I am in the town square, looking up at a gigantic screen. It will soon project the Games, and I can officially watch my best friend, closest confidante, and true love die. It's a chilly evening, and my fingers clasp a cup of soup from Greasy Sae, who obviously pities me. I look around the crowd, mostly Seamers without a home television, but see Madge gazing forlornly in my direction. Surely she can afford to watch in the warmth and comfort of her own home?As soon as she catches my eye, she gives me a reassuring smile. I return it as best I can.
The Capitol Seal disappears, and cameras show a thick forest, the golden Cornucopia rising up like a monument in a clearing. This doesn't look bad, I think, looking from the fields of grain to the clear lake, remembering previous Games on barren grassland and snowy hills. 24 metal plates are planted around the golden horn, and in the maze of tunnels under them, the tributes will be getting ready. I wonder what Katniss is doing. How is she feeling? Is she thinking about her mother? Prim? Peeta? Me?
Finally the plates shoot up, and suddenly there are teenagers standing on them. Most look disoriented and shocked, but a few Careers crack their knuckles and maliciously survey the land, unfazed. Do they practice using those pop-up plates in Districts 1 and 2? The camera pans around the circle of tributes, and I see Katniss and Peeta, on neighbouring plates, as always, both looking dazzled. The camera shows the Cornucopia, eerily beautiful for such a morbid event. Then I see it.
One silver bow, one silver quiver of arrows. If Katniss can get this, she has a shot at survival. Yes, there will be a huge fight for supplies going on, but this is her lifeline. It is critical for her to get it. Come on, Katniss, do you see it?
She sees it. Her deep eyes glow as she realizes. She's going to get it! I silently fist-punch the air.
Suddenly, the camera focuses on Peeta. He's making a slight movement.
He's shaking his head. No, he mouths.
What the heck, Peeta?
Why? If you really knew Katniss, you'd understand! This is crucial, Peeta! I thought you were in love with the girl! Don't you care about her?
I want to scream but don't. The tributes have been released. Some run for the horn. Some run for the woods.
Get the arrows, I will her.
Katniss runs to the forest.
YOU ARE READING
Gale: A Hunger Games Story
Fanfiction"And Gale. I know him. He won't be shouting and cheering. But he'll be watching, every moment, every twist and turn, and willing me to come home." - Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen is fighting for her life in the 74th Annual...
