Katniss POV~
My mother was always happy to have Gale around, I guess she felt secure having a man around the house.
We ate dinner in silence, the deer was delicious and Gale traded a leg for a whole load of warm bread, and the other three legs for some fancy white liquid that tasted expensive.
This feast was just like one you would have on the night of the reaping. I was glad that was over.
"This is delicious Gale, thank you for bringing it over" my mother thanked once we had finished eating.
"Well, you should thank Katniss for her good aim" he chucked. The room went silent and I knew that everyone was thinking of the games.
"Gale and I will clean up, you two should get ready for bed" I break the silence.
"Okay, dear" My mother smiled, she was much happier now that I was back, Prim told me that she was as miserable as a dead cow when I was gone, but as promised still looked after her.
They left the room and then I was alone with Gale.
"You should take some leftovers back home" I say.
"No, that's okay after you left the woods today I foraged some berries and killed some squirrels, my family is fine" he replied.
"You're very good with your family" I compliment, but Gale just looks down at the dishes he is cleaning in dirty water.
I didn't want to discuss what happened in the woods this morning, not now, not ever, but Gale was persistent.
"You know what I am about to ask" he said
"Gale- please don't" I reply.
"Why not Katniss? Why can't we give it a try, we get along so well" he stated.
"Because, you're more of a brother to me than anything else, I love you, but not that way" I replied.
"Okay" he replied quietly, I looked over at him and he looked sad. I walked over and gave him a kiss on the cheek, then hugged him and we stood there cuddling for what seemed like ages.
"I'll see you at school" he finally pulled away.
"Okay" I smiled.
"I love it when you smile" Gale smiled back, then he walked to the front door and looked back, "Goodbye, Catnip" he laughed and walked away.