Chapter 3

For the first time in over two years, her grey eyes meet mine. There's a wildness to them that's unfamiliar. Her fear is evident, like a wild animal that's spotted it's predator about to pounce."Gale!" She cries, the tears fall faster and the sobbing becomes a loud choking sound."Katniss." I say quietly. I can't remember the last time I said her name out loud.

I reach out to her, and slowly wrap my arms around her cold body. She turns to me, her eyes shut tight. She presses her forehead against my shoulder and her tears stain my shirt. She grips my shoulders tightly. "Oh, Gale." She gasps, over and over. I stroke her hair and lightly kiss the top of her head. "Katniss."

We sit there in each other's embrace for what seems like an eternity. I never wanted to leave. "What have they done to you?" I whisper in her ear. She doesn't say anything, and for once it's okay. Because when she's ready, I will be here for her.

AN: November 29, 2012. Okay, okay. First, thank you so much for the reviews and messages! They mean so much to me! Second, I am only updating to fix a few grammar errors and the weird tense thing that was going on in the last chapter. Everything seems to be a little better now, so I think this is it...I don't plan continuing a KatnissxGale fanfic...this is just because I needed a happy ending for Gale. Just so I can come back and read it and not feel so empty and awful when I'm done reading Mockingjay! (I call it my post-Mockingjay depression. It usually lasts about 2 weeks post-Mockingjay, and I obsess over all things HG during that period. I'm currently going through one as of right now. Heh.)

As for the other fanfic I promised...I'm not when it will be done, if ever. Keep your hopes up, I might finish enough of it to post a few chapters here, we'll see. I'm also working on another story, from Gale's perspective, starting the day before the Reaping and ending shortly after Katniss shoots Coin. I think it is coming out fantastic, if I do say so myself! Keep your eyes open :)

Reviews are GREATLY appreciated! Thanks for reading, guys!