Chapter 51 – Gale's Folly

AN: Hello. Thank you for your patience. Many thanks to the following who favored, alerted and left a review. Thanks to B Dizzy, pistonsfan75, mar071, LACR, Mspriss523, kelmikmag, pumpkingking5, Nai1987, Browniangel, KCole11, Twink21, and guests. You're comments encourage and inspire me to continue writing Destiny. It's good to know that you enjoy reading my story as much as I love writing it.

This chapter contain Gale's POV and is rated R for strong language. THG belongs to Suzanne Collins. Any mistakes found are mine. Happy reading.

Gale POV ––

'This has to be the most humiliating and embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me.' my mind taunted me. My head bent down and hands rested on my lap. I'm still bound wrist and feet. It was bad enough to know that I was being sent back to District 13 but to be reprimanded like naughty boy was far beyond humiliating. And to make matters worse, Peeta Mellark's brother Rye, a baker by trade was escorting back. Commander Reese refused to listen to my pleas.

Flashback ––

Two hours earlier

"Don't send me back," I said. "I'll do anything. Lock me up but please don't send me back to 13."

"You're not one of us," she blurted with derision. "You're being sent back to where you came from, traitor." I flinched. Then my anger grew and I lashed back.

"Fine. I rather be with people who has a better chance of beating Snow and the Capitol. President Coin has more resource and connections. Follow Mockingjay, he's a joke."

"Gale!" Prim gasped in shock. "How could you say that?"

"What? He's running around with his little army with no provisions, supplies and paltry firepower. District 13 has the arms and means to beat Snow." I had seen their armory. It was impressive. They had enough to strike at the Capitol. I just didn't understand why they haven't made their presence known.

"I understand your frustration," Prim said in a patient tone. "But to say that…Mockingjay is a joke? You looked up to him."

"Well, I can't follow a ghost," I snickered back. "Besides, what has he's done lately but put District 12 in danger."

"District 12, you talk about District 12?" Prim said. "You left your home, your family, Gale. Need I remind you? If you are so concern about 12, you would have never left."

"I left to protect my family and join the cause."

"Whose cause?" Rye scoffed. "Seems to me you turned your back on Mockingjay all for a bunch of shiny new toys, a full belly and warm bed in 13."

"Stay out of this, Mellark," I spat back as I stood up and faced him. "It's not like you can do anything baker boy. You're useless here."

Commander Reese and a few rebels chuckled. "Well, not completely useless, Hawthorne." She patted her belly. "I almost forgot what real bread taste like. I swear it's the best I ever had. Mellark here was a god send." A couple of rebels nodded their heads. I scoffed in disgust. He enticed them with loaves of bread and Mellark was their buddy.

"So what he can…bake bread," I snorted as I tried to hold back my jealousy. All morning Rye had been telling tales of Peeta and his childhood, his antics as a young boy in love with a girl two years older than him. How every year on Katniss's birthday he would sneak a cupcake and make a card to give but didn't because he lacked courage to give it to her. Or when he would watch Katniss and Prim walk back home to make sure they got there safely. Or when every year he'd light a single candle and place it on his windowsill on his birthday wishing she was there to celebrate it with her. There were so many. It was pathetic. Then he'd taunt me with the bread he brought over as he ate a slice in front of me. He'd bite and chewed it slowly moaning about the texture and taste. All I had for my meals were crackers, jerky and warm water. I missed the food in District 13 commissary. "I had better bread in 13."

Rye rolled his eyes. "So mystical 13 does exist then?" Reese inquired. "I mean Mockingjay suspected but I dare not believe it. Why are they still hiding. We could have used their help."

"It doesn't exist, he's bullshitting us," someone voiced.

"It does exist," I said in proud manner. "Mockingjay sent me to find them and I've stayed up with them for weeks." It felt like a lifetime ago when I first volunteered and when I found District 13.

Reese sighed. "Too bad Mockingjay doesn't trust them. Now we have two things to worry about––the Capitol and District 13."

"What do you mean he doesn't trust 13? Mockingjay should release his command and let 13 take over. They have a better advantage and resource to rid of Snow for good."

"Is that why you were sent to find his identity?" Prim asked, her voice low and soft. She looked sad but also I sensed anger. 'Why would she care if I discovered who he was?' If 13 can fight the Capitol why did they…send you to find out who he is? I want to know why you…you were going to drug Peeta?" I winced.

"I had my orders, Prim. I'm a soldier," I said trying to lie my way out of revealing the truth. Coin wanted Peeta. She needed to know why he was so important to Mockingjay. Was Peeta related to him? I scoffed. Peeta Mellark––the baker's son? It was laughable.

"Where is your loyalty to…Mockingjay?" Prim asked, her voice hard. Her behavior surprised me. What happened to the sweet kid I knew back in 12?

"I know where my bread is buttered," I smirked back. "Mockingjay isn't real, but 13 is."

