Chapter 2

Madge

School's passed on underway. I had never liked going to school five times every time my life passes, since I couldn't bear to live my mother alone with Rosie—not that I don't trust her, but I already thought she might need more help than what she can alone get. My mother needs morphling every once or twice the day, and I feared that might make her worse—but it made her alive, at least. I don't want my mother gone yet.

Every single day was just a passing reassurance that I still look presentable to everyone—even if they treat me like a leper. All of us at home were tired already. I had double the chores, and with my father only around during Saturdays, I didn't have much company except Rosie who only compliments me of what my father could give me. Out of sheer compassion, sometimes, even a dress I haven't worn yet I give to her, so that she could have it used for herself or for her kids. I had to think that all of the things given to me were sometimes needed a repay, and I thought maybe, that was it.

It was Saturday today, not much happens on a weekend, and since I find nothing to do in the Hob, or Seam, I stay home after doing the chores. My mother naps all day during Saturdays. There wasn't much of a thing happening, even outside, except for some miners down the District. But for the rest, it was normal, just like every day without the Games playing on the big screen.

I was finishing the dusting of my mother's porcelain dolls (Rosie wasn't around during Saturdays) when a knock came from the door.

I dusted my hands with a cloth and opened the door, the sight giving me an unexpected flinch.

It was Gale.

Both of us were speechless, maybe because of yesterday's incident, but as soon as ten seconds passed he finally spoke up.

"Uh, the Mayor ordered these." He held a box, and when I opened it I saw a bundle of fresh strawberries. Newly picked.

I nodded. "How much?"

He gave his price, and I hurriedly went up to my room to dig some money. I didn't like anyone waiting in my doorstep, especially him. He reminded me too much of my bane existence. On why I was acting like this around him.

I got down and passed him the money, and took the box of strawberries with me. Before I could close the door, though, he stopped me, and I had waited for his response.

"Katniss is about to get home."

This never left my mind. Katniss. I had mixed emotions all over me."I know. She'll be home soon."

Gale thought for a moment, and then went down the steps. He didn't say a word after, or even bade goodbye, but just left.

I closed the door, and continued on with my dusting.

Gale

I left Madge without a word, because I didn't want to hear her stories about any of Katniss' s journeys and adventures through the Games. Or with Peeta. I had enough stories of them in my head already. Enough false encounters and remakes. Enough realities.

The thought of Peeta and Katniss together was…disturbing. It bothered me with things that I had no planning of thinking of. They were bringing me altogether the nightmares. Nightmares that somehow, I can manage, but I couldn't bear. The thought of Katniss was never going to be herself anymore always crossed my mind.

I brought it up anyway, and I was the one running from her. I didn't have to care much. All I ever did was when every time Katniss' face appears with Peeta, all those things I saw when the Games aired, I distracted myself with other things. Unfortunately, those other things were…another girl.

Maybe I needed another distraction technique.

As I got home, my mother was busy cooking stew, and my siblings were all sprawled in the living room playing with themselves.

"Gale, you're early," My mother said as she kissed my cheek.

"Day off the Seam today. They closed the mine for no reason. It had all the other workers with puzzled faces. "

My mother nodded. "Well, at least you get to rest today. I worry sometimes for you, Gale. You work a bit too much."

"I have nothing to do but work anyway."

"Well, I wouldn't mind looking at your siblings for a while. Why don't you go outside for a while? I can handle myself here."

I nodded, and thanked my mom for giving me a bit of a free mind for a while.

But then, I thought, the last thing I needed was a free mind. Because a free mind always meant that Katniss's face was going to reappear.

I passed by the mines one last time, hoping it was opened, but it was shut, closed.

I had nowhere to go to today. I'd rather stay home and busy myself with the three instead of moping around and thinking about her face. But my mother wouldn't let me in the house until she had made sure I had done what she asked. I was still locked in the outside.

It was going down to a sunset, and the dandelions near me where losing their color as the sun went down. I looked around, and only a few people were out, busy getting home to feed whatever lives in their houses. As I walked, though, a familiar face was busy walking around the streets, and as I cleared my eyes, it was Madge, her face puffed from the cold and her hair curly as ever.

I paused, and looked at her. She was busy picking up this little dandelion flower in her near distance, closely admiring its structure. She wasn't planning on blowing it or anything, but she had kept it on to her hands, smiling to herself. Then her head cocked sidewards and faced me.

I quickly remembered what happened the other day.

She looked at me with her eyes, emotionless, and her gaze went back to her dandelion. She had looked at it longer than expected, and tossed it away from her, as the bits of the dandelion got blown away.

"What'd you do that for?" I asked suddenly, and hoped for the answer that I expected wasn't going to come out of her mouth.

"Nothing. You're going to pick on me again, anyway." She shrugged.

I had nothing more to say. "Well, why'd you let my opinion ruin yours?"

She looked at me. "Because my opinion always stands inferior to what you believe in."

Her face was the same as it is. She wasn't wearing a jacket or any protection from the cold and whatsoever, and I felt that Posy was luckier now than she was, because Posy had her mittens on tonight. I took off my jacket, and lay it over her shoulders.

She jumped.

"What's this for?"

"You look close to death with your appearance." I adjusted the jacket around her shoulders. "Looks like you and the cold never go around much."

"You don't need to do this."

"I don't," I said as I shrugged, "But it looks like you need it."

"I don't need it," she said with through her teeth.

"Trust me, you do." I patted her shoulder. "Come on, I'll walk you home." At least my mind could go freely without seeing Katniss's face every few seconds.

She nodded, and started we started walking.