Disclaimer: I do not own anything and you know the rest. Suzanne Collins does.
All of us are directed back to the lobby and head up to our rooms in the elevators. Unfortunately, I end up alone in an elevator with Gale. I decide just to go ahead and get it over with saying, "It was all just a strategy between you and Haymitch wasn't it?"
"Yes," he says in a low voice avoiding looking at me. Maybe he's expecting me to burst out yelling or something but I don't.
"I knew it," I say more to myself than him.
"Of course," he says rolling his eyes, "Because a girl like you would never be caught with someone like me."
"I didn't say that," I say defensively. We've arrived at our floor and as we step out I turn frowning at him.
"Maybe not, but it's logical. You're the Mayor's daughter and I'm just a boy from the Seam. No one in their right mind would ever think you and I could be together, only these idiots from the Capitol," he says challenging me to deny it.
I'm too shocked and angry to say anything and then I have not time to dwell over it because the rest of the crew arrives. They notice our glares at each other and Haymitch speaks up, "What's wrong?"
"What's wrong is that I wasn't consulted in all of this Haymitch," I say spatting all the words now. I realize now how furious this really makes me. The fact that Gale made me his object of "love", that Haymitch had been so freaking nice when practicing for the interview, when it all played out for his bigger plan for me and that I can't do anything about it now. I'm not an angry person like Gale but sometimes things like this just push me off ledge.
"You weren't consulted because I knew you would react like this," he says in an exasperated tone. "Besides, this helps you both in terms of sponsors."
"What do you mean?" I ask annoyed and impatient.
"People buy this stuff up and now they'll be lining up to help the star cross lovers of District 12," he explains.
I let it sink in and even though I won't admit it, he's right. People here love this soapy cheesy romance stuff. "Still, you could have told me," I say stubbornly at Haymitch.
He sighs and Cinna speaks up. "Madge, I think it was best so your reaction wouldn't have seemed faked or forced."
I look at Cinna and say, "You think so?"
He nods and just like that I calm down. Cinna has that effect on me. He's become a friend of sorts, even if it's only for this short amount of time.
After my little outburst, we all head to dinner in good spirits and later watch the recaps of the interviews. When I come up everyone compliments me on my performance and how good I look. Then, Gale come's up and when he gives his confession I pay close attention to my reaction. I guess everyone is right, with the looking away and some blushing, I pulled it off. The only thing that worries me now is how this is all going to work out in the arena; I don't even want to think about it. It's not that the idea of it all is repulsive, it's just that in the end only one of us will be coming out of there and I'd rather die than for it to come down to me and Gale.
When the recaps are over, it's time for our goodbyes. I'll see Cinna tomorrow but not Portia, Effie or Haymitch. Portia gives me a long hug and wishes me luck. Effie plants a kiss on our foreheads and wishes us luck as well, and then she quickly leaves because she's getting all teary. Cinna bids me goodnight and leave Gale and me with Haymitch.
"So, any last words?" Gale asks him.
"Yes, when the gong sounds get out of there as fast as you can. First, thing is to find water, the rest will follow," he says serious, "Stick together and stay alive."
We nod and without even thinking, I launch myself into his arms. He hesitates for a moment then very carefully wraps his arms around me. He releases me without a word and leaves. Gale and I sit on the coach neither of us making attempt of leaving. A sudden guilt about my earlier scandal makes me say, "Sorry about before."
"I'm sorry too," he says looking at me, "About judging you without really knowing you."
"Is that only about today or about before too," I say softly. I knew that even back in the district he thought of me as a spoiled rich girl and that's why he never talked to me.
"Before too," he says and I can hear the honesty in his voice.
"I'm not what you think I am Gale. I'm not the spoiled daughter of the Mayor or anything like that, you just never attempted to get to know me," I say in a fairly calm voice.
"I know and I really am sorry," he says with a sigh. "Don't you notice how I always end up apologizing to you?"
I smile and he does too. It's nice when he's like this, friendly and joking. I really wish there was a way I could go back in time and just start over with Gale, do things right. I wish we would have been friends and had some good memories but there's no way back. Maybe we can still make things right, but then I realize it's too late because of the Games.
"Are you going to get some sleep?" I ask bringing myself back to this moment.
"I don't think I can, you?" he responds thoughtful.
"No," I say shaking my head. If I go to bed I know my head is just going to keep on running thinking about the horrible things that might happen tomorrow.
"Do you want to go up to the roof?" he asks as an invitation.
Normally I would have said no but it's our last night here and I can't face my dreams tonight. Gale offers me his hand and I take it hesitantly. When he opens the door to the roof, the fresh air fills up my lungs as I take in the view of the people. We go to the railing and see all of them dancing and cheering in the streets. Gale's face has been replaced by a look of disgust and to take it away I say, "Tell me about your family."
Bewilderment is the first thing that crosses his features. I guess he hadn't expected for me to be asking something personal. "What do you want to know?" he asks and I put on a smile when I see he is willing to tell me.