"You're an asshole," Rye said, his eyes hard and lip in line. He looked ready to kill me. Not that he could. I could beat him and his brother with my eyes closed. "You don't even know the man and you betrayed him. He fought for us…for Panem disregarding his safety, his family and friends so we can have a better future without Snow. You turned your back on him, a man who been your––"

"Rye, stop," Prim muttered as she grabbed his hand. "He doesn't know…or care. All Gale sees is opportunity. He has no loyalty but to himself."

Suddenly, Rye laughed, his head rolled back and eyes closed. "Oh my God, that's just…" He bent over and placed booth hands on his knees. "That's precious…I mean. Why doesn't he know, Prim? Someone should tell him." He stopped, his eyes wide and big. "Oh, can I tell him?"

"Tell me what?" I spat. They spoke around me, ignoring my presence.

"Oh, please let me be the one to tell him," Rye said, his eyes round as he bounced on his feet. 'What the fuck is going on?'

"Oh man, I want to tell him…I want to see his face when he finds out," Rye continued.

"Mellark, contain yourself," Reese ordered him. Rye pouted like a five-year old denied of having cake for his birthday. I looked around me. Everyone whispered and pointed at me.

"If anyone has the right to tell him, it should be Prim," Reese commented.

"Aw, man," Rye whined.

"Tell me what?" I was frustrated and angry. I didn't know what was worse, the ridicule and alienation I received in District 13 or the embarrassment and humiliation I felt around the rebels from Mockingjay's faction. My mind spun at the revelation of Prim still alive and Rye joining the rebellion––two people I never expected to see together.

One was the sister of the girl I had been in love with and the other, the brother of the guy who was in love with the girl I love. Fate was fucking and taunting me.

End of flashback ––

The atmosphere inside the hovercraft was somber. No one spoke. Nor did I wanted anyone to speak to me. I was being sent back to 13 no matter how I begged. Not even Mockingjay wanted to see me. I cursed the man for my predicament.

Throughout the flight, Rye had a big smug look on his face. I wanted to punch him so bad my teeth hurt from gnashing them. If only my hands were freed I'd show him. My humiliation was complete as a civilian/baker was escorting me back to 13. A useless Merchant was casting me back to more humiliation as I am returned to District 13.

"What are you smiling at?" I sneered.

"Today is good day," Rye returned. "Today is very, very good day." He reminded of the reaping escort––Fifi Tringle or something like that.

"I don't see what's so good about it," I spat back. "Your brother Peeta is going to die in the arena. He won't last a day. I bet you he's dead already."

"I doubt that," he said with a wave of his hand. "You forget who he's with. Katniss. You know, your best friend. My brother's girlfriend, Katniss Everdeen––the girl you lost to my brother."

"Stop saying that."

"Why? It's the truth." He shrugged. "You really are thick in the head. You lost her, to my brother Peeta. She loooooooves him." The words struck me like a knife to my chest. Intellectually I knew we never were together, that Katniss never felt for me the way I felt for her. She was my future––the wife I wanted to be the mother of my children. We made sense together. But my heart said another; she was mine. She belonged to me.

"Well, that what's got you in trouble in the first place," Rye said. He gave me a pointed look. I must have said the last sentence out loud. "Katniss didn't belong to you."

I was confused. "You talk like people belong to you like things or property, like you own them. You don't possess people, Gale."

"Yeah, but Delly belongs to you. How is that different––"

"I married Delly, she's my wife. She belongs with me. Katniss never wanted to be with you. She belongs with Peeta."

"She was mine––"

"Now, see you're wrong there too. She was never yours. She never gave herself to you, did she?" Rye was serious. His smile was gone. The air around us was thick and tense. "Has she ever talked to you about having a life together, marrying and having kids? Did you even date?"

"You don't know Katniss," I said in my defense. "She's stubborn, she's been taking care of her family for a long time now. Ever since her father's accident, she didn't have time to think about those issues."

"What does that have to do with what I just asked you?"

"I…I mean…" Rye snickered. I wondered how much he knew about my relationship with Katniss. Did Katniss talked to Peeta about us. Did Peeta confide in Rye? I was envious of everyone's relationship.

"I don't like you Hawthorne." I was about to return the sentiment but he raised his hand. "And not because you're Seam. You're just as bad as any other Merchant guy I know who behaves like you––angry at the world, taking it on other people; thinking that you're the only one who is suffering. My station in life is better than yours. I can admit that, but I didn't pick this life."

"What do you know of my world, Mellark," I spat. "You're Merchant, spoiled and privileged." Rye laughed.

"Spoiled and privilege," he repeated. "You mean like the Capitolites who eat five or six meals a day, who don't worry about getting supplies to run a business which is our only means of survival and a mother who…." He shook his head. "You're not the only one that is struggling and trying to make ends meet. Yeah, I live and work in a bakery but that doesn't mean I don't know or are not aware of the suffering around me."

"Yeah right, you poor Merchants know what it's like to scrounge for food during winter, know what it feels like to miss a two meals, not have enough fire wood in the cold winter," I sneered.

Rye shook his head. "I don't know why I bother to talking to you. Prim is right about you."

I snorted, "Prim? What did Prim say? She knows nothing about me," I said. The temperature in the hovercraft turned deathly cold. We must have risen to a higher elevation to surpass peacekeeper air space.

