She didn't say no, Peeta thought again, allowing it to sink in. Since Katniss had stormed out of his house those words kept playing though his head, she didn't say it didn't mean anything. What did that mean? Surely it must mean that it had meant something, which would suggest she had feelings for him – romantic feelings.
He wasn't angry with her for her actions, she was put in an impossible situation and she did what she thought was best, and she clearly never meant to hurt anyone. He had been devastated to learn that she had used him, that she didn't love him, but that didn't stop the way he felt about her. He had always loved her and nothing could make him stop loving her. So the news that despite being forced into it, the sex had meant something to her, filled Peeta with hope. He allowed himself a smile, maybe she could love him, and maybe one day she'd be his. What about Gale, he thought, his face darkening. His desire to see Katniss happy outweighed his desire to be with her, so he resolved he would just let Katniss do what she wanted and hope that maybe they'd end up together.
His train of thought was interrupted by three harsh knocks at his door, "It's open!" he yelled, assuming it was Haymitch, drunk and hoping Peeta would cook for him, so he was shocked when Gale's tall figure appeared in the kitchen door. "Gale… I wasn't expecting you."
"Did you know about the deal Katniss made?" He asked almost accusingly, his dark eyes boring into him.
"No, of course I didn't, I don't even know why you'd think that." Peeta replied. He could see this was going to be a difficult conversation.
"I wouldn't be surprised, I bet you loved it, you've always been gagging for her." He replied aggressively, just seeing Peeta, knowing that he'd fucked Katniss, his Katniss, was making it difficult for him to be civil.
"If you just came here to have a go at me you can leave." Peeta said evenly. Gale was very good looking, tall, muscular, and tan, with very strong, chiselled features, so it was easy to see how Katniss found him attractive, but he was so aggressive and short tempered, he couldn't see how any one could put up with that.
"I came here to tell you to stop fucking her." His eyes were murder and there was a lot of force behind the words, it sounded like a threat. "I don't care if they kill me, I'd rather die than share her."
Peeta looked him in the eye defiantly; "I notice you're not saying this to Katniss, scared she won't be able to stay away from me?" They both knew there was no point talking to Katniss because she'd do anything to keep Gale safe, but Peeta couldn't help provoking him. Gale stopped trying to control his temper and lashed out, punching him hard in the nose, Peeta recoiled, his hand to his face, trying to stop the flow of blood from his nose. He had never been a fighter and he didn't fancy his chances against Gale, who was no doubt bigger, stronger and a better fighter than him. Gale was about to punch him again when someone grabbed his raised fist, Haymitch.
He had came in unnoticed whilst they were arguing and now twisted Gale's arm behind his back, "I think you'd better come with me." He said, his breath smelling lightly of alcohol.
"Fuck off! You're not my fucking mentor, leave me alone!" Gale shouted, struggling to get out of his grasp.
"Have you ever killed anyone, boy?" He paused a second to allow Gale time to respond, "I didn't think so. Well I have, and if you don't come with me now I'll show you how." He released Gale and walked out the door, they both knew he wouldn't kill him but he decided to do as he was told for once. Before leaving he turned back to Peeta.
"I fucking meant what I said Mellark." He spat, glaring at him, then followed after Haymitch.
Once they were both inside Haymitch turned to Gale, he looked distinctly unimpressed. "I can see why you and Katniss get on so well, you're like two halves of the same person."
Gale was still furious so snapped back, "You don't even know me, you drunk." Haymitch smiled sarcastically.
"I've never heard that one before. And I might not know you but I know her, and you're the fucking same, just as pig headed and annoying as each other." Gale was taken aback by this slightly, he'd assumed Haymitch liked Katniss and that's why he helped her out so much.
"Fuck you. Why did you drag me here?" He was getting a grip on his temper but he was still feeling pretty hostile towards Haymitch.
"Well as a mentor that worked so hard, to keep those two idiots alive, I'd like to see them remain intact." Gale sincerely disliked the sarcastic tone he was using. "So if it isn't too much to ask I'd appreciate if you didn't kill Peeta, I do actually like the boy, he cooks a good meal." Gale snorted and looked away, he'd do what he liked. "And if we want to keep Katniss alive we better make sure no one kills you."
"I don't want her fucking other boys for my life." Gale said stubbornly. He wasn't even really willing to discuss the topic. Haymitch sighed.
"If you die she won't be able to cope. We both know that. Obviously you're just as stubborn as she is, but you're not an idiot." Gale imagined what he'd do if Katniss died, and realised that if the roles were reversed he'd do whatever it took to keep her alive.
"What am I meant to do?" He asked eventually, resigning to the fact that he hadn't came up with a decent idea yet.
"I don't know, I'm trying to work something out, but till we come up with a plan I think you should go over there and look after her. It's a shit situation and it's destroying her, god knows she didn't handle it very well, but she never does." Gale's mouth twisted with indecision. "I'll kill you here and now if you don't get that stubborn streak under control." He threatened playfully. "If you loved her you'd be there for her, we both know Peeta would be there now if she'd let him." Haymitch was a clever man and he knew how to play Gale, who instantly reacted to the suggestion that Peeta was a better man for Katniss.
"Fuck Peeta. You had better come up with a plan fast, I can't promise I won't kill him if he tries touching her again." Haymitch raised an eyebrow but nodded. Fucking teenagers, he thought darkly to himself.