Chapter 25

(Gale POV)

It's hard to hear about how the Capitol plans to change her once she's married. It angers me in a way that I can't put into words. They're going to take this perfect girl and rip away everything that makes her who she is and cover her up with everything they wish she was. And she has no say in anything at all, it's like they own her or something. It's also really hard to hear how I probably won't ever see her again after she marries this guy. I just assumed she would still be around but apparently that's not likely. I mean, I knew what we have now would have to stop once she was married but I never assumed she'd just disappear forever. I don't know which is worse though, never seeing her again or having to see her with that guy as her husband. Both are sucky options if you ask me. What I really wish is that I could make her daydream of 13 a reality. I wish there were factual truths to those rumors so i could find where it is and take her there. She's way too good to be stuck living the life they're forcing on her.

We stay out way too late, almost until sunrise and I'm exhausted two hours later when I have to go into town and help the butcher out. I need the job though so I go and I do the work, yawning through the whole morning. When I'm done, I wash up as quickly as possible and then crash on my bed. I've got a little time before the viewing and sleep is the only thing I want right now. I'm asleep before my head even hits the pillow. Unfortunately, I sleep a little too long and when I wake up, I have to run all the way to town in order to check in for the viewing on time. I arrive just as the anthem starts to play and grab an empty chair in the back row. I immediately glance up at the stage to see Madge and my stomach drops when I do. He's here. That guy is here and he's sitting right there, holding her hand while they watch the games. Why the hell is here again? She just got back from seeing him. I frown and look away, focusing my attention as best I can on the screen.

The screen isn't any better than what I saw on the stage though. Katniss gets hurt trying to escape a forest fire that the game makers started. Her leg is burned pretty badly and just when I think she's safe from the fire, the group of careers that've been looking for her spot her and start chasing her. She's stuck, badly injured, way up at the top of a tree with a group of kill happy tributes waiting below to get their hands on her when the viewing ends for today. I don't think she can get out of this one. Every one of them is armed with weapons and there's so many of them that she wouldn't stand a chance. She'll be dead as soon as she gets out of that tree.

I don't linger after the screen flicks off. I just start walking towards the Seam. I don't want to talk to anyone. I don't want to see anyone. I just want to be alone right now. I grab my flask from the house and head for the tree. I drink until the flask runs dry, then I go to Thom's house and ask if he has anything to drink. He hands over a bottle of clear liquor without a word. I take it and go back to the tree, turning the bottle up and letting the stuff burn all the way down. I can't believe that happened. I can't believe they got her trapped like that. I hate the game makers for starting that fire. It's like they wanted her to be hurt, wanted her to be caught by those tributes. I drink until I pass out, drunk and exhausted.

When I wake up, it's because someone is vigorously shaking me awake.

"Gale! Wake up!"

My vision is blurry and I rub my eyes. It's Madge. And she's in pajamas. "Wh..What are you doing here?" I ask, stumbling over my words, the liquor still having some effect.

"I need to talk to you."

"Won't your boyfriend miss you?" I ask, jealousy making itself known in my words. Even in my current state though, I regret it instantly.

"I just wanted to tell you that Katniss isn't dead. The games play out a few hours ahead of what we actually see at a viewing so I checked with some sources and she's okay. She makes it out of the tree and she's okay. That's all I wanted to tell you." She says and then she leaves without another word, without a kiss, without anything. And I know I've messed up.

I head home, where I see that it's after 3am. Why was she out at 3am? Did she sneak out late just for me? Is that why she was in pajamas? And why did I have to say what I said? And how did she even know where to look for me at this hour? Did she just automatically come to the tree hoping I'd be there? She came all the way out here in pajamas at 3am to bring me good news, news I needed to hear, and I somehow decided it was the time for me to be a drunken ass to her. I have to find a way to talk to her tomorrow. Have to apologize, if she'll even hear me out. I told her I wouldn't be jealous about that guy and the first time he shows up, I do just that.

When I wake up, I try to figure out a way to talk to Madge. I know I can't get anywhere near her with the guy here and I'm assuming he's still here. I may be able to catch her before the viewing but odds of her being alone are really slim. I can't just show up at her house and ask to see her either. But I have to talk to her. I just have to. I decide my best bet is to write her a note and try to slip it to her somehow. I find a small scrap of paper and jot a short note.

Madge,

I'm so sorry about last night. I want to explain myself and really apologize to you. When and if you're ready to talk to me, you know where to find me.

Gale

After I write it though, I decide it may be best if our names aren't on them just in case anyone else happens to see it once I give it to her so I tear off the parts where I wrote names. I fold it up really small and put it in my pocket. I don't know how I'll get it to her but I want it with me just in case I find a way. If all else fails, I'll find her once the guy leaves and then I'll talk to her but I really think sooner would be better than later.

