A/N: Hello again, everybody! Hopefully everybody's having a great Friday… aren't ya excited for the weekend? Anybody have any interesting plans? I'll be attending my best friend's graduation in a few hours but tomorrow we'll be having graduation dinner (because the ceremony was supposed to take place tomorrow but they changed it to today since it'll be raining tomorrow, supposedly) and then some celebratory drinks afterwards.
I'd like to thank everybody who has taken the time to review. Your wonderful words certainly know how to make a lady feel happy. ;) Also, thank you so much for the favoriting and following my story, it means so much to me!
I'm sorry if the changing point of views confused a few of you last chapter; I edited this one with even a sharper eye. Still, if anything if anything doesn't seem cohesive, please let me know!
And lastly, I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
Edit: Thanks to MewWinx96 and her sharp eyes. ;)
Disclaimer: I own nothing. It all belongs to Suzanne Collins.
Once the camera crew and Caesar disappear, I march Prim inside with Gale on our heels. I sit her down and cross my arms, watching her carefully.
"Explain," I say simply to her.
Prim wide eyes begin to water and she sniffles, launching into how this blessed miracle came to be.
"Madge saw the ad and called me over to show it to me! She had the idea to put you in and I agreed because you so rarely go out and have fun on your own, Katniss! We figured that your chances of winning were slim, so we wouldn't tell you and things would be okay. But we thought you'd be happy at the chance to do something new and so I didn't hesitate to pretend to be you and fill out your form!" Prim blubbers, tears running down her pretty face.
I can feel my stony expression soften but Gale just keeps on scowling.
"This mess is Madge's fault? Why must she constantly stick her nose where it doesn't belong?" he explodes angrily.
"It's not her fault, Gale! We just wanted Katniss to have one fun night out without worrying about me, school, money, food or work!" Prim wails.
I sigh softly and drop to my knees, hugging my little sister.
"This wasn't the right way to do things, little duck! I never wanted any of this attention. But I know you meant well and that means so much more to me than anything else. I didn't want to say it wasn't me who entered because I didn't want to get you into trouble… and what kind of big sister would I be if I did? So, I'll accept this date and get it over with. Besides, it'll be over before we know it and our lives will be no different. Just don't keep things from me anymore, alright?"
Prim nods tearfully and clings to me even tighter. I sigh tiredly and close my eyes, wishing that this ordeal was already done with when it really had only just begun.
After giving Prim a glass of water to control her hiccoughs, I send her up to bed and stay downstairs with Gale.
"So that's it? You're going to accept just like that?" he grumbles, crossing his muscular arms.
"What else can I do, Gale? I'm not throwing Prim under the bus and I'm certainly not going to decline at this point," I sigh wearily.
"But Catnip…"
"But nothing Gale. Don't go off on Madge either, alright? She meant well too even if it was completely misguided," I mumble as I massage my scalp.
"Fine," he answers petulantly.
"Thanks. Wasn't there something you wanted to tell me? I heard you calling my name before this mess but I wasn't paying attention."
Gale suddenly stops his pacing and turns to look at me with an uneasy expression on his face.
He opens his mouth to speak but then I yawn and apologize, rubbing my eyes. And so he snaps his mouth close and shakes his head.
"It was nothing, Katniss," he sighs.
"Well… alright, Gale. Now, if you don't mind… my bed is screaming my name. I'll see you tomorrow. Please lock on your way out," I stand up and yawn again, heading upstairs.
The next morning, I wake up in a daze, sitting up and staring around my bedroom wildly.
What happened last night?
I frown and run my fingers through my hair as the evening's events come to mind. I groan and fall back on the mattress, shaking my head.
What has Prim gotten me into? I know she meant well but this is all such… an inconvenience for me. I'm supposed to be working, earning money for Prim's future and instead I'll be frolicking at The Capitol with the hottest movie star. I'm surprised Madge hasn't dropped by. Maybe she will later, to wish me good luck at the very least…
Hours later, I'm tossing random clothes into the small duffel bag when I hear voices downstairs. Soon after, Madge pokes her head behind the doorframe for a moment and then leans against it with her hands behind her body, her expression shy.
