Special thanks to my Beta Norbertsmom who helped find the right balance for this chapter. Also thank you for all of the reviews, likes, kudos and for following this massive story. We are at the point in the story where it's going to speed up there are between 10 & 12 chapters left...a lot is going to happen from now until the end, and it's going to get bumpier...

Last week it was all about Everlark, there has been so much going on with the Citizen running around, the Hob, the Sharpies, the Peacekeepers it was a nice break to focus on Katniss and Peeta. However, things aren't always cheery in the district not with a Rebellion to plan...

The first day back at school was great but it also was a headache as Gale was discovering. It was fantastic seeing his friends again and catching up with them. Thom was still single. Rain had a girl briefly, but she dumped him for someone else. His other friends were happy with their girls. He and his friends talked about how hard it was understanding women. Gale agreed, women were a puzzle, he wanted nothing more than to be with Delly, but he had to adhere to her wishes. It was as risky as walking a tightrope. He had to balance being there for her with not being able to be with her as much as he wanted.

Gale sighed; at least he was out of the house today. With the restrictions in place, his mother wanted him and his brothers to stay put. The only thing they got to do was shovel snow. Rory was annoying, so much so Gale spent most of his time moving snow piles about to keep from strangling his kid brother.

The only time they were able to leave the house was on the days they got to go to town. Those days Gale got up early, made all of the laundry deliveries with his brothers, got paid and traded for badly needed supplies. It wasn't much, but with strict portioning and Tesserae they were able to survive. Gale squinted up at the weak winter sun. In a few hours, it would become dark. Gale was already tired of the snow and it was only February. He couldn't wait to see the green earth beneath his feet instead of the relenting white.

In the distance, Gale could see the chimney stacks of the coal processing center. It loomed in the background, a vivid reminder of his future employment. All Seam kids went into the mines, the ones that were lucky worked in the processing plant, they got to see daylight, but the majority, men and women, spent the majority of their lives deep within the bowels of the district. They worked in the mines until they could work no more, then, they were spat out like unwanted seeds, left on the ground to shrivel and die. Gale shook his head and focused on the present. It had been rather hectic.

This morning, because of Rory, he'd forgotten his lunch, though all of it was worth it when he saw Delly for the first time since the Hob. She'd looked good with her hair up in a ponytail, exposing her heart-shaped face and those vibrant blue eyes of hers. He studied her excitement as she saw Rye and Peeta Mellark. There was a part of him that was jealous because he'd wish that was him she was greeting, but he was trying to keep his word.

Gale turned to the only person he knew who could help him in his dilemma, his mom. His mother was relieved that they didn't have a physical relationship. Gale was taken aback, but given his track record, he could understand why she had thought that way. He admitted to feeling desire for Delly, but that was overshadowed by something grander, this deep sentiment that they fit like pieces to a puzzle. He didn't want to possess her like with others, he wanted to share and that was far more precious. He valued that kind of intimacy more than the physical kind. His mother advised him to give Delly the space she needed. She said if their friendship was worthwhile Delly would come around. Gale asked his mother if she minded Delly being different from them, and he was greatly relieved when his mother told him it didn't matter. His mom went on to say that as long as he was happy then that is all that mattered. Gale hoped his mother was right about Delly coming back to him. He missed her a lot. It took all if his will to keep himself in check whenever he went to town.

When she smiled at him in the cafeteria Gale felt his heart do a flip-flop. Delly's smile was like sunshine and she made his world better. He'd left the cafeteria with a genuine smile until he heard the news about Jackson.

Gale waited with his friends for the Sharpies to come out of the school building. They had been sent to detention as they caused problems in Mrs. Chow's class. Today wasn't as cold and a lot of the kids stayed after to socialize instead of going straight home as when the weather was so miserable.

His brothers were already home. He knew Delly was still in the building, no doubt getting her brother's lessons. Earlier in the day, Andy had gotten sick while at school. Delly was taking a District mandated test and couldn't leave. Mr. Cartwright had sent word to see if he could bring him home. In that period of time, while Gale was out of school grounds, Jackson had overstepped his boundary. Gale was furious with the kid for several reasons. His friend Rain had seen the way Jackson ogled Katniss during lunch. While walking in the hallway Gale saw Jackson go up to Delly and whisper something in her ear that made her tense up.

