"Dance?" Peeta asked confused.
Gale laughed, "Yes dance, the one at the barn." Now it made sense to Peeta. The barn was an abandoned building like the hub. The teens of 12 took it over and host dances and parties. The peacekeepers looked the other way about, sometimes even sneaking some of rippers alchohol in. Peeta had never been to one of these events as he was never invited.
"I c-couldnt," Peeta stuttered turning to look away from Gale. " I cant dance, and besides no one wants me there."
"I do." Gale stated simply. He grabbed Peetas chin forcing the boy to look at him. "Why would no one want you there?"
Peeta sighed, his face still held by Gale. "I dont know if you noticed, but im not exactly the most popular guy. People assume things about me cause im a bakers son, but we struggle just as much as everyone else."
Gale frowned. "People like you Peeta."
"Not like they like you, Gale. Youre strong and handsom and you sacrific so much to provide for your family. Im just a weakling." Peeta said, brushing Gales hand away.
Gale gave a sad smile. "You are not a weakling, who else could take beatings like this all the time."
"Its not a big deal." Peeta spat, which was Gales cue to drop it. Gale sighed.
"Just come to the dance."
"With this face? yeah right." Peetas face was pretty bad, but his good looks were still visible even with a swollen face. Gale laughed suddenly causing Peeta to jump.
"Lets say we got into a scrap." Gale said.
"Pardon?"
"Well tell everyone that we had a fight and thats why youre beat up."
"But youre not hurt at all so you obviously won. This makes me look like a wimp."
"SO hit me." Gale stated, standing up bracing himself and pointing at his cheek. "Bam, right here nice and hard."
"I c-couldnt." Peeta stuttered as he was pulled to his feet by Gale.
"Do it."
"I wont."
"Pussy, do it"
"Gale stop."
"Do it you faggot!" And with that Peeta snapped and launched his fist into the side of Gales face. Gale was caught off guard from the strength of Peetas punch. He was sent flying into the wall, careful to make the lease amount of noise as possible. He should have expected Peeta to be strongh, the boy lifted hundred pound flour bags all day.
Gales cheek was bright red, a small cut let blood drip down his face.
"G-gale, i-im so sorry!" Peeta rushed to Gale holding his shirt to Gales face wiping the blood.
"No that was great, you are really strong." Gale said smiling at Peeta.
Peeta blushed and muttered a thanks.
"Now we can go to the dance, but first change your shirt its covered in blood." Gale said with a laugh. Peeta didnt argue just nodded, still stunned from what had just happened. He had just punched Gale. What in the world was Gale thinking, letting Peeta hit him.
Peeta moved on auto pilot as his mind tried to process what happened. He removed his shirt and shuffled through his drawer for a new one. Gale could only watch mesmorized. Peeta was fit, but more lean than muscular. His frame was smalled than Gales but still larger then most. His back was covered in bruises and scars but was still beautiful and pale.
"Gale?" Peeta was suddenly in front of him waving his hand in his face. Gale was brought back to reality and smiled at Peeta.
"Shall we?"