Chapter Fourteen

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Thanks to MaidenAlice, TragedyIsTheKey, FirePearl97, canadianboy98, PeetaLover1116, veronique2, jenjentheboscostick, JoelHGLover00, squirrelonfire, eekabeeka, ShortySC22, sunnycali33, hungerBMAMgames and abrightredrose! :)

Hope you enjoy.

Katniss -

The next day, I wake up and find Prim staring down at me.

"Ah!" I yelp in surprise. Prim smiles a little at my reaction her smile fades away she looks at me. Concern and worry is shining in her eyes.

"Whats wrong?" I ask instantly. Prim purses her lips and I see sadness cross her face.

"Gale." She says simply. "A Peacekeeper went to his home early in the morning and they lead him somewhere."

I feel panic and worry building in my stomach. Oh gosh.

"Who told you?" I ask after a few moments of silence.

"Rory." Prim responds, she sits down at the edge of my bed. "Do you think it is about yesterday?"

I have a really strong feeling that it is. I nod slowly. "I think so."

Prim closes her eyes. "I hope Gale will be alright."

I stand up abruptly and search through a pile of my clothes, which isn't very large or clean. I find a decent shirt and change into it. I change into ragged, baggy jeans as well. I need to find some sign of where Gale has gone.

"Does Rory have any clue where they've taken him?" I raise an eyebrow, going instantly into a no business mode.

Prim shakes her head. "He said a Peacekeeper showed up and asked for Gale. Then, when Gale came out, the two of them left. Rory says they were heading into the town or somewhere near there. He didn't dare follow them, he was worried he'd be caught and get into trouble."

I frown. Were they taking him to Mayor Undersee? The Justice Building?

"See you soon, Prim." I tell her as I run down the rickety stairs and out the house, slamming the door shut behind me, ignoring my mother's startled look as I whiz past her.

I run as fast as I can towards the town, ignoring the odd looks people give me as I run past them. I see a crowd gathering up ahead of me, my heart thuds loudly in my ears. I see a platform of wood that they are gathered around. Oh no. I have a feeling a whipping's going to take place, and I have a very strong feeling that I know who's going to get the victim.

Then, I see him, being led by two Peacekeepers by the arms. Gale, my best friend. I shove my way through the crowd and stand right in front of the platform, Gale sees me and when our eyes meet, I see them harden and I watch his lips curl up in a ghost of a smile. Its not a mean smile though, just a simple, sad smile that makes my gut wrench.

One of the Peacekeepers grab both his arms and shove them behind his back and ties them with a rope. He ties the end of the rope on a hook on the platform. The other Peacekeeper shoves Gale to his knees and reaches for a whip being handed to him by another Peacekeeper. I look at the Peacekeeper, my eyes widen when our eyes meet. Its Darius. He gives me a regretful look and turns away from me.

I hear whispers around me as the Peacekeeper with the whip unravels and smacks it on the wood. A loud crack echoes around the District. Everyone falls silent. The crowd looks up at the Peacekeeper, their eyes darting to Gale as well.

"This boy right here, Gale Hawthorne, has been caught trespassing in the woods, yesterday during the evening!" The Peacekeeper booms, his voice firm and layered with threats. "It is the duty of the Peackeepers to show you what those sorts of actions lead to!" Then, he raises the whip and slams it down on Gale.

Gale bites his lip fiercely and shuts his eyes, I know he doesn't want to show weakness. The Peacekeeper slams the whip down on him again and again, I wince every time the whip hits Gale's skin. After probably the 14th hit, Gale groans, and opens his eyes. They are shining with unshed tears, my heart aches with him and for him. Our eyes meet again, I mouth 'I'm sorry', guilt filling me. I got to stop this now. I see a ghost of a smile touch his features once more before the whip hits him once more. I need to do something. I can't stand here and watch a friend get injured. I take a deep breath to speak up -

"STOP!"

The crowd of District 12 residents that have surrounded the whipping spins around to see the speaker. I freeze, its Peeta. His blue eyes are glowering dangerously and I see a purple bruise on his cheek, our eyes meet but they pass through me as if I don't exist.

"That's enough." Peeta says shortly, walking towards the platform, his eyes trained onto the Peacekeeper's. "You said he was caught trespassing in the woods? Isn't that a punishment for only six hits? I'm sure he shouldn't deserve at least 10 for that." He states, his tone brief.

The Peacekeeper is stunned, I would be too, if I was in his place. I'm pretty sure he's never had to deal with sixteen year olds arguing with him over a public whipping.

The Peacekeeper regains his composure and sneers down at Peeta. "Everything changes over time, little man. Now, who might you be?"

Peeta's eyes flash with uncertainty before he looks at the Peacekeeper firmly. "Is that any concern of yours?"

The Peacekeeper laughs hollowly. "It becomes my concern and the Capitol's when you step into a public whipping."

Peeta rolls his eyes. But before he can speak, Darius steps in.

"He's correct," He states, his voice wavering with a tinge of fear. I feel a surge of admiration for the two of them, standing up for Gale. "A person caught outside of District 12 only recieves six hits, not as much as 10 or more." Darius stammers.

