I don't own the HG or these characters.
Quick thanks to Sam Gh for her suggestions on the bombing scene. I revamped that part and really love how it turned out... hope everyone else does too!
CHAPTER 5: BOMBS, REBUILDING AND SECRETS (Oh my!)
Greasy Sae walked Gale around the District filling him in on the reconstruction plans for the new Town Square, the Towney section of homes and the Seam. Even the Hob was going to be redone bigger and better than it was before. They ended up back at the Southern edge of the meadow where she showed Gale the mass grave for the people of District 12. She let him know that after everything was done and rebuilt they were going to have a formal dedication to the site and erect a proper monument.
Gale stood starring at the freshly turned ground in the meadow while flashes of memories from the horror of that night and the bombing came flooding back to him. He had stayed up late that night watching Katniss on the TV. When he saw Johanna attack her and drag her over to a clump of bushes. He had slid forward in his chair, fear gripping his heart and anger flaring through him. Anger that he couldn't be there to have her back like he always did. He dropped off the front of his chair sweat dripping down the side of his face as he willed Katniss with every fiber of his being to fight. Then the cameras had flashed to Beetee who was doing something with the wire and a knife while Peeta was running around yelling for Katniss. Gale sat stunned looking at the screen thinking for the millionth time what a damn idiotic liability Peeta really was and he was going to get her killed because of it.
Then the cameras had flashed back to Katniss as she was making her way, bleeding and stumbling, back to the others. Relief had flooded through him at the sight of her still alive and able to move. He knew if she could still move then she could still fight. When she arrived Peeta was no where to be found and Beetee was unconscious on the ground. Katniss grabbed the knife and took the wire off and wound it around one of her arrows. Then she turned - aimed - and let the arrow fly. Everything went black.
He stood up fear flaring stronger and hotter in the pit of his stomach and walked over to the TV. He knew the power was still on because the indicator light still shone green near the on switch. But he still wiggled the antenna and slapped the top hoping it was just their piece of crap TV and not… something… unthinkable. He lifted his hand to the back of his neck and rubbed at the hairs that were standing up there. Something wasn't right. Something bad was happening. That hunter's sense he had was nagging at the back of his mind and it moved him out to his front porch. He had stood there listening and looking out toward the woods. His heart froze when he realized what he was listening for... it was the sound of hovercrafts coming in low over the trees. Then he saw the distant flashing lights. He ran back into the house yelling as he was running for everyone to get up that they had to move… now! He burst into his mother's room grabbing for clothes and sweeping Posy up into his arms. When he hit the hallway everyone was up and in varies stages of dress. Gale pushed them all toward the door. They headed toward the meadow yelling for everyone to run and banging on doors as they ran past. They reached the fence just as the first bombs hit the Town Square. Gale handed Posy to his mom and told Rory where to go and wait.
Gale set out, at a full speed run, toward Katniss's house and Prim. Along the way he was yelling at the Town people telling them to head for the meadow and the fence. He reached Prim and her mother and grabbed up a few blankets and medical supplies and headed out the door. He took them the long way around the town to the opening in the fence where Rory was waiting to show people where to go. Gale could tell that Rory was scared but trying hard not to show it so he reached out and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze as Rory looked up into his brothers eyes Gale nodded and smiled trying to convey how proud he was of him. Then he turned and headed back into town yelling and trying his best to corral the frantic and frightened people. Heading them toward the meadow and the woods beyond.
When the first rays of dawn came over the mountain Gale was still standing at the edge of town. The bombing had stopped a while ago. But he stayed hoping other people would still make their way to the meadow. He walked back into town and stood there numb and exhausted with tears streaming down his face. There was nothing left but smoking charred ruins and dead bodies. He wiped the tears from his grimy cheeks with the sleeve of his shirt, vowing inside that the Capitol would answer for what they had done. With a deep resolve to fight growing with every step he took, he headed back to the fence and the remaining people of District Twelve. Gale thought that must have been the moment that he let the monster in. The monster he would become. The monster that would save Prim one more time, only to kill her later.
