DISCLAIMER: HG characters do not belong to me.
A/N: This will be the last update until next week, going out of town for the weekend.
Chapter 46-Family Dinner
When Katniss returns to the apartment, she sees Dez sitting in the living room, dressed for a night out with Gale. She's in a hot pink mini dress, with hot pink shoes to match. Another thing Katniss couldn't figure out about Gale's attraction to Dez is how he could be attracted to someone so skinny. She looked malnourished and hardly had any breasts. Standing next to her, Katniss felt overweight, and she knew she was definitely not overweight. But then Katniss realized, Gale was attracted to her back in 12, and she was pretty thin in 12, when she was not eating regularly. 'Maybe that is his type' she thought bitterly.
Katniss notices Dez's hair right away. She had to admit, she looked a lot better as a brunette, more natural. The light brown hair made her green eyes look even greener. She couldn't help but admit to herself how much prettier Dez looked. If she could admit that Dez looked really pretty, she could only imagine what Gale thought. She realized this was probably why he was having sex so passionately with her this morning, enjoying her new look. She instantly felt jealous at this realization.
"Dez-I really like your new hair" Katniss says actually sounding genuine.
"Thanks" she replies brightly. "I figured it was time for a change, I have been dying my hair since I was 18."
'Of course you have' Katniss thought mockingly to herself. She gave a fake smile in response. Gale comes out their room then and says, "Katniss, how was class?"
"Just okay, I was hoping they'd let us out early, but no such luck. They said if we get through the rest of the material quick enough next week we might get next Friday afternoon off. At least today I had a nice lunch break for once, it was nice to get out of the PES building."
Dez gives Katniss a questioning look. "Gale treated me to lunch today." Katniss says smugly to Dez.
Dez looks to Gale who says, "Yeah, you know how I go to the Capitol the first Friday of each month? I decided instead of eating lunch with my colleagues I would take Katniss to lunch. I figured she probably doesn't get many chances to try the different restaurants around that area."
"That's so sweet of you" Dez says forcibly. She tries to act like it doesn't bother her, but it does.
"We better go, we have dinner reservations at 7" Gale says grabbing Dez's hand.
"Have fun" Katniss says as she watches Gale lock fingers with Dez.
Dez turns to Katniss and says, "Thanks, after dinner we are meeting with friends at Bar 2, we won't be home until after midnight, we'll see you tomorrow." Katniss sees Dez intently staring at her face, trying to gauge her reaction.
Katniss however shows no emotion and says, "Harper will be a nice companion for me tonight."
Gale pulls Dez towards the door, still holding her hand. He opens the door for her and lets her go out first, before closing the door Gale looks back at Katniss and says, "Have a good night Katniss" and closes the door.
Katniss decides not to do any studying that night. Instead she orders food in for herself and turns on Gale's TV, Harper at her feet. It was nice being able to just lounge carefree.
After about an hour's worth of TV, she decided to take Harper for a quick walk around the block. While walking with the dog at her heels she wonders who the friends are that Gale and Dez are meeting with later. Are they his friends from the military? From work? Are they Dez's friends? Do they often go out on dates with other couples?
She realizes that she and Peeta never go out, for there was nowhere to go. Even before District 12 got blown up the district never had many restaurants, at least ones not worth going to. It had quite a few bars, for the coal miners often went after work for a drink.
She also realizes her and Peeta never really went out on a real date. She never considered any of her outings orchestrated by the Capitol as dates. Another aspect of life she realizes she was denied. Life for Katniss and Peeta after they officially became a couple once he returned to District 12 consisted of being in their home in the Victor's Village. While it didn't bother her back then, she realizes it bothers her now, being forced into seclusion in a District that had no inhabitants. It took a couple of years before the residents started to return to 12.
When she returns back to the apartment, she changes into her sleep clothes and watches more TV on Gale's couch. She ends up dozing off on the couch, not waking up until 1 am. She realizes that the TV is still on. She turns it off. She also realizes Gale and Dez are not back as well, for the door to their room is still open. 'I guess Dez wasn't kidding when she said they would be out late' she thought to herself as she walked to her room, climbing into bed. She wondered how often they went and stayed out late like this.
