A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for the short chapter, but I thought it said enough :) . Anyways, thank you all for reviewing!
Your reviews really make my day and gives me the edge to keep on writing! So please, keep telling me what you think :)
ENJOY!
16.
I pull the curtains back, and watch the snow fall in a light drizzle. I rest my arms on the windowsill, supporting my head with my right hand.
Today the Victor's Interviews will be aired, and then in a few days, Katniss will be home again. I smile absently at the thought of that.
What shall I do today? I could sit at home, of course. Play the piano for a bit, practice Katniss's favourite piece.
Or.. I could visit Gale. I furrow my brows, trying to recall what day it is. Friday? Or Saturday? I shake my head and decide it doesn't matter. I'm in need of fresh air anyway.
Calmly and with much care I dress myself in simple black trousers, and a white blouse. I put on some supple leather boots and a winter coat, and then make my way down stairs. Dad is busy with some sort of District stuff, and mom is in bed again, knocked out by Sleeping Syrup.
When I open the front door, a cold breeze hits my face. I pull my collar up and put my hands in my pockets before I go on, squinting a bit against the wind and cold. The snow is fresh and crisps beneath my feet, and the air is cool and full of expectation. I pass the Square before I reach Gale's home.
I knock firmly on the door, when his mother Hazelle opens the door.
When she sees me she smiles faintly and ushers me inside. ''Sweet girl, aren't you cold?'' I smile and shake my head. ''I find the cold refreshing, to be honest, so I don't mind it that much. How are you all doing?'' I ask, accepting the tea cup she offers me, warming my hands. ''It has been.. better, I must say. It is harder now Gale has been working at the mines so much, and Katniss gone on Victory Tour..''
''Let me help, please,'' I press. ''I already told you I would be nothing but glad to give you a monthly donation!'' Hazelle's eyes go to the floor, and then back up to me. ''You're right.. It'd make it all a bit easier. But please, not too much. It is so kind already to offer it..''
Just then, Gale comes in, his face red from the cold. His eyes settle on me, and his bumped in a frown. ''What are you doing?'' he asked, clearly demanding an answer. I open my mouth to answer, and then close it again, not sure of what I was about to say. ''It's.. Nothing, Gale. I actually was hoping to find you here. Would you mind..?'' I gesture towards the door. Gale shrugs and turns back and leaves the house the way he came. After I have apologized to Hazelle, I scurry after him.
''What's it you want to talk about?'' he asks me bluntly. It's my time to shrug my shoulders now as I put my hands I my pockets to keep them warm. ''I felt lonely and bored, and since you're the closest I have to a friend right now... The decision was made fairly quick.''
The corners of his lips curl up a bit as he shakes his head. ''So, what do you want to do now Miss Undersee?'' I roll my eyes in agitation.
''Don't call me that. And.. I don't know, kill some time before the interview kicks off?''
We end up shuffling through the fresh snow, hands in pockets, lost in our own thoughts. I jump up when he suddenly asks me something.
''How are you dealing with it?'' I furrow my brows, in thought of an answer. ''The same way you do. Suck it up, lock it up, and throw away the key.''
He chuckles and gives me a hard look. ''No wonder Katniss fell for you. You're not as soft and girly as you let the world believe you are. ''
I chuckle and take it as a compliment. When the darkness begins to settle, we say goodbye and both go our own separate ways.
When I'm home, I put on some dry and warm clothes, and make myself a cup of tea.
Then I settle myself on the sofa in front of the television, and wait.
When the interview comes on, I smile. Katniss looks charming as ever. There is a lot of chatting, when suddenly something unexpected happens. I put down my cup, unfold my legs so I'm with two feet on the ground, and lean forward, my arms wrapped over my stomach. Peeta goes to one knee, and pulls out a little velvet box.
My eyes grow wide, and my breathing shocks. ''No..'' It is but a faint whisper in a room full of silence. A sick feeling settles in my stomach, as if somebody is moving around my guts very slowly, very carefully.
The cage with butterflies in my stomach explodes into a sickening mess, and my breathing seems to slow down by the second. And then I am numb.
Because the worst thing is.. I saw it coming all along.
My throat feels dry, and so do my eyes. What is there to say? What is there to change? It was all said long ago, faint goodbyes whispered in the dead of night in the form of sweet and soft words. Promises we made, that we both knew could never be made true. I turn of the television, and go upstairs, to bed.
My mind is empty, and so is the place in my ribcage where I thought was my heart. That night, my mind offers me no dreams. It gives me peace.