November 20th, 2011
A/N: This chapter has been in the works for quite some time and I apologize for the long long wait. I did not forget about my story. I did not abandon it to be lost among the vast amounts of long forgotten web pages. Unfortunately, life sometimes gets in the way of my creativity. I will do my best to post more often, though I cannot promise routine updates.
The woods are peacefully quiet this early in the morning. Still and tranquil, as if the lazy Sunday morning has permeated the fence of District 12 and settled throughout the forest. The sun is just beginning to rise, though it hasn't yet crossed the horizon. The snowy forest floor is tinted a beautiful gray blue, the trees a dark contrast in the pre-dawn light, their shadows a deeper slate across the snow.
My breath spirals in a long stream in front of my face. I want to shift my position because my leg feels numb beneath me. Whether from being folded against an icy tree limb or from being pinned under my weight, I'm not sure. I don't dare move though. I climbed a little higher than was probably safe given the icy brittle branches. Gale had shot me a disapproving stare as I settled high in the ash, but I knew my vantage point would be better from higher up.
The frigid air prevents my sleepy eyes from drooping. I didn't realize how exhausting last night had been until Gale had woken me from a deep slumber. He had laughed softly at my bleary eyes and my feeble attempt to lure him back under the covers. He had laughed harder when he suggested late nights like that were too much for me to handle and I glared sullenly before throwing a pillow at him.
My eyes find Gale perched in a tree not far from mine. He scans the surrounding forest floor with such intensity that it sends an involuntary tremor up my spine. My cheeks burn when I remember the effect that intense stare has when focused on me. I close my eyes and breathe slowly to bring my racing heart back under control.
A soft whistle breaks through the silence. My eyes widen instantly at Gale's alert. His arm is outstretched, pointing to my far left. At first, I don't see what he has spotted but a patient second brings the rabbit into my view. It is snow white and almost completely camouflaged against the snow. Its slow foraging movement was its fatal mistake.
I lean back against the tree's main trunk for support and to open my angle. Stringing my bow and drawing it taut in one fluid motion, I inhale deeply, waiting for my hands to steady at the apex of the breath. Then I let go.
My arrow zips lethally through the still morning air and lodges directly through the rabbit's eye. The slight smile on my face widens when Gale stares at me, the same look of excitement on his face. White rabbit furs are double price when undamaged. He slips silently from his perch to retrieve my kill. His game bag is already loaded with three other rabbits and two squirrels. Not a bad haul for a late winter morning.
I watch him pull the arrow from the white rabbit, wiping the tip on some snow before burying the evidence of the kill. Blood scent carries and drives other animals away. He motions me to come down though I'm already extricating myself, having anticipated his recall. Our seamless communication floors me momentarily. It shouldn't but maybe I'm just more aware of Gale on a whole different level that makes our partnership seem like a novelty.
By the time I reach him, he's already attached a brown rabbit to his belt and placed the white rabbit into his bag. White rabbits cause a stir at the Hob much like a deer does. We learned that three winters ago the hard way.
"Ready to head back?" Gale asks. He smiles broadly, the dimples in his cheeks tinged with a hint of red from the cold winter air. My face feels stiff when it returns the grin, and I see Gale angle forward. For a moment, I think he might kiss me, but his stomach rumbles loudly and he's pulling away, laughing.
"Last one to the Hob has to trade the white rabbit!"
The panic that rose so suddenly deflates like air let out of a balloon, as my competitive instincts kick in at the sight of Gale's retreating back. It takes only seconds for me to catch up, though I get the feeling that Gale wasn't trying to outrun me at all.
The outside of the Hob looks barren and abandoned. Despite the early hour, I know the inside is already bustling with vendors and merchants hoping to trade. Sunday mornings are always busy, and usually, Gale and I can get some good bidding wars started.