Jackson had laughed and Gale swore he saw Jackson make a grab at Delly's body. She tried to get away, but Stephen pushed her back toward Jackson. It happened so fast no one would have noticed it unless they were staring at them. His ire grew when he heard from the grapevine that Delly was found crying in the girls' bathroom.

Gale wanted to go to her, to console her but he couldn't because he promised that he'd keep his distance. The need to protect his Delly against that jerk was overpowering. When Rain told him Jackson was glaring at Katniss, Gale knew he had to do something. Katniss and Delly still had two more years to go in school with the Sharpies. Jackson and his group liked to prey on the defenseless and whoever he thought he could control. Katniss would punch the kid in the throat and then systematically hunt down his friends, as she was on friendly terms with most of his crew. But Delly was defenseless.

For the hundredth time, Gale wondered what Jackson was telling Delly. This was the second time the kid had cornered and tortured Delly and got away with it.

"Gale." Thom pointed when the Sharpies came around the corner.

Gale and his buddies moved in. "Hey, Jackson."

Jackson paused, he hung back, with his weak chin jutting out.

Both groups came face to face. The Sharpies were outmanned by two.

"What do you want Hawthorne?" Jackson didn't bother hiding his displeasure.

"I want you to leave my friends alone," Gale smirked.

"Come again."

"You know exactly who I'm talking about. Rain saw you staring at Katniss, don't think for one minute she wouldn't slice your throat."

Jackson paled. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

The feigned innocence made Gale want to punch him. "So we're acting like idiots now?"

"I am a good kid, you know."

"Sure, a kid who likes to terrorize his elderly instructor," Gale slipped his hands in his pocket, "but would never cross someone who could rearrange his face."

"You wouldn't dare on school grounds," Jackson taunted.

"What do you think?" Gale took a step, but just at that moment, a school official left the building. He withheld himself, remembering what his mother told him about maintaining his calm. These were not the days to get caught and hauled in by the officials.

Seeing his prudence egged Jackson and his group to mock them. "Yeah that's what I thought, wouldn't want to be dragged in by the Peacekeepers. They've got a hankering for Seam blood you know. They just love the way you all squeal like the pigs that you are."

Thom stepped forward, Gale stopped him. "They've also got a taste for chicken-shits they love to hear idiots like you cry."

Jackson's grin melted. "You wouldn't want me to call the Peacekeepers on your mother's illegal laundry business."

Gale grabbed him by the collar and pushed him up against the brick wall. Rain and Thom were staring down the other two. "You leave my mother out of this, because if you try to do anything to my family, there are lots of ways of killing people. After all, it's no different than killing an animal."

Jackson swallowed thickly. His Adam's apple bobbed as he did so.

Gale let him go, walking away with his guys.

Jackson slid to the ground, gasping for air.

"You okay," Carlton asked, kneeling in front of him.

"Of course I'm not okay," Jackson spat. He stood, his eyes glistening with pure anger. He wanted to charge at Hawthorne's back and pound him into the snow.

"Look let's leave Delly alone," Stephen said. "I mean it's clear she's a tramp and has a thing going on with Hawthorne."

Jackson turned on his cousin and slapped him in the head. "Delly's mine, do you hear me?"

"But," Stephen said.

"Besides, even though Hawthorne is with her I don't think he's touched her yet."

"How the hell would you know that?" Stephen cradled his face.

"Because," Jackson didn't add that he'd been watching them.

"I think we need to get out of here," Carlton said pointing to the two school teachers who were watching them, waiting to catch them doing something wrong.

Jackson nodded, "Let's get out of here." They took a different path as they didn't want the teachers to report them.

The boys left just as Delly left the building, with her brother's homework. She was given word her brother had gotten sick, and that Gale had brought him to the shop where Mrs. Everdeen was waiting. Her heart was heavy as she had to accomplish a task that would surely hurt more than a punch in the face. As she left the school grounds Gale appeared by her side.

"Hey."

"Hi," Delly glanced at the ground. She didn't want Gale to know about Jackson, but something in her gut told her he already knew.

"So Jackson," Gale began.

