Katniss and the Rebels
Chapter 31: Young Love
AN: To the guest reviewer who was slightly disappointed that we never got to see Darius and Thom's plan for Madge and Gale don't lose hope. There's more of their tricks to come I assure you and thanks for your lovely review.
This chapter centers around Gale and Madge but also have a hint of another pairing we haven't seen a lot of recently...
Gale POV
When I first wake up from my slumber, my first thought is that I hate my little brother.
I can clearly hear him singing along to that stupid Just Dance game Katniss bought him at a second hand store last year and I wonder why on earth a ten year old boy would get up at such an hour just to dance along to a screen.
But when I check my phone, I realise that it's half 11 and I should probably have been up hours ago.
I swing my legs over the bed and stand up.
My eyes go hazy and my head feels lightheaded so I sit back down again.
I groan, partly in annoyance, partly in pain.
Why on Earth did Darius have to be right about me being a lightweight?
After about five minutes I feel well enough to stand so I go through the usual morning routine, bathroom, shower, get changed and then head down to breakfast.
It's only when I'm stumbling down the stairs that I remember a memory of my hands in pretty blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes staring into mine and giggling, chapped lips kissing mine.
Madge.
"Gale? Everything okay?"
I blink and find Prim at the bottom of the stairs, watching me with worry in her eyes.
Lost in my thoughts, I had forgotten to keep walking down the stairs.
Hungover and lovesick. I could write a song about that.
Speeding down the stairs, I land in front of her and nod more than my poor head is able for.
"Yeah. Good thanks. Just a long night."
Prim doesn't let up her frown but she thankfully doesn't press the issue,
"Okay…were there many people there?"
We make our way into the kitchen and I put on two slices of toast, thanking god that my siblings didn't eat all the bread.
"Oh yeah loads. But I just stuck with Thom and Darius so I was fine."
'And Madge' I think to myself 'You were with her too'
Grinning as I fetch the butter from the fridge, I turn the conversation back to Prim.
"So what about you? What did you get up to last night?"
"Just the usual movie marathon."
"Oh what was it this week?" I grab the knife from the drawer
"Harry Potter."
"Oh lovely, my favourite wizard."
Prim giggles just as my toast pops up and the sound of both at the same time causes my head to throb but I ignore it.
I butter both slices and put them on a plate.
Holding out the plate to my surrogate sister I ask, "You want one?"
She shakes her head, "No thanks I'm good. I better head home anyway. Katniss might worry" Prim rolls her eyes and I hide my smirk by taking a bite of my toast.
"See you Prim."
"Bye Galey!"
Rory rushes out of the sitting room to say goodbye to her and I can think of a million teasing comments to say but instead I focus on my toast.
I take my phone out of sweatpants pocket and scroll through the pictures people have posted online from last night.
There are several sets of people posting pictures of their outfits with cheesy captions that cause me to snort into my water.
Darius posted three pictures, one of the two of us and Thom before we went out and I grimace at how annoyed I look in it, there's one he took of the fairy lights and I can see Katniss and Peeta in that picture and then there's one of Thom laughing, most likely at that girl who wouldn't leave Darius alone last night.
Delly posted at least twenty photos, half of them selfies with people I didn't even know were there, there were a few pictures she took of Finnick and Annie who were 'couple goals' as she captioned and there was even a picture she took with me that I honestly can't remember being taken.
Thankfully none of the photos are too bad or incriminating so I happily shut down the app and see I got a text message.
From Madge Undersee: Morning
I gulp down a mouthful of water and try and settle the nerves flying rapidly in my stomach.
From Gale Hawthorne: Hey
She doesn't respond for a few minutes and in that time, I distract myself with cleaning up the dishes and checking on Vick and Rory in the sitting room.
"Where's Posy and Mum?"
"Shopping" they respond at the same time
I nod and sit beside Rory who is unsurprisingly also on his phone.
I snigger, "She just left Roar, do you have to text her right away?"
His eyes shoot to me and his eyes widen in unnecessary alarm, "How did you know I was texting Prim?"
I laugh, "You aren't very subtle."
Just then my phone bings.
"Well who is that then?" he pesters
"None of your business." I stand, knowing that if I stay he won't let the subject go.
"That's not fair!"
"Sorry" I tease and ruffle his hair
"Hey!"
Ignoring his protest, I go into the hallway and read the message,
From Madge Undersee: You want to maybe meet up today? To talk about last night.
No matter what Rory tells you, I did not grin like a madman at that message.
From Gale Hawthorne: Yeah sure, what time suits you?
From Madge Undersee: Well are you busy now?
I stick my head back into the sitting room,
"Will you two be alright if I head out for an hour or so?"
Vick doesn't even look at me as he dances along to one of Taylor Swift's faster songs, "Sure"
"Where are you going?" Rory asks instead of answering, narrowing his eyes at me
"Out with the guys. Now I'll see you later. Be good."
From Gale Hawthorne: Nope
From Madge Undersee: You want to meet in the square? We can go for a walk? Maybe get some coffee or something
I'm already putting my coat on and covering up the leftover smell of last night with cologne.
