New chapter! So close to the end! I have actually officially written all chapters to this story, but I have to edit them still. But that means you will not be left hanging again! The story will be completed for your viewing pleasure! Thanks for reading! Enjoy!

It's not for a couple hours into the night before Peeta stirs out of unconsciousness. He's groggy and it takes him a moment to recollect the events of Katniss drugging him to sneak back into memory since he lies still for a while before he shoots up, his face finally full of remembrance.

His face contorts anticipating pain, but none seems to come. He's confused, but before he can think of himself he sees Katniss. She lies frighteningly still and I have to subdue myself from shouting out at him to make a move, but his shock only last a second. He pulls Katniss from the heap she fell into into his arms, supporting her. As he does, the blood that has soaked in the ground becomes visible and Peeta lets out an audible gasp. He gently takes hold of Katniss' chin, pulling her face up to show the wound that is still slightly bleeding. Worry constricts my chest at the sight. So much blood soaks her shirt and the area where she fainted that I find myself holding my own breath until I see the rise and fall of her chest.

I don't realize until Mrs. Everdeen places a gentle hand on my knee that I was shaking it uncontrollably out of nerves. "It looks bad, but the wound isn't as deep as it seems." Her words gently coax the anxiety slightly. Prim pipes up, "Yeah, she'll wake up in time." I nod in their direction, showing them my gratitude for their assurance. Being nurses, I take their word seriously. It seems whenever I come here in hopes of supporting them and giving them guidance, the pair instead lends me a helping hand.

I turn back to the TV to see Peeta rummaging through their supplies where he pulls out some stuff to tend to Katniss' wound. I'm thankful for him in this moment. Even though she was injured because she went out to get medicine for him, it helps to know that Katniss truly does have someone behind her to watch her back. That's the only comfort I get in their interactions, however.

Since Katniss is out of commission for the moment, watching Peeta as he gobbles down groosling isn't really on my list of things to be doing at the moment. So I look around at their house searching for a task to keep myself busy. "I'm going to go collect some firewood. You'll need some more for these cold nights." I stand from the chair, replacing it back in its original spot in the kitchen. I go to the cupboard, that holds the bag we used to place the wood in. "I'll be back later," I promise as I head out.

I grab the ax that rests against the side of the house and sling it over my shoulder along with the empty bag. I head past the fence into the woods, feeling myself relax a little at the sight of the open space, undisturbed by people.

As I walk, memories begin to replace the empty forest. Memories all containing Katniss. The first time meeting her, Katniss almost shooting me as I appeared from behind a tree unexpectedly, the scowl she would give me whenever I called her "Catnip", her face as I'm whisked away after our short time together after she volunteered. I sigh at the last thought, deciding the tree next to me will make great firewood so I start to hack away at it.

With more force than needed, I chop the wood, hoping to rid myself of the lingering memories of what use to be. Because as I continue to remember the past, I start to understand that future will never be as it was. Katniss will be a different person if she comes out of this. She cannot return as the girl who is known to spend more time in the woods than around others. She won't have that freedom anymore.

She'll be decorated in outfits from the Capitol and cameras will document her as she does interview after interview, reliving her success for winning the Games. I can't be next her then. I'll be stuck in the woods, while another guy will be standing at her side instead.

I slam the ax down with such force, the piece of wood shoots up almost hitting me in the face, but I move before it can. Sweat beads against my neck even though the sun has long ago set. I stay in the woods for a while. Relishing in the cool air that assures me I'll always be welcomed here, but even my safe haven is losing some of the comfort it gave me. I don't know if the last time spent with Katniss her was it. I look around hoping that even after being in the Games where the woods were the setting, Katniss will still be able to find comfort here. With me.

I finish cutting the wood, still not ready to head back so I stay prolong my stay hunting and collecting berries. By the time I head back into the real world and into the Everdeen's house, the Games are in hiatus as most of the tributes are sleeping. I see Prim also called it a night but Mrs. Everdeen is waiting up, a cup of tea clasped between her hands. Wisps of smoke spiral from the cup, curling until they fade into the atmosphere. "Here's the firewood." I place the bag on ground, taking the wood out to place it in a pile next to the fireplace.

"I envy you, Gale."

"What?" I gaze at her startled at her words.

"I wish I had a place to escape to. It's difficult to always be aware of the life we live." She let's out a heavy sigh taking a small sip of tea, "My daughter is in their fighting for her life and I'm the one complaining." She stands only to lean against the kitchen countertop, head hanging in shame. "Lately all I can seem to do is be angry." I slowly drop the piece of wood I still held and clear my throat as I reassure, " You're right. She is your daughter and she is fighting for her life. Meaning you get to be worried. It's okay to complain. This whole thing isn't fair."

