I wake up, finding myself still resting on Gale's chest. With a smile, I nudge him awake, "Gale?"
His eyes flutter open and he gives me a proud grin, "Hey, Catnip..." He pecks me on the forehead, chuckling. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me close, "How do you feel?"
"Good... Better with you here..." I mumble, yawning. As I take notice he's wrapped me in my jacket, I ask him, "How long did I sleep?"
"About half an hour..." He says, running a finger through my hair. His hand moves down to my back, looking into my eyes adoringly.
I blush at the intensity of his stare, "I should... probably get dressed." Gale nods. I slowly get to my feet, feeling sore, and dress myself before gently sitting down beside him. He sits up, immediately pressing his lips to mine. As he kisses me, I feel an odd fluttering in my stomach. I dip my head to break the kiss and stare into Gale's eyes, finally aware of what could happen.
But there's nothing to be concerned about yet. I feel perfectly calm and just want to relax with my best friend.
Or is he something bigger than my best friend now?
"Gale..." I mumble.
"Yes, Katniss?" He replies, blinking at me with a grin.
"We should... hunt..." I smile, but it fades as I go to stand. The pain in my legs is awful. I can't even get up without wincing.
Gale notices and pats me on the back, "It's fine, Katniss... I can hunt today. You seem to be still sore from..." He drifts off as he picks up his bag of snares. He peers at me, standing up, "Stay here. No need to hurt yourself more." Gale kneels and pecks me on the lips, "I'll be back soon."
I grab his wrist, "I want to go with you..."
He shakes his head, "Catnip, you should stay here... If you're sore..."
"A-Alright... Don't be gone too long..." I say, staring at him.
He nods, "I won't. I'll gather the stuff I caught in my snares and be back before you know it." Gale gives me a fleeting look before poking my nose. I giggle and wave as he heads out.
Laying on my back, I stare at the ceiling. I can't believe I just had sex with him. I just got so caught up in the moment. I think of Peeta. How would he react...
No. I just won't tell him. I couldn't. It would destroy him.
I decide it's best to keep it quiet. I'm sure if I don't brag about it, no one will know. I listen to the calming sound of Mockingjays singing a tune and find myself whistling The Hanging Tree. The Mockingjays pick up on it and sing it back. After a moment of silence, I hear the next verse. Sitting up, I stare at the enterance of the cave to hear boots; Hunting boots. I smile realizing Gale's back.
"Hey, Catnip." He says. I see he has mud on his shoes and know he's checked his snares down by the lake.
"Welcome back, Gale." I say, "Get anything?"
He slings his game bag down in front of me and chuckles, "I got a turkey, two squirrels, and a rabbit."
I grin, "Nice..." A turkey, two squirrels, and a rabbit isn't bad at all.
Gale drops to his knees beside me, "Ready to head back to District 12?"
I nod, "Yeah... Do you think you can help me... My legs feel like they're raw..."
He gets back to his feet, throws his bag of game over his shoulder, and holds out a hand, "Absolutely... It is my fault, after all..."
Shaking my head, I grab his warm hand. Gale pulls me to my feet slowly, but I'm still forced to bite my tongue from screaming. My legs feel like they're on fire. I lean against Gale, dizzily.
"Alright, Catnip?"
"Y-Yeah... I'm f-fine..." I mean to say without whining, but it hurts too bad.
He gives me a sad smile before bringing his other hand down to hold onto the bend of my leg. With a swift but careful movement, he picks me up. I gasp, looking at him, but he just gives me a grin, "I'll just carry you... It's better than forcing you through pain."
With a giggle, I snuggle my head into his shoulder, "Thanks, Gale."
He holds me against him and heads out of the cave. He proceeds with caution, careful not to drop me. I smile, feeling at peace as he carries me. I love how he always puts himself behind me, caring more for my wellbeing than his own. We stop at the fence and he slowly slides me under. I use my arms to pull myself out from under the fence.
Once I'm on the other side, he pokes himself through and beams at me, getting to his feet, "I think it's best if you try to walk now. We don't need people to suspect anything... Or think you're hurt..." He offers out his hand again, "I'll help you to your feet."
He pulls me up again and I find myself more able to walk now. I suppose it was keeping the pressure off my legs that kept the soreness from returning. I take a staggering step, looking at Gale for approval. He gives me a thumbs up and leads me back home. Keeping my mind off how painful it is to walk, I focus on Gale. Of how he's always been there for me. Of how he took care of my family while I was in the Games. I drift off, deep in thought, until I reach my home.
Gale opens the door for me and pats me on the back, "Take care, Catnip." He leans close to my face and whispers against my lips, "I love you."
I blush and peer around, amking sure the coast was clear before pecking him on the lips. Instead of breaking the kiss, I grab the front of his shirt and pull him closer. I love him. So much. I don't want him to go. I want him to stay with me. Forever. I don't know why, but I'm beginning to get really clingy to him.
Pulling away, I look down, "I love you, too, Gale."
Gale chuckles and hugs me, "See you around." He kisses my forehead, heads toward the exit, and winks at me before shutting the door.
Gale...
I feel like he's a part of me. When he leaves, I feel lonely. He's the only person I can be myself around. Like I've said before... Gale is mine. I am his. And Peeta, or anyone, can never know.
Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Oh gosh, Galeniss is officially one of my OTPs. Please review!