"Gale," Delly breathed.

"Dells, it's not okay that he's making you cry."

"Gale, we talked about this."

"I know, but I saw him."

Delly stopped walking.

"What did he say to you?"

She didn't want to look into his eyes, this problem she had to face alone. She wanted to be strong like Katniss, but, didn't know how. She was a weakling, a crying fool.

Gale tipped up her chin, "Dells."

"Gale please don't say my name that way."

"Like what, we're friends remember, practically family."

She gave him a watery smile. "Please don't interfere."

"I can't help it."

He looked so unlike the fierce man she knew, and it scared her. There was no place for this type of friendship, no place where they could exist without the repercussions. She hugged him and breathed in the earthy scent of pine, spices and the faint trace of oranges. His arms embraced her.

Her lashes fluttered closed. For that one millisecond in space, she allowed herself to feel the love she had in her heart for him. She allowed herself to imagine a world where he would love her back, and they could be together.

That world would never exist.

Tears threatened to fill her eyes as the seconds raced and she would soon tear herself away, but she needed him, needed this point in time.

With him she felt safe, she was invincible. She wasn't plain ol' fat Delly. She was someone special, and that was the problem. Delly didn't want to let go of who she was. She was proud of her body. Proud to be poor. Honored to have a witty brother. Once again she knew she had to stand on her own two feet. Today she came to realize she was just a stupid Merchant and because of that, she would always put him in danger. She understood that one day Gale wasn't going to be there for her.

One day he wouldn't be able to touch her like this.

Delly swallowed hard before speaking, "I know you mean well, but I cannot let you get in trouble because of me."

"Dells," his voice was incredibly gentle but she could hear the pain underneath.

"No Gale, we can't see each other anymore. You and I both know this will never…you can't see me, recognize me, your brothers can't come over anymore…you have to stay away from me and my family." It was the hardest thing she ever had to say and she felt herself being torn in half. It had to be done for his safety and that of his family. Delly couldn't keep it in for much longer. She had to get away. "I don't want you-"

"No, don't do this," Gale whispered.

She put her fingers over his lips. "Hush, let me speak. Jackson is my problem and I will deal with him, and any other adversities my family and I go through. It's getting dangerous for you to be seen with me." Delly breathed out. It was time for her to grow up to face her eventual reality.

"Dells, what are you doing?"

"I'm saying goodbye."

"No, I refuse-"

Delly cut him off, "It's over Gale." Separating herself from Gale she walked away.

"Dells." Her name tumbled from his lips and was swept away by the brutally cold wind.

Gale stood in the middle of the road, watching her go, feeling helpless and miserable. It was like having his limbs being torn from him. The road was empty. Only the solitary cry of a crow could be heard in the background. It echoed the silent scream emanating from his heart. If he hadn't been alone he wouldn't have let the tears fall. He would have suffered, held it in until he was alone. He fisted his hands as his world collapsed. He wiped his face. He already missed her, far more than what he could put into words.

Gale wasn't sure what just happened, but nothing in his life made sense anymore. He cried bitter, brokenly as he whispered, "Dells."

She was right, rejection hurt.

He swallowed thickly as he forced himself to stop. He needed to get into the woods.

"Are you misty-eyed over Delilah Cartwright," Madge's voice startled him.

Gale narrowed his eyes, surprised to see Madge standing before him. He was so deep into his pain he didn't hear her coming. "What do you want, Undersee?"

"Just wondering, I mean look at her she's so…" Madge shook her head, "…well she's a merchant and an unattractive one, compared to Katniss or myself."

"She's not ugly," Gale defended her, "Delly is very stunning with womanly curves, but no one can see past their own prejudices to see that."

"Wow, you've got it bad, if you call fat girl, curvaceous."

Gale narrowed his eyes. It didn't matter that she walked away from him, he would defend Delly to his dying breath. "Stop making fun of her."

"Okay…" Madge grinned. "But just as a reminder she just dumped your cute ass."

"We are…," Gale didn't want to think that his relationship with Delly was over, "…taking a break, and I respect her for it."

Madge chuckled, putting her hand on his stomach. Gale tensed up as her hand ran up his chest. "Since you're on a break you're free to do what you want. You and I can get together...have a little fun?"

