Gale in the Games

The Reaping

Once we got to the square, we checked in with the Peace Keepers, soldiers of sorts for the Capital. Then, I made sure each of my siblings got to where they needed to be before finding my own spot near the front of the crowd. I see Katniss, looking beautiful as always, and Prim finding there places and give them both reassuring smiles. Katniss is trying to look brave for Prim, who is terrified, but since I know Katniss so well, I see the lines of worry etched into her face, almost completely hidden.

I met Katniss a few years ago, when I was going into the "forbidden forest" as we like to call it with her father. My father didn't want me to work in the mines with him, but I still wanted to help my family, so I took to the woods, in search for game I could sell. The first time I snuck in, I bumped into Katniss and her father. Mr. Everdeen taught me everything I know. He said I was a natural at setting snares and traps. Katniss was lucky though, she was amazing at hunting- she could shoot an arrow at a bird, and hit it right in the center of its eye, perfect for selling. I met them four or five years ago. When Mr. Everdeen died in a mining accident, Katniss withdrew from me completely, I'm guessing because my father survived while hers didn't, but with us both in the woods all the time (she needed to find game to support her family), it wasn't long before she finally caved and opened up to me again. I think that's when I realized I cared for her. She was so strong, being able to constantly go back to a place where she was with her father for hours at a time must have been incredibly painful.

While Effie Trinket, District 12's mayor, and a select few others went onto stage, I held a silent conversation with Katniss, trying to cheer her up. "Her hair is crazy today," I mouthed.

"I know! And the outfits have only gotten stranger!" She replied with a small smile. Good, she's smiling.

As the mayor talked about the history of the games, I turned back to the stage and tried to look interested, but that was really hard, since I practically knew it like the back of my hand (I had heard it so many times).

I finally snapped back to attention when Effie announced she would pick the female tribute first. I clenched my fists, saying "Not Katniss" over and over again in my head, pleading with some unknown power, as if that would change anything.

She didn't read off Katniss's name. Instead, it was someone almost as bad. It was Prim, Katniss's beloved sister.

I knew even before I turned around what Katniss would be thinking, but before I could stop her, she screamed, "I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!"

That brought only silence, until Effie Trinket said, "Lovely! But I believe there is a small matter of introducing the reaping winner and then asking for volunteers, and if one does come forth then we, um . . . " District 12 hasn't had a volunteer in years and years, so the routine has all but been forgotten.

The mayor dismisses that, and Katniss ascends the stage, looking, oh, so strong, with her head held up high. Without even knowing it, I have made my way over to a bawling and screaming Prim, who seems to have a bright idea, raises three fingers to herself and then points them to Katniss. I follow her lead, and soon the whole square is doing it. Showing our sympathy and respect to Katniss.

As Effie Trinket continues on to pick the male tribute, I start getting an idea in my head. Katniss needs to come back alive. She HAS to. Her family needs her. I could take of them, but...

Peeta Mellark is chosen. The baker's son. He can't protect her.

Effie Trinket asks for volunteers and I push my way towards the stage.

Katniss says, "Gale, no!"

"I volunteer as tribute."