I start to pace around the Hob. Still no sign of Madge. But it's only 7:45. Why are my hands getting so clammy? Or my heart pounding?
"You alright there, lad?" An old man asks me.
He looks familiar; I just can't put a name to the face.
"Just waitin'." I sigh.
"On a girl?"
I chuckle.
"A friend, sir."
He sighs.
"Well, have fun today, lad."
He walks away.
I push my hand threw my hair. I'm still puzzled to the fact that I came here so early. I look at the town clock. 7:55.
"Waiting for someone?" Someone whispers.
I turn around.
"Undersee." I said.
She was wearing pants. She's never worn pants before. Or at least, I have never seen her in pants before. Black pants. With a white flowy top on. Some regular shoes on and hair in a ponytail.
"So you didn't dress up for the woods, I see." I said.
She laughed. That sounded like church bells ringing.
Pull yourself together, Gale! You cannot like the mayor's daughter!
"Figured you'd throw a fit until I changed."
I chuckled. She was right.
"You bring a basket?"
"It's right here in my hands, Gale."
I wanted to hit myself in the face. How stupid was that?
"Right." I say, trying to get back on task.
"Gale, are you nervous?"
I sigh. I was. But I wasn't going to tell her why.
"Yes I am, Undersee. If you get hurt, your father will murder me."
She put her hand on my wrist.
"He would never do that. I wouldn't allow it."
I smile.
"Ready to go?"
She nodded. We start to walk around the Seam. I show her where me and Katniss do all of our trading. Then I show her my house. Posy saw her and came bursting out of the doors.
"GALE!" She cried. "Who is the pretty flower of a girl?"
Madge smiled at the compliment.
"I'm Madge, who are you?"
"Posy." She said with a smile.
Madge took her hand out, as if my sister would shake it. Posy, instead, hugged Madge. Undersee looked pretty happy.
"No siblings?" I ask.
She nodded. Posy finally let go of Madge.
"I could be your pretend little sister. I am with Prim." Posy said. She started dancing with every word she spoke.
"I'd like that." Madge said.
"Gale, your basket is inside."
I nod. I go inside, only to be greeted by my mother.
"She's very beautiful, Gale."
I smile.
"She's just a friend, Ma."
She laughs.
"That's Madge, right? Madge Undersee, the mayor's daughter?"
I nod.
"Be careful with this one, okay Gale?"
I nod once more.
"I'll be home before sundown."
I close the door, told Posy to go inside and start walking towards the woods. Madge just stood by my house. She looked confused.
"You coming, Undersee?"
"Oh, so you're just going to leave and not tell me what to do."
I sigh.
"Come on, Undersee. Live a little."
She smiles and starts to walk towards me.
"Let's go, Gale."
