CHAPTER 2

Katniss might not notice the attention she gets from boys, but I notice the eye I hold for girls. But unlike her, I use it. I have had a lot of girl friends. They are useful, they take my mind of things, but after a while their clingy neediness drives me insane. I haven't lasted with a girl for more than a month or two. I have a special spot where I take my girls, I'm headed there now.

The slag heap looms in front of us while I drown out Savannah's chatter about the school's recent gossip. Gah, I get such a headache from her squeaky voice, constantly blabbering on about useless crap. That's why I enjoy Katniss's company so much; she doesn't feel the need to feel the air with pointless chatter. She appreciates silence, as do I.

At the edge of the slag heap he shuts up his companion by pressing himself up against her body and molding his lips around hers. The pleasant sensation of their tongues intertwining warms his body. He knows he doesn't love this girl; he'll probably dump her in a few days. But I drown this out along with all the sorrows and stresses of my life and just fill my head with electrifying sensations. I only allow myself to feel my mouth on hers, her hands in my hair, her firm but soft buttock in my hands. Soon I feel the need grow, feel the pressure against my pants. I back Savannah up against the slag heap and she sprawls out across it. I know she isn't wearing a bra under her shirt I can see the small two mountains where her nipples press against her tight and thin dress. I know I won't take it to far, my mom made sure I knew that sex was only for the one you truly love. But that doesn't stop me from enjoying Savannah's generosity. I lay atop her and give myself over to sensation.

The next day Katniss and I do very well. We just finish checking our snares when Katniss hisses for me to get low. I comply at once following her gaze to a buck in the thicket about thirty yards away from us. She silently arms her bow and lets the arrow flying. It hits its target, obviously; Katniss never misses. We hug and pat each others back giving soft hoots of celebration. We're going to make a lot with this kill. It takes time to gut and skin our prize, add lugging up all the meat and then getting a good trade at the hob, by the time we finish our day is done. Pockets full of change and fresh loaves of bread and other delicacies in our game bags, we make our way home.

"What are you and Prim doing tonight?" I ask. They had been walking along silently, very content and reveling in the security of the jangle and weight of coins in their pockets.

"Nothing, she's staying at one of her friend's house," Katniss says. I look at her. She seems to be unbothered by not having her sisters company tonight. I know better. Katniss cares so much about her sister, loves her so much. It's not that she doesn't want her sister to have friends; he knows that, she is actually happy that Prim does. But it doesn't make it any easier for Katniss to go home to an empty house. Her mother is there physically, but she's mainly locked in her room, mentally far away.

Katniss doesn't have friends outside of me that she can be around. I have a couple, none of them are even near to being how close Katniss and I are. But he still doesn't like that she has no one else to share in companionship. He can see in her eyes sometimes that she is miserably lonely, especially when she sees other families, happy and loving. Katniss loves Prim and is happy when ever she is with her. But she doesn't have time to spend with her family, make long lasting memories. Since she has to pick up the heap of responsibilities her mother leaves her with when she clocks out of the world, hunt to keep them from starving, and go to school, she can never get the time to just sit and play with Prim. I know she feels awful about it too. But there's simply nothing she can do about it except try to act like it doesn't bother her. She has that look now, of complete loneliness. It makes my heart hurt.

"Do you want to come to dinner tonight?" I ask. I hope she will, my whole family loves Katniss and I enjoy every moment we spend together.

"Are you sure Hazelle won't mind?"

I roll my eyes, my mother would never mind. She would most likely love it if Katniss came and lived with us. He wouldn't mind either; he'd love it truthfully. But he knows Katniss would mind. She's too independent and proud to let others take care of her. He also knows that it would offend her to even ask. "Katniss, when has my mother ever cared? She already sees you as family. Don't be ridiculous. Anyway if your there I won't have to play dolls with Posy." I smirk at her. She hates that, but can't refuse my little sister's pleas.

She eyes me for a moment to gauge whether I'm fibbing or not, then nods. Her lips stretch into a grin, lighting her face up considerably. "Okay, when do you want me?"

"6:30," I reply, a grin forming on my face as well. I couldn't wait to tell Posy. I hope she gets all her dolls out. I always get a kick out of watching Katniss try to act like a girl.

