Hunger Games (Against All Odds)

by sonofnight

What if Gale took Peeta's place? What would that mean for Prim and Mrs. Everdeen? This is a story about the secret faith of Gale's family. Is it a danger to everyone around them, or is it the saving grace the world needs to embrace?

30. Chapter 30: Last Minute Decision

Chapter 30. Last Minute Decision

Thanks for the feedback, the support, the constructive criticism, and for reading. It's gotta start right here! It's gotta start right now! "You want a fight? I'll give you a fight." (Adult Gohan v.) Enjoy!

"Katniss?"

"Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Let me get you down from up there. You look terrible by the way." Katniss said, marching up to Gale with a smug look on her face.

"What's with that smug look?" Gale demanded.

"You don't deserve to be saved." Katniss snapped, pulling out a dagger and cutting the rope.

"I'm glad Jesus doesn't share your opinion."

"Stop changing the subject! You're an insensitive joke, you know that?"

"Don't you mean jerk?" Gale asked, laughing.

The rope came undone. Gale dropped to the ground. Katniss stood over him and sighed, before sitting down next to him. Gale looked at her. Her eyes refused to meet his. He knew what he needed to do.

"I'm sorry Katniss. I didn't mean to take my frustrations out on you."

"We're both frustrated. This isn't exactly a place we wanted to be."

"I did suggest running away before the reaping, you know."

"Can you imagine Peeta and Prim going through this?"

"Sorry. It was a joke. You can turn your humor setting back on now."

"I'm not a robot, Gale."

"Sometimes I wonder."

"Do you push me away because you're afraid of losing me?"

"Where did that come from?"

"Peeta said you entered because of me."

Gale blushed and looked away quickly.

"I could ask you the same question."

"You had your answer at the river shore."

"Oh, that's what that was!"

"What more did you want, me to yell it to the whole world?"

"No, I wanted you to be safe and alive."

"I don't need you to protect me, Gale."

"I heard you loud and clear, Wonder Woman."

Katniss laughed. Gale laughed too. They had forgotten how open they could be around each other. They were the last survivors of the Hunger Games. It seemed as if they would both live after all. Then, President Snow ordered the gamemaker to finish them them off.

"Congratulations, Katniss and Gale. Only one of you can make it out of here alive. Who will it be? Will it be the fearless Katniss, or the daring Gale? May the odds ever be in your favor!" his voice boomed and echoed through the forest.