"Mind if I come in?"
"Sure."
She takes a deep breath before speaking and says, "Katniss, I'm sorry. You know I did this because you're my friend and I care for you, right? Not to annoy or pester you. I know how committed you are to making Prim's life easier but she worries about you. Couldn't you take it easy this one time? When was the last time you had any real fun?" she asks me sympathetically, her eyes pleading.
Why is it that I can never say 'no' to wide blue eyed, blonde haired people?
I glance wearily at my friend and sigh softly.
"I know, Madge… I just… I don't know. It was too sudden. Maybe if you'd have warned me beforehand…"
"To make amends, I brought you this. I figured your suits wouldn't cut it and I'd never worn it before… so I'd like you to have it. Please wear it, alright?" she tells me, pressing a parcel into my hands.
My eyes lock on the tidy brown package and then flit up to Madge's face. Slowly, I open it and discover that inside lays a dark green garment, the cloth both soft and luxurious looking.
"Madge, I…" I start.
"No, Katniss. Please. Take it. Can't friends gift each other?" she asks, a small smile gracing her pretty face.
I let out a long sigh and fix her with an icy gaze. But before I know it, the corners of my mouth twitch into a reluctant smile and so I reach into the parcel. Sure enough, the material is soft and cool; I rub it between my fingers and then slowly pressed it to my face, nuzzling the fabric. Madge smiles and watches me, her expression pleased.
"I'll leave you to your devices now, Katniss. Have a safe flight and enjoy yourself, will you? You better tell me everything when you get back!" she says, leaning forward to kiss my cheek. "Also, there's something extra in the package… make sure to wear them too! They complete the outfit!"
With that, Madge disappears, not seeing the confused expression on my face.
"Madge, what am I going to do with you?" I murmur, carefully setting the dress down.
Peeking at the bottom of the package, I see a pair of heels in my size. I wasn't sure if Madge and I share the same size because the topic has never come up (shoe talk, how silly, I always thought)but now I just chalk it up to coincidence.
I carefully add the items into the duffel bag, stare at it for a moment and then zipper it to a close.
"Looks like I'm ready," I sigh, feeling resigned.
Taking a seat at the edge of the small bed, I look around my room.
Will anything be different when I come back? I can't shake the feeling that this event is going to change things… whether for the good or bad. I suppose despite my initial skepticism, I'm kind of looking forward to this.
"Katniss! Gale's here for you!" Prim calls, her eager footsteps running up the stairs, followed by Gale's telltale heavy sounding ones.
I straighten my posture and smile upon seeing my sister's beaming face. Turning to look at Gale, I notice he is wearing his usual brooding expression.
So nothing's changed there.
Even so, Gale stands stiffly with his arms crossed across his broad chest.
"I don't like this, Katniss," he grumbles.
"Well, hello. Nice to see you too, Gale," I tell him dryly.
"I heard Madge was here earlier. Did she at least apologize for putting you in this situation?"
I roll my eyes inwardly but let out a loud sigh.
"She did. But, like any good fairy godmother, bestowed a couple of gifts upon me," I say mysteriously, sneaking a glance at Prim.
Prim's face brightens and she practically bounces on the soles of her feet.
"What'd she give you, Katniss? I want to see, please!"
I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm yet shake my head at her.
"Sorry little duck. You'll see it soon enough," I promise.
Prim pouts and makes a show of stomping out of my room, leaving Gale and I in stony silence.
"Catnip… don't go," Gale implores, his voice tense.
Startled at the urgency of his tone, I look up at him.
"Why shouldn't I, Gale? Why are you so against this?" I ask him, mystified.
I can almost see the wheels in his brain turning and want to laugh, but know it wouldn't help the situation.
"Well?" I press.
"It's just a bad idea! It wasn't your choice and you shouldn't have to go," he reasons stubbornly.
"Look Gale, its useless getting angry about it now. What's done is done. Besides, Prim was plenty repentant. And she's so excited about this… can't let her down," I finish softly.