-

Posy sprints to the door, answering the short and fast two knocks. Ripping it open she lets out a little squeal and dives for Katniss's leg, latching on tightly.

"Katniss!" Posy screams with excitement. Grabbing Katniss's hand and dragging her to the rug in the middle of our grubby living room, "I have my dolls out, let's play house!"

Katniss's smile waivers at the mention of playing this game. Hazelle and I laugh when she looks at us, eyes pleading.

My mother chuckles as she says, "Posy lets eat dinner first, then you and Katniss can play dolls."

I chock back laughter when Katniss's shoulders slump in relief. She walks into my mother's outstretched arms, accepting her hug. "Thank-you," she breaths in her ear.

"Katniss, it's so nice to see you. It has been too long," my mother remarks when they disengage from their embrace.

Katniss gives a happy smile to her than walks over to me, giving me a light punch on the arm.

"Thanks for the help," she glares playfully at me.

Grinning, I use my innocent voice, "What? I know how much you love to play house!" I smirk at her, while she gives me another punch; this one has a little more force behind it.

"Okay kids, dinners ready!" my mother yells. Chuckling we head to the table.

Dinner was great. We talked and ate, laughed and joked. Katniss looked so relaxed; she even gave a couple of her real, hearty laughs that are so rare. As we clean up the kitchen I catch my mother eyeing Katniss as she dries plates and I place them in the cupboard. We had been talking and arguing playfully about who was going to play with Posy and her dolls. I looked at my mother questioningly.

"Why don't you take Katniss with you tonight?" my mother suggests. I had told her that I would be going to the west entrance tonight, were all the students went to party and do naughty teenager stuff. This is a surprise. My mother knows Katniss doesn't enjoy being around the kids in our school. I raise my eyebrows at her, wondering where this came from. Katniss looks completely taken aback by the question.

"I-I don't know, I'm not very good with other people," she stammers out.

"Katniss," my mother says forcefully. "You never have any fun; you need to enjoy your childhood. Your sister is with a friend tonight, I insist you go with Gale and act like you're a teenager for once."

I started my wording carefully, wanting to explain to my mom how going to the party tonight would be the last thing Katniss would ever want to do, "Mom-"

"No Gale!" Hazelle cuts me off, warning me with her eyes not to argue with her about this. "Katniss never does anything for herself. She needs to have a break sometime, take time for herself!"

I glance at Katniss, waiting for back-up. She just stands there, looking frightened. I disguise my blurt of laughter with a cough. Of course she would be scared of people. Sick a pack of wild dogs on her and she's completely calm and composed. But make her hang out with other kids and she's terrified.

She looks to me, stammering over excuses, "I-but-well..."

"Your going Katniss, you need to spend time with people your age, let loose for a little bit." My mother told her sternly, putting on her parent face.

I want to explain to my mother how the only place either of us feels we can relax and truly enjoy ourselves is in the comfort of the woods. I was only going to these parties because there's alcohol, and since I had just dumped Savannah, I needed something to clear my mind. But of course, I couldn't tell her that.

I notice my mom appraising Katniss, twisting her mother in thought. "Come with me, we are going to change you into some decent clothes," my mother says, grabbing Katniss's hand and leading her to a bedroom before either of us could protest. Katniss sends me an alarmed look, begging me with her eyes to save her. There was nothing I can do. When my mother makes up her mind, just like me, there was no disagreeing.

I flop on the couch, feeling sympathy for Katniss as I hear muffled fussing from my mother through the door. I notice I don't really pay attention to Katniss's clothes like I do with other girls. She just doesn't put in the fuss to wear the tight clothes and shaping garments most girls do. I realize that she wears the same thing almost everyday. Her baggy dark green cargo pants, a loose black shirt, long sleeved or short-sleeved depending on the weather, her hair in a loose braid, and the same worn boots with patched holes. She never wears makeup. She still looks great, though. I wonder how much girls in my school try to be more appealing while Katniss doesn't even try. The other girls worry so much about their appearance, but when Katniss walks into a room she captures people's attention without effort or notice. I know why, she's a very beautiful girl. But it's more than that. The way she holds herself so confidently, how she walks so silently but gracefully, how when her gray, silver eyes meet yours they pierce you, she takes breath away. This doesn't matter to me though; I am drawn to her because of her strength and raw determination. It makes a great friend and ally.

