CHAPTER FIVE: THE INTERVIEWS

Gale's POV:

"Come on you two! Let's go! We don't want to be late!" Effie shrills on the night of the interviews.

I step into the elevator wearing a black suit with flames embroidered on it. Katniss looks beautiful in a long red dress that appears to be made of flames with every slight movement she makes.

We step outside where a stage has been built for the three minute interviews with each tribute.

Katniss and I take a seat in our chairs as the host, Ceaser Flickerman walks onto the stage with blue dyed hair. He tells a few jokes before calling up the girl tribute from District 1 for her interview.

The tributes slip by 1,2,3,4…finally Katniss is called up. Neither of us likes doing these interviews but I hope she won't get on the Capitol's bad side.

Before I know it, I am called up onto the stage. The lights almost blind me as I sit down next to Ceaser.

"So, Gale. You volunteered in the reaping. District 12 is not really known for its volunteers. Care to tell us why you acted as you did? Is Peeta a close friend you were willing to volunteer for?" he asks.

I stare out into the crowd. I don't want the whole country to know my reasonings. They have no need to know. But still, I answer Ceaser's question.

"No. Katniss is a close friend. I volunteered to go into the arena so I could help her get out alive." I respond

"I see. Being from 12, the Capitol must have been quite a change in your life. Anything that really impressed you or really stuck out in your mind?" Ceaser asks.

"The amount of food you all have. In 12, it's very hard to get by but in the Capitol, that's not a problem." I tell him.

"Now, an 11 in training. One of the best scores got this year, along with Ms. Everdeen's. Can you tell us anything about what happened in the Training Center?" Ceaser continues.

I stare up at the Gamemakers and then into the crowd. They just have to know everything don't they?

"I can't tell you. But it definitely shocked them. They obviously weren't expecting it-especially from someone from 12." I answer.

"Can you tell us about your life in 12? Do you have a girlfriend back home?" Ceaser asks again.

There it is again. Getting into people's personal lives. These Capitol people need to learn to keep their noses in their own business. This time I really feel like getting off and walking off stage until I remember what Haymitch had said this morning. You want them to like you. So answer the questions as honestly as you can. It'll help you get sponsors in the arena.

"No" I answer curtly.

"Handsome lad like you. There must be some special girl. Come on, tell us her name." Ceaser persists.

I'm this close from losing it, "Fine. There is a girl I'm in love with. But I'm stuck in the friend zone" I say with a more annoyance than I wanted in my voice.

Many sounds of sympathy echo from the crowd. I don't want their sympathy! I don't even want them there!

"Well if you win she can't refuse you." Ceaser says, making a very un-affective attempt at cheering me up.

"She won't be there if I win…" I mumble

"Who is this girl who won't be there if you win?" Ceaser asks.

I've finally lost it. I know an interview means asking questions about you but these stupid Capitol people have to but into your life and know every detail. My, and everyone else's life, isn't something they need to know about!

"Katniss Everdeen!" I practically scream at them before storming off the stage.

Katniss's POV

That night, I toss and turn in bed, unable to sleep. Many questions swirl around my head. Will I be dead by tomorrow? Will Gale? Did he really mean it when he said he was in love with me? No. It couldn't be. It was just something Haymitch set up to get some sympathetic Capitol people to sponsor us. But then again, with all the holding hands, hugging, and kisses on the cheek, what he said could have been true.

Since I can't take it anymore and need some fresh air, I climb out of bed and walk out my bedroom door. I find the door to the roof slightly open. I quietly walk up the steps.

There, I find Gale staring down at the unfamiliar city streets below. Just as I had expected.

"Can't sleep?" I ask

He turns from his spot to look at me, "Of course. It's the last night someone won't be hunting us."

I nod and go to stand beside him. Once I reach his side, he grabs my hand and holds it close to his chest.

"Listen to me. Once we get to the arena you get your hands on a bow and I'll find some knives and anything else we'll need. You cover me and I'll cover you in the blood bath. Then we'll run as far as we can. Okay?" he says quickly and urgently.

I nod and he let's go of my hand.

"Can I ask you something?" I ask after a moment.

"Of course, Catnip." he replies

"Did you really mean what you said? About…being in love with me?" I ask.

He sighs and responds, "…yes, Catnip. I…I do love you."

"Oh…" I say, stunned.

We stand there, looking into each other's eyes while the stars faintly shine above.

Then he leans forward and our lips touch. My heart beats fast and my eyes flutter shut. All the sounds coming from the Capitol streets below fade away. My hands are pressed against his chest. We stay like that for a few seconds before Gale pulls away.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." Gale says.

"Um…it's okay. Good night, Gale. Get some sleep. You'll need it for tomorrow." I tell him.

"Good night, Catnip." He says.

I turn and go down the stairs into my room. I flop onto my bed and fall into a restless sleep.