Chapter 11: Competition

Thanks for reading, thanks for the support, thanks for the feedback, and constructive criticism is

always appreciated! The resurrected King is resurrecting me! "It's elementary, dear Watson."

(Sherlock Holmes v.)

Gale hated to admit it, but the competition was good. The competition was too good. A part of him was

intrigued by that. He was going to actually break a sweat. Katniss looked nervous. Gale took her hand.

"There's nothing to be afraid of." He said, leading her over to the archery section.

"I'm-not afraid." she stammered.

"You're lying needs work." Gale said, giving her a knowing look.

"I'm not afraid." she growled, snatching her hand away.

The eyes of the other tributes were on them now.

"God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble." Gale whispered, leaning in close, so only she

could hear.

"Be quick to listen, slow to anger, and to speak." Katniss growled, snatching up a bow and some arrows.

"Someone's been paying attention!" Gale called after her.

"I'm going to pretend that these targets are your face." Katniss said, under her breath.

Gale grabbed up a bow, some arrows, and the two began to take out all the targets of the simulation.

Cinna and the game makers stood out of sight watching. Sure enough, Gale was the wind to Katniss'

flame. The way he hit his targets, was in every attempt to stop them from getting to her. Katniss'

attempts were to keep both of them alive. Every target was a reminder that Prim and her mom were

waiting for her back home as well. Her dad was no longer around. She and Gale were the providers for

their families. How could their families survive without them?

"Attention tributes," President Snow's face loomed over them on a large screen. "There will be a ball

tomorrow for all of our tributes. You are welcome and must attend."

"How can you both be invited and forced at the same time?" Katniss whispered to Gale.

"When you're waiting to be slaughtered, the butcher doesn't have to be polite about doing it." Gale

whispered back.

"Wear your best tributes. Come dressed to impressed, and you'll even get to meet me. I only have your

best intentions at heart. Your families are safe and being provided for generously. Remember young

people, a beggar can't be choosy." President Snow finished, and vanished from the screen.