He lets out a soft gruff sound and shakes his head.
"Always going to the end of the world and back for Prim."
"She's my little sister, Gale. I've been doing it for years and I sure as hell won't stop now," I snap at him, starting to get annoyed.
He softens his expression and drops his arms, stepping closer to me.
"I'm sorry, Catnip. I just… what if he's not good to you? I know it's only a few hours that you have to spend with him. But you're going to be so far away. What if he… tries something?" he chokes out, eyes flashing darkly for a moment.
I really do roll my eyes at him this time.
"Gale, please," I scoff.
"Seriously, Katniss! Posy goes on and on about all the models and actresses he's dated," he tells me somberly.
"Precisely, Gale! Why would he go for scruffy old me? I'm no model or actress. You've got nothing to worry about," I reply confidently.
It's Gale's turn to roll his eyes at me but he refrains from answering me.
"Just… be careful, okay? If you're not comfortable, just walk away, alright? I'm sorry I can't be here tomorrow to see you off but I've got to babysit for my mom," he informs me, a regretful tone in his voice.
"Gale, don't worry. I'll be okay, really. But thanks, I know you mean well," I smile at him and stand up to gently punch his arm.
Before I know what's going on, Gale takes hold of my hand and holds tightly on to it. I stare at him, eyes wide. He gives it a gentle squeeze before pulling me into his strong arms and holding me there for a moment. I can smell the scent that is wholly Gale, crisp air and oranges along with his own musky, male smell. It isn't unpleasant but I freeze, not quite knowing how to react. He finally pulls away slightly and before I can move, leans forward to press the lightest of kisses against my lips. And just as it began, it ends. Gale ghosts from my room without another word.
I feel my body go cold as I stare at nothing, the world suddenly coming to a stop.
What… what was that? Did Gale really just kiss me? What… why would he do that?
I finally thaw out and sit back on the bed, feeling lightheaded as words and feelings bounce around in my head. Frowning, I press my fingers against my lips.
That was my first kiss. Gale gave me my first kiss. Gale Hawthorne gave me my first kiss. My best friend…
I shake my head like a wet dog, confusion sweeping over me.
Maybe he was feeling worried about me and it just became so overwhelming for him that he did the unthinkable. Yes, that should be it. There's no other reason for it. Gale couldn't possibly see me like that. No way.
Upon convincing myself with those thoughts, I start to relax. I inhale deeply and breathe out slowly, eyes closed.
Yet I can still smell the lingering scent of orange in the air…
Before I know it, the next morning arrives. Prim smiles tearfully at me and wishes me a good flight.
"Don't be mean to him, alright Katniss?"
"Mean? I'm not mean!"
Prim rolls her eyes at me.
"Please try to have a pleasant conversation with him, okay? I know it's in your nature to keep to yourself but please, please try to be nice…r. Won't you promise me that, Katniss?" she begs, her azure eyes wide.
I sigh and nod, giving in to her.
"Can't deny you anything, can't I now?"
Prim squeals and pulls me into a tight hug. I can't help but laugh and hug her back tightly. We finally pull away and stare at each other.
"Well, guess I'll go now…"
"Goodbye, Katniss!" Prim chirps.
"No, this isn't goodbye Prim. I'll be back soon."
"We'll see," she says mysteriously.
I frown at her but then kiss her forehead and walk to the car waiting for me. I climb in slowly, turning to wave at Prim once I'm seated. Prim grins, waving back energetically. Soon enough, I am whisked off and feel the sudden stab of regret in my gut.
Did I really just leave my little sister alone? What kind of big sister am I? She's too young to fend for herself!
But before the hysterics could claw their way into my head, I manage to calm myself down.
She wanted me to do this. This is for Prim.
I feel the tears sting in my eyes and close them.
Thank you, Prim. You're just too good. I promise that when I get back, I'll work even harder for you. How did you turn out so good when we've had so much bad in our life? I'm not the happiest or best role model for you, but I love you and you can bet I'll never let you down. Never, little duck.
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend everybody and see ya next Friday. ;)