"She told me nothing I had already knew about you," Rye answered. "Now, unless you want me to start up with my stories about Peeta and Katniss?" He placed a finger on his lips. "I could tell you about the times I caught them making out in the storage room. Or the naked he pictures drew of Katniss."

"What?"

"Not that I saw them," he stifled a laugh.

"You're fucking with me."

"You do know that Peeta is an artist, a painter too. You don't think he has naked drawing of Katniss by now?" he chortled. "Peeta's the charmer in the family, Gale. He could easily have gotten into any girl's panties. Girls both Merchant and Seam love and adore Peeta."

I raised my hands to cover my ears. I heard enough. The other soldiers beside me laughed and high-fived each other.

Rye remained quiet during the rest of the trip as I kept to myself. Anger and resentment fueled me. It was a bitter pill to swallow knowing that I failed my mission. I wanted to impress President Coin. She promised me a place in Commander Boggs's squad if I had succeeded. This was what I dreamt for my whole life––to be a part of something that would make a difference. I had always thought I would be member of the Mockingjay's rebellion, but since he had abandoned me in 13, my loyalty shifted. I saw what District 13 could offer, the firepower they stored. I knew who could and will win the war against Snow and the Capitol.

I would always be grateful for Mockingjay, his words that inspired me to fight for what I believed in, but President Coin had the upper hand. District 13 had the advantages of winning the war against Snow.

Suddenly, the craft felt as though it had sped up in speed. The cabin rumbled and shook. The low beam lights dimmed as the cabin was plunged into semi darkness. Only the little red emergency light remained lit. "What's going on, Jack?" Rye asked the rebel seated next to him. I was flanked by two soldiers while Rye was seated near the front of the ship.

Since when was Rye in the first name basis with the rebels? Jack touched his ear, a tiny earphone located inside. "Harris, says that…" He stopped as he tapped the device again. "We have drones behind us. We're trying to lose them." The cabin continued to rock as we felt the concussion of the missiles they fired at us. I looked at Rye hoping he was shitting in his pants, but he was quiet and was chewing on a mint leaf. Sweat beaded his forehead but he remained composed even though his hands shook and his face deathly pale. The cabin lurched and righted its self. I took three cleansing breaths to calm my nerves. I didn't want to go back to 13 but I didn't want to be shot down either.

My conversation with Rye stuck in my mind. I inwardly scoffed at his presumption that he knew my life––the world I lived in Seam, barely able to provide for my family as I tried to scrounge for food at the dead of winter.

I also remembered everyone at the rebel base camp. I recalled Rye's gleeful exuberance of wanting to reveal a secret that the whole camp knew, but I wasn't aware of. The camp itself was high in spirit, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. I was disappointed but relieved that the Mockingjay was not there. I had enough embarrassment to suit me for a while.

I thought of my family back in 12. I tried not to feel guilty knowing, in truth that I had left them behind when I volunteered. Did they have food on the table? How were they getting by without me? But, I knew I left them in good hands since my mom was good friends with Mr. and Mrs. Everdeen. They would not let them starve.

Today was the Hunger Games. I thought I had enough time to get back from my mission to watch the opening ceremony. I wondered how Katniss was doing. If she dragged that poor excuse of a tribute partner with her, getting her killed in the process. I hated Mellark; I hate all of them. She is going to die in the arena because of him.

I knew that I didn't have a chance with Katniss. In the back of my mind, I knew it but refused to admit defeat; that I had lost her to Peeta Mellark. But, I remembered Rye and everyone who has ever spoke to me about my relationship with Katniss. She was never mine; I never held her heart or had the chance to begin with. I just didn't want her to be with him.

A few minutes later, I felt the ship slowed and started a descent. The air in my ear popped. "Half an hour before reaching the border of 13," the pilot announced on the speakers. Everyone sighed in relief the tension was palpable.

Everyone prepared themselves for the arrival. Where? I didn't know where. All I knew was that Rye was dropping me off to the nearest location where District 13 rebels scouts could find me. Other than that Rye was returning to Prim. Why he bothered to come was a waste. It wasn't as if I could escape. Where would I go? Panem rebels were sending me back to 13. And I knew with certainty that in 13, word had already spread at my unsuccessful mission objective. I was a pariah wherever I went.

In a military and formal manner, rebels exited the cabin first, then Rye. I was last. The sun blinded me as I exited the ship, as I raised my hands to cover my eyes. For some reason it was Rye who released me from my shackles, his eyes stern and hard. I immediately rubbed my sore wrists. Black and purplish color marred my skin, my body ached from sitting all day. I looked around me, grateful for my surrounding. I was back in the forest––my place of refuge. The area didn't look familiar.

I huffed in surprise when someone threw a backpack at me. The bag was light but bulky as I nearly stumbled by the impact. "You're on your own, Hawthorne," Jack said to me. "You have provisions for more than a day which is more than you deserve. Orders are orders but if I was Mockingjay, I'd leave you out here alone with nothing but the clothes on your back."

