A/N Hey, it's BookGurl16 again! What do you think of the story so far?

Chapter 4 (BookGurl16)

Katniss, I love you so much. Please, please, please don't die. Here's food and water for you. You're an amazing person and so strong, I know you can do it. Love, Peeta

Katniss' eyes teared up a little, and she clutched the note to her heart, watching the trees around her warily. She took a deep breath. She had to get her act together, or living through this wouldn't be an option. She smiled pleasantly, then tucked the note into the backpack, then carefully put the food it. Then, thinking about it, she took everything out, looking at what she had. Some rope, some iodine, a pack of dried fruits, and some knives. Peeta had sent her some meat, and some berries. The water containers would come in handy. Even when he wasn't in the games with her, he was still looking out for her, helping her.

She rearranged the items, putting the rope on the bottom. Next came the food, water, and iodine, then she closed the backpack after putting the knives on the top, save for one. That knife was tucked into her sleeve, in case she had to use it on short notice, which would most likely happen. She swung the backpack over her shoulder then loaded her bow, waiting a second before venturing into the woods, looking for anything... or anyone.

She laughed a bit bitterly as a thought came to her. She was 19, and this game was her third one in a row. Tough luck. May the odds be ever in her favor? Please. No. They weren't.

Someone must've rigged the bowl or something. She thought to herself, trying to amuse herself. Sadly, it didn't work, so she stopped thinking about it, stopped dwelling on the fact that she was experienced, way more than she should've been at all. A rustling sound made the thoughts disappear, and she raised her bow, until she realized she recognized the shadow.

"Gale?" She asked, whispering.

"Don't worry, I'm not here to kill you." Gale's voice chuckled.

Gale's POV

Just my luck. When I thought I was safe, they decided to change the rules, and I get reaped with the highest possible age. 21 years old. If only I had been 22. But really, I didn't care all that much. I just had to protect Katniss. Peeta had even asked me. Of course, that was a little rude, telling me to die to save her, but he knew that I loved her. Could you really blame the guy?

I watched Katniss warily as she lowered her bow. After a few seconds of hesitation, I stepped into the clearing, slowly. "Allies?" I proposed.

Katniss seemed to debate on it before finally deciding, "Yes. Allies." Then she smirked. "Although you got the better end of the stick. I got stuck with you."

I mocked a fake gasp of utter shock and betrayal. "How could you, Catnip?" I grinned. "I'm a joy and you know it."

She shrugged. "Eh."

I just shook my head. "So where to first, captain?" She raised an eyebrow. "What? You wanted to be in charge."

"No I didn't!"

"Well, you got it anyways."

She rolled her eyes. "First, find some shelter, then go hunting. Like..." She trailed off, but I knew what she was thinking. Like we used to. I just nodded, not sure of what to say. She nodded curtly then turned, stepping cautiously into the woods with me on her trail. I missed these days.

Katniss' POV

Peeta's note gave me a reason to fight. Maybe I could win this. But what about Gale? Maybe they'll let us both win. Although for some reason, I kind of doubted that.