Chapter 10

Over 900 people reading! Thanks so much to My name is Katniss for her review which inspired this chapter!

A week has passed since I've been in the woods. I've been cooped up, sitting at home with Peeta. He's been insisting that I learn how to cook. Now covered with small cuts everywhere like I've been attacked by piranhas, Peeta's cut me some slack.

I can't handle the oven without burning myself. Knives are out of the question. Somehow, with already cut things, I can make a sandwich with lettuce and tomato taste like garbage.

Peeta's convinced that I should have one last try. So during lunch, we're making roast chicken. Not a very smart idea. Me with sharp objects and hot objects?

He's cutting the chicken while I'm dancing around the kitchen in my socks. Peeta turns, a playful smile on his face, and throws a towel at me. The knife is still in his hand.

Suddenly, Peeta's eyes fill with rage. "You are a dirty, murderous mutt who deserves to die."

I sprint out of the house, towards the woods for what feels the millionth time this month. I hear Peeta chasing after me.

"You can't run forever! I will catch up to you!" he pants.

Yes, Peeta. That's why I'm miles ahead of you, and you're biting my dust. Literally; the dirt is dry and rising up with my feet.

I head deep into the woods, grabbing my bow on the way. I glance back behind me; Peeta is nowhere in sight. Not looking where I'm going, I run into something tall, firm, and warm. It's Gale. Just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse.

"Hey Catnip- I mean, Katniss." Gale says cooly.

It's his indifferent tone that makes me fall to my knees and sob.

"What's wrong?" he says, shocked.

"Everything!" I cry. "Peeta's still trying to kill me, you're being mean even though you're supposed to be my best friend, and I just want my freaking memory back!"

Gale bends down and holds me, letting me sob. He murmurs reassuring words that I can't even understand, but the tone soothes me.

When I settle down, Gale says, "I'm not trying to hurt you. It hurts me, seeing you with Peeta. It's just…"

I lay on Gale, his heart pounding. I let the comforting sound rock me to sleep.

When I wake up, Gale is still in the same position, which looks uncomfortable. But he's asleep, so I'm not sure if he notices. It looks like evening now, so Gale's stayed with me a long time.

A warm rush races through me. Gale can be a real jerk sometimes, but he's shown that he has a passionate and caring.

I get up to leave. Before I depart, I plant a kiss on Gale's lips. He smiles in his sleep.

"Thanks," I whisper.

I head off to face Peeta.

I know, not the longest chapter. I really just had to bang it out while I was in the zone. You authors know what I'm talking about. Thanks again to My name is Katniss! Review!