So this is a bit earlier than usual, time wise, but I'm tired, so I'm going to go to bed. This one's for bookgirly16 who is a new reviewer, so hi and thanks for your review.
Don't forget to Follow/Favourite/Review (Whoever gives me the best essay on there favourite character gets the next chapter dedicated to them!)
DFTBA
MadcapScribbler x
When the court is back in session, Peeta is called to the stand.
"Peeta, right?" Khaya starts.
"That's right" He smiles. How can he stay that calm.
"Ok. Peeta, could you start by explaining what your relationship with Katniss is."
"Kat is my girlfriend"
"Ok, and how long how long have you known her in general?"
"Uh. We went to school together. We were in a few of the same classes and we talked occasionally."
"And when would you say you became close?"
"Hmm. Well, earlier this year, Kat came into the Bakery. I hadn't seen her in a while so I took a break to sit with her and talk. Then we walked up to her mother's house; I had this burn on my leg you see. Katniss' mother is known for being good with medicines and the hospital was too far away so we went there. That was when she first told me about… well… What had happened" He puts it vaguely, I can tell that he's very aware that Gale is in the room.
As he continues to talk, I watch Gale. He watches, seemingly emotionless or uninterested; but occasionally he looks at me resentfully. I'm sure Peeta's seen it, because occasionally his voice wobbles. I turn back to face Peeta, giving him a small smile.
"Katniss mentioned earlier that the reason he's been accused of Attempted Murder is because of you… Could you please explain?"
"Oh right, yeah. Well. Me, Kat and my brother Adrian were sat in the bakery one afternoon. This quite recently, but I wouldn't be able to give an exact date… everything from the past months has kind of merged into one."
"It's ok… just tell us as much as you can remember."
"So… Rye; my oldest brother, ran into the bakery saying he saw Gale and he was drunk and coming towards the bakery, so he took Katniss to make sure she didn't get hurt."
"ok, continue"
"So when Gale came in, he started attacking me and screaming threats, including 'I'm going to kill you'. He wrestled me for a bit. I fought back, obviously, but Adrian tried to break it up. Uh… Then he stopped because Katniss ran back in. I just remember thinking 'why is she here?' and I just knew that it wasn't going to go well from then on." He pauses for a minute. "He started talking to Kat… Saying deliberately provocative things before getting me in a headlock. He kept me in it for ages. Tightened the grip every now and then. By the end of it all I couldn't breathe and he knew it."
"What do you mean 'by the end of it all'" Khaya asks.
"He held me in that position until Katniss promised to marry him. He told her he would leave her alone for the rest of her life, but it would cost me mine"
At that point, several gasps and mutters of disapproval break out across the courtroom. I watch as the jury all look at Gale spitefully. I find some kind of relief in everyone knowing who he really is. What he really is.
"Silence in court!" The judge screams, bringing attention back to Peeta. "Miss Newman, is that all you have to ask?"
"For now, yes" She says
"Alright, Mr Mellark you may return to your seat" The judge turns to Gale's lawyer. "Mr Cristiano, who would you like to bring to the stand first?"
"I'd like to start with my client, thank you."
Clinton Cristiano, Gale's lawyer, is definitely a Capitol citizen. His clothing choice for today is admittedly reserved: Blue suit, matching blue tie and shoes. But his hair is also blue, along with his contacts and eyelashes.
"Mr Hawthorne, Miss Everdeen has accused you of domestic abuse. She says you hit, scratched, punched and scarred her. Is this correct?"
"Admittedly, I did hit her once or twice in our relationship" Gale states, the gasps come back before quickly dying down. "However, not nearly as much as she has made it out. I'm no monster. That scar on her face is from a broken window. A bit of glass fell on her whist we were redecorating. I did hit her once or twice and I can never forgive myself for it…"
He hangs his head in what could easily be perceived as shame. He's twisting everything but I don't say anything. Speak when spoken to and all that.
"Now, Mr Hawthorne. What do you have to say about the accusations of Attempted Murder and Kidnapping?"
"Well. I asked Katniss to marry me and she said yes… I didn't know that that counted as kidnapping." He says, innocently. "And as for Attempted Murder, the headlock was only playful. I didn't mean to hurt Peeta, it was just a joke"
"So what you're saying is that it all just a misconception?"
"Well yes. And that if anyone should be on trial here, it should be Katniss. Adultery is serious crime too, right?"
"Are you accusing Miss Everdeen of a Crime that is no longer punishable?" the judge asks incredulously. "That's it. I've heard enough. We will depart for a brief brake whilst the Jury and I come to a conclusion. Court adjourned."
I start to shake as Peeta takes my hands.
"Hey, calm down it's ok."
"But what if he's found not guilty?"
"You heard the judge, he thinks gale's being ridiculous."
"I know, but I'm still worried."
"It's ok, I promise."
"He knows about the baby, Peeta"
"Gale?"
"Yeah"
"Oh." He sighs. "Try not to worry about it. You're tired and stressed, just try and relax as much as you can"
I remain leaning on his chest for the whole hour long break. I could have sworn that the judge said short break. The longer I wait the more I worry, the more I worry the slower the time goes by. Peeta keeps me in his arms but says nothing. Neither of us makes a sound, to busy being distracted by our thoughts.
Khaya sits, clearly bored of the wait, twiddling her thumbs and looking aimlessly around the room. Gale is put back in handcuffs and is constantly being talked to by either his lawyer or the peacekeepers. I look at the press; all of the stupidly dressed penguins with cameras and clipboards. I notice the avoxes stood around the room. They all wear stupid capitol smocks in shocking red. Their faces painted white, their lips dark. They all look so uncomfortable. I wander what it's like having your tongue cut out. Never being able to speak, or taste things or sing. It's weird to think that the Capitol can just cut a bit off of you and you become their puppet.
When the judge and jury make an entrance, we all stand. There is various mumbling from everyone as wait for the verdict.
"Gale Hawthorne; you stand accused of Domestic Abuse, Attempted Murder and Kidnapping. You have stood in front of me, the peacekeepers, the public and the law, and lied to us all. Not only did you prepare a poor excuse for all of your charges but you went on to accuse Miss Everdeen of Adultery with false pretences, even though Adultery is no longer punishable. I hereby declare you Guilty of your crimes. I do however have a heart, so I shall give you two options of punishment. You can hang by the neck until you die, or you can have your tongue removed and become an avox, therefore sparing your own life. It is your decision, choose wisely."
The whole court room stares at gale. He looks at me with resent before the judge.
"I will never become one of them. I'd rather hang!" He spits the words.
"Then it is decided. Mr Hawthorne shall hang for his crimes. Court dismissed."
The next chapter's dedication will go to whoever writes the best/most biased/most elaborate review on there favourite (or least favourite) Character gets the next dedication. Make them good! x