Her head slightly lifts, but her shoulders remained hunched over. I walk over to her, placing my hand on her shoulder. "She'll be back. I know more than ever that Katniss will make it." It's hard to comfort someone when your worries are the same, but it's enough to make her resign against her doubts.

"Thank you, Gale. It's hard to be positive all the time." She grabs me into a hug and says, "I'm thankful to have someone like you around. So is Prim and Katniss." I nod happy to relieve her doubts. I felt lately like I've been neglecting my promise to Katniss of taking care of her family while she's away, since I've been all about myself lately. But Mrs. Everdeen shows me I've been more present than I believed.

I end up finishing piling the firewood and giving Mrs. Everdeen the berries and squirrel. I'm about to head off, but decide to sleep over. In the morning I'll go out to hunt again for my family before school, but for now I rest hoping for only darkness to consume me for I need a break of everything even from my dreams. Nothing as of late can seem to keep me from my thoughts of Katniss, except when nights are merciful enough to stay dark. Tonight is luckily one of those nights and I finally sleep with only darkness surrounding me.

ooOOOoo

The morning was a nice time for me today since I spent it gallivanting in the woods, collecting berries, fish, game and more firewood. I came out before the sun was up, sleep eluding me as I laid awake, knowing Katniss is still unconscious from blood loss.

Instead of being trapped in a pit of endless torture of my thoughts, I got up and headed out into the woods, setting up various traps and using the veil of darkness to help take the game by surprise. I caught enough fish to not only feed both The Everdeen's and my family, but also to sell to trade for other items.

It's a good start to the day, which makes me hope that this is only a sign for Katniss' well recovery. After hunting, I sold four fish in exchange for herbs that my mother needs and sold a rabbit and a bag full of berries for the Everdeen's to get them more medicine for their clients. Now, I'm sullenly at school, only getting the occasional recaps of the Games in between classes.

Finally by lunchtime I break out of my sour mood because here we have access to a projector that shows the Games. Cato, the District two tribute is the first seen. He's livid. It's clear he's venting over the loss of his ally. We stay with him as he destroys the forest around him, kicking and slashing at trees and throwing rocks at any animal that may get too close. He's wild and thirsting for revenge. I pray that Katniss will be smart enough to let Cato be taken care of by the other remaining tributes.

But even if Katniss has the logic to steer clear of him, the Capitol will do whatever it takes to put on the best show for its people. And that means, finally letting Cato seeks his revenge on the one person he's been gunning for since the start.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts as I hear Aria say, "she's awake!" She tugging at my sleeve and pointing to Katniss. Her usual tanned skin is pale from the blood loss and her voice is rough from lack of use. But she's awake and functioning. That's all that matters.

"Hey. Good to see your eyes again." Peeta looks down at Katniss with a look I know all too well. I catch a glimpse in the window near where we sit to see my expression perfectly matching Peeta's and I quickly shift my features into my usual expressionless mask.

"How long have I been out?"

"Not sure. I woke up yesterday evening and you were lying next to me in a very scary pool of blood." Peeta eyes her wound with a tilt of his head, "I think it's stopped finally, but I wouldn't sit up or anything." Just as he says this, Katniss reaches up to inspect the wound, looking even paler from the effort. Peeta reacts immediately by giving her some water to drink. They sit in silence before Katniss says, "You're better."

"Much better. Whatever you shot into my arm did the trick. By this morning, almost all the swelling in my leg was gone." Katniss looks relieved at his words but also guilty. Her actions, although necessary, were against Peeta's wishes so she knows he has every right to be mad.

It's too soon before lunch is over. I'm left with the image of Peeta taking care of Katniss, by feeding her and tucking her into bed. I don't know what's worse, watching her take care of him or him taking care of her. As I head back to mining workshop, I have to fully concentrate on the work at hand, planning out each step to help keep my thoughts from drifting back to the two curled up all cosy in that damn cave.

ooOOOoo

I return home feeling accomplished, but also a little sick. My mining instructor, Theodore Pike is a retired miner, but nonetheless, a very respectful elder in the field. He pulled me aside today and after everyone else left said, "We're down a miner. We could really use someone like you in the field." I don't bother to ask him what happened to the person I'm replacing, but he must see me thinking since he adds, "I know it's not much money, but it's a whole lot better than selling you game every so often." He's a man who did always like it when I brought back fish to sell. "Thank you, sir. I would be happy to join." We shook hands and now I have a job.

