Gale felt Prim squeeze his hand, it provided more comfort than she’d ever know. Katniss was a comfort, sure, but with Prim it felt more...he wasn’t sure how to describe it but it just felt different, and he liked it. “Oh? Yeah.” He smiled and brought his other hand up to his trimmed hair. It wasn’t too short but he knew he had needed a haircut before the Reaping and now he looked as he normally would, except better and more perfect. Prim then said he shouldn’t have volunteered and that he was too good for it. 

Didn’t she understand?

He did it for her and he didn’t regret it. He wasn’t trying to protect her since he knew she could hold her own and had Katniss, he just wanted to spend more time with Primrose, that being apart from her and watching he in the Games while he sat back in District 12, would kill him. Gale bit his lower lip, wondering why the pain in his heart felt different when he thought about both sisters in the arena. He shook it off, not wanting to ruin the moment with him getting stuck in his own head. “I’m glad I did, we’re still together and I’m not letting the Capital take you away.” He told her gently but firmly. He didn’t want her blaming herself for him being where he was. It was a choice he made, simple as that.

Their hands were then reunited and he looked to her, still unable to take his eyes off her. To him they weren’t stuck like prisoners inside a lavish hotel, they were back home and everything was completely normal. He couldn’t be happier. “It makes a little sense.” He shrugged slightly. He got what she was trying to say. Gale broke his eyes free of Prim’s entrapment and took one last look out at the darkening sky where glittering skyscrapers were flashing various lights to the world. Red, greens, purples, and pinks were dancing across the sky as people celebrated another exciting year of the Hunger Games. “Let’s look around so more.” He said and kept hold of her hand as he led them off down the long wide stretch of floor. 

Of course she knew Haymitch was joking when he told her that she was the worst person he ever knew. She knew Haymitch Speak by now, which meant she was one of the best people he knew. “How sweet.” She grinned, her mocking tone matching his. “Shut up.” She pouted when he soon made a complaint about his shirt. She knew he really didn’t care and he couldn’t act well enough to make her feel the least bit sorry for what she did. The two continued to sit around and she found herself feeling much better for whatever reason. It seemed the more she was around the sober fellow, the more at ease she felt, the more safe she felt, and the more determined she was to keep him alive.

She didn’t want to lose him, she couldn’t.

The blond then moved a hand to her face to wipe off some of the black stuff. Katniss didn’t flinch or lean away, much to her surprise. She made no attempt at biting or growling so at least that meant something. Katniss smiled sheepishly at his comment. “Sincerity isn’t something either of us are great at.” She pointed out to him. To her, the dress and makeup weren’t her but it did help to know that he still thought she looked nice. “But thank you.” Katniss said, remembering her manners. Though it did honestly mean something to her, that Haymitch thought she looked nice. His opinion was important to her and if she ever disappointed him or upset him, it would greatly affect her. 

The Girl on Fire reached over and flicked a finger through his hair, trying to picture him with a different style. She honestly couldn’t and gave up on that vision. She quickly dropped her hand and let out a sigh. Even she knew these creeping feelings she was collecting, were dangerous. Her attachment to everyone would be her downfall, and she was prepared for that. She wanted to beg Haymitch to save Prim or Gale if it came to the choice, that Katniss didn’t care if he let her die in order to save someone else, or even himself. She knew he’d just yell at her though and she didn’t want to fight with him. 

Gale led Prim around, their fingers still linked together. They found several areas with decorative plants and fountains. He didn’t know why they had to go to so much trouble for them. Gale was anxious about training in the morning. He knew everyone would be sizing one another up and that Peeta didn’t want them showing off just yet. Gale hoped Prim kept calm and that no one paid them much mind. “I heard there’s a Ball this week, I guess there’s dancing and drink and it’s really fancy.” He rubbed his neck with his other hand. “I’ve never danced before.” It was a bit funny to worry about the silliest thing but that’s exactly what Gale was doing. “No one in our district ever needed to dance, there was nothing to really celebrate.” He said to Prim, though she knew that. “I hope Johanna keeps her clothes on.” He laughed.

“Haymitch,” Katniss spoke up as she leaned against the couch. The whole ordeal with the ceremony had brought back memories of her first time, last year. She was remembering all those she killed and the feeling that she’d never see her loved ones again. She knew everyone was counting on her to do it all again but she was seriously starting to get scared. Hell, she had been scared the moment President Snow announced the rules for the Quarter Quell. “I don’t know if I can do it again.” He had made it clear that this was about more than herself but the mere thought of fighting, something she actually wasn’t fond of despite her skill set, made her sick to her stomach. “No one deserves to die, not me or Prim...or even Johanna. And especially not you.” She whispered.

It was then that it started to hit her, really hit her.

That’s why she had to fight, because no one deserved to die. No one in the past, present or future. If she could do something to prove that the Games were wrong and cruel and pointless, then those who died may have had purpose after all. She looked back up to him. “I’m not letting anyone die, not anymore.” She told him, finding resolve. Rather than let Haymitch be some sacrifice, she was going to have him witness a new dawn. Just then, Effie came out from down the long hall leading to the common space and announced dinner had arrived. Then a long parade of people walked in and set down many trays of delectable dishes, treats and drinks. Effie explained their dinner was late because they were on the top floor. Katniss got up and Effie gawked at Haymitch’s ruined shirt. “He did it, not me.” Katniss held up her hands in defense but it was pretty clear to Effie that Katniss was lying, due to the cheeky smile on the archer’s face. “I’ll go find Prim and Gale.”

With that, she ran off and jogged all the way around the massive floor and found Gale and Prim trying to figure out what the painting on the wall by the hot tub meant. “It’s clearly someone who has lost their mind.” Gale said to Prim, arms folded across his chest. The painting in question was of a figure on the floor, with a faceless crowd surrounding it. The only color on the canvas was the golden sun streaming through the huddled mass of people. “Oh hey.” He turned to Katniss and tapping Prim on the shoulder.

“Guys, dinner.” Katniss said, looking at the pair.

“Great, I’m starving.” Gale smiled and headed back. Katniss held up Prim and looked over her shoulder, not too sure if she understood the smile Gale had been wearing with Prim.

“I’m glad you two are still looking out for each other.” She just said and put an arm around Prim and headed back to the living room and kitchen area. When they got back, even Peeta was seated up at the table. Effie and Peeta had the head positions which left a spot open beside Haymitch and Gale. Katniss let Prim go up first which left her the final seat next to Haymitch. “Looks good. It better taste good.” She said. Effie began describing the items to Gale and Prim who appeared a bit awe struck. Gale was happy to try a bit of everything but knew he needed to pace himself since he had never had so much to eat in one sitting, even when he was at the Everdeen household. He looked to Prim, certain she’d like the dessert tray that was set aside for them to enjoy.

And since they kept their clothes on, they could have as much dessert as they wanted.