Author's Note: Don't own the Hunger Games. I've got a working sketch of Venus and her dress. It's lovely. I also want to thank all the people who had favorite this story, had put it on their alert, and reviewed. You are all lovely.
Whatever it was that had been in her eyes, it was gone now. "Of course we should get home."
Gale had walked into work after his date, feeling as light as air. Venus was the only girl on his mind, or at least, she was. Until he saw the letter on his desk from Katniss, which sent all thoughts of Venus out of his head. He picked it up, and for once, he wasn't dreading what was inside the letter, wasn't dreading what news she had to offer him. For the first time, he was considering actually reading and replying to the letter. He opened it up, and he noticed that she had forgone any sort of salutation for just "Gale".
Gale, the letter read, I'm hoping you're alright. You haven't responded to any of my letters. He tacked on "or read them" in his head, knowing there was no way that she could have known that each of her letters had gone in the trash. Maybe you're just busy with work… or a new girlfriend. He bit his lip. So, Peeta and I are trying for a kid. I don't know how I feel about it, but Peeta's excited. He laughed. Katniss, as a mother? He couldn't picture it.
I hope you're okay. Respond soon. – Katniss. He sighed, as he wondered how to respond. "Sorry I haven't replied or read to any of your letters. A kid? I can't imagine that. I'm with someone new, and she's great. Later." He sighed. The next thing he knew, he was calling Venus. "Hey, Venus, I kind of need your help over here."
He heard her laughter. "With what?"
He didn't know how to tell her that he was confused about how to reply to Katniss. However, he decided to tell her the truth. "Replying to Catnip's latest letter… the first that I've read in six years."
Venus let out a sigh. Her voice was flat, almost sounding as if she really didn't want to see him. He was sure he was just imaging it though. "Be there soon."
Five minutes later, Venus was hopping up on his desk, crossing her legs at her ankles while stirring her coffee. She showed no sign of emotion. Even her voice was clipped and detached from the setting. "So, what did the letter say?"
He read her the letter, and looked at her helplessly. Her blue eyes looked right into his gray ones, and he couldn't help but wonder what was on her mind. He wondered what she was thinking of as she processed what was in the letter. Finally, she said, "I remember the first thing you told me about Katniss. That she used to be your hunting partner. And… I'll admit it, but I was a little jealous of her."
Gale was taken aback by what Venus had said. He never expected Venus to be jealous of any one girl, but here she was, admitting she had been jealous. He couldn't understand it, couldn't understand why Venus should feel insecure about Katniss. "Why?"
She rolled her eyes, sipping her coffee. "Honestly, for such a smart guy, you can be kind of stupid," stated Venus bluntly. "Why was I jealous of this girl? Well, back when I first saw you… you were an attractive, young solider. You had fire in your eyes, in your veins, and you were so dedicated to the cause that it was… sexy. Of course, you were always attached at Katniss's side then, and I was envious of her. Not only was she the symbol of a rebellion that I had wanted to be a part of for so long, she had this amazing soldier by her side who was like family to her… and I haven't got a family. She had a family and she had you. And when you mentioned you used to hunt with her… I couldn't help but think of all the things that could and might have happened in the woods with her. Now do you get it?"
Gale was utterly dumbstruck. His mouth was slightly agape, and he could understand her jealousy now. "You were jealous of her… because of the things she had?"
Venus nodded. "Because she had people who loved her, a family to depend on, and people she could trust. I had no one… and the reason I depend on you is because there's no one else in my life to depend on."