Hey y'all. This wasn't that slow of an update was it? Sorry, I had exams but I'm done now. So I've been getting some requests for this story. I just want to let you guys know that if you want anything to happen in the story, let me know. I will try my best to incorporate them into the story. But if its really big, then that might be harder because I have the storyline sorta planned out. SO as usual, I hope you guys enjoy, thank you for all you people who reviewed. I don't own anything. Oh and again, this isn't going to be the same format as the original HG cuz I can't remember everything. Just imagine that they made a different format cuz its the quarter quell.

Katniss POV

The next morning, I woke up with Gale's arms wrapped tightly around me. I looked over, seeing his peaceful face in slumber. There's innocence on it that is never there when he's awake. Spending time with him made me feel safe in this messed-up time, made me forget about the unfairness of the world we lived in, just for a few seconds.

Gale stirred beside me, eyes slowly fluttering open to meet mine. Our little moment was interrupted by a loud banging on the door, followed by Effie intruding in yelling 'It's a big big day!" Maybe it was just me over thinking things, but even Effie seemed to be emotionally drained. She didn't look surprised to find the two of us together. Effie might be crazy and everything, but through the time we spent together, I truly started to believe that she is a wonderful person, just brought up to think the wrong things, like all the capitol people.

Gale left to go get ready, as I myself washed up and picked out an outfit, not that it mattered.

The focus of the day was appearance, which meant that right after breakfast, I was escorted to meet with Cinna while Gale left to meet up with Portia. I missed Cinna, I really did. Other than Peeta, he was the closest thing I had to a true friend the last time I was here. He was a real person, who always listened to m problems and understood what I was going through, unlike most of the capitol citizens. Plus, Cinna was a huge reason to why I was able to survive the games, without his "girl who was on fire" concept, I never would have captured any attention and get all those sponsors period.

"There's the girl on fire!" Cinna greeted me as soon as I walked into the room, pulling me into a tight embrace. Like everyone I've talked too since I got here, he sounded sadder than usual as well. After some small talk, he walked me to the back of the room, pulling off the covers to the gorgeous outfits that he's obviously worked really hard on. These outfits looked simpler than last year's but with Cinna, you can never be sure.

"You like them?" he casually asked as I observed them, I nodded. "I though we'd take on a bit of a different approach this year. Everybody already knows who Katniss Everdeen is, plus you got the advantage because you were the most recent victor so no one's forgotten about you yet. I though that his time around, we be a bit more subtle, and go for a more approachable look. Get people to like you, and your relationship with Gale. Plus I don't think we should make too much of a show, you know what I mean."

I know what he meant, the capitol os clearly upset about the little stunt with the berries that I pulled last year. If anything, they wanted me to lose, as soon as possible. They didn't want me to stir up anymore trouble among the citizens. There's been talks about revolutions from the poorer districts. Again, all the problems leads back to me, Katniss Everdeen.

After two hours going over details of clothing and the overall image I should present myself with, we finally got a chance to really talk.

"So how are yo holding up Katniss? It must have been hard hearing that your coming back here."

"It was just unexpected, you know. I hate how my mother and Prim will have to worry again. And this time there was the whole thing with Gale and Peeta. I just feel like no matter how hard I try, all I ever do is hurt everyone I love."

"It's not your fault, we all love you and we will be there to support you. You and me both know who is really the cause of all this."

"Thanks Cinnam, but it doesn't matter now I guess. Because I'm not coming home this time, I'm getting Gale out of there, it's the least I can do for everyone right now."

Cinna's expression seemed despaired, but it quickly recovered. It didn't matter to me what others tell me, my decision is made.

"If that's what you want," was the last thing Cinna said before Effie bursted in, announcing the end of the session.

After dinner, me and Gale decided to climb to the roof of the building. We sat there in silence, just enjoying each other's company. Then I finally spoke up.

"So how was your day..."

"Tolerable. The people here are all freaks, but i guess that Portia woman was nice."

"This is all settling in, isn't it? We're going in this thing together, and the best case scenerio is that one of us comes out."

"Yeah. But just know that I'll do everything I can to save you, your family needs you."

"No, you need to go home, you will take care of the people back home."

"Katniss..." he tried to argue.

"No! This isn't up for discussion Gale. If you don't live through this and I do, I will never be able to live with myself. I'd be as good as dead if you're not there by my side."

Tears were in my eyes now. Since that first day when I volunteered for Prim, I've tried to stay strong, trying to prove to the world that I'm not afraid of anything. But sitting here with Gale, having to face the harsh reality, all my defenses came down. Gale wrapped his arms tighly around me, holding my as I cried, tears soaking the fabric on his shoulders. He kissed my forehead, trailing down until it reached my lips. I felt his strong arms lift me up, carrying me to my room, putting me down in my bed while getting beside me. I slept peacefully, allowing myself to escape into the security of my dreams.

I don't know... this one isn't that good. Any suggestions? R&R please. sorry, i wrote a better version but it got deleted and I had to rewrite it... anyhows.

xoxo

sweetmelodies021