement about the 'twist' in the next Games, The Quarter Quell. I wasn't eligible anymore but Rory was and I hadn't had the time to teach him anything in case he was chosen.

The screen erupted in to fake applause as he stepped up to the podium, his carefully whitened teeth gliming like a snake's. He gave a few waves and smiles before he raised his hand for silence.

"Ladies and Gentle men of Panem. It is my great honour and duty to present to you The Quarter Quell!" The applause started again.

"Your bloodbath hasn't started yet, you bastard." I muttered, avoiding Posy shocked expression that I'd used 'a naughty word'.

"This year is the anniversary of our 75th Annual Hunger Games!" Again, more applause.

He raised his hand again.

"Every 25 years, we add a small surprise for our tributes and this year, I am sure, will be our most exciting yet!" No one clapped this time. There was too much suspense and tension left in the air.

"This year, our tributed shall be reaped from the already existing pool of winners!" His voice showed excitement. It had a victorious tone. My mother raised her hand to her face and gasped.

Only then did I catch on to what he was saying.

"THAT BASTARD!" I shouted and slammed my fist down on the table.

"Poor Katniss! Oh Gale!"

"He's done this on purpose! He's trying to make sure she doesn't come back alive! He's going to make sure she dies in his sick, sadistic Games!"

"Gale..." My mother attempted to calm me down but there was no way, I'd calm down until President Snow would pay.

"No. No. She's not going back in there! It's not allowed." I racked my brains, desperetely trying to come up with some solution but none came.

"Gale..." She tried again.

"I love her. I love her and I'm not going to let her die!" I blurted out but surprisingly, she didn't seem shocked.

"Gale. Listen to me." She stood up. I was taller than her but the urgency in her voice made me listne like a child.

She took a deep breath.

"If you love her as much as I know you do, you'll be there for her. She'll need someone to confide in and she can't tell Peeta seeing as he'll be going through the same thing. Let her know you'll be there for her."

I nodded and swore silently that I'd keep my promise.

The next time I saw her, she was desperetely trying to hide her sadness. She expected me to say something but instead I reached out and pulled her close to me.

"You'll be fine. I know you will. I'll show you traps and how to hoist people off the ground. Anything you need. I'm here for you."

She wrapped her arms around me tighter and placed her head on my shoulder.

"That's partly why I came. Me, Peeta and Haymitch are going into super training mode, I guess. You're the best trapper I know. Will you help us?"

I nodded immediately. A smile broke onto her face which is something that I hadn't expected to see in a while.

She motioned for me to follow.

"What? Now?" I asked

"Oh. Unless you're busy."

"I'm not."

She smiled again we walked towards Haymitch's garden. Both Haymitch and Peeta were there already and Peeta looked a little surprised to see me but I looked away from him.

"Ah. Good man. How's the back?" Haymitch walked over. It was pretty shocking not to see him drunk.

"A lot better. Thanks." I answered as politely as possible for me.

"I'll go get us all some drinks before Gale starts." Katniss volunteered.

The minute she left, Peeta walked up to me.

"I ... we really appreciate this." He sounded pretty awkward.

"Katniss is my best friend. She won't get hurt." My last sentence was slightly threatening and I meant it to be. I would do all in my power to make her safe.

"No. She won't. I'll make sure she doesn't."

The fact that I was about a head taller then Peeta helped with my threat.

"Good. You'd better."

I know it was harsh but if he didn't think I meant business, he'd be in for a shock.

"I will. I love her." He glared up at me.

I glared and balled my fists to move forward, threateningly.

"Don't make the stupid mistake of thinking that you're the only one who loves her."

"I love her just as much as you do." He protested.

"What is this, some sort of competition to you? She's just the prize?"

I knew it wasn't. Anyone could but he was baiting me into a fight that I was about to accept.

"Of course not, I just ...." He tried to snarl.

"Don't."

"Guys. Drinks." Katniss called from behind us. Luckily, she wasn't looking so we stepped apart and walked forward, me slightly behind. My mother came out with a four drinks and sat down beside us.

I took one gratefully from her and she gave me a knowing smile.

The rest of the day we spent trapping. I spent most of my time over with Katniss for obvoius reasons until she said.

"Peeta's struggling a bit."

I looked over to him, where sure enough, Baker Boy couldn't get the knot correctly.

"Need help?" My voice wasn't jeering but more helpful this time.

He glanced my way as I strode over to him.

"No, I .... yeah."

"The knot goes like this."

I demonstrated it and he took in the information happily.

I wasn't sure what made him do it, but he leant over so that Katniss couldn't see and said, barely audibly.

"Sorry. I was out of order."

"Sorry." I said to him but mine was more like a small child, pouting but then I gave a small smile and told him to pull the rope tighter.

"Oh yeah." He said and did as I told him.

I walked over to Haymitch and he was amazing. Like my dad.

Back over to Katniss who looked like she was doing alright too.

I was actually glad I was helping, Because I meant what I said. She was not going to die.