Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I do not own Hunger Games or any of the characters, they belong to Suzanne Collins.

Peeta came out of his room, half-dressed, trying to pull on a shirt. He paused and stared at my hand; at first I couldn't understand what had caught his attention. Well, until I felt a cold sweat and a fast beat pulsating against my skin – Gale had taken my hand in his. It felt so natural, like his hand was meant to be in mine, that I hadn't noticed beforehand. Emily was standing, not sitting or pacing or curled in a ball crying, she was near the doorway – ready to go. I could not believe it. What a night…

I was told to ride in the car with Peeta, Mal and Cinna, whilst Gale and Emily went with Vivian. I wouldn't allow these travel arrangements and as we were in a hurry, I was given my demands – after an outburst of nervous tension (a few select words). Into a car, Peeta and I slid onto a seat facing district twelve's tributes. Emily was silent and gazed out the window whilst I spoke – trying to keep my voice sounding eloquent and calm – I don't think it worked as I couldn't swallow and my mouth became drier by the second. I thought I'd have more time, I needed more time. I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet – but would I ever be?

"Make sure hang around at the start – run, as fast as you can and as far away as you can get. Look for a water source and shelter, but preferably not near the Cornucopia." Gale drank it all in. I don't even think Emily was listening.

"Find something to use as a weapon – either for protection or to help you hunt," in my mind scenes that I'd promised myself I'd forget were playing like a stuck movie in my head. They kept repeating on a continuous loop. Hastily I picked out key details, but truth be told I didn't know what was important and only my warped interpretation of how to get through the hunger games was giving them some idea of how to survive – but this time the circumstances were completely different. Peeta protected me, which kept us both safe. Gale's alone. Emily's alone. I'm alone.

"Berries, plants – look for them," I spluttered, Peeta was racking his brain too, but had yet to come up with anything at all. Now I was stating to worry – really panic.

"Keep looking to the sky for the anthem at night, because then you can keep a track of…" the word choked in my throat "deaths." Emily distinctly shuddered. At least now I knew she wasn't blanking me.

"We'll get you sponsors and send you anything you need – I promise." I guess I made that vow for Peeta; I couldn't care less if he kept it or not. Something made me responsible, for both of them. Great. It was probably the 'motherly instinct' my own mother warned me would come as I grew older. The car was slowing. Sweat ran down the sides of my face. I reached for Emily and pulled her into a forced hug.

"Good luck and take care." I couldn't think of any last words – but I prayed they would not be the 'last' in any way.

"Don't' trust anyone no matter what." She nodded bravely and took a few cautious steps into the awaiting arms, ready to take her away. I blinked at Peeta – I think that had to be the best advice anyone could have given. Although I despised him for ruining what could well be my last week with Gale; I knew I'd never be able to thank him enough for the one thing that could keep them both alive.

"Gale," I couldn't cry or smile or project the anger I felt onto my face, I am emotionless as I say the words I mean from the bottom of my heart – the only thing I could say that would be heard in my throat as a lump stopped me from even breathing properly.

"Don't die."

His hand shook Peeta's and then mine. Tightly. In it was a scrunched envelope – I felt the dry paper contrasting with his moist skin. Gale leant in and whispered,

"If ever something…bad happens and you need-" the sound of his voice ceased as he was dragged away before my eyes. In my hand, the envelope crinkled as I squeezed my fists and stood helplessly. When I unravelled it there was no blue or black scrawl across it anywhere. Was it for me? Or his family? Or someone…else? I'd been with him all evening – this can only mean he'd been carrying it around with him. Why did he say that? If anything bad happened what I'd need would be him. Gale.

They, Emily and Gale, were injected with trackers which is why they had to be taken away so fast – I remembered this part of my games last year, I thought it was bad then, if I'd only known how much worse it could get I would've welcomed a ridiculously long, sharp needle pushing into my arm. Peeta and I were put in a large, busy room with all the other mentors. Expertly prepared, irritatingly calm and generally solemn people, who'd been here and done this a dozen times or more. Some more, some less – but we were the only new ones and by the looks of things; nearly the youngest. The list of rules were stated, most mentors yawned during this. One of the Gamemakers directed us to a pair of screens with a large '12' above them. On the side were headphones. This was where we watched. For what felt like the first time in a while I looked Peeta straight in the face – his eyes were red and he appears tired. I could not be annoyed at this moment.

"I can't do this" Peeta sweet breath tickles my cheek as he whispers this – but I do not laugh. Nothing is funny anymore and I doubt it will ever be again. Not in the same way. I shook my head in response; either in disbelief, disappointment or just to show him that I don't accept his statement (I'm not sure). The two men in front of us, also behind two screens, told us to put our headphones on – we did so. Dark screens flickered to life, camera views of Gale and on the screen directly in front of Peeta, Emily. A view of Gale's face was caught on camera. Fear. That's the only real emotion I could tell from Gale's face.

Then I thought of something. Bolting upright to a standing position so fast that I knocked the headphones off my ears, which then hit the floor with a bang, I went deadly cold. No-one looked up and I realised this was because they were engrossed with their tributes' on camera. Peeta took his off briefly to see what I was making a fuss of.

"Nobody told them to not step off the circle!" I swallowed. Hard. It felt like my whole neck was collapsing in on itself. What a stupid thing? All the 'survival advice' and we forgot to tell them how to live through the first sixty seconds. Trying to convince myself otherwise, I shook the image out of my head – the one from a few years ago, with the girl who moved too soon. I knew the power of the explosives as they were used last year in the games. It wasn't just a little bang. I shook my head back and forth muttering to myself.

"No, I must have mentioned it. Did you?" I didn't give him time to answer.

"Someone must have, right? They should know. Isn't it the same every year, do you think Emily's seen the games? That's a stupid question, of course she has-" Peeta's hands slamming down on my shoulders stopped me in my tracks. He twisted me round to the television picture.

The games had started.

Emily was sprinting forward with so much force I though she'd topple over and land headfirst. She was checking a bag and slipping it onto her shoulder – it only contained a flask though. So much for our guidance. She nodded to the cameras, to us and to herself, setting off again. I breathed an unheard sigh of relief at the sight of Gale running, throwing him body in one direction and not appearing to breathe. He was okay, for now, I'd be able to help him from here on in. I settled back into my seat, purposely putting myself in an awkward position, almost to make up for Gale's suffering by causing my own. Sliding the headphones back on, a tiny tear trickled out the corner of my eyes. I needed to stay focused; I didn't even know what kind of arena they were in…

Author's Note

Thanks for everyone who's been reading, reviewing, subscribing and adding this and me to their favourites – I am ever grateful! And thanks to Stephanie for the review! I will try and update soon, sorry this one was posted a bit later than planned (I've been quite busy with school work – it just gets in the way really lol). Thanks for reading this chapter – let me know what you think…

Bye for now :) (coolbeaniostwilightrules7)