Greasy Sae reached out and touched Gale on the shoulder jolting him out of his waking nightmare. "I know Gale. That was a horrible night. But, you tried. You helped save so many people. You risked your life to get to Prim. You know that... right?"
"Yeah. But so many people didn't make it. So, many people died. For what Sae?" Gale turned toward Greasy Sae and she could see the desperation burning bright in his eyes. "Do you think Katniss will ever remember that I loved Prim that I tried to keep her safe? That she was like my own sister."
Greasy Sae had never seen Gale looking so vulnerable or scared. Even as a gangly fourteen year old coming into the Hob to trade, a boy trying his best to be a man. She looked straight into his Seam gray eyes and said as firmly as she could. "Yes, Gale. I believe that Katniss will eventually remember who you really are. Be patient and give her time."
He nodded his head then smiled, "Seam and Town people buried together. Who would have ever thought we'd see the day." Sae chuckled as they headed back into town.
Gale was impressed with the progress that had already been made with the reconstruction efforts. And he was surprised at the number of District 13 people that had chosen to make their home here in District 12. He guessed they were tired of living underground and having their daily routine strictly regimented. Gale had assumed with the end of the rebellion that life in District 13 would be different but, maybe those that stayed were just use to that way of life. It is hard to change sometimes.
Even the new government was having a hard time getting people to rally behind it. They were offering a new and better way of life. But, people were scared that it would end up being like the old dictatorship. Gale knew that with time and patience things would work out and life would be better than anyone could have dreamed. He smiled and thought with time and patience maybe... just maybe... Katniss would remember the boy he was and see the man he hoped to become. At least that was his hope for the future.
They ended up back at Katniss house in Victor Village. Greasy Sae told Gale to fetch some firewood and she would go in and get supper started.
Gale just grimaced and nodded his head yes. Crap he was going to have to face Katniss sooner then he had thought. But, then again he was going to have to face her sometime. He might as well get it over with and get on with his campaign to get his catnip back.
Greasy Sae headed up the front steps and into the house. When she entered the kitchen Katniss turned around, right away, to see who was there. Greasy Sae smiled to herself. How many times had she walked into this kitchen and Katniss hadn't even bothered to look up and see who it was. Huh... now... for some reason... she chuckled... she takes notice.
Greasy Sae smiled and said, "Are you hungry?"
Katniss looked behind Sae and said, "yes."
"Well, good! Would you like to help."
Katniss was still staring at the door. "Huh... oh, yeah I can help." She froze half way out of her chair and whipped her head back toward the door. She had heard footsteps coming up the stairs. But, that couldn't be Gale because he didn't make any noise. She stood up and went to the window.
Gale stood on the front porch with an arm full of firewood. Haymitch was standing on the stairs with an angry look on his face, pointing his finger at Gale. She stepped closer to the window to hear what they were saying.
"What are you doing here boy?"
"Look, Haymitch. I don't owe you an explanation for what I do."
"We had an agreement. You were going to District two with your family."
"Well, I guess I changed my mind. I wanted... no... I needed to be here in twelve."
"Don't mess with me Hawthorne. I arranged for you to have a great job in two a job that would allow you to take care of your family nicely. You would never have to go back to the mines to work. You just had to stay away."
"I could never stay away. Haven't you figured it out yet. I can't leave her." Then he stated under his breath, "Well, not unless she can't... "
"She doesn't need you boy. Haven't YOU figured that out yet. Huh... you know that Peeta is the one she deserves. He loves her and he has been there for her."
Gale took a step toward Haymitch and between gritted teeth spat out, "Katniss and I have been taking care of our families and each other long before Peeta came into the picture. WE have the history together. And I am staying until SHE tells me that SHE chooses him. DO... YOU... UNDERSTAND... THAT." Gale turned on his heels and headed inside with the firewood gripped tightly in his arms.
