A/N: This is my first attempt writing for the Hunger Games, so be nice. I read all 3 books and watched the movie. This story is set after the end of Mockingjay, but before the Epilogue. I hated how things ended between Gale and Katniss, so I thought I redeem them somehow with my own version. Mainly Gale/Katniss, but also some Peeta/Katniss.
Summary: Two years have gone by since the war ended, but not for Katniss Everdeen who continues an ongoing war of her own as she struggles to find true happiness with Peeta and living an empty life without her former best friend, Gale.
Chapter 1: "Lone Fire"
"Katniss?"
I shook my head, unaware that I have been standing in front of the kitchen sink with the water running high, staring fixedly out the window as the rain began to settle in District 12. I turned off the faucet and spun around to face Peeta who gave me the same worry expression he has worn for the past two years. I don't blame him though. I haven't been myself lately. How could I after all that I've been through; after losing my sister, and losing so many people who were affected by my act of defiance against the Capitol. It has been exactly two years since peace was restored in Panem, but to me, the horrid events seemed as though it happened just yesterday. Thankfully, I have Peeta who has been supportive, patient and loving throughout my darkest days.
"Are you alright?" Peeta snaked his arms around my waist while resting his chin on my shoulder. I shut my eyes, suddenly feeling safe again in his arms as I leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"I'm fine now." I smiled, although I could tell by his frown that he wasn't convinced, and luckily for me, he didn't try to push. "Thanks for dinner."
Peeta released his hold around me and plants a small kiss on my forehead. "You're welcome, sweetheart." He smiled as he brushed a strand of hair away from my face. I walked him out the door, bid him a goodnight kiss, and then he was gone.
The following morning, I got up at dawn and put my hunting gear and boots on to head for the woods as I do each and every day to keep my sanity. It is the only place I find peace and feel most at home. I grabbed my bow and arrow that stood next to the front door as I walked out of my house in the Victor's Village. The sky was clear of clouds as the bright, radiant sun dried up what's left of yesterday's rain. It didn't take me long to exit District 12 and reach the meadow, which is now separated from the woods with long branches that replaced the high chain-link fence. I set a few traps here and there, hoping to catch something to bring for Greasy Sae.
As I wandered further into the woods, I thought of Gale and how close I felt to him here despite the distance that has kept us districts apart. I could feel his lingering presence as though he was waiting for me; watching me nearby. I would go to our meeting spot every day, hoping that he will show up and fill the emptiness that I continue to carry with me in the woods since we parted ways. But every day was the same since then as I continuously stood on the rock that overlooked the valley in solitude.
I continued down the path, knocking down a few squirrels with my bow and arrow when I finally reached the rock. A heavy sigh escaped from my lips as I sat down and think about all the fond memories I shared with Gale. I remembered the day of the Reaping when he asked me to run away with him in the woods, and thought about countless times of what life would be like if we did run away together. Would we have lived at all? Would I have chosen him over Peeta if Prim had lived? Could I ever forgive him? The possibilities of a different life eluded most of my thoughts in the woods; mostly of Gale who I thought about every day despite the pain he had caused me with his involvement in the war tactics that ended my sister's life, and eventually, ended our friendship. The truth is, I missed him and yearned for him. And it didn't take me long to realize how unhappy I was without him.
Anger suddenly replaced any feelings of loneliness as I found myself in tears over my sister's death and Gale who gave up on me and left to live a new life with a fancy job in District 2. Emotions consumed me as I lied down on the soothing grass, under a willow tree and cried myself to sleep. I dreamt of Prim as a little girl helping our mother care for the sick in our old home in District 12. I then dreamt of Gale who was running into the woods with me trailing not too far behind. He would turn around, smiling back at me and laughing as he extended his hand for me to hold, mouthing the words "I love you." I grabbed it instantly, only to see him disappear before me. I yelled out his name, reaching for him as the arising mist engulfed his body. "Gale!" I screamed as the mist knocked me off my feet. I scrambled back up only to find that he was gone.
"Gale!" I gasped as my eyes sprung open wide, only to feel a set of arms pushing me down to wake me from the nightmare.
"Katniss, it's me." Peeta cupped my face with his hands as my heavy breathing slowly subsided. I could tell that he was worried, and at the same time, hurt at the mentioned of his name. But he tried to hide it, concerned only for my well-being. "It's okay, I'm here." I fell into his comforting arms, sobbing as the afternoon sun reached its peak over the trees that covered the woods. I must have slept for three hours as I could feel my face burned with heat.
"What are you doing here?" I asked Peeta who smelled of fresh bread as I felt my stomach grumble. Then I remembered I haven't eaten anything this morning when I left.
"I was looking for you. I figured you'd be here." He said worriedly as he wiped the tears from my face.
I furrowed my eyebrows. "Did something happen?"
"No, I was worried when you haven't been home for hours."
I nodded my head as I allowed him to help me up. I gathered my belongings and the squirrels as we walked over to where I set up the traps. There was nothing.
We reached District 12 and finally to the Victor's Village where Peeta followed me to my house and began to prepare lunch he brought from the bakery. I took a quick shower, changed, and headed to the kitchen where Peeta was waiting for me. "You feel better?" He asked. I simply nodded my head and began eating the delicious bread bowl filled with chowder and potatoes. It was silent at first as I could feel Peeta's eyes lingering on me; trying to read me somehow and break the walls that I have created between us. And then he began to discuss the morning events at the bakery, which suddenly caught my attention.
"Gale dropped by at the bakery today."
I stopped and felt my heart sank to my stomach. It was as though everything around me paused as I look at Peeta with my lips slightly parted. "What?" I finally uttered breathlessly after a few moments of silence. "When? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" A million questions came running through my head as I began to get frustrated with Peeta. How can he keep something like this from me?
"I didn't know how to tell you." Regret filled his voice as I pushed my chair back and stood up, suddenly pacing back and forth anxiously. "Why does it matter anyway?" He asked as he too got up and walked towards me to the other side of the table. I stopped to face him. "You pushed him out of your life, remember?" I was shocked and speechless as I stood there, struck by Peeta's honest words. "Or do you all of a sudden miss him?"
A gasp suddenly caught my throat, "Every day," I whispered as I fight back tears that began to fill my eyes once again. Peeta deeply sighed as he pulled me into his arms and began filling me in. It turns out that Gale runs the factories in District 2, working on rebuilding trains and railroads as well as automobiles for citizens to travel from district to district. He is currently on duty visiting other Districts to check with other factories and businesses to make sure everything is in order. "He was with some businesswoman," Peeta uttered as I felt my gut twist in knots at the thought. "Anyway, he's here for a few days. He will be staying with his family."
"Did he ask about me?" I asked as I could feel my heart racing at the possibility of Gale still thinking about me as I am of him.
There was a short pause, and then without looking at me, Peeta softly replied, "No."
A/N: Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think! =)