The door that imprisoned Katniss to my mother's hands swings open. Hazelle comes out smiling proudly, calls everyone to the living room and steps aside to display her handy work. My brothers gasp, Posy gives a squeak of delight, I can't help the hiss of air I intake sharply.

I hardly recognize my Katniss, she has transformed into something other worldly, a goddess. My mother had just been with her for about five minutes, but even the least bit of effort to Katniss's appearance makes her even more breathtaking. They hadn't done much, changed her clothes for snug dark blue jeans and a light blue low, but not too low, cut blouse and some navy colored flats. Her hair was free of its braid, falling in loose curls past her shoulders with a braid pulling back the front bit of her hair to keep it out of her face. My mother must have put something in it because it held an appealing gloss. And her face. Wow. My mother had added a dark pink gloss to her lips and her lashes seemed darker and longer making her eyes scorch and penetrate your gaze.

I'd never seen anything so beautiful. I felt myself flushing, searching my mind for a thing to say. But I was met with just awe, all thoughts on this beauty before me. I started having odd thoughts; I say fantasies of my hands running over her curves, tracing her lips. Raising my eyes to her face I see her gaze directed at Hazelle. Her irritated, annoyed, and pleasured emotion focused on my mother for her effort and huge display, brought sense back into my mind.

Clearing my throat I say, "Well Catnip," using her nickname to ease my mind, "you took long enough." Standing up, blocking out the puzzling thoughts that invade my mind, I smile, "Well let's get going. See you mom!" I shout as we make our way out the door.

We round a corner making our way toward the west entrance when she lifts her arms to her head. I notice the band she has in her hand, and realize she plans to pull her hair back, probably feeling safe now that my house and mother are out of view.

I grab her hand, "No you don't. I will not risk the chance of getting in trouble with my mother for letting you ruin her hard work." I reach for the band around her fingers.

She looks at me for a moment fury pulsing in her distracting eyes. "Give me that!" Her voice shouts. We grapple with the band for a moment. She gives it a hard tug and it snaps. "Ugh, I can't believe you!" her huge eyes glare at me before she takes off down the street, walking oddly.

I feel bad; I know how much she hates having her hair in the way. She had almost cut it off once but I had convinced her not to. But for some reason I didn't want her to pull up the glossy curtains of hair that flowed down her back.

"I'm sorry, but my mom would kill me if she knew that I had let you ruin her master piece. Anyway it looks nice," I try to apologize.

"I don't care," she growls but slows down allowing me to catch up with her. I grin, we never stay angry at each other for long, in a minute or two I will be forgiven.

We walk in silence, her long strides still odd. She keeps glancing at her feet, letting out sighs of dissatisfaction. I don't say anything not wanting to disrupt her anger; I start to get worried though when her steps get shakier. I'm about to ask if she's alright, when Katniss throws up her arms in exasperation and stops to look at her feet, "Gah, these shoes are horrible! They are pinching my feet! And these pants! I feel like every step I take will make them rip open! And this crap on my eyelashes is heavy! Why do people even bother with this stuff?"

Chuckling I remark, "To look pretty."

"Well it's ridiculous!" We continue on to our destination her mumbled complaints the only sound between us. We reach a fork in the road. I head left toward the west entrance, while she veers right. I grab her arm and pull her back towards me.

"Where do you think your going? The west entrance is this way," I look at her confused. Katniss always knows her surroundings, where she's going.

She looks at me, irritated, than jerks her arm out of my hand. "What, you actually thought I was going to go and make friends with all your buddies? I'm going home," she turns back toward the right fork. "Have a nice night," she says over her shoulder sarcastically. I know she's not mad at me, just snappy because she's uncomfortable with these types of things, plus the clothes she's in aren't exactly comfortable either.

"Katniss please," I jog over to her. "I would really like it if you came with me," I look her in the eyes, straight on. She has her hips slightly sticking out with her hands lying loosely on them. It's very distracting. I put on a pleading face, hoping she actually will join me tonight. I don't want her to leave me yet.

