We Could Make It

2. Goodbye, District 12.

Gale's POV

As I look at her standing on that stage, I feel numb. I'm not sure what I felt first. Shock at Prim's name being drawn. Despair, knowing Katniss was going to volunteer in her place. And when she did, numb.

I can't blame her, of course. The whole thing is just so fucked up.

"Well, bravo!" I hear Effie Trinket gush. "That's the spirit of the Games! What's your name?"

"Katniss Everdeen."

I don't hear the rest of the conversation, not really. I look up from the ground and see almost everyone holding their three middle fingers of their left hand out to Katniss.

"What an exciting day!" I hear Effie Trinket say. "But more excitement to come! It's time to choose our boy tribute!"

Well, this is it, I think. I meet Katniss's eyes and take a deep breath.

"Hunter Farbreath."

I see the relief wash over my Catnip. She shouldn't be relieved.

Hunter, a sixteen-year-old from the Seam, begins walking toward the stage. He looks terrified. Don't be, I think. You're not going into the Games.

I look away from Katniss. I can't look at her right now. I don't want to see the way she looks at me over the next few minutes.

Effie Trinket asks for volunteers and, without hesitation, I raise my hand up.

"I volunteer as tribute!"

I see everyone on stage looking even more confused than before. Two volunteers in one day? What are the odds?

I begin walking toward the stage, avoiding Katniss's gaze that I know is trained on me, climb the steps, and take my position on stage.

"Wonderful!" Effie Trinket squeals. "What is your name?"

"Gale Hawthorne," I say confidently.

"Lovely!" Effie Trinket starts but is interrupted by Haymitch Abernathy stumbling over to us.

"Look at them!" He hollers, throwing his arms around us. He's strong for such a mess. "I like them!" His breath stinks of alcohol and he smells like he hasn't bathed in forever. "Lot's of..." He stops to think of the word. "Spunk!" he finally says triumphantly. "More than you!" he shouts, letting go of us to point at the camera.

Is he talking to the audience or is he taunting the Capitol? I guess we'll never know because he then plummets off the stage and knocks himself unconscious.

I look out into the distance. I can see the hills I climbed this morning with Katniss. For a minute, I crave something...The idea of us leaving the district...Making our way in the woods...Just me and her. But I guess its a good thing that didn't happen. Prim would've been reaped. And if Katniss is going in there's no way in hell she's going in by herself.

The mayor finishes the Treaty of Treason and motions for Katniss and me to shake hands. For the first time since Hunter's name was called, I look her in the eyes. She has so many emotions in her eyes. Sadness. Anger. Confusion. Fear.

We shake hands and I squeeze her hand reassuringly. As if to say I'm here. She's not alone.

The anthem ends and we're taken into custody. Once inside, I'm taken to a room and left alone. I sit on the velvet couch and run my fingers across the soft cushions to calm my nerves.

My family comes to visit first. I immediately brought them all into a hug, my mother who's holding little Posy in her arms, and my two brothers. Then I start telling them everything they need to remember.