A/N: If you have followed my Gadge stories, the start of this story is going to be familiar. It is the first chapter of One Way Gale and Madge Fell in Love with some modifications. I am taking it to a different place from where that story went. Sorry for the repetition. And if you are new to this, check out the other version :-)
This will be 2-3 chapters and some of them are not too fluffy.
"Nine-Hundred-Fifteen of us made it to the fence..." Gale Hawthorne Mockingjay Part 1
The bitter cold cut through Madge's clothing. Her District 1-made coat and boots did nothing to protect her from the driving snow and cold. It was so thick and so dark that she had no idea where she was going. Lights flickered in some of the houses, hidden behind rags or other items stuffed in the windows and cracks. Madge had never walked alone in the Seam before, but tonight she didn't want to be anywhere else.
After she left Victor's Village and dropped the morphling off for Gale, she raced along the lighted path until the lights were gone. The constant sound of the mines echoed ahead, so she knew she was going in the right direction.
Somewhere in this place was Gale's family. His mother was with him, so his three younger siblings were alone. The wind howled and tore at her, but she plodded on. Her desire to comfort them drove her. How will I find them?
After she lost feeling in her feet and hands, she stopped at a house and knocked. A young woman opened the door.
"Do you know where the Hawthorne's live?" Madge asked through chattering teeth.
"They're in section 39." The woman quickly slammed the door.
"Thanks." Madge was used to the reaction. As soon as someone realized she was the Mayor's daughter, she was either ignored or insulted. How do I find Section 39 in the snow? She went back to trudge through the darkness toward the next light.
Luckily the next light was a large building with many people inside. This must be The Hob her father repeatedly complained about. Her petite body was no match for the wind and try as she might, she couldn't get the door open. She had to wait until someone pushed the door open from inside before she could enter.
Warmth from the coal fire in the center engulfed her. The building was filled to the ceiling with all kinds of items that would be classified as junk to her father. In the Seam, they were treasures. As she looked around, she was met with fearful and hostile looks. Taking a deep breath, she spoke as loudly as she ever had. "I'm trying to find the Hawthorne residence."
At the mention of his name, everyone looked away.
"I know he traded here all the time. He was a friend to many of you." Anger coursed through her. "His family is alone in the storm. I am going to help them. Will someone please tell me how to get to his house!" She was screaming now, her voice echoed through the building.
"You got something to trade, sweetie?" an older woman asked as she stirred a black cauldron.
"My coat is made of cashmere and my boots leather," Madge offered. "As long as you give me something to wear you can have them."
The old woman narrowed her eyes. People started talking and moving around. It was as if Madge were this old woman's problem now. They could go back to what they were doing before. If only they had the backbone to stand up. Like Gale and Katniss. We'd be able to rebel like District 8. Of course, her Capitol-loving father would have to be removed from office, but she didn't want to think about that.
"I also need food," she added.
"Don't we all," the lady cackled.
"Sorry," Madge said quietly.
"I'll take your fancy coat because I know just the person who wants it but keep your boots. They're so tiny they wouldn't fit anyone but a child for a season." The woman reached under her counter and pulled out a thick blue blanket – or it looked like a blanket to Madge.
Madge pulled off her coat and grabbed the cloth. It had a hole to put her head through and a hood sewn on the back. It smelled like coal, but it felt warmer than her expensive coat.
"As for the food, that will really cost you." The woman leaned close, so Madge mimicked her movements. "Promise me you'll keep those kids warm and fed. The little one, Posy, has the measles."
Madge gasped. She knew Gale's little sister was four and that the measles could be dangerous.
"Yes, I've got more." Madge pulled a necklace off. "Will this get someone to go to the Everdeen's, get medicine and bring it to us, too?"
The woman's eyes widened, and a smile lit up her face. "Mason!" she called to a tall middle-aged man, who walked over.
"Think you could melt this down and get some Peacekeeper to buy it?"
Mason's eyes widened when he saw the gold necklace. The skinny fingers shook as he took the gold from the old woman. His grey eyes looked to Madge. "Looks like you're not as bad as your father. I'd love to get my hands on this, Sae."
"Thanks," Madge replied with a forced smile. Madge knew her father had no fans in the mines.
The woman gathered several containers and took stew from her pot to fill them. "The Hawthorne's aren't far from here. I'll put this in a box so you can carry it."
"Roger!" Sae shouted.
A short, thin boy approached with a look of hostility aimed at Madge.
"Roger, the Mayor's daughter would like to go to the Hawthorne's. She'll need help with these supplies." Sae set the box with the food down on her counter.
The boy huffed but took the box from the countertop. "Come on, Princess," he spat. "I don't want to die in a snowbank for the likes of you."