From Gale Hawthorne: Be there in 15. I'll meet you by the statue
From Madge Undersee: Okay :)
Running a hand through my hair, I stick my house keys in my pocket, yell goodbye to my brothers and hurriedly leave for the town square.
*Text Alert*
From Primrose Everdeen: Katniss is wearing that stupid grin on her face that she gets after she has seen Peeta and its weird
From Rory Hawthorne: LOL I know, something must have happened at that party, Gale's been acting strange too
From Primrose Everdeen: He seemed a bit off when I saw him but I just thought he was hungover
From Rory Hawthorne: Probably, maybe they got high and it's only setting in now?
From Primrose Everdeen: That doesn't sound like Gale and Katniss
From Rory Hawthorne: Anything can happen at a Mellark party
From Primrose Everdeen: I think it was in Finnick Odair's house actually
From Rory Hawthorne: Even worse
From Primrose Everdeen: Rory!
From Rory Hawthorne: It's true...
From Primrose Everdeen: Did you tell Gale?
From Rory Hawthorne: Tell him what?
From Primrose Everdeen: About what happened last night?
From Rory Hawthorne: What? That we ate all his chocolate? No but I'll just go to the shop in awhile and buy him more.
From Primrose Everdeen: No! That we kissed you idiot!
From Rory Hawthorne: I'm not an idiot!
From Primrose Everdeen: Hmm
From Rory Hawthorne: No of course I didn't. Why? Did you tell Katniss?
From Primrose Everdeen: No...I don't really want to either
From Rory Hawthorne: Why? Do you regret it?
From Primrose Everdeen: No it's just that she'll make a big deal out of it
From Rory Hawthorne: Same with Gale
From Primrose Everdeen: Maybe we should just keep it between ourselves for now?
From Rory Hawthorne: Sounds good.
From Primrose Everdeen: Sorry I've got to go, Katniss wants me to help her with something. Talk to you later :*
From Rory Hawthorne: Byeeee :*
From Rory Hawthorne: BTW I'm still not an idiot.
From Primrose Everdeen: Sure
Gale POV
Standing against the monumental statue, I fidget with the keys in my pocket and wonder whether this is a good idea or not.
Maybe Madge wants to meet up today so she can tell me that the kisses last night were a huge mistake and that she just wants to stay friends.
My stomach twists at the thought.
But what if she wants more than that?
What if she actually wants a relationship?
With kissing and talking and feelings.
I've never been good with talking about my feelings.
Except with Katniss but that's just because we both don't feel a lot so we understand each other that way.
I try and imagine Madge and I as a couple.
The looks we'd get in school would be outrageous. The teasing from Thom and Darius would be equal to what they gave Katniss about Peeta and the judgement from the people in the district would be quite bad if they heard about it.
But I also think of what it would be like to hold her hand in the hall, to kiss her forehead before she goes to class like Peeta does with Katniss.
I think of her blushing at Darius, Thom and most likely Finnick's teasing words and squeezing her hand reassuringly under the table. Going on dates, kissing her at her doorstep, inviting her over to have dinner with my mad family, meeting her's.
Those butterflies from last night are back with full force and I know that no matter how badly I have tried to deny it, I do want all of that with Madge.
I have ever since she tripped over her own feet while helping my siblings play dress up.
(How she can be clumsy and also a graceful ballerina is something I will never understand)
I suppose Katniss just realised my feelings before I did.
"Hi Gale"
A soft voice pulls me from my thoughts and I meet Madge's eyes.
"Hey"
She's wearing black jeans, the white converse from last night and a navy sweater with a maroon scarf to shield herself from the cold.
While her outfit is simple, it fits her perfectly and I'm instantly feeling underdressed in my grey sweatpants, everyday hoodie and duffle coat.
Madge doesn't seem to mind though as she smiles,
"Okay so I know I said we could walk around but its absolutely freezing so do you mind if we go straight to the coffee shop? Or we can go somewhere else if you want?"
I don't think I've ever been to District Twelve's coffee shop, it felt disrespectful to the Hob but I suppose there's a first time for everything,
"No, no. The coffee shop is perfect."
The shop is in the square so we don't have much of a walk but I spend the whole time agonising over whether to take Madge's hand or not.
I know I shouldn't, we need to talk first but that doesn't make the temptation any harder to resist.
The coffee shop is quite cramped but it's vintage décor holds a comfortable atmosphere.
I try not to be unsettled by the knowledge that most of the other people in the shop are well dressed, white residents from town who look like they probably came here straight from church.
Great.
While we wait in line I debate whether to get coffee or not because despite the myth it probably won't help my hangover so I get hot chocolate instead.
Madge giggles a little at my order and I glare teasingly at her,
"I like chocolate! Don't judge me!"
Madge only laughs more and but manages to control herself enough to order some fancy coffee with caramel in it.
I don't catch the exact name of it, I was too distracted by the way her lower lip quivers when she's trying not to laugh.
We are directed to a small booth at the back of the shop and are told that are orders will be delivered to us in a moment or two.