"Where did you drop me?" I asked. "Which direction is District 13?"

He pointed toward a hill. "Go east in that direction for about 20 miles, past the hills," he instructed. "I'm quite sure 13 is already aware of our presence so you'll be picked up in no time." He also handed me a compass.

"How do you know that?" I muttered as the realization came to me. I was alone again heading my way back to 13 like a few months ago.

"We sent them a message that we were returning you back to them," he snickered. They all turned to leave.

"Wait. You can't just leave me without a weapon to defend myself. What if I run into peacekeepers or wild animals?"

Jack reached behind his back and pulled out a long five-inch serrated knife. The handle was made of light wood, the blade gleamed against the afternoon light. "You can have this," he said as he removed the sheath connected to a belt. I gaped at the knife, impressed but was filled concern because I needed more than that. "Why don't you give me a gun? I can't possible defend myself with just a knife."

"Sorry, but we were specifically given orders to not loan you a gun," Jack said. "Mockingjay's orders. We need to keep our guns for ourselves." See, this is why I know District 13 will win. They had enough firepower to arm a whole army. Why haven't they?

"Before you leave, Hawthorne. You need to give this to President Coin," Rye said as he handed me a letter, sealed with wax. I accepted the letter and stuffed inside my shirt pocket. "And, Hawthorne? It's sealed for a reason so don't read it."

I was fine and ready to leave without a mishap, but Rye was still goading me. My ire grew at my situation. I was alone, miles away from District 13 not sure where I was back where I started a few weeks ago. Rye turned. "Hey Rye?" I called him. I pulled my arm and slugged him in the face. My knuckles stung from the impact, his head hard like a rock that Rye only swayed back like as if I slapped him instead of punching him in the face. I waited for him to come after me.

Rye looked up and smirked, "Hmph….you hit like my mother." I inwardly gasped. His mother hit him? In the face?

"You sucker punched him," Jack accused. I looked around and realized that no one was impressed but actually angry with me.

"Fight me you pussy," I shouted back. He shook his head. "You're a coward!"

"Maybe I am," Rye said slow and deliberate his fists clenched at his sides. "But you see, I made a promise to Prim. That I wouldn't fight you." He was tempted I could tell by the way his body shook with anger.

"So you're going to hide behind Prim," I baited him. "You're just like Peeta, a coward hiding behind a girl.

"Why thank you, I'll take that as a compliment." He smiled. The bastard actually smiled. "I'm not hiding, just keeping a promise. I won't break my promise to Prim because you're not worth it, Hawthorne." He turned around, but his head tilted back towards me. "I'm not going to fight you. Someone else deserve to beat the shit out of you and it's not going to be me."

"Yeah, and who's that going to be?" I looked at the guys around me ready to fight any of them.

"My brother, Peeta. He's the only one who should beat the shit out of you for that stunt you pulled," he reminded me. I accused Peeta of killing Ivan. Then I laughed.

"Peeta will be dead by the end of the day. He won't last in the arena," I blustered. No one laughed. Rye smirked and snickered.

"Oh Hawthorne, you really are out of the loop," Jack laughed. He patted Rye on the back. "Let's go Rye. Don't waste anymore time with him."

Then, I concentrated and tried to remember my conversation with President Coin. How she told me that Mockingjay was attempting to rescue Peeta and Katniss from the arena. I thought it was impossible because of the lack of fire power they needed to fight against the peacekeepers. It was suicide to break into the arena and get them out. But the smug way Rye was acting made me wonder. Did Mockingjay succeed in rescuing them? Were they out and free from the games?

"Wait, wait. I heard that Mockingjay was attempting to rescue Katniss from the arena," I stated.

"Where did you hear that?" Jack inquired.

"Back in 13," I blurted without thinking. Rye and Jack looked at each other, their faces grim. "Well? Did he, did Mockingjay attempt the impossible and succeeded?"

"Why should we tell you anything, Hawthorne?" Jack responded. "You're not one of us. You don't have any––"

"Katniss is my friend," I sneered. "I may hate Mellark." Rye snorted. "I don't care what happens to him but I do care about Katniss. Please just tell me." I grabbed Jack's shirt by the lapels with both hands. Several sounds of guns cocked behind me. Eye to eye, Jack stared back his face emotionless.

"Let go of me," he said in a low but cold tone. I looked down to find a knife pointed to my stomach. I released him and took a step back. "Good luck, Hawthorne. You're going to need it."

I watched the hovercraft as it drifted upward into the air. Suddenly, I felt lonely and alone not just physically but figuratively. Even in their company I felt alienated despite seeing Prim again. Seeing her made me feel homesick missing my family––my mom and siblings. She was a reminder of home as I felt like a big brother to her. I recalled the day when I discovered when Prim was alive, not just alive but living among the rebels.

Flashback ––

"Madam President," I said as I stood in front of Coin and Boggs was behind me. Commander Boggs was never away from Coin whenever anyone was ordered to appear before her. I wondered if I should have saluted her but then remembered I wasn't a soldier but a civilian, just another mouth to feed.

