A/N: Hey guys, here's a sneak preview of the next chapter. I've been very busy with summer school, an internship, and my part-time job. I just got a beta so I'm waiting for her edit and then I'll post the rest.
I guess my question for you is: Do you honestly want me to continue this story? Is it even worth it?
Chapter 4: Wide Awake Sneak Peak
I wish I could save you
I wish I could say to you
I'm not going nowhere
I wish I could say to you
It's gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright
Kelly Clarkson- Save You
/
He looks the same, she realizes: her best friend, her old hunting partner, her confidant as if the sight of him brought her back to three years ago before her world changed, before Prim was chosen, before she volunteered in her sister's place, before the seventy-fourth games, before Peeta, before Snow, before the Quell, before everything else happened. She could close her eyes and clearly imagine being back in the forests of her District 12 where the trees would be numerous. He would be sitting by their rock that separated the forest from the Meadow, waiting for her so they could hunt game together and feed their families for the week. After probably spending days having nightmares over Prim's and haunted by Peeta's memory, she feels something foreign like hope unfurl, ever so slightly and it settles inside her chest. Gale was familiar, someone she had at point in her life told her deepest secrets too. When she was with him, Katniss was always herself. He understood her and she understood him. They shared the terrible pain of losing their fathers at a young age, the responsibility of being the breadwinners of their families, the same fire in their hate for the Capitol and their oppression and dominating authority over Panem.
She forgets that she isn't truly back at home. Katniss just throws her arms around his body as soon as he comes near, burying herself in how strong Gale's presence is. Her left cheek rests on side of his neck, inhaling his musk: a vague pine scent probably from the forest they used to frequently hunt from with an addition of coal dust gathered in. That's right, she thinks. He probably works in the mines now. She never got reaped here. Katniss didn't pull the stunt with the berries. There's no rebellion. "I'm so glad you're here."
It's not long before she notices how stiff he is. Katniss is about to pull away, thinking she was foolish to not fight her impulse when Gale carefully hugs her back, and that warmth she craved returns. For several minutes, Katniss holds on tight. She doesn't realize she's crying until she loosens her hold and there are wet spots running his neck.
Beyond embarrassed, she mutters, "Sorry. I didn't mean to."
He dismisses her with a shake of his head. After moments of silence ensue, he opens his mouth to speak, unsure of where to start. His confusion is written on his handsome face. Katniss doesn't know where to start either, but is relieved when he breaks the quiet tension they had running.
Finally, Gale manages an inquiry, "Look, I don't actually know who you are, but you seem to know me." His Seam grey eyes are curious, but otherwise heavily guarded.