I do not own the Hunger Games or any characters in it.

I hate him.

I can't believe what he's doing, getting Katniss to go out into the forest, to "hunt". Like a couple of dead geese is what he wants. Gale is going to get her in trouble. The new Peacekeepers will find out. Then she will be whipped. Or worse.

I need to straighten this out, to straighten him out. I don't care if he keeps flirting with Katniss, well I do, but if that's what she wants, I just want her to be happy. I can live without her if she's happy, and if we can deal with the Capitol.

But her dying because Gale is desperate I cannot handle. If she dies I don't know what I will do. I need to talk to him.

I walk out of my house, leaving the Victor's Village, heading for the fence. I know Gale will be out in the woods at this time of day, especially when the mines are down from that last cave in. I guess its good that Gale wasn't in that, Katniss would never recover.

When I get to the fence, my stomach turns. Leaving District 12 is dangerous, many people have been getting in trouble for things that used to be common. But I suck it up and climb through the hole, beginning my search for Gale. Katniss has only taken me here a couple of times, I hope I can remember her "spots". They're probably the same ones Gale uses. He never leaves her alone.

The day is still early, probably a few hours before lunchtime. The sun shines through the leaves, casting beautiful shadows on the ground. I can hear birds and little animals running around, enjoying the warm air which has finally arrived. Katniss thinks I hate the forest. I don't, this part of it I really like. I just don't like my memories of the Games in the forest. Or her hunting in them because she's bored.

I walk into a large open clearing. I have been here before. Katniss and I had a picnic here once. That was when Gale spent more time in the mines, and she spent more time with me.

I large deer runs out into the clearing, leaping great strides. Its coming in my direction, until it sees me and veers to the left. Only about a second later, before I can even understand what is happening, an arrow shoots out from the tree line, missing the deer. When I look back to the left, the deer has already escaped into the maze of trees.

"Damn it!"

I see Gale walk out from the trees, obviously angry. Guess I found him.

"You ruined that Peeta! I had that buck! Damn it!"

As he walks closer, picking up his lost arrow, I almost forget why I'm there. He is wearing this loose shirt over some cargo pants. Gale has obviously been hunting awhile, he looks slightly sweaty, making the shirt stick to his body. The morning light makes Gale's olive skin look amazing, why haven't I noticed that about Katniss? "I didn't miss that shot Gale, that was you."

That didn't make Gale any less angry, "Everything was fine till you showed up". He looks like he's had a no luck hunting this morning, there are no little rabbits or squirrels on his belt.

"Doesn't look like everything was fine." Once I say that I regret it. Kinda a low blow.

Gale's face softens a little bit at that thought. "I guess you're right, why are you out here anyway Peeta? Katniss isn't with me."

"I am actually here to talk to you Gale." He raises his eyebrows. "But it is about Katniss", and he lowers them again, rolling his eyes.

He starts, "Look, Peeta…"

"You can't take her out here Gale! Its dangerous! She's going to get caught, and when she does…"

"She can handle herself! She has all these years! And just because you don't want us having any contact doesn't mean you can tell her what to do!"

"I have never told her not to see you! And I really don't care if you're together! As long as she is happy and safe!"

"And I'm sure this whole thing with the Capitol is just eating you up then…"

"How can you say I'm happy with what Snow is doing? That's terrible!" I stopped for a moment. That was a strong accusation, but what if he was right, I would never stand a chance with Katniss unless we were in this situation. But to say this is what I wanted is too much.

Gale began again, "I think you are jealous Peeta, I don't think you want us together because you don't want Katniss and I to become closer." I notice that Gale is coming closer.

"I told you, I don't care if you two are together." Gale was still inching closer, making me uncomfortable almost. I feel like my checks are red.

"But you do Peeta, I can see it, I can see it in the way your eyes linger for just an extra moment. I can see it in the way you lick your lips when you stare. I can see it when you daze off, thinking about me."

My eyes open wide. I feel my mouth hang slightly. Now I realize how close Gale truly is to me. Our chests are almost touching. I can see his eyes looking into mine. There is a feeling there, but I can't quite grasp it. "Gale…"

He cuts me off, pressing his lips to mine. I can sense that feeling again, it is so close, but lingering just beyond my mind. Longing, care, a need. We separate for a moment, looking at each other. Then Gale presses against me, his hand sliding behind my neck, his lips against mine again. This time it is more, I feel his tongue against my lips, asking for an opening, and I give him one. Then his other hand slips around my waist, and we press even closer together. We are both fighting now, trying to get more of the other, trying to satisfy this feeling.

He releases me. I can feel us both panting. He smiles, "I knew I was right." That makes me chuckle, and I smile back.

I didn't even know he was right. But I know now. That feeling, which I guess I have always been pushing to the edge, its overwhelming now. I know only Gale can satisfy this need. This time I kiss him, but only for a moment. Then I press my head against his chest, he is so tall. He puts his chin on my head. We both close our eyes and just stand there, together. In this moment I realize what that feeling is. I can't believe it.

I love him.

Thanks! Next chapter up soon! Comments welcome!