"Have a seat, Gale," she returned not looking at me but at a screen. We were inside the control room, the heart of District 13. On the monitors were images of each district. I looked at 12 wondering where or whom they were watching. I found out that they had drones in each district, just one single drone. It had a self destruct mechanism had it been trapped or caught, a feature to ensure no one could trace it back to District 13.

I sat across and placed my hands on top a cold metallic conference table. It was oval in shape with a screen built in the middle of table. It was…impressive. "I've read a report about you." My brows arched in surprise. "I have reports made of every citizen who has been 'invited' to stay here in 13. It's a precaution to ensure that we have no spies amongst us." She waved her hand on a datapad.

"You have two brothers, a sister and a mother living in the…Seam. The population of Seam to Merchant is 1 to 3 as their mortality rate is lower. I have brought you here to ask you a question. Do you know the Everdeens? Garrett, Lillian, Katniss and Primrose Everdeen."

I felt as though I was being tested. I didn't do well in school, and had barely graduated since I didn't see the need or reason to attend while my family was starving. Should I lie and protect them? Why did she single them out? I debated whether to lie to her or not, but I though I better not. Plus, I couldn't lie to my host, as I didn't want to alienate them more than I already had, not especially President Coin and Commander Boggs. "Yes, they were my neighbors back in 12. My father and Mr. Everdeen were good friends."

"Your father. He passed away during mining accident years ago." I nodded my head. She then stated facts about my schooling and my job at the mines. Her report was very thorough.

Then suddenly, a faint and blurry image of girl appeared on the screen. It was displayed on District monitor. "Tell, me Hawthorne, who does this look like to you." The young girl looked to be about 13 or 14; her hair was blonde. She wore dark green clothes, pants and shirt and carried a small backpack. She was accompanied by a man and a woman––the man was tall with brown hair and the woman, her hair red tied in a ponytail. I squinted my eyes as I stared at the girl on the screen. My mouth fell open. "No way, that couldn't be…"

"I need positive identification. Do you recognize her?" Coin asked, her eyes narrow and her lips thin.

"Um," I said as I stood up and approached the screen. The image wasn't any better up close but I had to be sure of myself.

"We've been shadowing them for days, trying to stay discreet and out of sight. They're good, very good in staying hidden. This is our only data before our drone was shot down," she informed me. "I know that Mockingjay is a man who wouldn't recruit children as young as her. His interest in Mellark has been intriguing. Why a simple and unsuspecting boy in District 12. He's smart and for him to take interest in him…let's just say I'm interested too. But this is younger girl not more than 14 years of age. So I ask myself who is she?"

I touched the screen, as I looked closer. She had blond hair in a single brain off to the side like her sister, Katniss. She wore it that way when we hunted in the woods.

"It's Prim, Prim Everdeen," I confirmed as I sighed in relief. My thoughts went to Katniss, happy that she didn't lose her sister. But questions formed in my head. How? Everyone thought she died in the train wreck that took her life.

"How is she alive?" Coin and Boggs glanced at each other. She turned to me.

"Thank you, Gale," she stated ignoring me question. "Boggs will return you to your scheduled tasks."

"But––"

"Let's go, Hawthorne," he ordered as he yanked me off my seat and led out the room.

End of Flashback ––

Since that day, I wondered how Prim survived the wreck. Was there a rescue attempt and if so, why had Mellark stayed and not gone with Prim and the rebels? But my big question was––why would Mockingjay rescue Prim and Mellark? Why just them?

I hated that Prim was in company of strangers. However, she did look at ease with them––like they were her friends and companions. She got along with them. In hindsight, I was relieved that Rye was with her, to watch over and protect her. She wasn't really alone and unsafe from the rebels. That thought put my mind at ease.

The walk back to 13 was slow and arduous. I avoided a pack of wild dogs, a couple of bears and a wild boar. There was a deer along the way but since I didn't have my bow, I couldn't kill it for the meat and skin. Whatever provisions I had was enough to keep from starving but not filling and tasted horrible but at least I had food in my belly. I was used to my scheduled 3 meals in District 13. I hadn't hunted or had any outdoor activity for weeks that I felt sluggish as my body ached by day's end.

I was lucky enough to find water from a spring. After three hours, I was sweaty, tired and thirsty so I had luck on my side, but I knew I couldn't camp there since most animals would be searching for water as well.

I filled my stomach with enough water then filled my canteen. Just as I stuffed my canteen into the backpack, a noise from behind startled me. It was time to leave. I couldn't survive a dog or bear attack with my measly knife. Had I a bow that would have been a different story. I barely left the little haven when suddenly my foot got caught on something on the ground.

The next thing I knew, I was lifted and hung upside down with a thick black rope wrapped around my left leg. "What the fuck?" I clenched my teeth together. I was caught in a trap. By whom? I didn't know but prayed it wasn't set up by the peacekeepers. I heard footsteps so I pulled my knife from my belt. Unfortunately I'm panicking and dazed by my situation that I lose my grip on the knife that it falls on the ground below me.

