Hello again. Its time for chapter 2!
So, I have finally introduced Gale in this chapter. He was a bit difficult for me to wrap my head around but I hope I did him justice!
As always, I do not own the Hunger Games or it's wonderful characters.
Enjoy!
It's been three days since the BIG announcement and because of his crazy schedule in the mines, I have yet to see Gale. I just wish so badly to talk to him though. Prim doesn't understand, she's much to young and optimistic to realize how cruel this law truly is and with Gale being my only real friend, I feel like I am going to explode from the constant jumble of thoughts that float through my brain.
So much has changed in the past three days that it's like I am living in an alternate reality. Conversations have solely consisted of gossip on who is marrying whom and most of the couples that were already dating decided to have their fasting ceremonies. I have never seen a line out of the justice building before but with the fear of the Hunger Games fast approaching, I can understand why they wanted to get a jump on things to ensure their safety.
That is probably the only positive thing that has come out of this entire law. Those of us who are 17 and 18 are now safe of the hunger games as long as we find a mate. I would never have to worry about being reaped again, that is if someone actually decides to marry me.
Like clock work, my mind begins to wander over all of the unanswered questions that have now become the bane of my existence. Who can I marry? Will Gale ask me? Do I even want Gale to ask me? Will anyone ask me or will I end up alone and facing down other unfortunate soles in the Hunger Games?
God I wish Gale were here to talk to. Even if it means an uncomfortable discussion, I need to vent before I go crazy!
As I am washing the lunch dishes I overhear a conversation between Prim and Rory Hawthorn who are sitting in the living room playing a game of checkers. I swear those two will get hitched as soon as they both turn 17. They aren't fooling anyone but themselves as they skirt around each other.
"Do you think he will ask her?" My interest is definitely peaked.
"He hasn't talked much about it. I know the night of the announcement him and ma had a chat in the backyard and I saw her give him her wedding ring." Unconsciously I suck in a breath and both heads turn towards me.
"It doesn't mean he's gonna ask me ya know. Gale and I have always been best friends and nothing more. Hell, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the possibility of Gale being my husband so why would he feel any different. My guess is he will choose some merchant girl and they will pop out 10 babies while I'm stuck with some creep who can't find anyone else."
As I say this Prim lets out a little giggle and nods her head in the direction of the door. It is then that I realize Gale has walked in without my knowing and probably heard everything I just said. Those stupid traitors. They saw him and didn't say a word.
My cheeks instantly turn red and I find an intense interest in the carpet at my feet.
"Rory, why don't you take Prim for a walk" Oh god, once they are gone I am going to be all alone with Gale after I pretty much confessed that I was thinking about marrying him.
To make matters even more awkward, as they walk out the door Prim gets Rory to join in on her new favorite song that consists of myself and Gale sitting and kissing in a tree.
"So, uh, how ya been Catnip?" There is definitely a twinge of nervousness in his voice as Gale breaks the silence between us. The way he rubs the back of his neck and rocks from foot to foot is definitely a clear indication that he is feeling equally as uncomfortable.
"Um good I guess. Mother actually sat up today and let Prim brush her hair so I guess its been a good day so far. What about you?" This is painful, when have Gale and I ever talked so formally to one another? Half the time we don't even have to open our mouths to communicate.
My stomach is twisting itself into a bunch of tiny knots and I can't help but stare anywhere else besides Gale. All I can think about is the fact that he is here to tell me he is already engaged and I have made it so much worse through my admission.
And with that thought he stops me in true Gale fashion.
"I can't take it anymore, is this as awkward for you as it is for me because I am dying over here."
A big smile spreads on Gale's face and its as if that little scene between us had never happened.
I don't know if it was because of the look of pure self-loathing and pain that crossed my face or the unspoken bond that exists between us but whatever it was that intervened in that moment, I am beyond grateful.
"So Gale, let's hear it. Who gets to put up with you for the rest of their poor life?" It feels good to joke. Even though Gale has probably chosen someone else, we are still best friends and nothing in the world can come between that.
"You."
"Me what?" For some reason my brain doesn't want to keep up with the conversation.
"I was planning on doing this differently ya know. But of course I had to go and ruin it by walking in here during your little speech." Wait is he being serious? He sure as hell looks serious.
"I was going to take you out to the lake for the day so we could go swimming, just the two of us and when we got home, everyone was supposed to be here waiting with dinner and I was going to get down on one knee and ask you to be my wife." Everything feels as if it's going in slow motion except for my racing heart as Gale kneels in front of me and pulls out his mothers wedding ring.
"Y'all can come back in now. I can hear you giggling outside the door! Someone ought to witness the day Katniss Everdeen gets proposed to without receiving a swift kick to the nuts in the process." He turns his attention back to me as Prim and Rory bust back into the house after standing with their ears pressed to the front door.
"I think you should probably answer him Katniss." Leave it to Prim to state the obvious.
My mouth goes dry but I push through because Gale deserves the truth.
"Get up and come sit down will ya? You're making me uncomfortable." Him kneeling in front of me makes me more than anxious and what I have to say is gonna be hard enough without him staring up at me with that grin on his face.
"You understand that I never wanted to be someone's wife right? That marriage and children were never supposed to be in my future? You deserve someone who will love you with all of their heart and I honestly don't know if I am capable of such a feeling. When my dad died and I saw mother fall into her depression I swore to myself that I would never become her. I would never depend on another human being to the point that life had no meaning without them. I love you Gale but is this honestly something you want? Someone who loves you but may never actually be in love with you?" There I said it, the thoughts that have been haunting me for the past three days have finally found the light of day and I actually feel a bit lighter now. I gave Gale his out and now he can marry someone who is worthy of his love.
But then Gale surprises me in a way I never thought would happen. Right in the middle of our living room, in front of Prim and Rory, Gale kisses me. And I'm not talking about a quick peck on the check, but an all out, full blown, slow and oh so warm kiss on the lips.
He pulls away before I can even decide how I feel about my first ever kiss and looks at me with those piercing grey eyes of his.
A sly grin peaks out on his face and all of a sudden I see my normal Gale again and not the guy who just kissed me.
"You are what I want, even if it means being married to my best friend who I occasionally have sex with to try and make a baby. Please just take the damn ring and stop being so dramatic will ya?"
And that's that. I am officially going to marry Gale Hawthorn…let the madness ensue.
Authors Note:
Thank you everyone who has reviewed and favorited/followed my story! It honestly means so much to me to feel the love and support. Please keep it up so I know there are people out there who actually enjoy what I am writing!