Madge was shocked when the old woman smacked Roger on the side of his head with the ladle. "Don't be talking like that! Take her there and bring my box back. If I hear you said anymore nasty things, I'll cook you in the stew pot."
"A winter like this might make even you look appetizing," Mason added, the necklace clutched in his hand.
Madge looked horrified, as did Roger until Sae and Mason laughed. A chuckle escaped from Madge, but Roger only glared. Her first encounter with folks in the Seam didn't go as badly as she thought it would. I've got food and will have medicine. Now to get the kids to let me help them. I imagine they're as stubborn as their brother.
Madge hoped Roger wasn't leading her into a ditch. The Seam boy in front of her hadn't looked back once to make sure she was still following. He just plowed through the snow that was now approaching her knees. Another inch and it would be over her boots.
"If you want the house, it will cost you," Roger stopped in front of her and turned.
"I already paid Mason and Sae," she said.
"Well now you have to pay me," he said.
It was dark so she couldn't see his face, but fear rose inside her. She was totally at his mercy. What could he want from her?
"I need this food for my family."
"No! It's not for me. It's for the Hawthorne's! Without their brother, they'll starve!" Madge was quickly losing her temper. Her small, frozen hands formed into fists. In front of her were six houses, so it wouldn't take long for her to find which one was the Hawthorne's. Unless he brought you to the wrong place.
"Sae asked you…"
"I don't care what that old crone wants. I only hang out there to get scraps of food." He turned with the box and headed back the way they came.
"Stop!" Madge shouted.
"Go to hell, little rich girl."
Madge looked around for something to throw at him and only saw snow. Suddenly a memory from her early childhood when her mom wasn't so sick came to her.
A door to her right opened, sending out a weak stream of light. Just enough so she could scoop up some of the heavy wet snow, form a ball and throw it at Roger's head.
"Ow!" he shouted. The icy ball hit him right on the ear.
"Put that food down!" Madge grabbed another handful and threw it. "When I tell Gale that you stole from his little brothers and sick sister, he'll pound you into the ground."
"You don't know him!"
"She's his girlfriend, you jackass!" a boy's voice yelled as another ice ball hit Roger from the house in front of her.
Madge looked and saw a boy that was much taller than her standing next to the porch. The boy grabbed more snow and pelted Roger with it. Madge grabbed more and threw it. Another boy emerged from the house and added to assault on greedy Roger.
He realized he wouldn't get out without having his head pummeled, so he put down the box and ran off into the storm.
"Rory! Vick! Close the door!" a girl shouted from inside the house.
Gale's brothers! Finally some luck. She ran to the box and tried to lift it.
"I'll help," Rory said and he took one side. "That's heavy."
"Sure is," Madge said as they headed into the house.
After getting the food inside, the snow shaken off her clothing and the boys, Madge took stock of their surroundings. The two-room house was immaculate. Everyone in town assumed people in the Seam lived in shabby conditions like their environment, but they were wrong.
"She is not Gale's girlfriend," the dark-haired girl who was in the house sniped.
"N-no," Madge said as she and Rory set the box on the large table. "I'm a friend."
"Sure," the girl replied. "Like Gale would ever go for a blonde townie girl!"
"Doesn't matter. She brought food for Posy," Rory barked. "Why don't you head home, Leevy?"
"Right."
"The storm is really bad. I don't think it's safe for anyone to be out there," Madge added.
"If you could make it, so can I." Hatred filled each word.
Madge stepped back.
"She's here to help! Be nice to her," Rory shot back.
"With charity that you know Gale would never take from the likes of her." Leevy glared at Madge before she left, slamming the door in her wake.
"I'm sorry," Rory said. "She's one of my brother's many admirers. And it pisses her off he doesn't like her."
"Oh," Madge replied. "I'm Madge Undersee."
"We know who you are," Vick said, his eyes quickly looking to the floor.
"Gale said you were okay. That's why I told Roger you were Gale's girlfriend." Rory was taking containers out of the box. "Wow, Greasy Sae loaded us up."
"Gale talked about me?" Their strawberry conversations, as she called them, seemed strained at best.
"He said you were a good friend to Katniss and not a snob like everyone thinks." Rory moved around their tiny kitchen, taking out bowls and utensils.
Vick stayed in the background, always looking away when Madge looked at him. He was smaller than Rory, who was on his way to looking exactly like Gale. At twelve, he was already half a head taller than Madge's five-foot frame.
"What can I do to help?" Madge said, still shocked Gale would mention her to his family.
"Have you had the measles?" Rory asked.
"No, but I got a vaccine as a little girl that will protect me. Don't they offer those to you?"