Blood rushed to my head. I tried to reach for my foot but I'm too tired and I just drank a lot of water that made nauseous from being suspended upside down. The sounds of footstep grew louder. I stay still as much as I could to not get noticed from above but I'm swaying back and forth making me more nauseous with each pass.

"Oh my god," a female voice spoke. "Look what we caught, Douglas."

I flinched. 'This was the most humiliating thing that has ever happened to me.' I'm a hunter caught in a trap. I was too distracted to pay attention to my surroundings. Nothing could be more humiliating than being caught like an animal, like the game I hunted.

But, I sighed in relief. It was Bailey and Douglas, members from District 13. They had originally found me the first time I volunteered to find them.

"Bailey? Oh thank you God. Get me down from here!" I yelled.

"Damnit, Bailey. I wanted to bring home a wild boar not a pig," he said in mock anger, a hand placed in front of his mouth. Bailey laughed hysterically.

"Get me the fuck down now!" My stomach roiled, the churning in my belly doubled. A gaseous bubble percolated in my stomach that rose to my throat.

"Look out," Douglas shouted as vomit rained down on them barely missing them. That's what they get for keeping me suspended.

"Ew, Hawthorne. What have you been eating?" Bailey said with two fingers pinching her nose. "That's vile." Even after vomiting I felt no relief as blackness surrounded me.

"Oh God, not again," I muttered as I opened my eyes. I was still upside but this time hands and feet bound together around a pole. Bailey and Douglas were delivering back to 13 like the first time, a pig on stick ready to be roasted. My neck hurt from hanging in an awkward position for I didn't know how long. I groaned in pain and misery.

"Doug, our comrade is awake," Bailey announced.

"Well, it's about time. I swear he's getting heavier by the minute," he groused as he adjusted the pole on his shoulders. Without a single word, they both stopped and lowered me to the floor. They quickly worked to release me from the rope they tied around my wrists and ankles. I had barely had enough time to feel better when Douglas and Bailey pulled me off the ground and onto my feet. I swayed in place feeling dizzy.

"Woah, wait," I wheezed.

"Nope, no can do. We got to keep going," Douglas insisted as he pushed me forward. I stumbled onto the ground on my hands and knees. "Hawthorne, get up and move."

"I don't feel good," I said as tears brimmed my eyes.

"Here," Bailey stated as she stuffed mint leaves into my mouth. "Chew on that."

"What's the hurry," I asked as anger seeped into my mind.

"Drones," Douglas said. My eyes grew wide.

"Where? What? How many?"

"We've been dodging them for hours now. We're losing daylight," Bailey informed me. "We don't want to be stuck here over night with those hovering around."

"Shit, okay. Just give me a second," I said. Everything was happening too fast. My neck ached and my head was throbbing. I finally took a good look at Bailey and Douglas. I guess I was too distracted to notice their attire. They wore green and brown camouflage gear with plants and leaves woven into the clothing, cap and backpacks, their faces painted dark brown. They looked ridiculous––like walking bushes. They blended with their surrounding while I stuck out with my all black attire.

After a minute I nodded my head, "Okay, let's go." The trek back to 13 was hard and fast. We ran when we had the clearance but slow to walk at certain areas when the foliage was thick and dense. Several times we had to stop when Douglas detected a hover drone flying above us. "How much further?" I asked as the sun dipped into the horizon. The area around us was unfamiliar.

Every part of me hurt from head to toe. I needed a bath, a soft bed, real food and sleep. By the time we reached the bunker it was past 10 in the evening. I was close to passing out from exhaustion and hunger. But what I needed more was sleep.

"Welcome back," Boggs greeted us by the bunker entryway. "Doug, Bailey it's good to see you." He patted them on the back.

"Home sweet home, Boggs. There's no place like home," Douglas responded back.

I wondered about myself and which home I belonged to––District 12 or 13. I felt no kinship to either as I abandoned 12 and 13 barely noticed or wanted me. I had alienated Mockingjay's rebels so I had no place there either.

"Hawthorne, you are to report to President Coin now." I sighed as I had hope that I would report to Coin tomorrow. The corridor was empty and dimly lit to my relief. I didn't want to encounter anyone on my way to see Coin. The snide remarks and looks would certainly come my way as my presence will be noticed when I walked into the commissary tomorrow morning.

Boggs and I entered the command room and as usual each monitor flashed images of every district. There was live activity in Districts 5 and 8. Buildings burned down from a fire, workers clearing the area and a large presence of peacekeepers on the screen.

"Have a seat, Gale," Coin instructed.

I winced as my butt hit the chair. "Since your presence here, you have uncooperative and combative with everyone you meet. You've caused nothing but trouble." She paused for a second then continued. "Everyone here has role, a job and a purpose. I wanted to see you prove your worth and to pull your weight here in 13. You have failed to complete two missions that Boggs adamantly disapproved. He told me you're weren't ready or qualified. I disagreed."

"Ma'am––" I started to defend myself.

"Did I tell you, you can speak?" she said in dead, cold tone, her eyes unreadable. Boggs cleared his throat.

"It was wrong of me to agree since you were not probably trained," she said. "And I take responsibility for that." I sighed in relief. She was right, but I felt she was not done dressing me down.