I go into town way early and just mill around, keeping my eyes peeled just in case I see Madge somewhere. Turns out to be my lucky day because as I'm walking through town, the butcher sees me and yells out for me to come help with a delivery. And as it happens, the delivery is for the Mayors house.

I go to the back door where deliveries are supposed to be taken and knock. As I wait, I hold out hope that Madge will be the one to answer the door. When the door opens, I am surprised to see that Madge is the one answering the door. I can't talk to her though because that guy is right behind her in the kitchen, giving me the once over. Her eyes ever so briefly widen when she finds me at the door but then her face goes completely blank, as if she doesn't know me at all.

"The butcher asked me to bring this over." I tell her when she opens the screen door.

"I'll see that our housekeeper gets it, thank you." She says plainly.

Quickly and discreetly, I push the note into her hand as she takes the bundle from the butcher shop. She takes it and I know she understands it's for her but she doesn't say anything of course, not that she could even if she wanted to. Still, I feel so much better having gotten the note to her. I leave without another word or glance and head to town for the viewing. Everything with Madge aside, I'm eager to see what happens with Katniss now that I know she's okay. Then later tonight, I'll sit by the tree and wait, just in case Madge is able to come talk to me, just in case she wants to talk to me.

(Madge POV)

I'm totally exhausted from staying out all night and being stuck sitting in the parlor, finishing up with Suzette on all the training materials when I get a huge surprise. The doorbell rings and since I'm close to the front door and I know Bethany is busy, I answer it. And I find Drew standing on my doorstep. Holding another stupid white rose.

"What are you doing here?" I blurt out as soon as I see him. It probably doesn't come out very politely either.

"I wanted to surprise you so I come down for the viewing." He says with a smile as he leans down to kiss my forehead.

I take the rose and let him inside. "Well I'm definetly surprised." I tell him, trying to pull my emotions together because I'm still mad at him for making me take this training course without asking me.

"I called your father and made the arrangements yesterday for this visit but made him promise not to tell you."

"How long are you staying?" I ask.

"I'll leave after tomorrow's viewing. It's just a quick visit but I'm sure we can still enjoy it."

"Well let me show you to a guest room so you can get settled. I'm still finishing up with Suzette but should be free soon." I tell him as I lead him up the front staircase. I really want to let him know how mad I am but I can't because we can't talk about things like my distaste for the Capitol rules while we are in my house just in case someone happens to be listening.

When we get to his room, he goes to pull me in for a real kiss but I pull away. "Sorry, I don't want to keep Suzette waiting. I'll come find you when I'm finished." I tell him as I turn and go back to the parlor.

Downstairs we finish up quicker than I expected so now I can go find Drew and take him somewhere to talk. I go to my room first though and take a few deep breaths. I need to calm my mood a bit before I talk to him. I also need to get it out of my system that I feel bummed I now won't be able to see Gale again tonight. And even worse, Drew is already here so I can't even let Gale know that I'm not free tonight. He'll just see Drew with me at the viewing and he'll know. I hate that though because I would rather tell him instead of just showing up on Drew's arm to the viewing. I put a smile on my face and head down to Drew's room and knock on the door.

"Hey, you all finished?" He asks.

"I am. Want to go for a walk? We have a little time before the viewing."

He can tell I want to talk about something that isn't safe to discuss in the house so he nods and comes with me. We walk down towards the meadow, hand in hand because as we walk he takes mine in his. He seems nervous.

"Why did you make me take that training course with Suzette without asking me about it first?" I ask, not caring to ease into the conversation.

He looks surprised, maybe even confused. "Was she not nice? Was the material too hard for you?"

I roll my eyes. "Yes she was nice and no the material was not too challenging for me. I just really didn't care to spend the last 2 days learning all about the things I'll have to do according to the Capitol once we get married. A heads up would've been appreciated."

"I'm sorry, I thought it was a good idea. The mothers usually handle making sure the girl heirs are educated on their roles and since that isn't possible for you, I thought hiring Suzette would be a valuable alternative. I'm surprised you're so upset about it."

"You're surprised that I didn't want to hear about the life the Capitol has planned out for me? I thought you and I were of similar thinking in regards to the Capitol."

"We are, but I thought we both understood that regardless of what we feel, we are still going to have to do things the way they expect us to. The rules and expectations you just read about are not optional for us, you know that."

Angry tears sting in the corners of my eyes. "Did you have an Avox nanny? Because I learned today that my children will be mainly cared for by an Avox assigned to our family. I won't even get to fully parent my own children!"

He shakes his head. "I didn't have one. That's actually a rule that came about later, after we were past the need of a nanny. It's so that children will never have to travel with their parents. They can stay in the district and focus on their programs of study."

I stare at him, horrified at the thoughts that come to my mind about how the Capitol came to see the need for this rule. This is so children can't travel with their parents? Did they make this rule because of what happened with me as a child? Because I had to travel with my father? Was I that much of a nuisance?