That night Katniss dreams about Gale. She hasn't dreamed about him since coming to his apartment. In the dream instead of the two of them making love like she often dreams of, she sees Gale making love to Dez, Katniss off to the side watching them. They are in the woods of District 12. She can't see Gale's face, for it is buried in Dez's shoulder while he thrusts inside her. Dez however, turns to look at Katniss and says, "This could have been you. Too bad you will never know what this feels like" and she then begins biting Gale's shoulder, the passion of their love making overwhelming her.
Katniss immediately opens up her eyes, trying to bring herself back to the present-reminding herself it was just a dream. She looks at the clock-4 am. She figures surely Gale and Dez are home by now. She's glad there is a bathroom between her room and theirs, for she is not sure if she could handle hearing any more intimates moments between the two of them right now.
On Saturday, Katniss decides to go to the library to study. She leaves the apartment around 8 am and leaves a note for Gale, for it appears he and Dez are sleeping in, their door is closed, and the apartment is dead silent to which she is relieved.
She reads the five assigned chapters and takes notes, finishing at around 5 pm. She figured it was best to get all of the reading done and work on studying her notes either later that night or tomorrow. She wanted to have all the required reading done before going to Hazelle's house.
When she gets back, she is surprised by Gale's displeasure that she left.
"You should have told me you were planning on going to the library, I could have arranged for a guard to escort you."
"Sorry, I didn't think it was a big deal, the library is only a 15 minute walk away."
"The Jay Killers are still out there Katniss, it is only a matter of time before they find out you are in District 2 if they haven't already."
"I will not live my life in fear Gale. It's not like I talk to anyone here. Besides, I have the distress watch. I go out in public places, they would have to kidnap me in broad daylight at this point."
"Just, next time let me know okay?"
"Okay Dad" Katniss says with a wink.
Gale smiles in response, not paying attention to Dez over hearing their conversation from the kitchen.
Katniss was nervous about her visit with Hazelle, Vick and Posy. She had not seen them in almost eight years and didn't know what their feelings were towards her now. She remembered how surprised Rory was when she told him she was on speaking terms with Gale again, who knows how the rest of the Hawthorne's will feel about their rekindled friendship.
Gale sensed Katniss's nervousness. He tries to give her a reassuring smile on the quick train ride to his Mother's townhouse. He is not sure if it worked.
When the three of them arrive at Hazelle's townhouse, Gale knocks on the door briefly before entering, Dez and Katniss trailing behind him.
They are standing in a foyer, Katniss sees a staircase leading upstairs and downstairs off to the side. Suddenly, she sees a girl running down the stairs-Posy.
"Hi Gale" she says quickly going into Gale's arms for a hug. Katniss is not surprised to see the bond between Gale and his youngest sibling is still as strong as it always had been. It reminded her of what she had with Prim.
Katniss doesn't recognize Posy at all, gone is the little girl with the chubby cheeks. She now sees before her a young woman, she is slightly shorter than Katniss, and she still has her curly hair. Her hair just as dark as her brother's, but with light brown eyes instead of grey.
"Hey Dez" Posy says and goes in to hug Dez.
"Hey Posy, how are you?' Dez says happily.
"Great. I am so glad to be out of school for the summer! I have a lot of time to work on my designs. I love your hair by the way."
"Thanks" Dez says beaming.
Posy then notices Katniss, standing behind Dez. She looks at Katniss and says, "Hello Katniss."
Katniss moves forward, getting closer, she smiles at Posy and says, "Hello Posy, it is so good to see you again though I'm sure you don't remember me."
"I do remember you-certain things. I remember you being at our house a lot and you were always with my brother."
Dez snorts in response, Gale giving her a look of annoyance. Thankfully, he hears his Mother call out, "Gale-get in here."