She looks at me, measuring the truth of my words. Her eyes soften a bit, "Fine," she huffs. "Let's get this over with."

Smiling I throw my arm around her shoulder, "That's the spirit Catnip." She glances up at me and smiles smugly. All the sudden I feel the urge to slide my arms around her waist and press her up against me. Her eyes catch some light and glitter. An internal battle takes place, one side of me wanting to wrap her in my arms, another half knowing that for some reason this would change their relationship dramatically. I give her shoulder a small squeeze releasing my hold on her; to scared to know what would happen if I was to embrace her.

We make our way back toward the west entrance, each of us absorbed in our own thoughts. I puzzle over why I feel this way. Why do I suddenly want to touch my Catnip? Why do I feel the urge to run my hand across her cheek? Why do I want to feel the sensation of pressing her body to mine? I start to get a little queasy as I flush from the thought. I shouldn't be feeling this way, Katniss is my best friend. We don't do that with each other. We aren't romantic, ever. These thoughts plague my mind as we walk up to a group of about twenty surrounding a fire.

I hear Katniss's breath quicken as she takes in her surroundings. "Gale," she chokes out as she grabs my arm to stop me at the edge of group. We aren't lit by the fire, so no one notices our presence. "I do-I don't know if I can do this," she says completely distraught. She glances toward our classmates, "I think I'm going to just go home." She turns about to bolt, when I take her hand.

"Come over here," I whisper, leading her over behind a tree. Once we reach the spot, I put both my hands on her shoulders and bend so I'm eye-level with her. "Catnip you are over reacting. You can do this," I gaze into her eyes a moment longer willing her to hear the truth in my words. Her eyes are huge, the sliver in them mesmerizing me. Then I drop my hands and smirk at her, "And I'll be there. If you can't take all your admirers, just come to me and I'll protect you." I find it astonishing that she can be so calm when she's being chased up a tree by a bear, but when she's faced with other human beings she gets so anxious.

Shaking my head I take her hand, which is slightly clammy from nerves, and guide Katniss out into the group, disengaging our grasp when we come into view. The first person who sees us is Jared, he gives me a knowing smile and then glances to see who my companion is.

His jaw literally drops. I glance over at Katniss to see if she's noticed but she has her eyes glued to the fire, being careful not to make eye-contact with anyone. She is absolutely gorgeous, of course, but I find myself wishing my mom hadn't tried to play up Katniss's beauty. I hate the look Jared has and feel my hand twitch to deck him. I look to him again and see his mouth is still agape, his eyes scouring her body. I look to others in our small get together, seeing if our arrival has been noticed. I see the same reaction on all their faces, even the girls. They stand their like idiots just gazing dreamily, or in the girls' case, nastily at Katniss. Everyone has broken off their conversation to just take her in.

I clear my throat and step a little closer to her. Hoping they get the hint to get a hold of themselves. They all glance at me. I some how get it across that they all need to behave, because they get back to their conversations that had been interrupted by Katniss's arrival. A lot of them have to shake their heads to clear their minds before continuing. "Want to come with me for a bit?" I look down at her and see she's still watching the fire, oblivious to all the attention she just got.

She looks at me and I see her tense shoulders loosen a bit. She swallows and shakes her head indicating she did want to join me. We head over to a group of five people near the fire. Jared's in this group, along with my other friend Chris, and three girls, including my ex Savannah. I know she chose to interact with them because she knew that I would head to my friends first. Great it's going to take a while to get her off my back.

People still watch Katniss, but they do so discreetly. It still bothers me, I feel like hiding her behind me to block there gazes, but it's better than the blatant gawking they had done when we first arrived.

"Hey guys, how's it going," I greet them.

"Hey bro!" Chris welcomes.

"What's up man," Jared says.

"You all know Katniss," I say, reluctantly directing their attention to her. I glance at her by my side. She has her arm at her side with her other hand gripping her elbow, her head low looking at the ground. She glares up at me when she hears me introduce her. I might have laughed if I wasn't so tense from the looks the others have been shooting her way.

"Yeah, I know her," Chris replies. I feel a flash of anger at how he says this.

