The Hunger Games
Gale/Katniss One Shot
It was the morning of the reaping. Gale and Katniss sat together on a hill outside the gates of District 12, neither of them speaking. That was how their friendship was. They could sit in silence for hours on end, and still be having the best time. It was around eleven when Gale finally spoke.
“There’s and hour until the reaping, we should head back.” He said, standing up and offering his hand to Katniss. She took it, as they made their way back to the uncharged electric fence that secured the perimeter of District 12. The climbed under, and headed to their homes where they got ready for the reaping. Katniss, with her hair in a single braid and a blue dress her mother laid out for her, and Gale, in a button down shirt tucked neatly into his slacks. They walked to the square, checking in and going over to the group of people in their years. Katniss looked over at Gale, who was already looking in her direction. He mouthed, “You’re fine.” Then turned back to the stage, where Effie Trinket stood.
“Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor.” She said, her voice echoing through the square. “The time has come to select our tributes.” She added, as two peacekeepers walked out onto the stage holding two large glass bowls. She reached into the first bowl, and pulled out a slip of paper. Slowly, she began to open it. “Our first tribute..” She trailed off. Gale looked over at Katniss, who was focused on Effie, hoping it wasn’t her name on the slip of paper. “Marina Finch.” Effie read. Gale watched as Katniss let out a sigh of relief, and then watched as a 12 year old girl made her way up to the stage. Tears streamed down her face, as she stood shaking on the stage. Effie made her way over to the next glass bowl, and pulled out a slip. Katniss crossed her fingers, and quietly whispered to herself.
“Please don’t let it be Gale.” Effie unfolded the slip of paper, and brought it to eye level.
“Our final tribute is, Gale Hawthorn.” Katniss’s breath caught in her throat, as she slowly lost her balance. She looked over to Gale, who was looking at her. All color had left his face. She pushed past the crowd of people, and ran straight into Gale’s arms. Tears spilling over, staining Gale’s shirt. “Catnip, it will be alright.” Gale whispered in her ear. She felt someone pull her away, as she desperately clung to Gale, not wanting him to go.
“GALE!” She screamed. She thrashed, and tried as hard as she could, but the peacekeeper had a tight hold on her. She collapsed into a fit of tears, and fell to her knees as Marina, and Gale were lead off to there immanent death. Katniss felt someone wrap their arms around her, and she looked up. Through her tears, she saw her eleven year old sister, Primrose. Katniss wrapped her arms around her, as Prim stroked her hair.
“He’ll be alright.” Prim whispered. “Come on, let’s go see him.” She said, taking Katniss’s hand and leading her to the justice building. The peacekeepers lead Katniss to the room where Gale was held, and as soon as the door opened she leapt into his arms.
“Hey, Catnip.” He said, hiding the fear in his voice.
“Gale, please come home.” Katniss whispered through tears.
“I’ll try my best Catnip, but I can’t promise anything.” He said, holding on tighter to Katniss.
“Time’s up. Let’s go.” The peacekeepers said, grabbing Katniss’s arm. Gale kissed her on the forehead.
“I’ll see you soon, Catnip.” He said, as the peacekeepers dragged her away. Katniss tried as hard as she could to get out of their grip, and run back to Gale. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t rid of them. Prim sat waiting, as Katniss was pulled out to the steps.
“Come on Katniss, let’s go.” She said, pulling Katniss away from the Justice building.
“I love him, Prim.” She whispered. For a few weeks, Katniss didn’t dare to look at the projections of the games. Early one morning, there was a knock on her door, and Prim stepped in.
“Katniss, there are two tributes left.” She whispered. “Please come watch the rest of the games with us?” Katniss slowly rose, and followed prim out to the projector where the games were still running. She sat down, and leaned against her mother, as Prim curled up next to her on the other side. She watched as one of the last two tributes walked along. He slowly made his way around a tree, when his feet came out from underneath him. She watched as he flung up. She looked closer at what contraption he was stuck in. It was a snare. She shot up, recognizing the way the snare was set. That could only be the work of Gale. She was right. She watched as gale came out from behind the bushes, and as he slit the last tributes neck. She listened as his canon went off, and as the anthem played. Gale was coming home. Tears began to well in her eyes, and then finally spilt over. “Why are you sad?” Prim asked, kissing Katniss’s cheek.
“I’m not, I’m happy. Gale is coming home.” She said. The next day, Katniss waited patiently for Gale to arrive home. She sat among the crowd at the train station, as the train slowly pulled up. She watched as Gale climbed out. He looked directly at her, and pushed his way through the crowd. Katniss wrapped herself in him, and hysterically began to cry. “I love you, Gale.” She said through sobs. Gale held her at arms length.
“I love you too, Catnip.” He said, pressing his lips to hers.
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