What She Doesn't See

by Marina Raven

Everything Katniss doesn't see; everything she can't possibly understand, because she doesn't know what it's like to watch the love of your life in a fight to the death. Collection of Galeniss one-shots from Gale's PoV taking place during the first book.

1. Missed Chance

I'm out of breath as I stumble into the Justice Building. It feels like I won't get there fast enough, that Katniss will slip away forever without my having a chance to say goodbye. That would be disastrous. I'm here to say farewell, and to do what I've never been brave enough to do before. Admit the secret that haunts me every day. Thinking of this, I quicken my pace, desperately searching for the room that holds her. I run into a Peacekeeper. He looks at me disdainfully, but I brush it aside. He points me in the direction of her waiting room, and I quickly walk towards it.

Sitting outside the door, in the plush chairs, are some people I'm not expecting to see. The baker, Peeta Mellark's father. I stare at him.

"This is Katniss's waiting room." I say. He just nods. I then switch my focus to the inhabitant of the other chair, Madge,still wearing her reaping dress. Recalling how spiteful I must have appeared that morning, I ignore her. An uncomfortable, uneasy silence falls between us as I plunk myself down in a chair, ignoring the world around me.

Inside the room, I hear shouting. It must be Katniss's mother and Prim. Who knows what must be going on in there. She never exactly told me what she thought about her mother, but I know her well enough to tell she's still not forgiven Melissa Everdeen for when she blanked out years ago.

Finally, the doors open and they leave. Prim smiles sadly at me, then they are gone. Next, the baker goes in. I hear mostly silence for the time, and am beginning to worry about Katniss. Then, finally, the Peacekeepers enter the room and he emerges.

Then, Madge enters Katniss's room. Impatiently, I wait for my turn. Finally she too leaves, and, I notice, she does not have her gold pin. As I enter the room, Katniss falls into my hug. After giving her some tips on survival, I take a deep breath and am ready to begin my speech. However, those Peacekeepers are back, and as I beg for more time, they drag me out.

"Don't let them starve!" Cries Katniss, clinging to me desperately. I understand.

"I won't! You know I won't! Remember, Katniss, I-" The door slams shut behind me, and my last words suddenly die on my lips. "love you." As I stare at the Peacekeeper, he ignores me. "Please, just a minute! I need to say two words!" I beg.

There is no response, and finally I give up and return home with a heavy heart.