Katniss turned and hurried to the table. She sat down and started peeling the potatoes for supper. She watched Gale, through her lowered eyelashes, while he put the firewood in the bin and than added wood to the stove. He turned to Sae and said, "I'm going to chop more wood and fill the bin and the stack out back. Just yell if you need something, okay."
"Okay! I was going to ask a couple of the guys from the Hob to come and chop wood this week. I knew we were running out. I'm glad you're here Gale." She smiled at him.
As he walked by Katniss he glanced at her and caught her eye. "I'm glad. Because I'm not going anywhere." Then he was out the front door. After a few moments Katniss could here the sounds of splitting wood. She wasn't sure why. But, she found the steady sound of the wood being chopped... comforting.
Katniss settled in, at the table, peeling the potatoes and thinking about the conversation she had heard between Gale and Haymitch. What did Haymitch say... they had an agreement where Gale stayed away and Haymitch had found him a good job. And Peeta seemed to be part of this agreement. She didn't know what was going on but she sure as hell was going to find out.
When she finally finished peeling the potatoes she gave them to Greasy Sae, to put on the stove. Then returned to her seat and stared into her fire. Greasy Sae heaved a sigh and continued with her meal preparations.
When Greasy Sae had supper done she filled the bowls and brought them to the table. She wiped her hands on her apron looking at Katniss. Shaking her head, she went out onto the porch and yelled to Gale, "supper's ready. Come in and get cleaned up."
She turned to go back into the house and was startled when she saw Haymitch sitting in a chair that was tilted back onto two legs, sipping on a bottle.
"Damn it Haymitch you scared me."
"We need to get rid of that boy, Sae. He needs to go. Tonight."
She was shocked. "Why?"
"Because, he doesn't belong here. He is just making things harder on her."
"Really. Because, since he has been here she has gotten her butt out of that chair and is helping do a few things. She has even eaten."
"Don't be stupid Sae. She hates him. He is the one who helped design those bombs. She knows that. And we all know that her anger motivates her to do things... sometimes."
"Haymitch, you are the biggest fool I have ever met in my life." She leaned forward and whispered in his face, "His designs helped us win the war. He didn't know that they were going to use them to kill children to kill Prim. Besides, she loves that boy. She always has."
"Come on Sae. She loves Peeta and he loves her."
She let out an exasperated sigh. "She only pretended to be in love with Peeta, so they could survive. Everyone knows that. Well... everyone but you." She added sarcastically.
"I don't think sweetheart in there is that good of an actress."
Greasy Sae spat out in an exasperated voice, "You damn old drunken goat. You better not get in the way of Gale helping her." She shook her finger in his face, "do you hear me." Then she gave his shoulder a push and sent him and the chair over backwards.
Haymitch yelped and grabbed for his bottle trying to save its contents from spilling all over. "Damn it Sae... not the bottle."
"If you can't control yourself. Go find some other place to eat tonight." Then she turned and went back into the kitchen.
Gale walked up on the porch with a load of firewood in his arms. He looked at Haymitch sprawled on his back with his bottle sitting on his chest. Gale gave him a disapproving look and said, "and you're the guy who thinks he knows what's best for Katniss? I don't think so." He went into the house muttering under his breath, "damn old drunken goat."
Gale went over and filled up the wood box in the kitchen. Then he took the extra wood into the living room and put it in the wood box by the big fireplace.
He came back into the kitchen and looked at Katniss. "I'm going to wash up now. Unless, you would like to go first."
Katniss just glared at Gale until he lower his eyes and went into the bathroom to wash.
Greasy Sae looked at Katniss and said, "You know it wouldn't hurt you to wash up a little yourself." Katniss turned and glared at her. Sae turned and mumbled, "or not. It is up to you. Though it might make dinner more pleasant."
Everyone gathered around the table for a meal that was mostly eaten in silence. Katniss sat pushing her food around and staring between Gale and Haymitch. And Haymitch drank more than he ate. Finally, everyone was done and Haymitch got up to go.
"Haymitch I would like to talk to you before you go."
Haymitch swayed side to side looking puzzled, "really... you finally have something to say."
"No. I have some questions that I need you to answer."
