A/U What if Gale was watching the games with heartbroken jealousy... but not because of Katniss?

"Gale, shut up. Seriously."

"I'm just saying. I know her; Katniss would bring down the Capitol and the 12 Districts if it meant coming home to Prim."

"Well I guess it's a good thing we're on the same team, right?" Peeta smiled tiredly, running a hand through his messy blond hair.

Gale looked up. Peeta's breath caught in his chest at the expression on the dark-haired boy's face.

He sighed and sat down across from him. "Gale, it won't be so bad. You'll see. Katniss has a real chance in these games."

Kale put his face in his hands and groaned like a man who had seen to much pain and suffering.

Peeta couldn't help the chuckle he emitted.

"Feeling melodramatic are we?" he said softly.

Gale didn't quirk a smile. That was a bad sign, if anything.

The door slammed open, and a single peacekeeper marched in. Peeta got to his feet; had 10 minutes really passed so quickly? He wasn't ready to go.

"Five more minutes," the voice said gruffly through the white helmet.

Peeta watched as he left and the door slammed, before turning back to Gale, who was standing up and stretching.

"I should go so you can say bye to your mother and father," he muttered. But he made no attempt to move.

Peeta snorted. It seemed the normally somber boy couldn't hold in his mirth since his name was called at the podium. Which was just as well. You never know how you'll cope with your world falling apart until it happens. Apparently his method was a cynical kind of humor. Better to laugh than cry... right up until it all goes up in flames, he mused.

"Right. And have her remind me how little of a shot I have against Ms. Everdeen? No, thank you. Anyways, they were in here before you were. I'm sure they've gone back home already. Before you ask, no, there's no one else waiting to say goodbye. Do you have to go say goodbye to Katniss now?"

"Already did," Gale turned to face the other boy. "Peeta, be serious. Do something. Do anything."

Peeta took a deep breath. It felt surreal, that this would be the last time he'd have a conversation like this with the man in front of him. No- thoughts like that would surely do away with the remnants of his sanity. That way lay madness. The most he could do for Gale now was give him the honesty he deserved. He'd earned that at least.

"Katniss is fighting for her sister. I can't get in the way of that. Not when I have nothing nobler to stand for. I'll help your friend. How could I not?" He tried his very best to keep the bitterness out of his voice. He really did.

And then Gale was right in front of him. Peeta's eyes darted to the door reflexively. The taller boy huffed in amusement.

"You care what they all think? After all this?" he murmured.

"I guess not," Peeta muttered, eyes downcast. It was true; what did it matter if he was walking to his death anyways.

And then Gale's hand was on his chin, lifting his eyes up to his.

"Make it worth something, then. Make it all. Worth. Something," his voice was a strained whisper as he leaned forward and met Peeta's lips."