He goes down the hallway and into the kitchen, Posy, Dez, and Katniss following. In the kitchen Hazelle is finishing preparing the food she is cooking with Vick helping.
"Whoa-Vick-oh my god-you've grown" Katniss says out loud, shocked by tall he is now. A few inches shorter than Gale, more similar in height to Rory. He still has Gale's dark hair and grey eyes. While he doesn't look the carbon copy of Gale that Rory does, it is still obvious that they are brothers, sharing the same facial features.
"Hi Katniss" Vick says laughing and walks over to her, giving her a hug. Katniss is pleasantly surprised by his friendliness.
"I didn't think I'd ever see you again" he says after he pulls back.
She looks down, not sure how to respond, "Me either" she finally manages to say.
"I'm glad you are here though, you were always so good to our family" he says continuing to smile.
"I'm glad to be here too-thanks for inviting me" Katniss looks over to Hazelle who looks at Katniss with a blank expression.
"Hello Hazelle" Katniss says timidly.
"Hello Katniss" Hazelle responds with the same blank expression. "Welcome to our home."
"Thanks for having me, it's nice to be able to get out for a change."
"Gale says you are pretty busy with this class you are in." Hazelle again speaks in a monotone voice to Katniss. It is driving Katniss crazy-she doesn't know what to make of it.
"Yes-I have to get through an entire textbook in two weeks, then take the exam."
"How about we sit? The food will be ready shortly. Vick-Posy, get the table ready" Hazelle then begins finishing the salad she was preparing.
Gale and Dez go immediately to the long table that sits behind the kitchen. The first floor has an open floor plan. After the hallway ends the area opens up into a large kitchen with an island, with a dining room behind it and the living room to the left of the kitchen. The table has six chairs, three on each side. Gale and Dez sit on the one side, Katniss unsure of where to sit says, "Where should I sit?"
"Anywhere is fine" Hazelle calls out before Gale can answer.
She takes her seat on the opposite side of Gale and Dez, sitting on the end. Not realizing at first she is sitting directly across from Dez. Vick and Posy begin setting the table and getting Dez, Gale, and Katniss's beverages, Katniss asking for water.
Five minutes later the food is ready, Gale gets up from his chair to help his Mom bring the food over, with Posy and Vick helping as well. Katniss notices how Dez is preoccupied observing herself after taking out a small compact mirror, making sure her makeup isn't smeared.
Hazelle has prepared salad, lamb stew, fresh baked rolls, and mashed cinnamon sweet potatoes. The food looking delicious to Katniss.
"Wow, this looks great Mom" Gale saying aloud what Katniss is thinking.
"Enjoy everyone" Hazelle says in a more upbeat tone than before. Hazelle sits beside Vick who is sitting beside Katniss. Posy taking her seat beside Gale.
Katniss digs into the lamb stew, she couldn't help but wonder if Gale asked his Mom to make it knowing it is her favorite meal. She also gets salad, rolls, and the mashed potatoes-eager to eat it all.
"So Katniss, how is life back in District 12?" Vick asks.
"Well, I haven't been there since the beginning of January, but it is fine. The District is still slowly rebuilding, a medicine factory was built and the District also produces food."
"I'm glad the District is done mining coal, it was a horrible job. A job no man or woman should have had to do" Hazelle says looking to Gale. Gale only nods in response, not saying anything.
Katniss talks a little more about who has returned to 12 that the Hawthorne's know, and then begins talking about her prep class. She talks about how the math lessons are the hardest for her when Gale pipes in and says, "Vick-do you think you could help Katniss with her math lessons?"
"Sure, no problem. It's kinda funny isn't it? Me helping you with school work? And here I always thought you'd be showing me stuff-like how to hunt-which you never did by the way." Vick's tone is teasing, not harsh.
"Thanks" Katniss says appreciatively. "The plan was to teach your other brother first, sorry that never got to happen. I don't think your Mom would have let me take you hunting at 10 though."
