Author's Note

This is my second update today! Yes, I know this is a short chapter…but I plan on the next chapter or two being super long! So…I have the next chapter basically written…but maybe I'll update it tonight if I can get 30 reviews? So please R&R! Here's Chapter 7 =)

What If?

Katniss POV

I wake up in a cold sweat.

My heart is beating rapidly, and my breaths are short and fast. I look at the clock, and realize its only 5:21 am. I can't go back to sleep. I won't. Too many nightmares about how many ways Peeta could die in the Games.

I take a deep breath.

Calm down Katniss. He's not going to be in the games for another week at least. Tonight's only the chariot rides. I think to myself.

I decide to go out hunting, because last night I didn't, and I went to bed on an empty stomach. I slide on my boots and grab my father's hunting jacket from our small closet, along with my empty game bag that's on the floor.

As soon as I walk out of my house, my feet take me to the broken part of the fence that surrounds District 12. I bend down, to listen for the hum that signals the fence is on, but the fence is as silent as a stone.

Once I'm under the fence and in the woods, I take a deep breath. The smell of pine needles and crisp leaves fills my nose. Just being in the woods makes me feel…complete.

I walk to the hollow log that holds my bow and some arrows, and smile to myself. I feel as if the bow is coming to life in my hands…

Three hours later, I leave the woods, happy with what I was able to get. I got three squirrels, two rabbits, a turkey, and even managed take down two beavers. That's almost more than what Gale and I get on a daily basis. I even grabbed some herbs my mom could use to make medicine.

I take my time walking to the hob, and as soon as I get there, I immediately walk over to Greasy Sae.

"Hello, Katniss!" She greets. "What do you have for me today?"

I smile. "I brought you a two rabbits and a beaver."

"Sounds good!" She replies. Then, her voice drops down to a whisper.

"I'll put it in and we'll call it beef!" She says with a wink.

Greasy Sae pulls out some coins and drops them into my hand. I examine the coins and notice she added a few more than necessary.

"Are you sure?" I ask.

She waves it off and replies, "Take it, it's not a problem."

"Thanks," I tell her.

Next, I go to the baker, who was being strangely generous. He gave me a sad smile, then a really good deal on bread and a few extra coins. I thanked him and rushed out of the store.

I walk towards my house, glad that all my errands are done. As soon as I walk in, I see Gale once again on my kitchen counter. His back is facing me, and my mother is once again wrapping up his bandages.

I'm not ready for this, I think.

I put my game bag on the couch then quickly tell my mother I need to see someone. Gale turns around, and our eyes meet. Before he can read my emotions, I bolt out of the house.

I run for at least ten minutes.

I run wherever my feet will take me.

I run to clear my head.

And when I finally stop, Im surprised at where I am. I'm at the house of one of the richer people in town. The house of one of my only friends.

The house of Madge Undersee.