I lay on her lay bathing in the sun as she weaves flowers into my hair. Her gray eyes glassy. I sit up.

"I know you don't want to talk about it, but I love you and when I say I'm devoted I am which means I'll keep you from harm, even if that means doing something unpleasant."

Which means I'll send her to the hospital. The scars marking her arms aren't all from the fire. She can't live this way. Her eyes flare for a moment and then she audibly swallows her rage.

"I understand" she says plainly.

"You hurt I hurt."

I sit up across from her and she throughs grapes at my head which then turns into me trying to catch them in my mouth at varying distances. Alas, we cannot enjoy this permanently and we are summoned back to the real world so Katniss can be primped. She's escorted away and I'm left standing in the living room of the apartment. Gale is sitting on the couch with Johanna smoking. When she sees me she gives me a sympathetic look and leaves to get primped herself.

"Looks like you won huh?" Gale says flatly

"It's not a competition."

"I know, I knew she loved you all along. I was your substitute. I was her mentor, we would have eventually destroyed each other. She loves you. I just wish she knew how sorry I am. How I wish things can go back…." His eyes become misty as he speaks.

"You have to accept there is no going back. Your lives headed in different directions. How do you like it in two?"

He smirks a little bit.

"I miss the woods but I like it all right. I work in the training facility teaching military recruits to shoot, and survival skills. I still do some weapons development as well. I met a girl from one her name is Diamond, she knows how to shoot from training in the academy. She's different from Katniss, maybe more self assured in a way. She knows what she wants and we work together as well."

I'm relieved to hear that he's moved on. Although Gale and I were never friends so to speak he's from twelve he took care of Katniss when I couldn't. His well-being is important to me, although he and I ultimately wanted the same thing we both are healing. Gale has a thriving career which he is good at. I think Katniss can appreciate that as well.

"Give her time. She'll come around. The wounds of losing Prim are too fresh, deep down she knows it's not your fault. Things will never be the same and things can get better."

He seems shocked by how supportive I am.

"Thanks my friend"

I nod in the affirmative. He offers me a cigarette which I accept. We sit silently smoking.

"Shit, I've gotta get ready. I was working out before you arrived. I'm pretty ripe."

He slaps me on the shoulder.

"Later."
His camaraderie surprises me. I hear a two giggles behind me. One Haymitch, one Johanna.

"Seems like you have a regular bromance going on." Johanna teases.

"I was expecting a fight, I even brought popcorn for the event." Haymitch adds.

"Ha-Ha" I reply "I've gotta take a shower and what are you doing Johanna?"

She's barely clothed. Her hair was wet prep-teams don't enjoy being left waiting.

"I needed a break after being showered." She replied

I nodded I understood the torture she endured left scars in her mind as well. I gave her an empathetic nod and trotted up the stairs. Someone presumably Effie had laid a suit out for me. Not too offensive. A white v-neck t-shirt with a black suit coat and tight fitting black slacks. I showered and dressed myself I wore the black pair of boots here which were the only shoes I brought. I covered my curls in a black beanie hat and strolled down the stairs.

Haymitch and Gale were already there drinking and chit- chatting. Haymitch had showered and wore a button up shirt with a vest. Gale was in full military attire from the beret on his head to the shiny shoes on his feet.

"Peeta! Come meet Diamond!"

Those damn One names. She had the appearance of being from one. Flowing blonde curls which ended at her waist, emerald eyes. She wore a flowing emerald jumpsuit cerut low in the front almost to her navel, I'm not quite sure how her breasts were covered. Halter top completely open in the back the pants were wide legged so much so the ensemble could have passed for a dress. She was adorned with a gold and diamond necklace which rested between her breast with a matching bracelet. Her shoes were platform sparkling gold pumps. Her lashes were long and her lids were painted with pastel green. Her lips painted pink. She was indeed sexy to say the least.

"Hi" I said reaching out my hand.

She took it "Hi, you I was such a fan of you during the games. I fought in the rebellion as well with Paylor. They give women the option of wearing their own clothes to events."

I don't think their relationship is based on love he holds her at the lower waist and she seems to enjoy his attention. They do look the part both beautiful, Gale with his high position and her beauty.

"We'll see you soon." Gale says and they depart.

Haymitch looks at me "Wow… what's a boy from the seam doing with that?"

"I honestly don't know" I replied

"I'd give my left nut for a night with her… I'd better shut my trap before Effie shows up. She agreed to be my date, I'm hoping to get lucky tonight."

"Oh?" I replied.

Johanna thuds down the stair wearing a hunter green peplum mini dress, with a long string of pearls her short brown hair in finger waves, her eyes smoky her lips dark. She wears black wedges.

"Who's getting lucky?" She asks

"Haymitch" I reply

"Ah! Anyone gotta cigarette?" She quips

Haymitch passes her one and she lights it.

"We just waiting on Katniss? I'm starving! I'm ready to stuff my fucking face!"

Johanna is ever brash.

And as she says this Katniss descends the stairs. All other women pale in comparison, she is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Haymitch whistles. She's wearing a black evening gown, the top is a strapless lace bodice and the bottom flows to the floor. The hair framing her face is in finger waves while the rest is pulled into a loose chignon. Her eyes are lined in black appearing as cat eyes and her lashes are made to be impossibly long. Her lips are mauve her blush accentuates her cheekbones in just the right way. I love her I think to myself. I've also prepared her a gift to wear tonight which is perfect for her ensemble. Effie appears through the door, also looking pretty her blonde hair is left alone styled into a pompadour, she's wearing a pink evening gown with a halter top and high-low skirt. She is plain compared to Katniss.

"Let's go! Don't want to be late for our own party!" She chimes.

"Give us a second" I say and Haymitch, Johanna, and Effie file out of the room.

"Katniss, I have a gift for you before we leave."