Gale's stomach rumbles loudly as he slides open the elephant doors enough to allow us to slip through. I poke him gently in the tunic and smile cheekily up at him before walking into the warehouse-turned-black-market. "Come on, Hawthorne. Before you start eating those rabbits raw."
Gale huffs, but there's a smile teasing at his face. "One round of rabbit fever taught me that lesson."
We wind our way through the throngs of people admiring wares spread over tables or blankets. A few of the regulars greet us with an acknowledging nod. We don't stop to talk business. Greasy Sae's soup stand was our first stop, regardless of Gale's hunger.
She beams a toothy grin when Gale and I find stools at her table, waiting patiently as she ladles Darius a steaming bowl of something that smells wonderful. The red-headed Peacekeeper dives into his breakfast the second it's set in front of him.
"What'll it be, you two?"
I've always liked Greasy Sae's straightforwardness. It's reliable and comforting. For a moment, it feels like a normal Sunday before those dreaded Games.
"Two cups of soup," Gale says, "and then we can deal."
"Squirrels?" Greasy Sae asks, turning to her steaming pot. She reaches for the smaller cups.
"Make it two bowls," I say.
Gale's look of shock twists into a scowl when he sees me reach into my pocket for some coins. It's not that he doesn't want the larger portion; he'd just rather I not pay for it. I bite my tongue to keep from starting an argument we've yet to resolve. Ever since I was awarded my winnings, I insisted on helping Gale's family in any way I could. My mother, Prim, and I certainly had more than we could ever hope to need and it sickened me to know that Gale still worked twelve hours days to feed his family. I'm still not sure whether his aversion to my help is because it was Capitol given, or that he's ashamed to take the help. I make a mental note to discuss the issue again later.
His expression melts when Greasy Sae sets a huge bowl in front of him. I watch him swallow hard around a mouthful, wincing as the piping broth slides down his throat.
"Is this beef?" Gale asks, eyebrows raised in disbelief.
"Yup, Rooba had an older cut she couldn't sell," Greasy Sae replies, pocketing the coins I slid her direction.
The confirmation sends Gale and me diving into our bowls, choking down the hot liquid in big quick gulps. The heavy stew is like a warming balm to our frozen bodies. Even though food is not as scarce as before, we still appreciate a chunk of good meat. Despite my rapid shoveling, Gale stills finishes his bowl before I do.
"We have rabbit and squirrel today," Gale says, sliding his bowl back across the counter.
"Any rabbit worth stewing?" Greasy Sae asks.
"A jack."
I know that Gale knows perfectly well that jack rabbits tend to be less tender, and thus less desired for food than a doe. I also know that Greasy Sae can stew anything and it doesn't really make a difference to her what she throws in her pot. Gale does too.
"Naw, doe tastes better," Greasy Sae scoffs.
"True," Gale says. "But you could raise your price for jack rabbit stew especially if you market its leaner meat to the merchants."
I look to Greasy Sae, a slow nod as if I were contemplating this idea for the first time. Her wrinkled eyes wrinkle more as she studies me and Gale skeptically. We do not flinch and are rewarded when her toothy smile breaks through.
"Ah, I see I can't pull one over on Gale here now that you're back, Katniss," she laughs. "Practically robbed the poor boy while you were away."
Rolling his eyes, Gale reaches into his game bag and quickly hands the jack over to Greasy Sae. She bobs the rabbit slightly on an outstretched arm, gauging the weight before offering a trade.
"All right I'll take it. Three coin."
"Five coin," Gale counters. "It's not spring yet."
Greasy Sae scowls slightly. "With two bowls free next weekend."
"Might die in the mines by then," Gale quips. I wince, at the harshness of his words. Though he makes it sound as if it were nothing, I detect the slight edge to his words.
"Four coin. Last offer."
Gale looks to me, though he doesn't really need my confirmation to accept. I nod.
"Deal. Four coin."
Greasy Sae retrieves the money from the satchel she carries on her at all times. Gale scoops it into his pocket and smiles charmingly, thanking her for the soup and her business. She merely shoos us away, muttering something about handsome and softness.