The Peacekeeper glares at Darius. "Are you defending this boy?" He gestures madly at Gale.

Darius nods. "I don't think he's ever been to the woods before," He lies, "I'm sure he was just curious and couldn't resist going out in the forest when he saw that hole in the fence."

The Peacekeeper opens his mouth to speak, but Darius intervenes and steps onto the platform defiantly. He gestures to the other Peacekeeper to unleash Gale from the rope. The man hesitantly does so.

When Gale is free, I see him walk over to Darius with a tired composure, wincing with every step he takes.

Darius's lips set in a thin line. "Consider this a warning, Mr. Hawthorne, if you get caught in the woods again, your punishment will be much more severe."

Gale nods weakly and slowly sets himself off the platform, hissing as he stumbles down the stairs. I instantly join his side, looking at him, his shirt is wet with stains of blood and he walks with a limp.

"Gale." I whisper, my voice broken. I can't believe what I just saw, and I had done nothing to help him. Guilt floods me. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I didn't stop it sooner."

Gale snorts suddenly. "Its not your fault I got caught. The Peacekeepers overheard my yelling and they heard someone else call my name out."

I purse my lips. "So they suspect someone else was out there as well?"

Gale nods. "They asked who they were, but I didn't give them any information. Thats probably why I got so much whippings."

I wince. "I should've stopped it sooner."

Gale shakes his head weakly. "You would've just been targeted. Mellark, I know for sure, just got into the Peacekeeper's sights. They've got their eye on him, they probably suspect him for being in the forest since he stepped up for me."

I frown. Now Peeta's in trouble as well.

Gale stops and I look at him worriedly. "I'll get you to my mother, okay? She can help you."

Gale looks at me carefully, his expression unreadable. For some reason, it unnerves me. Before, Gale could tell me anything and vice versa. Since all the things with Peeta began, its like there's a rift that has formed between us, Gale standing on another jigsaw piece and me on another, and I had no idea how to connect them.

"What do you think of Peeta?" Gale asks suddenly.

I think about my answer. "He's nice, one of the nicest people I've ever known." I say simply, wondering where he's going with this.

"Do you think he's brave? Admirable?"

I raise an eyebrow, wondering why Gale is suddenly asking me all these questions. I know the answer though. "Yes, Peeta's brave, and I find myself admiring him at some points." I say, feeling a little embarrassed at the words coming out of my mouth. I hardly ever talk like this.

Gale nods, then something ignites in his eyes and he slumps down with a defeated expression as he looks at me. "Do you love him?"

I blink. What? I shake my head instantly. "No, no, why would you think that?" I ask, my voice an octave higher than usual.

Gale rolls his eyes at me, but he is no longer amused. "You think he's nice, brave, and admirable." He points out. "I'm pretty sure you find him trustworthy. You have issues with trusting people, or even getting close to them, yet you and Mellark are already much closer than you and I ever were at this stage of the relationship. And you barely know him!"

I flush angrily at his words. "You can't just jump to conclusions like that, Gale!" I say hotly. "Maybe the reason why I am so close to Mellark at this point is because he actually cares!"

Gale glowers at me. "You saying I don't care? What the hell, Katniss? I've been your best friend since forever and you think I don't care? I am in love with you Katniss, of course I care about you! You are the one that doesn't care about me!"

I wince. "I care about you!" But my voice sounds weak.

Gale snorts in disbelief. "Oh really? Is that why you ignored my feelings just like that and go off into the woods with Peeta? Is that why you didn't stand up for me when I was getting whipped? Is that the reason why we are no longer friends?"

His questions hit me like sharp arrows. "I do care..." My voice cracks and I feel tears welling up in my eyes, I refuse to cry though, I will not show weakness, especially not now.

Gale sneers. "Come back to me when you really do care, Katniss. Come back when we can become friends again. Come back when you decide who's better for you in your life, Mellark or me? The townie who you just met or your best friend who's always been there for you and never asked you for anything." And just like that, Gale spins away from me and walks away, breaking the last of the bond tying us together.

Peeta -

As soon as Gale walks off the platform, I walk back to the bakery as quick as I can. As soon as I saw Gale being led somewhere by two Peacekeepers, I left my shift at the bakery and followed them. However, I got held up by my dear friend Holden, the two of us held a quick conversation but when I heard a loud crack, I instantly said my farewells and darted to the source of the sound, leaving him confused on the sidewalk.

It was Gale, I watched the hittings proceed in shock. How had he been caught? Well, he was shouting quite loudly, and Katniss did say his name out loud... I stood there in shock, my mouth hanging open. Finally, when Gale got hit for the 14th time, I cracked.

I had told off the Peacekeeper and this other Peacekeeper helped me, I stayed silent, simply watching. I knew that what I had just done was going to get me targeted, but I didn't really care. I just couldn't see Gale get hit any longer, it was horrible to see that. I knew Gale was prideful and didn't want anyone's pity or help, but I couldn't stand it.

Now, I had arrived at the bakery, I spotted a girl pacing in front of the counter impatiently. I instantly felt guilty for making her wait, I opened the door and looked at the ground, avoiding her gaze.

