(Sorry for the looooong delay, school and holidays have stopped me from writing, but I'm back! Don't forget to comment and rate! Ideas are welcome.)
There was a silence in the crowd that seemed to last forever as Peeta Mellark walked up to the stage. His face white and shallow, as if he were to faint any second. He looked familiar. Of course. He was the one who saved me and my family over 3 years ago. The boy with the bread. Then something, someone broke the silence. A deep echo from the distance. Gale.
“Stop!” Gale shouts. “I volunteer. I’ll be your male tribute. That's what the Capitol wants anyway, a show.” ‘Why is he doing this?’ I think. It’s too late now. Gales stood on the other side of Effie. “What’s your name?” She asks him. “Gale Hawthorne” He says shakily. I don’t think he realises what he’s done but it’s too late for anything, I can tell he regrets it in his voice, why does he feel the need to step in when I've volunteered. The next thing I know Effie's escorting us into the Justice Building where we get time to say bye to our loved ones. I don't get it, he’s meant to be looking after our families, not tagging along like it’s an outing to the woods...
There I was, alone. Waiting in a silent room. That's when I hear the door open. Prim comes running into my arms, followed by my mother. "It's okay Prim, I'm fine, honestly!" I try to stay strong, it’s killing me. "Please Katniss, try to win, please!" "I'll try, for you, little duck". I say trying to think positive. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her within my grasp, not wanting to let go. Then I see me mother. Helpless. "You have to stay strong. You can't go again" I say. "I... I won't" she manages to let out. "No mom you can't! I'm sorry, it’s okay. Don't cry, don't cry...” I say reassuring her. I turn back to Prim; she’s holding something in her hand. "What’s that little duck?" I say kneeling down beside her. "Oh... It’s a pin, off Madge... For you, she didn't have chance to give it you before...” She squeaks. "Well thank you! It’s beautiful" I let her pin it on me, her fragile fingers shaking. That's when it happens. The door flies open. Prim's screaming. "Don't take anything Prim! Sell your cheese, I love you both!" I manage to shout before it’s silent again. I wonder how Gales doing... I look at the cold, gold shining pin on my dress, running my fingertips over it. One more visitor to come, I wonder who.
I see the doorknob turn, and the door slowly opens. A boy the same age as me walks in. No, it can't be... The boy from the reaping... What was his name again, Mellark, Peeta! "Katniss... I... I'm sorry, someone else should've come" He manages to lose out before any tears fell. I walked over to him and cupped his hand in mine, "Why are you here Peeta? Shouldn't you be thanking Gale?" His eyes clouded over with tears he spills out, "This isn't about me Katniss, well it is, but not about the games" he reaches up to feel the braid that’s fell onto my left shoulder. "I didn't plan for any of this; as soon as you volunteered I actually wanted to go into the games, to at least talk to you one more time before I d..." I cut him off; I couldn't hear those words, not now. "What Peeta? What are you trying to tell me?" my voice became stronger by the minute; everyone knows I have a fiery personality. "I... I love you...” he squeaks out, reminding me of how fragile Prim was. "We've never even spoke, and you tell me you love me? You saved my life Peeta yes, I understand that, but it was over 3 years ago, please let it go, let me go. I'm going in the games and who knows if I'll even survive to see Prim and my mother again, let alone you, boy with the bread." Maybe that was a little too far, even by my standards, but I couldn't go into the games knowing I've left someone else who loves me behind. "I don't want to forget Katniss." He kissed me on the cheek before I had time to react; he turned round and headed for the door. "You can win you know, you're a good hunter, just shoot straight" and after that he was gone.
I felt a cold spot on my cheek, running down slowly were tears. Tears of happiness, of sadness? I haven't cried since my dad died, no one has made me sad enough to cry. So why am I crying now...
Gales P.O.V
I wasn't sure who'd come to see me after Rory, Vick, Posy and my mother left. I didn't really want to see anyone else. Leaving them behind was hard enough; I don't know how they're going to survive without getting the meat from my hunting. I regret everything, but I love Katniss, even if it’s not obvious. She’s my best friend, but I wish it was more, I really do. I stood as the door began to open; I have no idea who it could be. Madge. No, I can't see her. "Gale, you might not want to see me but I couldn't help myself." "What do you want Madge?" I was angry at her for coming, but I couldn't let it show, not now, this could be the last time I talk to her. "I just came to say that I appreciate what you're doing but do you really think Katniss is going to forgive you for thi-" "It's to la-" She interrupts me, this girl can talk forever if she has a point to argue. "She wanted you here, to protect your family and hers if it came to it, now whose going to look after either of them? Sure Peeta might be able to give the odd loaf here and there as a way to say thank you, but what if you never come back Gale, what if you get killed; all your family will have to watch!" I can't believe she’s saying this, I just want to scream at her, but I can’t hurt her. I can't. "I'm sorry Madge, I am, but I can't leave Katniss." I can't believe those words just left my mouth; did I really just admit I loved Katniss to Madge?
Katniss' P.O.V
It wasn't long before we were in the car on the way to the train. Effie always talks about how luxurious the train ride is, and how much we'll get to relax and eat. But I don't want to do either; I just want to go home. I just want to see Prim again.
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