"Hello Katniss," Jared says after him, a little too formally. Probably trying to keep his tone neutral, not wanting another reprimand from me. She lifts her head at the greetings, the fire glows on her skin invitingly, her eyes seem to glow. She looks to my friends and gives them a short nod as a greeting. I glimpse at them in time to see their eyes widen as they take the full effect of her face, her eyes.

Wanting to dig my fingers in their eyes sockets, I ask, "So where's the booze Chris?" trying to hide the venom in my voice

Chris's eyes linger on Katniss a second longer, who's gaze is back on the ground, and flits his eyes back to me. "Sorry man, couldn't get any tonight."

Dang, this whole trip was a waste. I had just wanted the alcohol to dull my mind, let me act crazy and reckless. Instead I've just roiled myself up more by bringing Katniss here to be looked at like a piece of meat. I'm about to tell them that we will be leaving when Jared intercedes, "So Gale, did you hear about Haymitch getting beat by the peacekeepers?"

Annoyed that I have to answer I turn and say, "Nope." Before I can say, 'And I don't care,' Jared launches into the story.

Great we're stuck here

Katniss lingers by us for a bit, before she heads over to the fire and sits in one of the empty chairs surrounding it. She brings her knees up to her chest and wraps her arms around her shins. She kicks her shoes off and points her feet near the fire, heating her toes. She looks more at ease there than since we've arrived. I decide she wouldn't want me to leave my friends to join her, even though I'd very much like too. She'd think I was just trying to accommodate her, make her feel calmer. She'd hate it. So I just watch her not even paying attention to the argument erupting around me.

She just sits there watching looking up at the stars. Slowly she closes her eyes, her face no longer taut with unease. She looks so angelic. I can't tare my eyes away. But I do because in my peripheral vision I see Chad, heading toward her. His eyes full of want and yearning.

I'm rocked with fury, frozen to the spot as he makes his way to her side. He tiptoes to her not wanting to be noticed. Katniss still has her eyes closed, usually she would have noticed him by now but the crackling of the fire probably drowns out the sound.

He squats down at her side and says something, but I'm to far away to hear. Katniss jumps, her chair swaying off balance about to tip over. Chad reaches up to steady it, and keeps his hand on the arm rest as he gives a short laugh. Katniss is looking at him, bewildered. I want to run over there, tackle him, and grind his face in the dirt. But my rage keeps me in place, like my feet have been bolted to the ground. Chad continues talking to her, while she looks at him, aghast. The members of my group finally take notice of the hate radiating off my body. They glance in the direction of my stare, and take in what I see.

Chris chuckles and says, "Way to go man." He glances back at me, "Got to have some guts to talk to that girl." I would punch him if all my attention hadn't been focused on the exchange in front of me.

"Uh, hey man?" Jared wonders hesitantly.

I see Chad's intent; he raises his hand to place it on her arm. This drives me over the edge, I take a step to sprint over there and break every bone in his out stretched fingers. But Jared, seeing my intent, shouts, "Okay everyone lets play Spin the Bottle!" Hoots and hollers of excitement respond.

Chad's hand freezes in the air as he takes this in. Katniss looks to find me, our gazes meet and her eyes communicate her horror at the mention of such a game. I get a glimpse of Chad, a smile forms on his face as he understands the meaning this game brings. He looks to Katniss expectantly. She must see this too, because she vaults out of her seat and races towards me. She's at my side instantly; I bring my arm around her shoulder and press her to my side. I bring my face down close to hers.

"Are you alright?" my voice is shaky when I ask. My rage hasn't warn off.

She looks up at me eyes huge with panic, "Gale I can't kiss someone. I-I-I don't-I can't," her voice quivers.

I tighten my arm around her shoulder at the thought of anyone getting that close to her. "Relax, we aren't going to stay any longer," I reassure her. Usually I would get hyped up for something like this, but I can only feel dread when I think about someone else touching her in anyway. I turn to inform everyone that we're leaving.

"We aren-" I cut off my sentence when I realize that everyone has observed our exchange. Great, I already have to convince them almost everyday that we aren't together, now it will probably be every hour. "We aren't staying," I finish firmly.