"It's meant to be a good thing. A sort of peace of mind for parents. It's very challenging to travel for business with small children in tow."

"Did you also know that I'll be required to grow roses in the gardens of my house? So that I can always have fresh roses on hand when guests arrive? And did you also know that I freaking hate roses?" I spout out at him and then burst into full on tears.

He lets out a sigh and pulls me to him, hugging me. I let him and I let my tears fall for a minute before I wipe them away and pull back from him.

"I'm sorry." He says again. And then I feel a little bad about being mad at him because what really has me all up in arms is the rules and expectations the Capitol is placing on me, not him.

"I guess I'm really more mad at the Capitol than I am at you. I do wish you would've warned me ahead of time that you were sending Suzette though."

He nods. "I should've mentioned it. Forgive me?"

I give him a sad smile and kiss him. And then I wish I hadn't because I start mentally comparing it to kissing Gale. I push the thought from my mind, not wanting to do that. It's not fair to Drew or Gale if I do that.

We walk around a little longer and then head to the viewing. I take us up to our seats on stage as soon as we are checked in because I don't want Gale to not notice Drew is here and come up to talk to me. If I'm on stage, he'll see and then he'll know not to talk to me. I also don't make any eye contact with the crowd because I don't want to see Gale's reaction to Drew being here. So I sit on stage, holding Drew's hand and smiling like I'm supposed to.

It turns out to be a good thing Drew is there holding my hand because the viewing is terrifying. Katniss is in a whole mess of trouble and I think she might actually die. I squeeze his hand so hard the entire time. When it's over and we're left with no answers about Katniss's fate, I feel like my legs are going to give out on me if I try to stand and I'm struggling to hold it together, I can feel the tears threatening to fall any second.

"Come on, I can find out what happens. Let's go make a phone call." Drew whispers in my ear as he pulls me to my feet and holds me steady with an arm tightly around my waist.

We go to my house and in my room he makes the call. I know it's to Ellison but I don't care. I just need to know what happened. The games aren't shown live until the last couple tributes are left. Right now, what we see at a viewing is what happened hours earlier. And because Ellison's father is head game maker, she will know what happens to Katniss. I go into my bathroom and wash my face with cold water while Drew talks to her. When I come back into the room, he's sitting on my bed and just hanging up the phone.

"She's okay. I don't know all the details but she made it out of the tree and the other tributes didn't get her." He tells me and relief washes over me.

"Oh my God, thank you so much for doing that! Thank you for finding out what happened, for finding out if she's okay. I don't think I could've handled waiting until tomorrow." I tell him as I rush over and hug his neck.

His arms loop around my waist and I feel his lips move across my cheek and to my lips. I fall into the kiss, letting it pull me away from all my thoughts, all my worries.

"These are the best games I've ever seen. I don't think I could've waited until tomorrow for more either." He says as he points upward, letting me know he's saying it in case anyone is listening. He wants them to think I was overly excited about the games, not overly upset. I nod in understanding and then he kisses me again. It's a good kiss, one that lingers a little longer than ours usually do. And I like it.

"We'll be expected at dinner soon." He tells me when the kiss finally ends.

We get cleaned up and changed for dinner, which lasts for several hours because of all the excitement about the games. Everyone is speculating what happens to Katniss and I am so incredibly thankful for Drew having already put my mind at ease over it. When dinner is over, he comes to my room and sits out on my balcony with me for awhile. I'm enjoying his company but all I can think about is how I really need to go tell Gale that Katniss is alive. The thought of him thinking that she died is too much when I have information that says different. When Drew finally leaves to go to bed, I slip out of my room and go downstairs. Unfortunately, when I walk into the kitchen, Drew is in there so I have to pretend I wanted a glass of water.

After that close call, I go to my room and put on pajamas and then I wait. I wait until the house is completely quiet. It's really, really late and I'm not even sure I will find Gale at this point but I at least have to try because this is so important. I don't even change back into my clothes, I just go in pajamas because I've wasted enough time already. He isn't in the meadow so I make my way through the Seam to the big tree we meet at and that's where I find him. He's not awake though and there's a half empty bottle of liquor next to him. He must have been so heartbroken about Katniss and I hate that I didn't find a way to get to him sooner.

I reach out and shake his shoulders, calling his name. "Gale! Wake up!"

He rubs his eyes and groggily asks "Wh..What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you." I tell him, mentally begging him to wake up all the way.

"Won't your boyfriend miss you?" He shoots at me and I'm stunned for a moment. It hurts way more than it probably should. Still, I tell him why I came to talk to him.

"I just wanted to tell you that Katniss isn't dead. The games play out a few hours ahead of what we actually see at a viewing so I checked with some sources and she's okay. She makes it out of the tree and she's okay. That's all I wanted to tell you." I say flatly and then turn away, leaving without another word. And I cry silent tears all the way back to my house.