"I want to ask you something and I want you to stop and think before you answer me." 'Here we go, the next humiliating thing to happen to me.' The day was never going to end. "Are you a spy?"

"What?" My mouth hung open as my eyes grew wide. "What? A spy for who?" That was the last thing I have ever thought anyone would accuse me of.

"You know who?" she pressed. "Don't try to play me."

"Ma'am, I don't know what you're talking about." I was stunned and confused. 'A spy for who?'

"Madam President," Boggs interjected. "I do believe that Hawthorne is not aware of the…situation at hand. He was returned to us…which means that he is not aware who Mockingjay was or is."

"Wait, what?"

"True, but I'm still wary of him sending Gale back to us, why?" Coin discussed with Boggs ignoring my presence. Again, I was being ignored or left out of the loop. Something happened during my time with the rebels. I'm hungry, tired and ached all over. I was losing my patience.

"What the hell is going on?" I yelled as I stood up knocking the chair backwards. "Everyone is talking like they a have a secret. Fuck this, I want answers."

"Sit down, Hawthorne," Coin ordered, her eyes steely and firm. Boggs readjusted the chair back and placed a hand on my shoulder forcing me back to my seat. She turned to console and pressed a couple of buttons and swiped the surface.

On the largest monitor was the image of Mockingjay in his usual attire.

'Fellow citizens of Panem, mark this day as the beginning to the road of freedom. It will be a long and perilous road but worth the sacrifice…' He continued to speak as I was mesmerized by his appearance. Then my heart stopped as he spoke the following words that shook me from my core. He reached over to his hood and revealed himself. The man appeared before me––one I have admired and looked up to since the death of my own father. Dark hair like coal, olive skin and steel gray eyes stared back at me.

'My name is Garrett Everdeen from District 12 and I am also the father of tribute Katniss Everdeen. I am the MockingJay….' My world shattered before me. As the words repeated in my head, 'I am the Mockingjay.' Garrett Everdeen was the Mockingjay, the leader of the rebellion against Snow and the Capitol. The man I had listened to for months inspiring and encouraging me to fight for my future, for my family's future.

'My name is Garrett Everdeen from District 12 and I am also the father of tribute Katniss Everdeen. I am the MockingJay. No more will I hide behind my mask and my men. No more will I let my fear guide me. I am not afraid to face Snow and the Capitol.'

My heart raced, my stomach plummeted as a ball of lead decided to reside there. The room felt hot and stuffy as I couldn't breath and was suffocating from the truth that was revealed. This was the secret that Rye knew, that everyone knew but me. This was why Prim was angry with me.

'It couldn't be true.' Mr. Everdeen was disabled. He had been living in District 12. How did manage to attack the other districts and fight peacekeepers while living in the Seam? I would have noticed him missing. Did Katniss know all this time and never told me? He led a double life and I never knew it.

'Join me, join me in freeing Panem from men who have played with our lives and our children's lives like pieces in a game. Will you stand by me and fight against Snow or you will continue to let him toy with our lives as if our lives don't matter? It is your choice.'

I wanted to throw up as images of my life in District 12 flashed in my mind––Mr. Everdeen teaching me how to hunt and trap game for food, get togethers with the Everdeens, celebrating birthdays with my siblings with Prim and Katniss. Mrs. Everdeen taking care of me and my family when we were sick with the flu or a cough we couldn't get rid of. I thought of our lives intermingled sharing pain, sorrow and joy with each other. We celebrated and shared our lives together. Fighting beside Mr. Everdeen that day when the mutt dogs attacked District 12. I should have seen it or noticed him, how he handled himself with the bow like a man without his disability. Bile rose to my throat. Feelings of regret, pain, anger and sadness filled me all at once.

"Hawthorne?" Boggs addressed me.

My head was down and shoulders slumped. "No, no, no," I repeated. "I…I've known Mr. Everdeen most of my life. This can't be real, it's not true."

"I told you, Ma'am, he didn't know," Boggs said his voice sounded odd like I was underwater. Everything and everyone was murky as I tried to stay focused.

Then something hit my chest like an arrow piercing my heart. Betrayal, distrust, disappointment and loss––I betrayed Mr. Everdeen, I betrayed Katniss. When I thought back to what I almost did in the Capitol, looking to find the identity of the Mockingjay by betraying Katniss and Mr. Everdeen. I felt gutted. "When did he…when did Mr. Everdeen release that video?" I asked. I had to know.

"Right after blowing up the Cornucopia in the arena," Coin said.

"What?" The news startled me. "They…he blew up the cornucopia," I said in disbelief. "What happened? Is Katniss okay? Where is she?" Coin pressed another button and an image of Katniss with two unidentifiable figures appeared on screen. She was running when I noticed the blond with her. I flinched. It was Mellark. I'd recognize that hair anywhere but I didn't care. All I cared about was Katniss running away from the arena. "Do you know where they are now? Did she make it out of the arena?"

'It's not our concern," Coin stated.

"Why not?"