"Listen, Madge," Gale stepped away, normally he would have pounced at the chance of sleeping with someone like Madge, but after knowing Delly, he couldn't. "In a different life, I would be attracted to you…but not when I know her, not when she's…" He couldn't finish the sentence because this wasn't a conversation he could have with Madge. He needed to have it with the person he wanted, with the person he needed. Just thinking about her made his heart to tremble and he felt hurt. He balled his fist to keep from showing emotion. He took in a deep breath but Madge was unrelenting and his carefully constructed wall was coming down.

Madge didn't lose her smile. "What a shame," she shrugged. "It's not like I didn't try."

Gale rubbed his neck. "Look, I would appreciate if you would stop."

"What do you even see in her?"

Gale sighed. "She's different, she's sweet and generous," he looked down at the ground, "She forgives easily and doesn't blame anyone."

"Even those blasted Peacekeepers."

"Even them," Gale breathed, "even after they killed her friends at the Hob."

Madge face changed to rage. "I couldn't, I want them to pay. They are killing innocent people, hurting our District, for what? We're small, we're not rebellious. We don't even register in the grand scheme of things. But I tell you this much, if you squeeze us hard enough we're like coal, add fire and we burn."

Gale was surprised by the venomous words that spewed from the Mayor's daughter. "What are you going to do, start a rebellion?"

Madge smiled and it caused shivers to run up and down his spine. "Please, as if anyone would follow me. I'd need strong-minded individuals who would be willing to sacrifice themselves. Besides, I'm a merchant remember. According to you, the only thing I'm good for is a quick toss in the hay."

Gale became pale. He shook his head sadly. "You're right, that was me."

"Let me guess, Delly, changed your mind?" At the mention of Delly's name his eyes watered up once more.

"I don't think that way anymore, we're one district." Gale gave Madge a crooked smile, his eyes looked far away. Then his face morphed into the face of someone who was trying to hide a great pain, but it was a losing battle.

"I think if you believed that you could start a fight or join one."

"Katniss once told me we all bleed the same." He lowered his head. "I've got to go."

Madge watched him move away with his head hung low. It was a strange conversation. She'd seen Gale and his buddies just under an hour ago, confront the Sharpies with his usual I'm-going-to-break-your-face-Merchant bravado.

Madge walked away, hoping that was enough of a hint. She hated the aspect of having to flirt with him when he was clearly head over heels with Delly. Darius was right, she had to play a role and everyone knew she once had a thing for Hawthorne, and unfortunately, now she had to continue that storyline. As she turned around she saw him crying again. She thought to herself maybe he wasn't ready to join their group. She shook her head. Whatever Delly did, she slayed the one guy in the entire district that couldn't be conquered.

"Maybe I should talk to Delly about joining our group," she said to herself as she walked home from school. She had been meeting with some of the members, keeping them up to date.

As she reached home. She found Darius waiting for her. "Hey?"

"Hello," Darius carried a box into the house.

"Need help?"

"Nah, I got this." Darius had reached out to his friend after the Hob, and his friend agreed. Madge was shocked to learn that the attack on the Hob was part of a bigger initiative by the Capitol. Several districts had suffered, including district one. Many of the districts were ready to fight back. Many had similar groups, but none of them were united. Madge managed to find a way to bring them together.

"So how is our friend doing?"

"Still refusing to come out of hiding."

"At least he's helping." His contact, although good about relaying information, didn't want to divulge who he was and Darius was okay with that. Plausible deniability was where he operated from. Darius put the box inside the kitchen. He stood near the faucet and ran the water to wash his hands and to also form static around the listening devices.

"True," Madge sat down in the chair. She carried her book and drummed her fingers on the spine.

"So what's next?" Darius asked, making noise with pots pretending to make tea.

Today she had given the signal to the rebels that training would resume once more. Attending the training sessions was going to get harder because the numbers multiplied. She had spoken to Darius about possibly finding a new home to concentrate the forces. "Nothing. I'm still trying to find a bigger space to accommodate everyone."

"Maybe it's better this way. If something happens, the different groups don't know about the others."

Madge nodded. "Okay."

Things were starting to come together.