"I don't know. I always wondered how it's like to have a big family," I say curiously. Dad is always working and mom sleeps all day because of the pain so I feel very lonely at times in the house. I always wished I could have a brother or a sister to keep me company or at least someone I could talk to.
Gale smiles and says, "Well, it's a disaster but at the same time it's the most wonderful thing in the world. I feel like a dad to them now. I guess it's the fact that I've taken care of them since I was fourteen and I became the man of the house, which makes me feel responsible for them."
For the next hour he tells me all about his two brothers and little sister. He talks in a very lovable way about them and I can see what he means about being like a dad to them. I can see he would do anything for them. The kids may not have a father but Gale will be and has been their male role model, someone they love and look up too. It makes me feel guilty because I know that my own survival would mean for the kids to loose Gale and I wouldn't be able to have that on my conscious.
He notices I've become quieter and asks, "What's wrong?"
"You know, back at the justice building, I promised Katniss I wouldn't give up but right now I don't even know if I can keep that promise," I say sadly knowing it was the truth.
"Come on Madge. I thought you've gotten past all of that," he says frustrated.
"I thought I was too but Gale… what are we going to do in the arena if we are the last one's standing? I don't want to be the cause of your kids loosing you," I say.
"You won't be. We go in this as a team and we'll just see what happens. Now stop thinking like that," he says seriously.
I nod hesitantly and I'm surprised when Gale grabs my arm pulling me into him. I bury my face into his chest and he wraps his strong arms around me protectively as I breathe in his sweet scent. It feels so impossibly good I wish I could stay in this spot forever. Warmth that spreads through me, from my head to my toes and there's a strong tugging sensation in my stomach. I pull back and Gale uses his thumb to brush off a tear that has somehow escaped my eyes but his hand keeps brushing my cheek. I find myself sinking into his stormy gray eyes that have become full of curiosity and something I can't quite place. His move is so sudden that I freeze when his lips brush against my check and I feel my heartbeat race. I don't know what to think or do, but I suddenly feel the need to escape.
"I think we should get some sleep," I say quietly, looking away at the streets.
"You're right," he says and his voice is so unreadable that I turn to look at his face. His eyes are thoughtful and he's biting his lip.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," I say.
He nods and I make my way to the door. Suddenly he calls out something so I stop in my tracks. "Hey, in the arena, just find Rue and run. I'll be following you."
I look back and nod at him. The last I see of him, he's still by the railing with a thoughtful look. I don't think he's going to get any sleep and I'm pretty sure neither will I.
I have a restless sleep that night. Cinna comes at dawn and together we head to the roof. I go up the hovercraft first and let them inject a tracker on my arm. No way of escape now, I think. Cinna comes up after me and we are directed to a dining room. I try to eat as much as I can but it's hopeless, my nerves are getting the best of me and I have no appetite. Then, the fear kicks in when the hovercraft windows go dark giving us the signal that we are nearing the arena.
Cinna and I get off the hovercraft and into the launch room. He helps me dress into the clothes they've given me. He examines the fabrics to know what sort of weather I'll be facing. A hooded black jacket tells us there will be cold nights. There are also simple tawny pants, a light green blouse and leather boots good for running and climbing. After that, Cinna pulls something out and I burst out, "My pin!"
Idiot, I tell myself mentally. With all that has been happening I hadn't even noticed when I had parted from it. Mom wouldn't have forgiven me if I lost it.
"I retrieved it from your clothes. I thought you might want it, so I got it approved as your token," he says and pins it to my blouse.
"Thank you, Cinna," I say hugging him, "For everything."
"You're welcome," he says hugging me back.
He holds me in his arms as we wait for my call. I try not to think of the fact that I could be dead in a couple of hours, instead I think of home; of the happy moments I've had with mom and dad. The first time dad allowed me to touch the piano and the melody he played for me, the many nights I slept in mom's arms afraid of losing her to her pain and somehow the memory of the first time Gale and Katniss came to our house resurfaces in my mind. Now that I think about it, it was a very important day for me because it was when I met my first real friend and my ally in these Games.
The dreadful moment finally arrives and even though I tried to calm down, I'm shaking as I stand up. Cinna and I walk hand in hand to the cylinder that will raise me into the arena. I feel tears whelming up in my eyes but I won't allow them to spill. Be strong, I think. Cinna kisses my forehead gently and says, "You can do this Madge, I believe in you. Just remember everything Haymitch told you, okay?"
I nod and hug him one last time before I step onto my plate. I immediately begin to rise and I get one last look at Cinna before I'm blinded by the light above.
The bright sun blinds me for a moment but when I adjust I find myself in front of the cornucopia with a huge forest surrounding it. There is a lake to my right and most breathtaking of all, an enormous mountain just in the middle of the forest. I have sixty seconds so I try to find Rue and Gale in the circle of pedestals. Rue is only three tributes to my left, but Gale is farther away about six tributes to the right and to make things worse, Cato is only two tributes away from him.