"Of course not. Only special people get special medicine. The rest of us suffer." Rory spoke in such a matter-of-fact manner that it broke Madge's heart. "Then you can bring Posy her dinner. Vick and I never had them so Ma said we need to stay away from her." Rory put some of the stew in a bowl. "Do you know when Gale and Ma will get back?"
Madge had no idea what to tell the two boys. Her eyes darted between two pairs of grey eyes. "Uh… He won't be back for a few days. He…" The boys were hanging on her every word. "He was arrested."
"What!" Vick jumped to his feet.
"No!" Rory said, his shoulders slumping.
"But he'll be okay. Just a few days and he'll be back home." Dumb, Madge. Dumb. Dumb. Why did you tell little boys their brother wasn't coming home?
"Your father will get him out?" Vick asked.
"Gale will be home in a few days. I promise." Madge turned to the shy boy.
"Okay." Vick smiled and then looked away with a red face.
"Don't lie to us, Madge," Rory said. "Your Dad hasn't gone out of his way for anyone in the Seam."
"I know. But I'm not lying. I made sure Gale would be home as soon as he can." She looked up at the twelve-year old and tried to appear confident. The morphling must help. It just has to.
Madge stepped into the bedroom, which was separated from the other room by a large door. The room was dim, and a tiny lump was huddled in the middle of one of three beds in the room. A tuft of black hair stuck up above the blanket and tiny coughs broke the silence.
"Posy?" Madge said quietly as she closed the door. Her stocking-clad feet allowed her to walk softly and not startle the little girl.
A longer bout of coughing caused the little girl to sit up and start to wheeze.
"I'm sorry I scared you, sweetie." Madge rushed over to sit on the mattress. "I'm Madge. I'm here to keep you company until your mom gets home."
"M-madge?" Posy gasped. Tears ran down her cheeks and she swatted at them. Red dots covered her face and hands.
"That's right. My name is Madge." She offered a smile and was rewarded with one in return. "I have some food if you are hungry."
"Thirsty," the little girl said before going into a fit of coughing.
"Okay." Madge reached out and rubbed the girl's back. She tried to remember what helped her when she coughed. Drinking water, raising your pillow up and steam in your room.
"Miss Undersee?" a female voice said close to her ear.
Madge blinked and tried to roll over, but her arm was stuck under something. Posy. The little girl was delirious with fever the night before, so Madge pulled her close and sang a lullaby, which calmed her. The last three days kept Madge in Posy's room with few forays outside except to use the small bathroom and make sure the boys were eating.
Hazelle hadn't returned because the blizzard became too harsh for anyone to travel. Madge was amazed how Rory managed to make the stew last for so many meals. They supplemented it with root vegetables, cheese Prim had given them from her goat and fruit. Her admiration of those who lived in the Seam increased immensely. Her anger over the poverty they lived in and her father's lack of concern increased.
"Madge?" the woman said again.
Madge finally rolled over and opened her eyes. She looked into silver eyes that were filled with tears.
She pushed herself up, to have Hazelle Hawthorne engulfed her in a hug. "I can't thank you enough for saving my son and my children. Without your help, there would have been no food and Posy wouldn't have gotten medicine." The woman who mothered four children wept in Madge's arms. Her own mother stopped hugging her years ago, so she was stunned at first. Her father thought displays of affection where beneath them. After a moment, she wrapped her arms around the woman before her. Posy leaned against Madge's side, while she hugged the little girl's mother. For the first time in Madge's life, she felt like she did something important.
"I'm sorry," Hazelle said as she finally pulled back. Her eyes fell on her little one curled toward Madge. "The boys said you slept with her all the time."
"I told her stories…"
"And sang." Her face broke into a smile. "The boys said you have a beautiful voice."
She moved off the bed and straightened the shirt that she was wearing. Gale's shirt. Madge felt herself turn red. I can't believe his mother caught me wearing her son's clothing. What a fool. "N-now that you're home, I should be going."
"I wish you'd stay, but I understand that you want to get home." Hazelle took Madge's place on the bed and kissed her daughter. "Her fever came down."
"Yes, the medicine helped. And I do wish I could stay, but I don't want to be a burden to your family."
"By starving yourself so the boys and Posy could eat?"
Madge spun around. Her eyes wide. "Since there's not much of me, I don't eat much."
"Just all the strawberries that my son can bring you." Hazelle smiled, a smug expression on her face.
After Madge changed into her clothing, sadly returning Gale's shirt to the dirty laundry, she approached Hazelle in the kitchen. "Mrs. Hawthorne," Madge began. "I don't want Gale to know I was the one to bring the medicine or to help out here."
