What Gale may have said to Katniss from District Two, and how Katniss may have responded. Not AU, at least not intended to be.
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Dear Katniss 'Mellark':
I was there for you for years and you never noticed it. Really there, not shyly waiting in the shadows for over a decade. I didn't like watching your act with bread boy, but I thought I understood what you were doing and why. We all wanted you back, and that sham seemed to be the way to do it. I don't know how that softie won you over for real. Maybe that's all you deserve after all. I thought you were tougher, smarter and had better eyesight than that.
I wonder how we managed to win the war with all those half-measures you insisted we take. You got yourself shot back here in District 2, really, because you were unwilling to fully close off the Nut. I designed tools; I did not determine how they would be used. Coin was the highest degree of bitch and did not deserve the quick death you gave her. However, if we had won the war quicker, Prim and the rest may not have been in the line of fire to begin with. Most of us didn't know that Coin had sent her. It turns out Rory knew, and like us he knew that it was wrong. I'm proud of him. He didn't wait 11 years like bread boy, or even four like I did. Not only that, he stood up for the right thing, but Coin wouldn't listen to another 13 year old either.
My mouth is on many lips (and other body parts) here in Two because I know it's over between us. Even so, I will never forget you, Catnip.
Sincerely, Gale
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Dear Gale Hawthorne,
I have already gone through enough fire for many lifetimes. I shall never forget the glow we brought to the woods together. However, what I need now is to be calmed by Peeta's different but complementary personality instead of being matched by your similar one. In him I see much of what was great about you, without the rage. I think your brother also shows an even better side of you. I know he would have been great to little duck. Sounds like he already was. I hope that comforted her as I did for Rue.
Your fury is what caused us so much trouble, not my restraint. Even Coin, monster that she was, did not deserve to be tortured to death. I know she was the primary cause of Prim's death, and I quickly had my revenge.
Still your Catnip I suppose, but now also Peeta's singing angel
Sincerely, Katniss
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What follows are the condensed versions I submitted to lettersfromtributes on tumblr:
Dear Katniss 'Mellark':
I was actually there for you for years. I don't get bread boy, thought it was just an act. Well, he took forever, but still said it quicker than I did.
We were lucky to win the war your way. You got shot. I hate Coin and how she used my tools, but we may have been able to win before Prim was at risk anyway. We didn't know, but we knew it was wrong.
Many other girls, but will never forget Catnip.
Sincerely, Gale
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Dear Gale Hawthorne,
I have already gone through enough fire for many lifetimes. I miss us in the woods together, but now I need Peeta's different but complementary personality instead of your similar one. He's a great guy too.
Your fury was a problem, not my lack of it. I know Coin was mainly responsible, and I made it quick for her.
Still Catnip, but also Peeta's singing angel
Sincerely, Katniss