I never thought I would see this place again. I'm sitting in the forest, my favourite place in the world, waiting for Gale. I know the Games have changed me, but I don't want things to change between Gale and I. I still want to hunt with him every day, not because I need to hunt to survive anymore, but because I treasure every moment that I get to spend with Gale in the forest. Our forest.
I'm beginning to wonder that he's not going to show when I look up and see him staring at me from a few feet away. How long has he been there watching me? For a moment, neither of us moves. I think how I've never been so happy to see anyone in my life and it's in this moment that I realize I love him. More than just a friend. More than just a trusted hunting partner. Much more than that.
I run over to him and throw my arms around him. His does the same and we stand there for who knows how long, just holding each other tight. Then his head turns ever so slightly and I can feel his lips brush against my neck. He rests his head against my neck and I can feel his warm breath against my skin.
"I missed you so much, Gale" I whisper.
He pulls back and looks into my eyes for a second, never releasing me from his warm embrace. Then he slowly moves toward me and presses his lips against my own. At first the kiss is hesitant and cautious. But then it's like we can't get enough of each other. His hands move up and down my back and mine move against his chest, then around his neck and through his hair. I feel all the emotions for him pouring out through this kiss and I never want it to end.
When we finally break apart, he smiles at me and I can't help but smile back. I don't smile like this around anyone but Gale.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," he says to me. "When you volunteered for Prim, I didn't know if I would ever get the chance".
I can feel my face grow warm and I don't know what to say. I've never been good with words.
"You're blushing," he says with a smile. "You know, I don't think I've ever seen you blush". It's true. I'm not that kind of girl.
"Well, you have no idea, the effect you can have," I say softly.
We spend the rest of the day in the forest doing all the usual things. Hunting. Fishing. Laughing. Every so often, Gale glances over at me and smiles. Maybe one day we'll run off together and build a new life away from the control of the Capitol. Until then, I'm content with just being here with him. With this boy that I met by chance so long ago in the woods and now can't live without.
Gale is mine. And I am his. Nothing can change that. I don't know why it took me so long to realize.