"It's obvious that Mockingjay, Garrett Everdeen rescued his daughter from the arena just like he rescued his other daughter Prim after she was reaped. That's his personal business. It doesn't concern me or my plans," she explained. "Mockingjay and his little rebel faction are on their own. What they do is not part of my agenda."

"But we could––"

"And since you failed your mission, I'm trying to discern whether or not I should throw you out of 13, but was convinced by Commander Boggs to let you stay. Even though I believe you're a liability and a spy," she continued and she clasped her fingers together and place them on top of the table.

"We can't have you walking around after knowing our existence, can I? So…what do you think I should do with you?" I was too tired to answer or too tired too care at the moment. The events and revelations all but had me feeling stunned and numb. I didn't know what to think or what to do. I had abandoned my family back at District 12, shattered my relationship with my best friend who I thought was my future and consorted with District 13 betraying and alienating the only father figure I've known. I had no one to turn to or nowhere to go.

"You're dismissed," Coin instructed. "Boggs, you're responsible for him now. I don't care what you decide but please inform me with your decision."

Boggs walked or rather escorted me back to my bunk. I noticed that my roommate was missing. He had cleared out his belongings, which wasn't much to begin with.

"Your roommate was reassigned to the military housing level," Boggs explained before I could ask. I sat down on my bunk and looked around. Nothing changed since I left. I was still a civilian who went on a mission and failed. My status in 13 hasn't changed but I'm more of a joke and pariah more than ever. However, everything else had changed too. Beyond the walls, I was a traitor to those I called my friend and allies. I had betrayed Mockingjay and in turn betrayed Garrett Everdeen, the father of girl I loved. They will never forgive me.

"What did President Coin mean when she said I'm your responsibility now?" I asked Boggs.

"Your fate in my hands," he answered. "But is it really?"

I wiped my face with a hand, too weary to argue but resigned to what Boggs had in stored for me––kitchen duty in the commissary, cleaning latrines or sweeping floors in the training room to punish me. "I don't understand."

"Is your fate really in my hands or is it in yours," he said in a cryptic manner.

"Please, I don't have the energy to argue…I'm tired, hungry and…humiliated." Boggs nodded his head. I felt pity and disappointment radiating from him. The bruises on my wrists were dark blue, but I didn't feel any pain or ache.

"That is by your own doing," he stated as he spread his feet apart and crossed his arms across his chest. "I'm a man who believes in seconds chances. That people, the right people who want to change should be given that opportunity. You have been given two chances and you failed." He reminded me of my attempt to abduct Peeta back in District 12 and failed because of Haymitch and Katniss.

"You're a good kid, Gale," he said. "Somehow along the way, you lost yourself. You lost compassion, kindness––"

"Compassion and kindness didn't put food on the table when my family was starving," I sneered back. "You had it easy living in District 13."

"How would you know what my life has been like?" he inquired. "You know nothing about me, not where I came from. I originally didn't come from here. Did you know that?" Boggs was calm and focused; his voice low and firm, but there a tinge of anger in his tone. It took a lot to anger him.

"I….um…" Boggs was fighting the Capitol and Snow. It was all I needed to know.

"Until you remove that chip on your shoulder, you will never be a part of any team," Boggs stated. "Think about what you want now, Gale. It's not like you have a lot of options. I can guess that Mr. Everdeen meant a lot to you. You're betrayal of his trust is hard to swallow. They sent you back here instead of keeping you as their prisoner. What does that tell you? You're standing here is…unfavorable. President Coin wants me to kick you out and send you back to 12."

"She can't do that?" I croaked as my voice cracked from exhaustion. If they did turn me out, I had to no place to go. Could I go back to 12, to my family? How could I explain my absence?

"You look beat," Boggs commented. "Get some rest." He was sympathetic. I nearly sobbed in gratitude for his…kindness and for not judging me. "Just keep this in mind whenever you act without thinking of the consequences. All your past actions you will account for; for the people you hurt and betrayed. You will pay for them one way or another."

He left the room in a quiet manner.

Sighing, I lay my weary and aching body on my soft comfortable bed––the soft clean layers cushioning all my aches and pains. Rest and sleep was elusive as the day's events flashed in my mind––my mission at the Capitol, getting caught by Peeta and seeing Katniss, discovering Rye with Prim, the arduous trek back to 13 and my meeting with President Coin. I found out that the Mockingjay was Katniss's father––a man I looked up to since the death of my father. It was just too much for my mind to process all at once. But one thing was clear. I belonged nowhere––not with the rebels that followed Mockingjay nor the soldiers under President Coin in District 13. I was a man without a home, a district or allies.

I felt as though I'm back to where I started with no family, friends and companions.

"What have I done?"

AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I wanted to put Gale's POV out there already since I know everyone is dying to know what is happening to Peeta and Katniss. Everyone has s place and purpose in this story––even Gale. The next chapter will have Katniss's POV. Thanks again for reading Destiny and continuing to take this journey with me. Please leave a review or comment at your leisure.

Until the next update have a great rest of the week. I will be attending the San Diego ComicCon this weekend! Yay, me!