DISCLAIMER: HG Characters do not belong to me.

A/N: Some of you may enjoy this chapter

Chapter 44-Jealousy

Gale hardly ever fought with Dez, their only arguments resulted from discussions about her weight loss and occasionally her dependency regarding him. He learned however, the subject of Katniss Everdeen was cause for arguments. They had argued the day before he left to leave for District 9's main base. For she didn't want him to go. Gale had hoped they were past her insecurities, for the past two months things had been wonderful between them. Wedding plans were finalized, he had finally made a commitment to a wedding date and things were moving along.

He got the first phone call from Katniss in mid-June. She had called him at work on a day he happened to be there and let him know she had returned to District 4 and that she was currently staying with her mother. After their conversation ended he informed President Paylor and arranged for increased security at her mother's apartment. He and the President both agreed the Jay Killer's poised a threat, especially if they were trying to re-group in Panem.

One week later he had gotten another call from Katniss, asking for his help. She had informed him she decided she wanted to try to become a teacher. Because she never finished formal schooling due to winning the Hunger Games, she would need to undergo a three day testing examination and if she passed, she would be accepted into a teaching certificate training program provided by the Capitol to the districts of Panem. As part of the rebuilding process, President Paylor had implemented a teaching certificate training program to help provide quality teachers to the districts. In the past, only the wealthier districts were able to provide quality education to its residents. The President wanted to change that and implement a more equal educational system. The training program was local to each district, but, if a person did not finish formal schooling they would need to undergo the three day testing to see if they possess the academic skills required in the training program.

Katniss had informed Gale she was told by PES-Panem Education System, the main administration organization of Panem's school districts, that she would be able to attend a two week preparatory class before the examination. She would have to pay for the prep class and provide her own hotel accommodations, but, if accepted in the training program in District 4 it was free. While Katniss was able to live comfortably in the Victor's Village after the Hunger Games, under the new government structure of Paylor, her funds were limited. The Capitol no longer had the constant flow of money and resources coming in at the expense of the districts, so Paylor had informed the remaining victors whatever money they had available, would be it. Since Haymitch only spent his money on alcohol, this was not a concern, for he had done overall a pretty good job of not using his money. Peeta and Katniss had been trying to save their money, Peeta did use some of his funds to build and run the bakery, with Katniss contributing some money as well. Peeta also wanted to save his money in order to provide for the future children he hoped they would have. Since Katniss was unsure of where she would be living and since she was paying for the prep class and examination, she wanted to try to save money by not spending it on a hotel for two weeks. She also didn't want any favoritism from Paylor or anyone else she knew in the Capitol. She figured staying with Gale in District 2 would make the most sense and she could take the train into the Capitol each morning.

When Katniss told Gale all of this, he did not hesitate offering his spare bedroom. He was happy to hear she wanted to try becoming a teacher and always felt she was a great role model and mentor. She was setting goals for herself and he was glad to see that. He also felt it would probably be safest if she did stay with him as opposed to the Capitol providing soldiers at the hotel. PES was headquartered not far from the President's mansion, it would be easy to send guards over while Katniss was in class.

He knew he probably should have consulted with Dez before offering their apartment to Katniss, but he truly thought she would be okay with the arrangement for Katniss would hardly be there. The prep class was from 8-5 each day and Katniss would have to leave District 2 at 6:30 each morning to get there on time. She would not arrive back to the apartment until 6:30 in the evening.

Dez however, was not pleased by the news.

"She's staying here, WHY?" Dez said her voice raised about ten octaves higher.

"A couple of reasons, one it is safer and because it will be expensive for her to pay for a hotel for 2 weeks" Gale said keeping his voice calm. He knew he had to be patient and let Dez vent.

"So, she has money, she's a fucking victor for crying out loud."

Gale took a deep breath, trying to let that comment slide, "Dez, things have changed for the victors, they no longer have money provided to them from the Capitol. It is one of the reasons the President has been putting a lot of Panem's money into these training programs, to help not only the residents, but also the former victors and help them gain skills to get jobs. Katniss used some of her money in District 12 helping Peeta and helping to rebuild the district. You know hotels in the Capitol are not cheap."

"You didn't even talk to me about it" she challenged.

"You're right, and I'm sorry. But Dez, this is my apartment. I know once we are married we plan to buy a house of our own. I should have talked to you first, but I was so happy to hear that Katniss was doing something for herself I automatically told her she could stay."