"Why not?"
"Because he will be upset and after all he's been though, that's the last thing I want." She tried to hide the quiver in her voice. Helping Gale was one thing she wanted to do for years. Ever since his father's funeral. He stood so tall and proud four years ago at a time when others wailed in fear. There was a determination on his face that said he was now the head of his household. It captured her attention and the Mayor's daughter took it upon herself to learn all she could about him after that.
"I think you know my son pretty well. I wish he weren't so stubborn," Hazelle replied. "He refused to let Katniss help us too. He only let her get me a job cleaning Haymitch's house."
"What do we do about Posy?" Rory said from behind Madge, startling her.
"Yeah, Rory and I won't say you were here, but Posy will." Vick looked from his mother to Madge and then quickly looked away.
"I'll deal with that," Hazelle said. "I don't like lying to Gale, but Madge saved him and all of you. We have to respect her wishes."
"I hope Gale won't ask how you survived the storm, so maybe you'll never have to lie." Madge had fallen in love with Gale's younger brothers and sister and hated asking them to lie to their brother.
Rory was growing into another fiercely protective big brother just like Gale. Vick was shy and obviously developing feelings for girls- if his reaction to her smiles where anything to go by. And Posy was… adorable - when she was coherent. It was going to be hard for her to pretend she never met them, but having Gale go from saying she was 'okay' for being Katniss' friend to being hated for giving his family charity wasn't what she wanted.
Rory was the first to hug her before she left, followed by Mrs. Hawthorne and then Vick. Madge was certain he wouldn't get rid of his red face for hours.
"Madge, where have you been!" her father screamed the next morning when she came down for breakfast.
Her mother flinched at the shouting and sent her daughter a warning glance. Her mother gave her the morphling to take to Gale.
"I was at a friend's house and the blizzard hit. I couldn't get home safely," she said, bowing her head.
"What friend? Not Everdeen!"
"No, Peeta," Madge lied.
"You are so much better for him than that girl." Her father pulled out a glass from the cabinet and poured liquor in it. "He's just pretending to like her. There is no way a Mellark is interested in a girl from the Seam. He's the smart one."
Madge zoned him out. Her father hated Katniss. He thought Peeta was the perfect Victor for District 12. She'd heard this rant before but was grateful he stopped probing where she was.
"It's a secret room from decades ago. It can withstand fire and whatever else the Capitol might send at us," her mother said.
"What's going to happen?" Madge was terrified when the Peacekeepers made her family go back to their house after Katniss seemingly was electrocuted after shooting an arrow into the arena roof. Her father was shouting against Katniss all the way. Once in the house, Madge's mother ran to her room and then returned with a tattered old bag.
"I love you, so much," her mother said and engulfed her in the hug she'd been denied for years. "You'll survive. You are so much stronger than I ever was." Her mother then shoved her down a ladder that had been hidden in their coat closet.
It was a room at the bottom of that ladder where she found herself with no clue how to get out. The door at the top of the ladder had no way to open it from down here. She touched the wall for a switch until intense heat drove her away from the metal.
She pushed down the panic forming in her mind. No one would design a safe place without a way out. To stop the panic, she investigated the bag her mother gave her. There was a small blanket, rag doll and a baby's rattle in it. Madge found herself unable to stop crying when she realized the baby items had been her own. The rattling overhead and the heated door told her something horrible happened to her house and her parents. Even though she didn't have loving parents like the Hawthornes, they were the only family she had. And now they're gone.
After she calmed down, Madge continued to empty the bag. A tattered journal that was written by many different people over the years, a photo of her and her Mom when she was four or five, a flashlight with two spare power cells and a knife. It wasn't that long, and Madge doubted she could stab anything with it, but at least she felt a bit safer with a weapon. Next, she explored the cabinets and found first aid kits, blankets and dried food. She recognized the supplies as those put in a mine refuge room in case of cave-ins or explosions.
Lying down, she decided to rest before she began a thorough hunt for a way out. After a few minutes, she felt a cool breeze on her face. Grabbing the flashlight, she aimed it at the floor. She ran her fingers along the seam between the wall and the floor. Her fingers encountered a small gap. Following it with her fingers she began to trace the outline of a door. Using her other hand to run along the wall, she finally found an indentation that opened the panel. A gust of musty air hit her in the face. She grabbed the flashlight and aimed it down a dark tunnel. Here's the way out.
Madge never felt comfortable in the mines, which all students had to visit during school. She stuffed food packs and first aid supplies into the bag her mother gave her and took a couple of the blankets tying them with a piece of rope. After she had her supplies in order, she started down the tunnel. If Gale and the other miners can do this every day, so can I.
TBC