I breathe in, I breathe out

[moveswithoutsound]

Life in the Seam had never been easy but without his father Gale had little choice but to take tessarae and hunt in the woods. If not then it would be his younger siblings who would be forced to pay and he refused to let that happen.

Hazelle regretted the weight put on her eldest son's shoulders but what could she do, with the new baby and her husband lost in the mine accident Gale was all she had to depend on.

The young man who did not even at this young age resemble a boy moved without a sound through the woods. His snare line had netted some fresh meat and at least a day or two could pass without bellies that roared with hunger, he could dull it. Maybe even get the extra blanket Posy needed.

He was alert to every sign, Gale knew these woods were not safe and yet they were the one place he longed for, because here he felt free.

Here he could breathe, here he was not just another pawn for the Capitol, set to either play in the Games or head for the mines when he was old enough. Either way his fate was mapped out and it meant a life of hard work, followed by Death.

How he wished something could change but he was one young man against the ruling government.

As much as he wanted to rebel, Gale knew that he could do nothing in his current positon.

He had too many mouths to feed, too many responsibilities. He did not sigh but there was a heavy look in his eyes as he slung the game bag over his shoulder.

Comments

[moveswithoutsound]

"If you're not looking you'll miss a lot." It was just a statement, a reminder that these woods were anything but safe.

He had to admit, he respected her backbone and the determination he saw there. It was impressive and he had to figure she did not have ot any easier. Trying to survive was not a simple thing, no matter your age.

Gale studided her a few moments after she said this, arms coming up to fold over his chest. On instimct he wanted to act as if he did not know what she was suggesting. But, survival came first, even if it meant risking his own survival in order to get the things his family needed. It was their survival not his that he fought for.

"Like what?" He would relent and work with her, just sometimes he could be stubborn.

[firegirl]

"I was looking," she responds with, that fire in her eyes for a moment.

There is determination and a little bit of anger too. She is not going to not be taken seriously by some guy in the woods.

Katniss breathes in, tightening her hold on what she has in her hands. She looks at him, tilting her head to the side for a moment and shaking her head.

"All kinds. The kinds that can kill you, the kinds you can eat, the kinds you can use for medicine." It's useful information, and she's never forgotten anything her dad has taught her.

[moveswithoutsound]

He could respect that and while Gale remained a bit aloof and distant, but he made his mind up to at least let her see he intended to take up her offer.


It was a gamble, but anything he could learn that would help his family or trade his skills to obtain was a something he would not turn away from, they would always come first for Gale.

"Let me guess, you want to learn snares?" If she said yes, he would accept the trade, if not they could go about their time in the woods, trying to not bump into each other. Something Gale did not think was likely, game trails lead where they lead, a hunter follows.

[firegirl]

Katniss watches him. There is still that suspicion in her eyes though there's no reason to keep it anymore. They can't tell on each other without telling on themselves.

Even if they could, they could make it harder to cross the fence. She has no interest in getting him or anyone else noticed by the Peacemakers.

"I want to learn," she confirms, nodding her head as she looks at him. Katniss would rather gain something from him as she offers something in turn than to try to avoid him in the woods. It gave their interactions purpose and meaning, and she knows she has a lot o learn still.

[moveswithoutsound]

Gale studied her a moment longer, it would be different for him to interact with someone out here. He was a solitary young man but the knowledge was needed.

Finally he stepped forward, the young man came close enough to hold his hand out to her.

"You've got a deal, I'll teach you snares, you teach me plants." It may help with the expenses at home and if not, it would at least give them a little more food in their bellies and perhaps medicine the otherwise would not have had.

[firegirl]

It would be very different. It would mean keeping her walls up when she is usually very comfortable out in the woods.

However, they don't have to meet all the time or everyday. They can meet, share information, and part ways again. They could work out separate times to go into the forest if they needed.

"Deal," Katniss agrees, nodding after a moment before she settles the bow behind her back. "Otherwise, we stay out of each other's way, right?"

This will end up changing obviously, but she has no idea about that now.