As we walk towards the center of the trading, I lightly elbow Gale in the ribs. "You didn't really let Greasy Sae rob you, right?" I ask.
"Of course not," Gale snorts. "I just let her think that she did."
We decide to split up. I think Gale's a better haggler than me so I insist he trades our game. Besides, even though I'm not really comfortable with the weight of the coins on my hip, I doubt Gale would want to use my victory money to purchase anything. The thought reminded me of my resolve to discuss the issue of him accepting my help. It makes me uneasy and I push it back in my mind as I approach the merchant stall I'm looking for.
The man behind the spread of goods greets me with a wide grin and I feel a flare of resentment in my chest. A few months ago, he would've shooed away a poor little Seam girl ogling his wares. Thanks to the Capitol, I'm treated like royalty. The mask of indifference slips into a slight sneer, but I'm able to refocus my anger and step up to study his table.
"Those are made from the latest technology from the Capitol," the man drawls, as I finger some folded blankets. "Guaranteed to reflect heat and maintain comfortable temperatures in even the most frigid weather."
I nod as if I am listening, but I already know all of this. After all, I had firsthand experience in the arena. He's babbling on about the manufacturer or something to that effect, when I glance up, and interrupt.
"Do you have sleeping bags made from this?"
He clasps his hands together in almost uncontained glee and says, "Oh yes, of course. One second, Miss."
I would have never been addressed as Miss before the Games either.
"Heat reflecting sleeping bags?" a smooth voice whispers too close to my ear for comfort. I wheel around instantly, backing up into the table and causing it to rattle with my frantic motion. My eyes find Darius, the red-headed Peacekeeper, smiling at me. For a second, I see Foxface and her sly smile in his face.
"You know there are other ways to stay warm at night," he teases. He reaches out towards my braid and I duck my shoulder out of the way. Something like panic twists my stomach and for some reason I don't fully comprehend, I feel extremely uncomfortable under Darius' leering stare. I really shouldn't. Despite my abhorrence at his post-duty activities with the females of District 12, Darius isn't to be feared. Still, it takes a lot of deep breathing to simply turn toward the table and maintain my composure.
"No comment, Miss Everdeen?" he asks, standing entirely too close for comfort.
"No interest," I manage. My mouth feels like I swallowed cotton.
"Oh right. I forgot about Peeta."
My head whips around much too quickly and I force a pleasant smile to my face when I realize I am scowling. I can see Darius notices the strange visceral reaction, but doesn't quite understand the truth behind it.
"Here you are, Miss." The merchant man lays a stack of sleeping bags in front of me and I study them intently, thankful for a respite from Darius' inquiring watch. There are six sleeping bags total. It would look suspicious if I bought all of them when everyone knows that it's just me, my mother, and Prim.
"I'll take three."
"They're ten each."
I don't have to ask to know he means ten gold coins. As I drop them into his outstretched hand, it dawns on me that the Capitol is financing my escape. I can't block the genuine smile that breaks out across my face at the irony.
"Ah, now there's my Katniss."
Darius is incorrigible. The hunt is on again in his mind. I sigh and begin packing the bags into my game bag, wondering whether it is better to ignore the comment or engage it when…
"Katniss doesn't belong to you."
Hands clenched tightly to his side, Gale stood glaring brazenly at Darius. I watch his jaw working in time with his building rage and I wanted to walk to his side, take his hand in mine and anchor him before he let loose. Gale angry in the woods was one thing. Gale angry in the Hob was entirely something else. Instead, I freeze, too afraid to incriminate either one of us.
"Come on, Hawthorne. I'm only teasing." Darius fixes Gale with a smile, one that he probably believes is soothing, friendly, not infuriating like it is.