"Absolutely not" Hazelle says, "I didn't even want Gale going, but I had no choice. I was often worried you both would be caught. And of course, one day Gale did get caught. Thank god for your Mother Katniss, how is she by the way?"
"She's doing well, she loves her job at the hospital in District 4. She's made for herself a nice life there."
"Where will your life be? After you become a teacher that is?" Posy asks putting a spoonful of potatoes into her mouth.
"Well, I have to pass the exam first. I am not trying to get ahead of myself here. I don't know which District I'd want to be a teacher for, I guess it would depend on who'd have me."
"I'm sure every District would want to have the mockingjay come teach for them" Dez pipes in, it is the first time she has spoken since they started eating.
"I'm actually trying to shed the mockingjay image, I don't want to be known as that in Panem anymore. I never wanted it from the beginning. I only agreed to do it so I could-"
"Get Peeta back" Dez finishes for her, looking at Katniss pointedly.
"And Johanna, and help the rebellion" Katniss clarifies. She looks around the table, she sees that Hazelle and Gale have annoyed looks on their faces. Again she can't tell if their annoyance is with her or Dez or both of them.
Hazelle quickly changes the subject, turning her attention to Dez and asking her how things were going. Katniss thankful they are no longer talking about the past. She notices that Gale has shifted in his seat and has draped his arm on the back of Dez's chair. She also notices that Dez has hardly eaten her food, she didn't eat any of the lamb stew and while she ate some salad, she didn't eat any of the rolls and only picked at her potatoes.
Once they finish eating Hazelle, Vick, and Posy begin cleaning up. Katniss immediately gets out of her seat and goes over to help, picking up plates and bringing them into the kitchen. She sees that Gale is whispering to Dez, a serious look on his face. She wonders what they are talking about. She then sees him take her hand and squeeze it.
"Katniss, you don't have to do this." Hazelle says getting Katniss's attention away from Gale.
"I insist, the food was so good. Lamb stew is my favorite."
"I know, Gale asked me to make it for you for this occasion" Hazelle says confirming Katniss's suspicions. "But I mean it Katniss, go back to your seat, we've got this. I made a cherry pie for dessert that we'll have after this is cleaned up."
Katniss looks over to Gale and Dez, they are still in conversation, only no longer holding hands. Gale looks upset with her. She figures it is probably best to keep her distance right now.
"Is it okay if I go outside on your back porch?" she asks.
"Go ahead, the door is unlocked."
Katniss hurries past Gale and Dez, for the door to the back porch is in the dining room. She quickly shuts the door behind her and goes and walks around out back. It is early July and the air is warm, it is not as hot here in the Rocky Mountains as it is back in District 12 and nowhere near as warm as District 4. But the warm air is nice, not humid and there is a lot of sunshine. She looks out at the other townhouses in the neighborhood, most of them looking all the same and all connected.
After a few moments Posy comes out, standing beside Katniss. "My Mom said I could come out here and keep you company."
Katniss turns and looks at Posy, studying her. Gale was right, she was looking more and more like Hazelle. "I was afraid you wouldn't remember me" Katniss says.
"Well, like I said, I only remember a little. Seeing your hair braided like that though brought back some memories."
Katniss decided to braid her hair like she used to. Since returning to Panem she wears her hair down, or pulls it back every now and then. She wanted a sense of familiarity seeing the Hawthorne's again.
"Good memories I hope" Katniss says to her.
"Oh yeah, I remember you being at our house a lot. You were a part of our family, my brother was always happy when you were around."
Katniss feels a sense of guilt, she did look at the Hawthorne's like family. She spent many evenings and weekends there. While in District 13 she hardly saw them. She was so preoccupied with being the mockingjay and getting Peeta back she never made time for them.
"I miss those days. You've become a very beautiful girl."
Posy blushes and says, "Thanks. You look the same-you haven't changed a bit. I remember wishing I had your beautiful long straight hair."
"Hey, your hair is beautiful just the way it is. Don't ever change it." Katniss has a serious look on her face while speaking to her.