I hadn't noticed that Savannah had made her way over to me. She shimmies up against my hip and runs her hand down my chest and stomach. "Gale, come on, you know you want to stay." Her hand glides to the top of my pants; I catch it before it can reach its destination. She smiles at me suggestively, rubbing her breasts against my arm, and whispers in my ear, "Stay here, after we can pay a visit to your slag-heap." I look down at her, she holds my gaze while she snakes her hand around my back and presses herself up against me. I push her away, and look to Katniss. She looks stunned by this public display. I reach to take her away from here, away from all these infuriating people.

"Dude come one, what's your problem today? You always stay for our little games," Chris shouts. I know I'm doomed when Katniss shoots me a heated look. I know we will stay now; she hates it when anyone goes out of their way to help her. Now that she realizes that "I always stay for the little games" she won't let me leave on account of her. She won't let me think she is weak or scared about this.

I do want to leave because of her, but not for what she thinks. I won't be able to control myself if she has to... I can't even say it. The thought of it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Katniss, who's still looking into my eyes, says,"No we're staying, Gale just thought I wanted to go home." She gives him another pointed look and then heads back toward the campfire were everyone has circled a small piece of plywood with an empty glass beer bottle atop it. When she reaches an empty spot between Rick and George she settles to the ground, waiting for the game to start. They look at each other raise their eyebrows to one another and smile wickedly. They sit next to her and scoot closer. I'm blinded with fury as I quickly intercept George's path and seat myself next to Katniss. I still feel her irritation at me but I don't care.

"Katniss, I really don't-" I begin in her ear.

"No," she snaps, "we're staying." Her beautiful face is decided, her scorching eyes twinkling, daring me to challenge her. I look into her eyes, pleading with her to not do this. The game has already started; Jared reaches out to spin the bottle. I just need to get her to leave, show her it's not because of her I want to. I stare into her eyes begging her to reconsider. It's no use; she turns away from me watching the bottle spin on the plywood, starting to slow as it reaches its first target. It slows to its last turn, I feel Katniss stiffen when it passes her and I. I hold my breath, just go a little further do not stop on her! The stress releases when the bottle stops, pointing at Kendra, a year lower in school than I.

Jared flashes her a smile, as she rises to make her way to him. Everyone gives hoots of anticipation. I look to Katniss. Her eyes are wide in unbelief as Kendra confidently sits atop Jared's lap and wraps her legs around his waist. Kendra runs her fingers through his hair, grabs it and then opens her mouth to his. Katniss tares away her eyes and looks to the ground, a blush covering her cheeks. Wow that looks amazing. I almost laugh because she is so embarrassed by this. Her innocence is so refreshing. I catch a quick glimpse of Jared reaching his hands up Kendra's shirt. I look to Katniss again seeing how she's taking this movement, but she still has her eyes glued to the ground, that gorgeous blush heating her cheeks.

"Okay!" George yells, indicating that the allotted time has been met. Kendra moves to disengage from Jared, but he grasps her hips, pushes them down, grinds himself against her, and gives her lips one more peck before releasing her. Everyone is chuckling as Kendra makes her way back to her seat. I see Katniss staring at Jared eyes wide with surprise. I touch her elbow to get her attention, wanting to know what she's thinking. Her eyes meet mine astonishment is written all over her face. But there's something else in her eyes and I take in a shaky breath when I see a flame of want in them.

My breath catches when I register this. I glance at her lips, so full and inviting. It feels like I'm being pushed towards them, like they are calling to me and I can't help but answer. Her eyes are smoldering, catching the light and reflecting it back. She licks her lips as I look down at her.

"Okay Chris, your turn!" Savannah interrupts. Her voice breaks the hold we have on each other and I'm brought back to reality. What are you doing? You and Katniss do not do that sort of thing! I risk a quick look at her and see she's in the same state I'm in. Her mouth is twisted in confusion eyes lost in thought as she looks at the bottle spin over the plywood. That's how we spend the next couple of rounds, lost in contemplation of what that shared moment between us was. The only things that brings my focus back to the game is when I hear Chad's victorious shout of "Yes!" as the tip of the beer bottle points to Katniss.