Madge's POV

Gale, Gale, Gale. I willed him to me in my mind, scooting behind a leafy bush in an effort to hide myself from the Rebels.

Of course, I knew my telepathy wouldn't work. We weren't even that close. Just a few weeks ago, he was snapping at me and I was afraid of him. How close could we possibly be?

I stifled a cry of pain as I scooted farther behind the bush, knowing the Rebels had seen me. What could I do? I frantically searched around for something, anything, that would help me defend myself. My hands finally passed over a large-but-holdable stick, and I held in a knuckle-whitening grip, squeezing my eyes shut as if that would stop them from seeing me.

Fat chance.

"Well, well, well." I heard a deep voice say. It was oddly familiar, and that scared me. "What do we have here?" A hand reached out and grabbed my injured ankle, effortlessly pulling me out from under my leafy hiding place. This time I didn't even bother stifiling a cry, but if anything the hand gripped me tighter.

I was finally pulled into the sunlight, and I squinted up at my captor. I still couldn't see him.

"Madge?"

Huh? Did this person know me?

"Uh... Hi?" I asked.

"Madge!" The voice said again. "It's me, Gladen!"

Recognition instantly hit me, like a wave. Gladen's face appeared, and I saw the strikingly handsome face, the bright blue eyes and shagy brown eyes. He'd been a miner boy, the same age as Gale, and was known throughout the District for his blue eyes, which were so rare in 12.

"G-Gladen?"

We'd always been good friends, but he never attended school. The only time we could spend time together was during his breaks or after school, and we'd go for long walks. Nothing romantic, although a few times I got the inclination that he liked me a bit.

"Yeah." He broke into a huge grin, and gestured behind him. I finally noticed the 3 boys standing behind him, all familiar.

"I-I thought you were Rebels." I let out a shaky laugh. "Why'd you shoot my horse?"

He looked confused. "Your horse? All we saw was a deer."

I felt relieved, but something was bothering me. The horse was a Clydesdale, not to be easily mistaken for a deer. But Gladen's smile was so open, so honest, I believed him, and took his helping hand.

"Your ankle alright?" He asked me in concern. I waved it off dismissively.

"I'll survive."

We trekked through the forest to find Romeo, and found that the arrow was out. I inspected his side and decided her'd be alright, as long as I tended to it.

"Thanks, Gladen." I grinned. I noticed with a start that his friends were gone. "Where's the other boys?"

"They probably went back to our house." He replied, giving Romeo a pat. "We share one, now that our other ones are, you know, gone." I nodded in understanding and led the way to Romeo's paddock, crooning softly to him. When I was finished, I walked over to the little house.

"Wanna come in?"

"Sure." He smiled. "By the way, i though you were dead?"

I raised my eyebrows at his bluntness, but shrugged it off. "Gale saved me."

A look passed across Gladen's face, but he nodded. "Ah. Got it."

I opened the door, where I found Gale pacing the floor, no sign of Katniss.

"Where have you been" He snapped when I stepped in.

"Nowhere." Gladen followed me in. "Gale, this is-"

"Gladen." Gale interrupted me with a snarl. "Trust me, I know who he is." He took a menacing step towards Gladen, who stood his ground defiantly. Both boys were the same size, Gladen's muscles slightly more visible. Even so, they were even. I found myself wondering who would win in a fight, but shook it off quickly.

"Gale!" I scolded sharply. "Stop it. Seriously, what is your problem?" I budged in between both boys, and pushed him forefully back, although it made little difference.

"I'll tell you what my problem is." He growled. "He's a traitor, that's what!"

"Huh?" I glanced at Gladen, who looked slightly uncomfortable.

"The day the planes came, he was seen talking on a brand new, expensive radio. A radio, "He continued, "that he could not afford. A few words were overheard, and we almost took him into captivity when the bombs hit."

"Gladen?" I asked him softy. "Is that true?"

He shook his head. "The radio waws a gift from my father, who won it in a Capitol contest. I wastesting it."

I nodded firmly. "Alri-"

"Cut the crap!" Gale yelled. He reared back his hand and punched Gladen in the noce, instantly breaking it."

"Gale!" I screamed. I stepped up and slapped him as hard as I could, and he reeled back and touched his hands to his face, shocked.

"M-Madge?" He whispered. I glared at him, my chest heaving. "You shut up!" I yelled. "Leave him alone."

I led Gladen to the bathroom, not making anymore eye contact with Gale. I'd had enough of him and his anger issues.

Hey, guys. I've been very busy lately, and I have an excuse. A good one. We just got a Clydesdale, and I work with him every day after school (lessons and all) so if I take a while to update (2-3 days), forgive me!

Thanks!