Dez felt the sting of his words when he said it was his apartment. She did not pay rent to Gale. He never asked and while she made a pretty decent living at the salon, she didn't make nearly enough to be able to live in the apartment they live in. For the apartment was in the downtown area of District 2 and within walking distance of the shops and restaurants, the rent prices were much higher. Their apartment was also less than a five minute walk to the train station. Housing in the surrounding areas where Hazelle lived was less expensive. Dez knew though that Gale had provided to his mother a significant amount of money to put down on the house, making their monthly mortgage payments cheaper. Gale made an above average salary working two jobs, he tried to save as much of it as he could and five years ago he had saved enough to provide the money to his mother for her to buy the townhouse. He wanted her to have a nice place of her own. Gale moved into his current apartment after Hazelle got the townhouse, for Gale was living with Hazelle, Rory, Vick, and Posy up until then.

Dez had lived with her parents until she moved in with Gale. She was unaware at times how much living expenses were because Gale paid for most of it. The only things she had to pay were her clothes, beauty supplies for work, transportation, and recreational things. Her parents had paid for her schooling when she attended beauty school.

"I don't want her here Gale, this apartment is too small."

"No it isn't, she has her own bedroom and bathroom. She'll hardly be here, and when she is here, I have a feeling she will be studying. Katniss has not been in formal schooling in almost 10 years, she has only 2 weeks to get ready for this exam."

"Do my feelings not matter when it comes to her?" Gale saw the anger apparent on her face.

"Of course your feelings matter, but you need to trust me Dez. Katniss and I are just friends like I said."

"I trust you Gale, I don't trust her."

"Dez-she's my best friend."

Dez was hurt by this proclamation. She knew they were best friends before the games, but the fact that he still considered her his best friend was concerning.

"That's what I am afraid of."

He realizes the implications of what he has said and immediately regrets it. He approaches her and tilts her chin up to look at him and says, "Katniss and I have a history of helping each other out. I offered my place because of that history. Will you please just trust me on this? If it proves to be too crowded for the three of us I will talk to my mom about Katniss staying at her place. My Mom got along with Katniss really well back in District 12."

She appreciates his willingness to remove Katniss should things become too intense, but didn't like hearing that Katniss got along with Hazelle. She was under the impression that Hazelle was not close with Katniss.

"Thanks" she says forming a small smile. "But I thought your mother didn't care for Katniss?"

"Well, she's angry at Katniss for what happened between us, but, before the rebellion, she and Katniss were actually kind of close. As much as Katniss allowed herself to be close to others. She got along with my brothers and Posy too."

Dez tries not to show that what he says bothers her. "So when is she coming?"

"Two days from now."


Dez had to work the day Gale arranged to meet Katniss at the train station. Katniss was coming in around noon and Gale decided to take Katniss to his apartment on his lunch break.

When Katniss got off the train station, she ran into Gale's arms, hugging him. While it was only a couple of months since they last saw each other, it seemed much longer than that to Katniss. Gale put his wall of defense back up, Dez's words lingering his mind.

Katniss sensed that he was feeling slightly uncomfortable and said, "Is everything ok?" when she pulled away.

Gale forced a smile and said, "Yeah, everything's fine."

While on the train ride to the apartment Gale tells Katniss that Dez is living there. He sees the surprised look on her face.

"She lives with you?"

"Yeah, I thought you knew?"

"Spencer never said" she says turning her head to look out the window. 'Of course she would live with him, he is engaged' Katniss thought to herself.

"Is this a problem?" Gale asked, confused by her sudden change in demeanor.

"No" Katniss says whipping her head back to him. "I just-I wonder how she feels about it."

"Dez knows about our history, but she also knows how important our friendship is to me."

Katniss didn't miss how he didn't really answer the question. She had her answer. She figured she would need to tread carefully at Gale's apartment.

Katniss was impressed with Gale's apartment. While she thought her mother's apartment was nice, Gale's was even nicer. The building and neighborhood he lived in looked like new construction. He gave her a quick tour and showed her to her room.

Katniss also got to meet Harper. He was even larger than he looked in the picture, but he was a friendly dog and took to Katniss almost immediately. She figured it would be nice to take him for a walk when she needed a quick break from studying. She was glad to see her room had a spare desk-for she was going to need it.

Gale informed her he had to get back to work and left her to settle in.

"I will see you later this evening, I was hoping the three of us could go to dinner."

"Okay, I'll be ready then."

At around 4:30, Dez came home. When she walked into the apartment she was not greeted by Harper. She calls out, "Hello?"

Katniss comes walking out of her room with Haper and says, "Hi-you must be Destiny?"

Dez looks at Katniss with a forced smile and says, "Yes, hello Katniss" and extends her hand in greeting. After they shake hands Katniss says, "I really appreciate you and Gale letting me stay here."

Dez doesn't let on that the decision was Gale's not hers and says, "Sure, Gale is really happy that you are going for your teaching certificate."

