Gale laid there for nearly an hour before he opened his eyes again, catching Valeria as she was still watching the side of his face, studying his features. He gave her a half smile and she smiled back, sitting up and turning to the tree line behind them. Gale was the first to break the silence as he saw her watching the trees.

"If we head back now, we should break through as they're finishing up their first rounds. We could make it back to my house before they check again." She nodded her head, sighing as he stood, dragging her up with him. As they broke through the cover of the trees on the other side, Valeria scanned the area for any sign of the peace keepers. The sun was getting ready to set, and they weren't due to circle through again until after it set.

Gale grabbed hold of her hand, tugging her towards the hole in the fence they always travelled through. As they follow the dirt path home, Valeria notices that Gale throws her a few glances every few minutes, but doesn't say anything until they've almost reached Delphi's porch, only one house away from Gale's.

"What's on your mind, Hawthorne?" She asks, stopping in front of her own small home and leaning against the railing, waiting for him to speak. He gave her a half smile and laughed to himself.

"What makes you think I've got anything on my mind?" He asked. She gave him a look that was apparently enough to get him talking. "I was just wondering. Uh, what did Katniss say to you? You know, before she left?" He lifts his hand to rub the back of his neck, like he's nervous suddenly.

She narrowed her eyes in confusion before she answered, "She just told me I needed to help… To take care of everyone while she was away." Gale looked even more confused by her answer. "Why?" She asked, "What did she tell you?"

He shook his head quickly, wiping the look of confusion off his face before answering. "Just the same thing. Just… I don't know, that was it." He stuttered through his answer, confusing Valeria even more. She knew Katniss must have said something else to him before she left, otherwise he wouldn't be acting like this.

She decided to drop the subject, though, heading in the direction of his house again. The sun was setting and peace keepers would be out at any minute to make sure all families were watching the opening ceremony.

When they walked into the small home, Posy was the first to approach, throwing herself into Valeria's arms and telling her how beautiful Katniss's dress had been. Valeria turned to the screen as Posy kept talking, seeing the dress for herself. It truly was beautiful. Gale had taken to roughhousing with his brothers, while Delphi and Hazelle were in the kitchen preparing dinner.

Once Posy was done with her speech, she yawned loudly, resting her head on Valeria's shoulder. "I'm tired, Vee." Valeria laughed at the nickname- that was what they called Vick- before nodding and letting Hazelle know she was taking Posy to bed. Hazelle thanked her quietly as she continued cooking.

When she laid Posy on their bed, Posy insisted that she stay with her for a little while longer. Not finding a reason to argue with her, Valeria pulled back the covers and let Posy warm up next to her. She though Posy was nearly asleep when she started speaking again.

"Vee, do you think Katniss will come home?" Valeria had to take a few deep breaths before answering. She knew the question was coming, she had been trying to find the answer herself all day. She still didn't have any clue what to expect.

She kissed the top of Posy's head and hummed lightly. "I sure hope so, Pos." With that, Valeria began to sing the quiet lullaby Delphi used to sing her to sleep with. Posy was out like a light before long, and Valeria ventured back out into the kitchen area, where she helped Delphi and Hazelle prepare dinner for everyone.

Okay this one took SO MUCH LONGER than I thought it would. I just got a new laptop last month + finals + I've been trying to write 1-2 chapters at a time to stay caught up and honestly life is just a mess ohmylord but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read, favorite, review! This chapter was rather short, I know, but let me know what you think!

-Ivy