I know immediately to head towards the forest. It's the best choice with Gale's expertise and I don't think any of us want to go climbing a mountain. It looks very rocky and there doesn't seem to be a safe path, plus it's snow capped at the top. Nope, no way I'm headed there. I examine the supplies on the ground. The best supplies are at the top of course, but there are other useful things close by. I know going into the bloodbath is just suicide so I'll decide to grab whatever I can reach and hope Rue and Gale do the same.
I take a glance at Rue and I see her catch my eye. Her eyes flicker towards the woods then back to me. I give a slow nod in her direction, and then turn my attention to Gale who is fixed on us. I look at him and then flicker my own eyes towards the woods. He gives me a nod and positions himself to run towards us. I position my feet too knowing our minute must be almost up and as I do my eyes catches a piece of rope only six feet away and then the gong sounds.
I lunge myself forward to retrieve the rope and I look up to spot Rue. She's almost at the edge of the woods so I run full speed behind her. I want to look back to see if Gale is coming but I can't lose sight of Rue. I'm not a very fast runner but I push my legs to the limit. I hear the fighting behind me and the many whimpers and moans of those dying already. I focus my attention on Rue and try my hardest to ignore the cries. She stops at the edge of the woods to wait for me but I notice she's looking behind me. I panic thinking it's one of the other tributes but I take one quick glace back and see Gale with sweat on his face and a pack on his back.
As I reach the edge of the woods I pause too, to wait for Gale but he's yelling to us, "Go!"
He's only about ten feet back so I let Rue lead and all of us together run into the depths of the forest, escaping the echoing cries from the Cornucopia.
We alternate from running and jogging for the next hours. For the first hour I was okay but my lack of running was wearing on me but the second. Out of the three of us I'm probably the least equipped for the woods. If it were up to me I'd rest for a while but Gale keeps pushing us forward wanting to get as far away from the others as possible. Even though my legs are aching, I'm not one to complain.
The canons of the deaths start firing at some point so we stop to listen. Who knows how many deaths there were today. I start counting them in my head, one, two, three and on. When they stop Gale says, "I counted ten."
Rue and I both nod. Ten dead already and night hasn't even come. The career pack must be gathering all the supplies by now down in the Cornucopia and getting prepared to go hunting. We also stop to check our own supplies. Gale managed to get a small pack and just as I suspected, Cato was right of his heels. "Luckily he got distracted by some other kid who tried to attack him," he explains and holds up the pack, "I couldn't leave empty handed."
"Me either," I say and take out the rope which I had kept inside my jacket and hand it to him. "Here for your snares," I tell him knowing it will help us in terms of food.
He smiles at the sight as the rope seeming relieved and says, "Thanks."
"I grabbed something too," Rue says taking our something from the inside of her jacket. It's a roll of plastic and a small bag with peanuts and oats. She hands them to Gale saying, "We should keep it in the pack."
He grabs them and kneels down to put them in the pack and I notice a sudden glimmer from his belt coming from a knife. "How'd you get that?" I ask pointing at it.
He looks down at his belt and I am taken aback when I see a smear of blood on the knife. He notices my eyes turning wide at the sight of the blood so he angrily replies, "I got if from a fallen tribute, okay Madge? He was already dead."
"I was just asking," I say defensively but at the same time relieved at his words.
He turns away from me and starts emptying the contents of the pack. Rue and I just watch hoping for something that will be of help. There's some iodine in a small bottle, a black sleeping bag, a roll of cloth used for bandages, a bag of beef jerky and I canteen without water. "We should keep moving to find water," Gale says putting everything back and sliding the pack over his shoulders.
We nod and head on. Gale has taken the lead looking for any sign that may indicate the location of water so Rue and I trail behind. As we go I become more aware of the forest around us. I am able to pick up on some sound of animals. I can hear a lot of chirping Rue catches my arm and points to something in the trees. At first I can't see anything but then I see a flap of wings. "Mockingjays," Rue says in a low voice and steps out closer to them and whistles a for tone note.
Gale stops up front and looks back at us. "What-" he says but I make a shushing sound at him.
The mockingjay in the tree stops and looks down on us and Rue whistles again. At first it's silent but then it picks it up and starts whistling back. It's a soft, sweet sound it puts on a smile on my face. I trace my pin in my shirt, imagining the mockingjay getting up and flying off to the trees to sing with the rest. Rue comes to me and looks at the pin. "It's a mockingjay too, right?" she says with curious eyes.
I nod and I am suddenly filled with sadness. "It used to be my aunts," I say softly still tracing the ring around it.
"It's really pretty," she says noticing the change in my mood.
"We should go," Gale says in a soft voice, his bad mood all forgotten.
As he walks off Rue grabs my hand and pulls me behind him. I feel comforted by her hand in mine as a sign of friendship. I know it it's something dangerous in here but I don't care. All I want is to feel safe and comforted right now. There is no telling what will happen in the next hours but one thing is for sure I'll do anything for one of us to go home, even if it means my own death.
A/N: Here is the next chapter guys and it's the longest so far. From here and on it's an original plot. It'll be nothing like the books so be ready for surprises. Lots of action next chapter, I promise and Gadge soon!
Thanks for reading and REVIEW! :)