"Huh... well... I am to drunk to spew info for you tonight. So, I am going home to bed sweetheart."
Katniss stood up and demanded, "Haymitch, I mean it. I want to talk to you."
Haymitch stopped and looked at Katniss and then at Gale. He raised his eyebrow and stated, "Well, it will have to wait. I am going home to bed." He turned and walked out of the kitchen.
"Damn you Haymitch! Come back here!" Katniss hollered as Haymitch closed the front door.
"Go after him." Greasy Sae suggested.
Katniss stood there with her arms crossed over her chest. Then she turned and sat down in her chair by the fire.
Greasy Sae shook her head and started cleaning up the dishes. Gale cleaned off the table and put the leftovers away. Then he helped Sae wash and dry the dishes. All the time wondering how he was going to break through Katniss's stubborn state of mind. He had never seen her like this before. In fact, it reminded him a lot of Katniss's mother when he had first started hunting with her. He knew his catnip and he knew it was going to take time and a hell of a lot of patience.
As Greasy Sae was getting ready to leave she told Katniss, "I left clean towels and soap in the bathroom. If you want to take a long soak in the tub." Then she turned to Gale and smiled, "Goodnight you two."
When Sae had gone Gale turned to Katniss. "I was wondering if I could stay here? If it's okay with you."
Katniss smiled inside. She wanted him to stay. She was tired of being alone. But she turned to him with a shocked look and said, "Really, don't you think people will get the wrong idea."
Gale looked puzzled, "I think if people were going to get the wrong idea. They would have gotten it when we hunted together... all day... alone in the woods." He smiled his most charming smile. "Right?"
Katniss felt her anger rise. "I don't think that's funny."
Gale sighed. "Come on Katniss. You know as well as I do that 'some people' made comments about us. We never let it bother us before."
"Great! So, because of YOU I've had a shitty reputation for a long time."
Gale's anger flared up. "No. Your shitty reputation started because of Mellark."
"What! Peeta would never..."
"Never. Really? How about your Victory Tour? The word is that you and Mellark slept together the whole time. Is it true?"
Katniss's face turned beet red and she looked away. "I don't think that's any of your concern."
Gale felt like someone just kicked him in the gut. "It's true? You slept with..." He swallowed hard. "With... him? You lied to me that whole time. You told me it was all fake… to survive."
Katniss glanced at Gale through lowered eyes. She could see the hurt and disbelief on his face the shock in his eyes. She wanted to tell him that he was wrong. That what he was thinking wasn't what happened. But... maybe this was the best way to hurt him. Maybe, he would go away and leave her alone. But, did she really want that to happened?
She stood up and folded her arms across her chest. "Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black. You can't stand there and tell me YOU never slept with anyone. Can you?"
"That's different." He smirked.
Her eyebrows shot up and her mouth dropped open then she titled her head to the side, "Different. Seriously! How?"
"Come on Katniss." Gale exclaimed. "I stopped going to the slag heap long before I realized... I realized I had been in love with you for years. Besides, you have always closed yourself off. You never wanted to get married or have kids."
Katniss smirked. "Well, I guess I changed my mind."
Gale stood there with his mouth hanging open. Then he turned and walked out of the kitchen slamming the door behind him.
Katniss sat down and started trembling. She was shaking so hard her teeth were chattering. She reached up with both hands to stop the noise when she felt something wet. She looked at her hands and realized, she was crying. She hadn't cried since coming home. She didn't think she had any tears left.
"Damn you Gale!" She yelled as the tears streamed down her face.
Thanks again for reading!
Please review and let me know what you think of my story so far. Also, let me know if there is anything you would like to see in up coming chapters and if you have any specific things you think Katniss and Gale need to work on so that they can heal. I would love any and all suggestions and I will try my best to work them in... as long as they work within my original plan for this story.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to review, follow and favorite my story. It really keeps me going and wanting to finish for all of you!
Cassie: Thanks I really appreciate your reviews on each chapter. If you could PM me I have a few things I would like to discuss with you. : )