We nod and thank the barista before heading in the direction she told us to after we pay.
Madge opens her mouth to protest when I pay for the both of us but I cut her off before she can start,
"You almost broke your ankle under my guidance. This is my feeble attempt at compensation. Who knows? I could have destroyed your ballet career for life!"
I can tell she's tempted to argue but then she's grinning and shaking her head at me before turning away from me completely.
Madge walks around the tightly packed tables and chairs with ease and it's as clear as day that she's been here before.
We settle into our booth, I take off my jacket and she removes her scarf and suddenly it's just her and me.
Just us, without any friends around us, kids to look after or peers surrounding us.
We're finally really alone.
I wish I knew what to say.
Well, that's not strictly true. I know what I want to say.
I want to tell her that I like her, that we could try and see if we could try being together. I need to let her know that even though there's only a few months left in school, I want to spend those few months with her.
But I can't say all of that because it sounds cheesy and pathetic.
"So...emm..." Madge starts off and we look at one another, both trying to figure out what the other is thinking.
Madge's cheeks are stained with red and I'm uncertain whether she's blushing or if it's from the cold air outside.
"Do you regret it?" I find myself asking "Last night?"
Madge shakes her head.
"No" she says, her voice full of certainty "No I don't, I regret that I had to wait until I had drank that much to get the courage to kiss you but I don't regret actually doing it."
I exhale a sigh of relief just as the barista comes over with our drinks.
"Thank you" Madge and I say to her as we accept them.
I weigh the cup gently in my hand for a minute, appreciating the amazing warmth compared to the bitter cold outside before taking a sip of the warm drink.
I shiver at the shock of hot liquid to my system but it tastes so good that I immediately go back for more.
Madge smirks from behind her coffee cup,
"Good?" She asks and I nod, too lost in my chocolate bliss to come up with a retort to her teasing.
Madge takes a long gulp of her coffee before asking, "Do you regret it?"
I place the cup back down on the table, "No."
"Really?"
"Really. I'm...really glad you kissed me."
Madge raises her eyebrows and drinks again, "Me too"
I take another sup from the intoxicating drink,
"Is that...is kissing all you wanted or..."
Madge frowns, "What do you mean?"
It takes everything in me to maintain eye contact with her when all I want to do is look at the floor and mumble an explanation instead.
"I mean...would you like to go out on a date with me?"
Madge blinks, "Are you asking me out?"
"Christ Madge we spent two hours making out last night and now you look positively petrified at the thought of going on a date with me!" I snigger, trying to press down my internal fear.
Madge glares, "Answer the question!"
"Yes. I'm asking you out on a date."
Madge sits for a moment, sipping her coffee and just...looks at me.
Sitting there and watching me while I sit here in turmoil just to torture me. Why do I like her again?
Then she moves forward, her blonde hair falling forward, a smirk gracing her lips and her eyes alight with joy.
My breath catches in my throat.
Oh yeah. That's why.
"Will there be kissing? Because I rather liked the kissing..."
I laugh, a loud, annoying laugh most likely but Madge is giggling too so it's okay.
"A lady never kisses on the first date" I remind her
"Well I'm not a lady" Madge winks at me
I frown, "No, I was talking about me." I say in all seriousness
Madge laughs into her coffee, "I'll treat you right I promise."
"Good" I grin at her, "So when does it suit you to have said date?"
Madge frowns and I can practically see the cogs turning in her mind as she figured out when she's free.
"Friday?"
I know it makes the most sense but I hate how far away that is. I'll be a nervous wreck all week.
She's worth it I suppose.
Then I remember my previous engagement.
"Oh damn, I've a gig in the Hob with the Rebels on Friday." I admit
Madge grins, "Perfect."
I frown in confusion, she wants to come to the Hob? To see us play?
"But-"
"I heard bits of you singing last night. I will admit I was half asleep because of the time and because your voice is so goddamn soothing but you were good. Really good, the four of you. I'd like to hear more."
"I don't mind you coming" I reassure her and I find that I'm not even lying "It's just is that really how you want our first date to go? It would just be you watching me sing, aren't dates supposed to be about talking and getting to know each other?"
At least that's what I've seen from Prim's rom-com movies.
Madge scoffs, "We're friends Gale, we know a decent bit about each other already. Plus there's plenty of time for that. We can get food before or after or something but...I mean if you'd prefer me not to be there I understand. If its more of a thing with you and your friends-"
"I want you there." I state again and Madge definitely blushes this time.
"Okay so it's a date then."
"Yeah it is" I smile
"That's great but seriously Gale drink your hot chocolate or it'll become lukewarm chocolate."
I grin and follow her orders.
Well all I know now is I'm definitely insisting that I choose the setlist for this Friday night.
Because whatever we play it has to be perfect.
The whole night has to be perfect because that's what Madge Undersee deserves.
Now I just need to find someone to help me make it perfect.
And in that moment as I drink my admittedly slightly lukewarm hot chocolate, I think of the perfect person that can help me.
AN: Another chapter down, a few more to go!
Thanks for reading!
- xTeam Mockingjayx