(Gale's Perspective)

Chapter 7 – The Outsider

Watching Katniss' life go on without me is difficult. I love Katniss and that's final if I could take anything back it would be my love for Katniss. Watching her marry a boy that isn't me is heart wrenching but she won't accept my love she thinks I'm joking, I'm not. Seeing her kiss Peeta is tough but what can I do about it. She looked irresistible, Peeta looked at me just before he proposed and I couldn't keep eye contact for more than just a few seconds. I hate you. Is hate the right word? I think so in this case. Waiting for the news report to come on is hell. I use this wasted time to think about the memories me and Katniss have together not Peeta. Hunting together every morning used to make me happy, the jokes we have together and the love we share is eternal and that will never change from where I'm standing. However when the Hunger Games took Katniss away from me everything changed. Home life wasn't the same The Hob wasn't the same. Nothing stayed the same. She was and is the life and soul of District 12 and she is respected everywhere.

My family are waiting for the news to come on, my mother is excited and happy for her that she finally found 'the one', I wish.

"Welcome everybody, I'm Ceaser Flickerman the man that spreads happiness to everyone in Panem"

Happiness? Do that even exist?

"Today is a special day for us all. The girl on fire and the boy with the bread have finally tied the knot! It's about time! Let's play the clip for anyone who couldn't be with them today."

I wish I wasn't there. Why does this have to happen it's torture.

'"Are you, are you
Coming to the tree
Where they strung up a man they say murdered three.
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree."
"Are you, are you
Coming to the tree
Where the dead man called out for his love to flee.
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree."
"Are you, are you
Coming to the tree
Where I told you to run, so we'd both be free.
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree."
"Are you, are you
Coming to the tree
Wear a necklace of rope, side by side with me.
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree."

Isn't that Mr Everdeen's song he taught Katniss, that's disgusting. I wonder how Katniss feels, I don't dare face her after the way I've treated her these past few days, I look at mother who is on the edge of her seat, if only I was that gullible, I smile at her. She loves Katniss just as much as I do. I need to see my father, just to talk to him and explain how I feel, man to man. Can I call myself a man after the way I have been acting recently? I need to get out of here, where can I go though that's the problem.

"Isn't it just lovely Gale! She's finally found someone and I couldn't pick anyone better!"
Great not even my own mother thinks I'm good enough for Katniss.

"Yeah it's great"

"What's the matter Gale?"

"Nothing…"

"But?"

"I want to be where Peeta is mother; I want to marry Katniss Everdeen!"
That felt so good to say but yet I regret it. Will she hate me for being so self-centred? But she always told me to save myself before others.

"Pardon?"

"Doesn't matter"

"Did I just hear correctly? Gale you're a bit too late son"
Obviously! Why does she have to state the obvious?

"Gale have you told her how you feel?"

"Of course not mother are you that stupid"
Shock washes over her face and I feel ashamed. I should have never taken my anger and hurt out on her she hasn't done anything.

"Gale… Sweetie… There was no need. Look I'll go round tomorrow and talk to her because you won't and you'll regret it."

"Don't you dare! Mother please…"
She turns back to the TV. This is why I don't talk about my feelings to anyone except Katniss but this isn't something I can bring up in conversation is it.

A short film of Katniss and Peeta plays, showing them in the arena, in training, in the cave… The proposal comes on next and I can't look.

"He is the one and only"
"He is the love of my life"
"He is my future"

Did she really say all this? Did she mean it? No doubt we will find out soon. I'm dreading the wedding. I swear if I'm asked to be a part of it I'm going to crumble. I know she will ask me to do something. I just have that feeling. She looks absolutely stunning and my heart skips a beat, she could have been mine if I hadn't acted sooner, would this still have happened if I beat Peeta too it? She looks so happy; I have never made her smile like that! Oh Katniss why do you have to be so desirable! I'm glad I know that it's all a set up, it calms me to know that this as all an act. Or is it? I'm so angry. I can't sleep at night because I'm wondering if she is safe, if she is sleeping or if she needs to be hugged. I need to meet someone to get my mind off her.

I look up and see that it's over. Thank god! I want to go over and see Katniss but I know she will be watching TV and talking to family. I hate the way things have panned out.

If only I could seek revenge…