"Well, I was going to ask Dez to maybe straighten it…."
"No! Your curls are beautiful, just like I said. Besides, I don't think Gale would like it if you changed your hair. I don't think he wants you growing up."
Posy laughs and says, "He still is a protective big brother. He says I can't date until I am 16."
"You'll be turning 13 soon right?"
"Yeah, next month. We are having a party here at the house, you should come."
"I'd love to, if I can I will, I don't know what I will be doing, if I'll be in school or in another job."
"Well, if you can make it, please do. I think Rory might try to come too. It'd be great to have you."
Katniss is not so sure Hazelle and Dez feel that way. She decides to ask Posy a question that has been on her mind since she arrived-"Posy, your Mom, is she-is she unhappy with me? She is being kind of standoffish to me. I mean-she is being pleasant and everything, but she used to be so much friendlier."
Posy gets a look on her face, unsure how to answer. Finally she says, "I think my Mom is nervous you are here."
"Why?"
"Well, we never thought we'd see you again. And then out of blue Gale tells us he's going on a mission lasting months in order to protect you and then the you two are friends again and now you are staying at his place for a few weeks. It was no secret my brother loved you-a lot, I think my Mom is afraid you will hurt him again."
At first Katniss is slightly angered hearing this, angry that Hazelle just automatically assumes that because she is back in Gale's life that she will hurt him again. But then she realizes, if the roles were reversed, she'd be nervous too.
"I know I hurt Gale, I am trying to make amends-be a better friend this time."
"He pretty much told us that. I think my Mom is also worried about you being here will affect his relationship with Dez."
"Do you like her?" Katniss was dying to know Posy's feelings regarding Dez.
"Oh yeah, she's really sweet and can be a lot of fun. I think my Mom wishes Dez was…..a little less high maintenance."
Katniss couldn't help but snicker at that comment.
"But she is a really nice person, my brother is crazy about her, but I know he doesn't love her the way he loved you."
"What do you mean?" Katniss says completely shocked by Posy's candidness regarding Gale's feelings towards her.
"It's hard to explain, maybe you being his first love is the reason, but-I just get the sense he still would do anything he could to protect you, and he still worries about you-a lot."
Katniss moves her hand and touches her distress watch, pondering Posy's words. She is impressed by how mature and insightful Posy has become. She also knows though, that Posy knows Gale better than anyone. It is obvious to anyone who sees them that they are each other's favorite sibling. Vick opens the door then and says, "The pie is ready."
The cherry pie doesn't disappoint. Katniss ends up eating two slices of it as does Gale and Vick. Dez however, again continues to pick at it, only taking a couple of bites. Katniss notices Gale appears to not to let Dez's behavior bother him, turning his attention to Vick and chatting with him.
When they are ready to leave, Katniss makes plans with Vick to come to the house on Tuesday to study.
"I really appreciate the help Vick-thanks."
"Well, I figure working on math will probably help me when I take my test for the military academy. I take it August 15."
"Great-see you later." Katniss then gives him and Posy hugs and turns to Hazelle and says, "Thanks again Hazelle-everything was wonderful."
"We will see you on Tuesday" Hazelle says, sounding a little less unfriendly.
The short train ride back to the apartment seemed to take forever, for no one said anything. Obviously the tension is still high between Gale and Dez. Katniss decides to repeat Sioux words in her hand to pass the time. She didn't want to forget the language and would often try to repeat the words in her head.
When they got back, Dez heads straight for their room, not even acknowledging Harper when he trotted up to her trying to get petted. He looks at the closed door and then treaded over to Gale, finally getting the attention he craved since they returned home.
"I'm going to take Harper out" Gale says getting his leash ready.
"Gale-is everything alright? You and Dez—"
"It will be fine Katniss. It doesn't concern you."
"I know I just—Dez—I can't help but notice, she hardly eats."
"Don't" Gale says putting his hand up to stop her from continuing. "Please-just—stay out of it."
He turns and heads out the door with Harper, not saying another word.
