When I was younger I knew that people expected me and Gale to end up together. We were like the fairy tales my mother would tell us before dad died. Of how in the end everything works out well for everyone (minus the occasional evil stepmother). People only saw that we were close so assumed that romance was the next step, no-one stopped to consider now our relationship would actually work. Well here's the thing sweetheart – fairy tales aren't real. There are no magic moments, no princes. Just monsters. At the moment I counted myself as the latter. What kind of human being willingly stops their two best friends who've gone through so much shit being happy?
Still this didn't make the inevitable any easier. Don't get me wrong I am not in love with Gale but I am in love with feeling loved. I know that the love we share is of brother and sister but all the same. I don't think I'll ever truly be in love again but Gale is the closest I have. That's why I need to let him go.
His tall, muscular form was slumped on the sofa when I get back from hunting. His eyes shut no hint of the grey that's so like my own. His black hair wild as if he'd been repeatedly running his strong calloused hands through it – it was his mouth that was the most devastating. In his sleep his average sized lips formed one name. This was when I realised what I must do. I've heard it every night but it never had as much meaning as it does now. "Madge" then when he subconsciously whispers "I love you" I know it's not for me.
Later he strolls through the house, gives me an empty kiss and in a forced voice whispers "I love you" "Madge" I whisper back, tears threatening to spill. "You mean I love you Madge" It all comes out. "I know you don't love me Gale, I thought it was ok – it was ok that you whisper her name in your sleep, how our kisses contain no emotion, how when you say I love you I know it's not for me." "Katniss…" "Please don't insult my intelligence and deny it Gale. It's fine sorry but – I don't love you either, well I do but as a brother not a lover. I thought it was okay because we were each over's second best but it's not. I can't sit back and watch my two best friends pine for each over- I can't stand it. I thought I could ignore the heated looks, the way your eyes follow her around the room, I mean for god's sake Gale your body language speaks for itself – that me saying this!" "I'm…" "Gale please just stop. This is over – it had been for a long time we just haven't accepted it" Katniss I'm so sorry, but your right I am in love with her. I'm not going to her though, I doubt she would either honestly we would probably kill each over in five minutes and it would be weird seeing as we were engaged exactly five minutes ago!" This is makes roll my eyes – typical just typical "Gale get your head out of your arse and get to a certain little blonde's house before some other dirt bag does and I put an arrow through your head! You know as well as I do half then towns got their eye on her so what the fuck are you still doing here?" At this Gale started running.
Relief crashed down upon me. Whoever said "The truth will set you free" had no idea how fucking right they were. Watching Gale run like a puppy over to her place I realised with a chuckle, he's already whipped.
Gale POV
Running. It's as if my body goes into auto pilot. No recognition comes from the once familiar houses and streets but my feet know exactly where to go. After what Katniss said I have renewed admiration for her. It's just – as much of an asshole as I seem my thoughts are only on one girl. The one I've been I love with for the past three years. Before I know I'm knocking on her door. Impatience wins out and I'm banging like a madman. 'Thwack Thwack" Before a very pissed girl answers the door. Fuck I forgot about Lily. "Is Madge in" I breathlessly ask. "Sorry she's on a date" at the sight of my obviously pissed off face she starts laughing hysterically. Realisation dawning "fuck you Lily."
When a familiar melodic voice rings out "Lily are you pissing off the delivery guy again? I would not like spit as an unusual side dish again" Lily calls out "Madge dearie me you have a gentleman caller awaiting, something about asking for your hand in marriage!" "Oh fabulous Lily! I was beginning to be attracted to you from the loneliness – but don't worry I'm sure there's an inmate in jail for life waiting for your call! ""Fuck you Madge!" "You to sweethe…" Then she sees me and I sure as hell see her.
Even her makeup-less almost floors me. Her big blue eyes which should be dulled with sadness and grief sparkle with fire, shock and something else. Something that I only saw in Katniss' eyes with one man. Her creamy skin lit up from the inside, pink lips open with shock. Long blonde hair streams down her body in messy waves and appears to be fucking glowing and her slim body regaining curves that were impossible for her to get a few years ago. I'm completely screwed. I notice her checking me out to and smirk. "Hey guys – still here, before you jump each overs bones. Might just pop out for a few hours (looking at Madge) details later!" With that the occasionally amusing, constantly annoying roommate leaves. This is where the fun begins.
Madge POV
When Lily starts our little inside joke I expect the victim to be some bemused food delivery guy (that is one of my favourite new inventions)Not the guy I've been in love with for three years – who also happens to be my other best friends fiancée. How bloody peachy. He looks good. His black hair is messed up wildly – as if he's been running. His grey seam eyes alight with– hope? He's just so tall and muscular. Shit I really can't do this again. Then we both catch the other checking each over out and he smirks at me. Shit I really will end up with Lily at this rate – or maybe I'll just invest in a sweater vest and lots of cats. Don't forget the walking stick – It's just not right without a bloody walking stick. In this time Lily has made herself scarce and Gale looks like I'm about to eat him. Us alone in a room, ever since the woods – this is not good. "Gale.." I start until I am ahem rudely ahem interrupted. "I love you Madge(at this his panicked face indicates this is not the direction he wanted to go) I have for three years and I always will, me and Katniss are over and…"(at this point I'm too stunned to listen, there's something about him getting shot in the dirt bags but I'm not really concentrating. I am when he kisses me.
Katniss POV
"Oi sweetheart get your ass to the door" Haymitch lovely. He looks happier than I've seen him in years when he hands me a piece of paper. "Dear Mr. Abernathy, we have recovered some long lost soldiers that were being held captive. Under the leadership of a certain Captain Mellark these soldiers managed to rise up against their captor's and win. They have been living in the wild for about a year and am being shipped back into their respective districts at 8 o clock. I trust that you will tell a certain Miss Everdeen about our new discovery and well. Peeta's coming home. Kind Regards President Paylor. I read it five times before it sinks in. He's coming home. My Peeta is coming home and he must be sane if he started an uprising! Unable to bear the overwhelming joy I shriek and attack Haymitch with a hug. He starts laughing and strokes my hair. Looking at the time 7:30. Not a second to spare and before I know it I'm running, sprinting, hurtling my way to that train station. At 8:05 I see the blonde waves, the bright blue eyes and the brilliant smile and launch myself into his arms. Crying and laughing hysterically. No-one else exists. Just me and him, our arms gripping tightly onto our worlds. In an instant every puzzle piece fits. My world stops crashing around me and everything is pure. Everything is perfect. How I miss his touch, how tonight we will once again be as one – I would right here right now if it weren't for my overbearing modesty. I shiver as he whispers into my ear "Stay with me" "Always" and with that our lips meet.