"Thanks, but I don't know if I'll pass, I was never really that great in school."

"Do you need any help unpacking?"

"No, I got everything unpacked already thanks."

Dez nods and says, "Gale wants us all to go to dinner tonight."

"Yeah he told me."

"Okay, well-I am going to shower and get ready then."

When Gale comes home, he sees Katniss and Dez sitting on the couch watching TV, dressed and ready to go. He is surprised and pleased by what he sees.

"Hey Gale" Dez says getting up and hugging Gale, giving him a long lingering kiss. While he is used to her affections, he is uncomfortable showing this affection in front of Katniss. Dez senses his uneasiness as he hardly kisses her back.

"I'm going to grab a quick shower, I'll be ready in 15 minutes" and he hurries into their bedroom before Dez can respond.

Dinner goes fairly well, Katniss talks with Dez and Gale about what she has been told to expect from the prep class and Gale talks about what he does on his job as a government official while Dez talks about her job and growing up in District 2.

Katniss tries her hardest not to roll her eyes in disgust while Dez talks about her sister going to the training academy and when she talks about what her parents did before the rebellion.

After dinner Gale treats them to ice cream. While the three of them sat and eat their ice cream happily, Dez quickly excuses herself to use the bathroom. She tries to hurry up and return to her ice cream-not wanting it to melt, but when she walks out of the bathroom she stops and stares. She sees Gale and Katniss laughing and exchanging conversation. Gale leaning in and saying something in Katniss's ear-something he obviously didn't want anyone else to hear. Katniss tilts her head back in laughter at whatever he said to her. She feels immediate jealousy at what she is witnessing.

She picks at her ice cream after returning to her seat. Katniss and Gale still engrossed in their conversation for him to notice she didn't finish.


The next day was the first day of Katniss's class. Dez heard Katniss leave the apartment around 6:30 am like Gale said she would. Gale usually left around 7:30 am and usually awoke at 6:30 am so she was used to being roused from sleep at that time.

During the first week, Dez didn't see much of Katniss like Gale said. She would arrive at 6:30 pm and go straight to her room to study, usually making herself something to eat for dinner and taking it into her room. Dez and Gale got to continue their evening routine as they usually did. One day though, Dez heard Gale call Katniss "Catnip" when they were chatting in the kitchen.

"Catnip?" Dez had confronted Gale that night in their bedroom before going to bed.

"Yeah, it was my name for her back in 12. When I first met her, I asked her what her name was, she said Katniss so softly I thought she said Catnip, the name stuck ever since."

"You didn't tell me that."

"Well, I didn't see the point. I hardly ever called her Catnip in District 13."

"But you are calling her that now."

"Well yeah, old habit I guess" Gale said sheepishly. He knew he had struck a nerve with Dez. "Don't be mad baby." Gale leans in and grabs her breast, starting to stroke it. He hopes trying a different approach will get her mind off of the subject. It works.


The next day while at the salon, Dez has a long lunch break due to no clients being scheduled. Instead of grabbing food like she knows she should, she decides to grab some hair supplies instead.

When Gale arrives home from work, he is shocked at Dez's appearance. She has dyed her hair light brown. Her natural hair color.

"Dez-your hair" he says in shock.

"Do you like it?" she reaches up and combs her hand through her hair nervously.

"Like it? I love it" Gale beams. While he didn't hate her hair before, he always felt the blonde coloring was too fake. He had seen her natural hair color in pictures and thought she looked better as a brunette. He grabs her and starts kissing her passionately, while he was always attracted to her, the brown hair made her green eyes stand out more and made her even more attractive.


The next morning, Katniss wakes early and gets in the shower to get ready for class. When she's ready to leave and walks past Gale and Dez's room to head to the kitchen to get breakfast she hears loud moaning. She stops dead in her tracks and pauses, processing if what she is hearing is what she thinks it is. 'They are having sex! And very loudly' she says to herself. This was of no surprise, they did live together and she knew Gale's history with women, but what did surprise her was how loud Dez was being. She was moaning so loudly it almost sounded as if she was putting on a show, either that or Gale was that good in bed. She knows she shouldn't invade their privacy, but she finds herself leaning her ear up against the door. She hears Gale grunting a little and Dez continuing to moan with each thrust. At one point Katniss hears Dez call him baby and her eyes get wide, her jealously taking full form. While Katniss herself is quiet in the bedroom, never has she heard such passion from two people having sex before. It made her feel as if her love life with Peeta was as boring as the baking they did day in day out.

She storms into the kitchen to get her breakfast and runs out the door as quickly as she can, figuring she'll eat on the train instead. While eating she pulls out her notebook and begins studying, trying to get her mind off of what she heard earlier.