A/N: Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games. Chapter 6 is up, guys! I promised Peeta, and here he is! There's not much of him in this chapter, let me warn you, but there will be much more to come, trust me. Thank you all again for reviewing, you make my day! Please R&R! Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Let me know! PM me if you like, or tell me in your review! :D
~hungergames98

Chapter 6: Shock

It takes a few moments for me to remember how to breathe. I'm staring at the same spot on the ground, unblinking. My mind instantly skips back to all of the memories and laughs I've shared with Gale. Gale and I in the woods, spending countless hours there, hunting and talking. I remember exactly where in the forest we met, under a large oak tree. That's where our meeting place is, forever and always, as we'd both agreed on. I remember just yesterday, Gale and I were in the Meadow, surrounded by all of the beautiful flowers and greenery. The forest outside of District 12, especially the Meadow, is like an escape for Gale and I; we can talk about anything together, laugh a little, too, and no one but the two of us can hear. I wouldn't be surprised if the Capitol hides cameras all around all of the Districts. Who am I kidding? I know they do.

In retrospect, I should've known, or, at least, assumed, that Gale would be picked; his name was in the bowl forty-two times, after all. With the Capitol demanding drama, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Think about it: a poor boy who lives in the Seam, relying on himself and his hunting partner for food because both of their fathers died in a tragic mining accident. He was a perfect target; I was just too stupid to realize it.

I am consumed with a brand new type of guilt and regret. I should have volunteered in Madge's place! I'm so stupid! Why didn't I?! There are so many good reasons why, if you think about it. First of all, Madge is tiny and defenceless. She's never trained a day in her life for what is to come for her. I haven't trained either, but at least I can hunt and climb. Madge can't do anything, other than run fast. She's also quite agile, but if someone were to approach her, like the tributes from District 2 are secretly trained to do their whole lives, she wouldn't know what to do. She would probably be locked in place, and would be killed in an instant. I don't want to see that happen. I can't see that happen. Second, Gale. If I had volunteered, knowing that Gale would be Reaped, I could've competed alongside him in the Games. We could've teamed up, become allies, and it would be us against the world. We would've had a better chance of survival. First, we've been surviving together for five years. We've been providing for both of our families. We've been hunting in the forest illegally all this time, with the possibility of the Capitol finding out. We've both had lots of practice surviving, even if we weren't necessarily trying. We're both stealthy in the forest; no one would even hear us coming. Plus, our bond is so strong that we would never ever think of killing the other, so we could rely on each other the whole time. What have I done? I've just made the biggest mistake of my life, that's what I did.

I suddenly realize that before I went into complete shock, I noticed something strange happen in between Madge and Gale when Effie forced them to shake hands. They were both smiling discreetly at each other, like they shared a secret or something. I figured they had a crush on each other. I'm surprised that Gale didn't tell me. I really shouldn't be, though, because I've secretly had a crush on the baker's son, Peeta Mellark, ever since he tossed me that bread that saved my life all those years ago. I've never tried to talk to him again after that, out of embarrassment. I've always meant to thank him. But he probably forgot all about me.

My mother and Prim find me, all alone, and they ask me if I'm alright. I tell them I am, even though I'm a nervous wreck on the inside. I tell them I'm going to the Justice Building to say goodbye to Madge and Prim, and they offer to come to the doors with me. I don't really accept their offer, but I don't not accept it, either. I kind of just shrug.

When we reach the doors, a Peacekeeper that's standing right in our way asks, "What do you three think you're doing here?"

I notice Prim has cowered behind my mother like a small child. I don't really blame her. Those Peacekeepers are scary. I step forward and reply, "I'm here to see Gale Hawthorne and Madge Undersee. To, um, say goodbye." My voice hitches on "goodbye."

The Peacekeeper says, "Are you personal friends with them?" I nod my head furiously. He eyes my mother and Prim, waiting for them to leave.

My mother says, "We'll be at home, Katniss. See you later." I can tell she's uncomfortable with the Peacekeeper around.

The Peacekeeper then says to me, "Let's go" in a harsh tone. But just as I'm about to follow him, I catch a familiar blue eye. Peeta.

He says, "Wait!" The Peacekeeper turns around. "I'd like to say goodbye as well."

...