"Hello." I look up, its Madge. I blink at her, and smile sheepishly.

"Hi, Madge." I say. "Sorry for making you wait. I was... busy." I finish lamely. Madge raises an eyebrow.

"It doesn't matter, you're here anyways, right?" I don't respond but she places ten coins on the counter. "Here. I"ld like four loaves of bread, please."

I smile at her. "Coming right up," I pull on some kitchen mitts, and walk over to the place where we keep the warm loaves of bread. "So, anything new happen?" I ask.

I sneak a look at Madge and see her bite her lip hesitantly. "Well, I saw Gale Hawthorne being led to the Justice Building earlier this morning. I think he's in some sort of trouble."

I just nod.

Madge continues, "Nothing new, really. How've you been?"

Instantly, I think of yesterday. Gosh, yesterday was intense. "Good thanks. Nothing special happening." I lie. I finish up grabbing the loaves of bread and reach for a paper bag and place them carefully in them.

"How'd you get that bruise?" Madge questions suddenly. I tense up at her question and I instantly flash back to yesterday. My mother...

"Oh, my brother, Rye and I got into a little argument." I shrug, as if it was no big deal, "Doesn't matter, we're alright again."

Madge still looks concerned but doesn't press the matter. "Alright then." I hand her the bag. "Nice talking to you Peeta, thanks for the bread. See you at school."

"See you, it was nice talking to you too." I call out to her as she exits the bakery, the bag swinging in her hand.

I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding and touch my cheek gently, pressing it only slightly. I wince a little.

I shake my head, clearing my thoughts of my mother, it was painful just to even remember last night.

Katniss -

I watch as Gale walks away from me and in that instant I knew that I needed to make a choice. Gale and Peeta were two different people with two very different personalities.

Gale was fierce, strong, proud, a leader, yet he had too much fire in his heart. He didn't think before he spoke, yet he was tactical and strategic.

Peeta was kind, gentle, soothing, calm, and a leader as well. The way he spoke made you feel many things at once, he could change your opinion to another one in an instant.

The two of them were confusing. Gale was like me, it was refreshing to have him in my company. I could talk freely to him and we could agree on anything. I could also talk to Peeta freely as well, if I chose to. But, there were times where we disagreed with each other's thoughts, well, Peeta usually disagreed with mine. He told me other perspectives about it and I realized how very wrong I was and how very right he was.

Gale's presence was comforting because it was familiar. Peeta's presence, though, made me feel tense, and anxious, yet relaxed all at once. Anxious partly because I felt like I always needed to prove something to him, and tense because I still hadn't gotten used to him. Somehow, in the end, I always felt relaxed because I knew that Peeta didn't expect anything from me, he'd told me a thousand times.

I awaken from my daze and realize I've been walking back home. I sigh, well, I should get back home anyways. I needed to tell my mother about Gale, I was certain Gale wasn't going to come back to my house, so I would ask my mother if she'd go over to the Hawthornes. When I entered my house I saw Prim and Rory sitting on the couch together, Prim's feet were in Rory's lap and Rory was leaning against the pillow, looking relaxed.

I suddenly feel like I'm intruding on them when they both turn to look at me. However, Prim's eyes widen instantly.

"Did you find out where Gale was?" She asks. Rory looks at me as well, worry in his eyes. I nod, not trusting my voice just yet.

"Where was he?" Rory asks. I purse my lip and clear my throat uncertainly, wondering how these two will react.

"Um, he had a public whipping." I mumble, "He's at home now-"

Rory stands up immediately and runs out, panic clear in his posture. Prim stands up worriedly. "I'll go tell mother to go over there." She says, drifting away, leaving me standing in the living room uncertainly.

Author's Note: So, how did you all like this chapter? Was it good? Was it bad? What did you think about the Gale whipping? Was it described well enough?

I hope you liked the Madge/Peeta tiny part, I just wanted to show you a little sign of what Peeta went through when he came home late after the last chapter.

I know, not a whole lot of Peeta and Katniss moments, but I promise there will be some interaction with those two in the next chapter ;-D

What did you think of Gale and Katniss's fallout? Was it too OOC or something?

Oh, and I've got to tell you guys this... The story is ending soon, not quite soon but the end is nearing... :( There will quite a few chapters and then an epilogue, so yeah, heads up on that.

Check out my new one-shot Broken if you want to, its Peeta and Katniss frienship, I tried to make it emotional but yeah, I failed :p

Anonymous review reply:

JoelHGLover00: Haha, I'm glad you found that comparison funny ;-D I tried making it humorous :p I'm glad you liked the previous chapter and I hope you enjoyed this one as well :) Thanks for reviewing!

Edited on 8th of March. A guest by the name of Jonathan K made me realize how much mistakes I'd put in this chapter, it seems my logic had deserted me xD So thanks to the nice guest, I edited this chapter to make it seem more realistic, so instead of Gale being whipped 21st times, I made it only 14 and added more guilt in Katniss and made Gale seem a little bit more weak and tired in this version. Sorry about the horrible writing :/

So, a big thanks to Jonathan K! :) It was the most helpful review I'd gotten in a while.