But even though I finally have a somewhat stable income of money, it only makes me more stuck in this damn system. I can't get out no matter how much I will it. I'm stuck here because I have a family to feed. I also can't leave now that Katniss is gone and her family has no one to look after them. Too many responsibilities have piled up in my lap and I only keep adding to the burden. But instead of dwelling on the bad, I fill my mother in on the news, awarding me with her signature smile and the family all coming together to celebrate. I don't remember the last time a happy moment was caused because of me. The mood doesn't even die as we sit and eat dinner, the empty chair not even enough to shift the mood. Not even the fact that I'm taken on the same job as the reason for the empty chair.

As we celebrate, we have to keep the TV since we're not allowed to miss the Games. As the end of the Games draw near, patrols have come knocking on the doors checking to make sure everyone is watching. Sometimes they just barge right in, without warning. So we huddle around the TV. My mother spent a little extra on a small pie, made of apples and topped with some berries mashed into a sauce. It's the most delicious thing I've had in years.

Katniss and Peeta are catching up after being separated. They eat their remaining supply of food, promising to go out tomorrow to stock up. I stare down at the pie and guilt washes over me for eating something so delectable, while I watch Katniss starve. I end up giving the rest of the pie to Posy, who almost cries out of happiness to be given more sugar. "She'll never be able to fall asleep tonight." My mom laughs, side eyeing me. I shrug my shoulder and say, "She can sleep with me tonight," earning groans and mumbles from my brothers. "Then we'll be kept up too!" Posy giggles and continues to shovel the pie in her mouth while yelling, "No sleep! No sleep!"

The happiness is over bearing; enough to even make me crack more then a smirk. Instead of focusing on the Games, even though Katniss is shown, I do whatever it takes to keep the mood elevated. Vick makes Rory spit out some water from laughing as he licks the tin of the pie dramatically in hopes of getting at least one more savored taste. Posy squeals too and it's almost just enough to make me miss the kiss between Katniss and Peeta. But as everyone laughs I see it.

The kiss is not one sided. It couldn't possible be. It's too tender, too intimate between both people. It sucks all the happiness out of me even as everyone else radiates more joy than this house has seen since before my father died. I think my mom notices my shift in attitude, but I ignore her eyes of worry along with the image Katniss and Peeta lying together on the TV. Instead I pick up Posy, earning a laugh and say, " I know just what to make you sleep."

I place her on my shoulders and carry her into my mother's room. I help her into pajamas and brush her teeth. I put her in my bed and go into my closet. It doesn't take me long to found it. I pull out a jacket belonging to my dad. Posy doesn't remember him, but she knows this jacket is his. She loved it so much that she would cry hysterically whenever we took it from her.

Shortly after that she learned that the only way we would allow her to hold it was only on special occasions. When she sees it now she perks up immediately. I put on her, it's long enough to wrap around her whole body. She clings to the material, all smiles. "Now you must go to sleep." She quickly cuddles into the bed, pulling the jacket tighter to her. She closes her eyes and I pull the sheet over her and turn out the lights.

I leave the room, to go back into the living room only to see that the Games have wrapped for today. My brother's pass me as they head from where I just came, "She better stay quiet," Rory says.

"Yeah, I need my beauty sleep," Rory states. The two continue on still grumbling but halfheartedly. I think out of everyone, those two would do whatever they could to keep Posy smiling. I walk into the room as my mom shuts the TV off. "I gave her the jacket." My mom turns around, a longing look on her face. "I think it's about time for her to have it again." She folds the blanket we leave out on the couch placing it back neatly. I lean against the wall, folding my arms over my chest, "I miss him." I don't really know why I say it. I guess I just wanted to release some of the tension that has built up inside of me.

She comes over to me cupping my cheek with her hand, "He loved you. He's was so proud of you for everything you've done." She squeezes my shoulder and finishes with, "I could only imagine how proud he would be seeing the man you become today." She kisses my cheek before heading into her room. I do the same, happy to know I can talk to my mother about such a subject. I usually avoid all topics off my dad not wanting to upset my mom, but she just proved that she can deal with the subject.

I'm greeted by the whispers of my brother's who haven't yet gone to sleep so I go over to their bed to talk. We haven't spent that much time over the last weeks so it's nice to catch up. We talk for so long, I barely notice Rory fall asleep mid sentence and Vick struggling to keep his eyes open since exhaustion clouds my senses.

We decide to call it a night. My brother's fall asleep instantaneously. Posy sleeps cuddled into dad's jacket. I make sure I don't wake her as I get into my bed. As I lay down I only sit with my thoughts for a moment before I'm pulled into my dreams of the girl that constantly haunts me.