Alright so just a short chapter to connect the next chapter where things really get crazy. Just know that this chapter is inspired by the masses of you who reviewed and messaged me to not do this. You guys put the thought in my head and I had to do it. Enjoy and I'll post the next chapter very soon. Thanks.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

It's been night after night of sleepless tossing and turning for Katniss. Since she and Agent Ghost shared that heated make out session, it both haunts and taunts her. It felt so good to be wanted again like that, to feel how badly someone else wants you. She doesn't know anything about him but she's sure that he was equally as desperate to feel her in that kiss they shared. But now she hasn't been able to sleep. It's been weeks of that and not seeing Agent Ghost that it was taking all her will power not to sneak into his bedroom and do something really desperate.

Nothing is different by the sixteenth day except tonight, Katniss is on her way back to her room from getting a late night snack-which was really a pretense to see if she can find Agent Ghost-when she finds Gale huddled next to the living room window.

"Gale? What are you doing sitting here in the dark?"

"Can't sleep." He answers without turning back to look at her. Katniss scoffs as she makes her way to him.

"I know the feeling." She tries offering him some of the crackers she's holding but he refuses with a shake of his head. "Mind if I join you?" He moves over enough so she can sit next to him on the couch. They sit in silence for a long time, simply staring out into the night, until Gale speaks up.

"Katniss...there's something I have to tell you."

"I'm listening."

"It's about Peeta." She stops breathing long enough to contemplate if she actually wanted to hear this or not. Katniss stands and tries to walk away but Gale grabs her wrist. "Please..."

"I can't, Gale. If it has to do with Peeta, I can't anymore. You all have been lying to me-to us for so long!" Katniss whispers harshly.

"I didn't know how much danger Peeta was in."

"But you did know that he was in danger! That he was the target! And you never told me!"

"It was confidential, Katniss."

"You saw how much I suffered first hand, Gale, how much Maddy suffered! How could you let us go through that?!"

"It doesn't change the fact that he's gone, Katniss. And I am sorry that we had to keep that hidden from you but-"

"No, Gale! Please...whatever it is, just never tell me."

"I can't! It's eating me up inside!" Katniss tries to pull away but Gale only continues. "He told me that some guy at the park was taking pictures of him and I didn't listen to him! That guy was the start of everything! If I'd done my job right, I could have put it all together sooner! I could pushed Haymitch to do something!" He drops his head but it's not quick enough that Katniss doesn't see him start to cry.

"Gale-"

"It's my fault Peeta is dead! If would have taken him seriously, you would have him here! Maybe I would be the one who's dead but not him! He'd be okay and I wouldn't have to see you like this or Maddy practically begging some nobody to be her father! It's my fault!" He cries and Katniss doesn't know what to do but to throw her arms around him. Her own tears start up as she holds him.

"It's not your fault, Gale. And as much as I would like to blame Haymitch, it's not his fault either. No one could have seen this coming and I would never blame you or anyone else assigned to this case."

"I'm just so sorry, Katniss."

"I know, Gale." They hold each other for a long while until Gale pulls away.

"Just know, Katniss, I'll always be here for you. Anything you or Maddy need, I'm here."

"I know and thank you." Gale wipes the tears from his face before he reaches out to wipe away Katniss'. She's somewhat distracted by the feeling that she's being watched that she doesn't see it coming; it being Gale leaning into her and kissing her on the lips. She pulls back instinctively the moment their lips touch.

"I'm sorry. I just had to do that once." Gale walks away, leaving Katniss sitting on the couch in thought. She knows that Gale probably kissed her out of the vulnerability they both currently shared but she felt nothing. Nothing except that still nagging feeling that someone was watching her. She whips around to stare out into the darkness of the corridor. She just barely manages to see the moonlight reflecting off the metal of something before it disappears down the hallway. She's quickly on her feet to see if she was really starting to lose it.

When Katniss turns the corner, it's clearly Agent Ghost's retreating form.

"Wait, Peet-Ghost!" She quickly corrects herself.

"Please, carry on. I'm simply doing my rounds." But he doesn't stop which forces Katniss to catch up to him and latch onto his forearm. He finally stops, never turning to look at her but simply stares off away from her towards another dark hallway.

"It's not what it looks like!"

"I don't know what you mean." He says plainly.

"I know you saw Gale and I-"

"What you do is your business. Besides, who am I to judge an agent for kissing their charge?" He tries to walk away but she keeps a firm grip on his arm.

"Is that it then?" Katniss questions no one in particular.

"What?"

"Did you use to do witness protections and you fell in love with a charge?" She pries. Maybe that was their whole connection. He sighs softly.

"You're still trying to figure me out, aren't you?"

"Just tell me." She practically begs but he remains silent. "Did you fall in love with her and she died?"

"She's fine. Nothing of concern happened."

"You know that's how I met my husband." Agent Ghost straightens up.

"Good for you. Have a good night." One more time, he tries to leave but she pulls him back into her.

"You're mad at me..."

"Why would I be mad-"

"He kissed me, yes, but it meant nothing!" She quickly interjects. "I'm still in love with y-my husband." Katniss says.

"What does that matter anyway? He's dead." She turns him towards her and tries to meet his gaze but it's way too dark to see anything.

"It matters to me! It matters because I'm in love with Peeta and I always will be!"

"You're allowed to move on-"

"I don't care what you say or what he said...if he gave me permission once, I don't need it. There will never be another man in my life other than him. I love him now, always...forever. And that kiss meant nothing. I didn't even feel anything."

"I've heard Gale is a shit kisser. Maybe he's just not right for you."

"You're right. He's not but you-"

"Katniss..." He says with a hint of warning to his tone. She takes a step into him so very little space separates them.

"Why did it feel so good with you..." She thinks out loud. "When I barely know you?"

"You're lonely. Maybe you should seek out Gale-"

"Shut up." She whispers before her hands reach up to caress his face. He tries to remove them but her touch just feels too good for him to give it real effort. "You say you're not Peeta...you don't sound like him," Katniss' hand trails down to his beard. "You're not exactly like I remember but I can feel you." Katniss says before she rests her head on his chest and closes her eyes. "I feel like you're right here with me."

"Please..." He tries.

"I don't know why it's you that's been chosen to make me feel like this, why you're here to torture me...But just know that I will always love you and there will never be anyone else. I never wanted to fall in love but you changed that for me. It was only you who could do that and without you, I will never love anyone the way I love you. Always, Peeta." Katniss knows her tears are soaking through his shirt, but she doesn't care. In his arms, she feels like she's with Peeta and she wants to savor the feeling for as long as he'll allow.

Agent Ghost can feel his own tears threatening to fall. He quickly turns her head up towards him and kisses her passionately. It doesn't last long but it's enough to leave her in a daze.

"Your husband is dead. You'll only further hurt yourself if you keep this game up. Please stay away from me."

I never had any intention of putting any Galeniss in this but you guys got me thinking lol. You guys should know me better. I hate Gale. Until next time.