"Yeah?" Gale takes an angry step forward, and I do too. My hands lower awkwardly when I am aware that I reached out in the first place. It is only when Gale leans down that I notice the size differential between him and the peacekeeper. "Well don't." The last word snaps with menace.
People start to watch the confrontation with a morbid fascination. If there was one thing I knew not to do, it was to attract attention to myself in District 12, much less the black market.
"Gale," I say, my voice shaking with apprehension. I give in and grab his arm when I receive no response. "Gale, forget it. It's not a big deal." I tug. He doesn't budge. "Gale?"
"You heard her. Let's just forget this happened," Darius says. It sounds like a taunt, even to me. "It's not like she belongs to you either."
It's a good thing I can practically anticipate Gale's movements before he even knows he's going to make them. I'm able to see the lurch forward and manage to wedge myself between him and Darius, deflecting Gale's raised arm from the peacekeeper's cheek to wrap around my shoulders. My presence seems to cool the rage because Gale's grip tightens around me as his body visibly relaxes. The crowd sits back too, as if letting out a collective breath. Then their eyes start to wander.
For once, I feel uncomfortable tucked under Gale's protective embrace. I can see the judgment on a few of the gawking faces; the snake-like voice that seems to rise on its own sends a bolt of fear down my spine.
"Convince me."
"Let's go," I say, extricating myself from his grip and heading back down the long aisle of stalls in one motion.
Gale doesn't follow immediately, still locked in a staredown with Darius. I'm hesistating and wondering whether to physically retrieve him, when he turns around and stalks toward me. I match his brisk clip step for step, out the heavy sliding door, and towards the Victor's Village. As the adrenaline and relief start to fade from my veins, I feel a slow burn building in my own stride. There are moments when I wish I was not so in tune with Gale, because I sometimes feel as though I feed off his rage.
By the time we reach my front door, I can sense the storm on the horizon.
Dropping my purchase haphazardly in the hallway, I follow him into the kitchen, folding my arms across my chest, bracing for the break.
"'I mean, who does he think he is?" Gale fumes. He's pacing the length of the counter, fumbling with his game bag, every so often removing an item. I take stock of the dried jerky and salt and despite the impending implosion, I still appreciate his selections.
"It's sickening. It's so just…"
He stops midstride and takes in my tense stance. His eyes narrow.
"Doesn't it bother you?"
My temper snaps feeding off his frustration like fuel devouring oil.
"Yes, of course it bothers me, Gale! But don't you understand what you've done?"
Gale's eyes widen and he steps closer, his face a look of annoyance and shock.
"What I've done?"
"You can't… You…" My throat constricts threateningly, and I lock down against the sudden sting of tears.
"I can't what, Katniss?"
"You can't just step in and defend me like that. It looks too suspicious and draws attention. And attention is the last thing I need right now!" The tears come anyway. But I've lost all control and there's really no stopping my tirade. "It's dangerous to just give them a reason to watch us. I mean, they already are anyway, and if I don't convince…"
I can't force Snow's name past my lips and choke awkwardly on the terror I feel consuming me inside out. My knees suddenly feel unstable beneath me, though I don't attempt to catch myself as I crumple from the overwhelming flood of emotions.
Gale steps forward, catching me in his arms as I become completely unglued. I cry and mumble nonsense, burying closer to Gale when he tightens his arms around my trembling form.
"I can't lose you," I whisper against his chest.
"You won't," he says, tilting my chin up so I am forced to look at him. His thumb swipes the falling stream of tears from my cheek.
"You can't promise that," I say.
Gale leans close and I think he's about to disagree when he kisses me. At first, it's just a light touch, a gesture meant to comfort and soothe, but I respond feverishly. My hands twist in the hair at the back of his neck, encouraging, my own lips asking and asking. Gale draws my body closer, as our mouths move together, when…
CRASH!
Gale and I separate instantly, and as we take in the ceramic mortar now in a million pieces on the floor, I cannot tell who is more shocked.
Me.
Gale.
Or Prim.
~Fin