The next day was Wednesday, and after an early morning hunt, I headed to school, as per usual.

Everyone was all buzzing, excited because the Hunger Games had just finished and District 12 had not one, but two winners.

"Wow," I said to my mates, sitting down with them just before class started. "When will they come home?"

Tom shrugged. "Next week, I imagine," he said, "the victory night and interviews are scheduled on Sunday, so they'll be back on Monday, I guess?"

"Sounds right," David replied.

"Awesome," I muttered, thinking of Katniss' pretty face. I will go right up to her, as soon as she steps from the train, and kiss her, right on the mouth. It will be amazing.

After school, I hunted and then sold some squirrel to the baker. Just as I was walking past, Madge came out of the shop. She was carrying one of the nicely decorated cakes and her lovely smile was huge. All thoughts about Katniss vanished from my mind.

"Madge!" I called, quickening my pace to walk beside her, "I've been thinking…."

Madge stared at me, as if she had no idea who I was, and why I was talking to her. "Yes?"

"I… I feel an apology is in order," I said, "I'm sorry. I… haven't treated you properly, like a good… um, boyfriend should."

Madge raised her eyebrows. "What do you want?"

"I want…" I said, realising this sounded futile and childish. "I want to take care of the baby. Our baby. Together."

She was silent for a while, weighing up my proposal. She wobbled her head inconclusively. "What about Katniss?" she asked.

"What about her?" I asked in the same tone of voice, and shrugged as if I had no desire to kiss Katniss.

Madge sighed. "Okay," she said, "I really like spending time with you, Gale." She paused and looked around. "You should go now, our relationship is secret remember?"

I nodded, in a business-like way, acting as if I was doing a trade. I handed her some strawberries to make the faux trade look legit, and she handed me some coins. I walked away, joyously.

Mum noticed my renewed sense of purpose as soon as I stepped into the house.

"It's Katniss, isn't it?" she guessed, taking my game and purchases from me.

I nodded, not wanting to bring up the subject of my girlfriend and imminent fatherhood. "Of course," I said, picturing Madge's beautiful face, "Katniss."

xxxxxxxxx

After a busy weekend of hunting and watching Katniss and Peeta's romance continue in their victory interviews, it was Monday. District 12 officials and citizens were setting up for the homecoming of our Hunger Games winners. It was a day off school, and we were all expected to help.

I set up banners and signs with my mates. When we got a 5-minute warning that the train was approaching our station, we all finished up with the decorations and crowded around the grimy station.

As I stood there, tentatively watching the train tracks for any sign of a train, I felt a pull at my already-ripped jeans. I looked down.

It was Prim.

"Hey there," I said, hoisting her up and putting her on my shoulders, "are you excited?"

"Yes," she replied in a small voice, and I could tell that she was grinning widely.

Katniss' mum came over and stood next to me. She was silent. We waited together, the three of us, as the train approached.