Disclaimer: All stories are individuals of themselves and are unrelated to each other.
Madge clutches her basket as she makes her way into town, not exactly dreading it but not looking forward to it either. She hasn't been into town ever since she married Gale, they had been running on meals that were given to them on their wedding day.
But they're out of bread today, and Madge needs to buy some more. She takes a deep breath and starts into the square, holding her head high as she walks to the bakery.
She hears their whispers. Can feel their stares. But that's not new. Everyone used to stare when Madge walked around as the mayor's daughter. Now they're just staring because of who she married.
The purchase in the bakery is quick. Mrs. Mellark says nothing to Madge as she hands over the loaf. Stares at with narrow eyes. Stares and whispers and judgmental citizens.
Madge tries not to run home but her pace is still very fast. She races through the Seam and makes her way back to the home she shares with Gale.
The door swings shut due to the wind and she jumps. "I'm back," she calls out, removing her thin jacket to hang on the coatrack by the door.
"I couldn't tell. The slamming of the door wasn't loud enough," Gale responds, a hint of amusement to his voice. He peeks out of the kitchen and smiles. "Dinner'll be ready in a few."
"Okay," she nods, smiling back before he disappears again. Madge sets down the basket and then removes her boots, setting them near the door as well.
"How was town?" he asks. She can hear sizzling and from the pans and the smell is heavenly. "Is the bakery in shambles yet?"
"Not yet," Madge calls to him before entering the kitchen with her basket. Madge places the basket on the counter and removes the bread to place in the breadbox. "The Capitol has fallen, however, and children are streaking through the square."
Gale's eyebrows quirk upward and he laughs, leaning away from the stove so he can reach her. "Excellent," he murmurs before pressing his lips to hers. "The revolution is starting. Let me go get my bow and I'll join them."
Madge laughs and swats him away before taking a seat at the table. She props her elbow up and then rests her head in her hand before sighing. "You'd think that after all these years people would find something to talk about other than me."
"But your life is so interesting," Gale says as he leans backwards against the counter to face his wife. "Hadn't you heard? You got married, Ms. Undersee."
"Hawthorne," she quips quickly.
Gale laughs. "Mrs. Hawthorne. They probably think I kidnapped you and forced you into it."
Madge feigns a gasp. "You mean I'm not being held here against my will? I can leave? I'm free?" Gale rolls his eyes with a smirk and crosses his arms across his chest. "I just think it's childish that people still believe someone from town can't marry someone from the Seam."
"Thankfully we're more evolved than that," Gale responds and lifts his eyebrows. His voice takes on a dark tone. "Did anyone say anything to you?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Madge waves her hand. "It's not gossip unless it's whispered behind your back." Gale grumbles something under his breath and Madge stands, closing the distance between the two of them. "Besides," she murmurs as her hands find the hem of his shirt, "everyone knows if they say anything they'll have to deal with youlater."
Gale rolls his eyes again but smiles, giving into his wife's pull and leaning down to kiss her gently. "That they will," he whispers against her lips. "That they will."
A/N: married gadge for vjera 3