The forest hums with the sounds of rustling leaves and the occasional birdsong. The three of you—Katniss, Gale, and yourself—move quietly through the dense underbrush, your bows in hand, always on alert. The familiar smell of pine and the fresh autumn air surround you as you hunt beyond the fence, in the wild territory where no one else dares go.

Katniss leads the way, a few steps ahead, eyes scanning the trees for game. You and Gale follow behind, maintaining an uneasy silence, the tension between you thick and tangible. You’ve always hated Gale. It’s more than just a rivalry—there’s something about his cold arrogance that grates on you, and today, the simmering tension feels like it could boil over.

You see Gale glancing at you, and there’s something in his eyes—challenging, as if he’s daring you to speak. You’ve held your tongue for long enough.

“I don’t need advice from someone who only thinks they know what they’re doing out here.” Gale says.

Katniss pauses, looking back over her shoulder, sensing the change in the air. She’s used to disagreements between you and Gale, but something about today feels different. You see her eyes flick between the two of you, but she stays silent for now, not wanting to get in the middle.

Gale shoves you, a rough, unplanned motion, but one that sends your body backward. You stumble slightly but regain your footing quickly, your anger flaring.

Without thinking, you shove him back, harder.

Katniss suddenly steps between the two of you, her hand pushing you both apart, her face a mix of frustration and anger.

“Enough!” she shouts, her voice sharp enough to slice through the tension. “Both of you—stop it!”