Though Prim’s first attempt hadn’t been that great, Katniss was glad it was an attempt at least. Katniss was getting sick of Prim giving her a brick wall whenever she told her to take the Games seriously and to try. If Haymitch got through to her, that was great and Katniss was interested to see how Prim progressed. She wasn’t great with throwing knives but the fact that Prim actually hit the target on her first try was a good start. Most people missed it and couldn’t get the aiming right but the more times Prim began to practice, the more she began to improve, which was what the training sessions were all about, improving and showing your own worth and Katniss knew Prim had a lot to offer and that she had to stop selling herself short.

Her form wasn’t bad but it did need improving. Gale knew his wasn’t the best either but he and Prim were starting out fresh with their respective weapons so he was pretty sure Prim would be amazing by the time they were ready to fight for real. He watched her move, her mind adjusting for her body so that there could be a better connect with the blade and the target itself. He didn’t care what people thought about as most of them wandered off. In the Games, they would be sorry they didn’t pay her mind. He knew this would be the start of a new Prim with better, more tough resolve and he was very pleased to be able to witness it. If she gained enough confidence, he knew she and Katniss could make a great team together.

“Good work Prim!” He cheered when she managed to slice through the neck. It was scary but still impressive none the less. Gale could tell Katniss was pleased, based on the look she wore on her face. He knew Katniss’ feelings were hurt about what happened and how she felt shut out by Prim but he hoped this change of heart might win Katniss back. Prim was trying and he knew Katniss was proud of her for going for it. He knew he was. “That was great.” He told Prim and patted her side. It wasn’t what he wanted to do but he knew if he hugged her right now, it would likely undo all of the work Prim had just done to make a name for herself without him or anyone else guiding her along. He’d be sure to give her a big one later on. 

“You’re probably sore now but once you keep repeating the motion, it’ll feel more natural.” Katniss spoke up, remembering how hard it had been for her to get used to using her bow but now she didn’t even have to think about it. “Good job.” Katniss smiled and gave Haymitch a small smile as well, grateful he got her to listen to him. She figured Prim couldn’t take her or Gale’s advice because they were close to her and that maybe she needed an outsider to push her to do things. “I’m glad you let Haymitch help you.” Though she was a bit jealous it wasn’t her, she was also glad Haymitch wanted to help Prim, since usually he didn’t like helping anyone. “See? He’s not that bad, he’s a softie underneath it all.” She grinned a little and nudged Haymitch. With that, Katniss went back to the hologram program to continue working on her own talent, glad Prim was okay.

“Come on.” He motioned for Prim to follow him so they could get a quick drink of water to refresh themselves before getting back to work. Gale looked Prim over, still very impressed with how she handled herself and how mature she was becoming. Of course it was do that or sulk and die early and he knew Prim was far too good for that. “Katniss had a hard time in the last Games when someone kept throwing knives at her, remember? I’m sure she’ll be a lot happier to have someone on her side who knows how to use them.” They worked well long distance but he knew that they could also come in handy if she was ambushed at close range. “Keep it up.” He patted her back and handed her a cup of cold water before he finished his and went back to where he could pick up a sword and train with it. He took turns using it with his dominant hand, his non-dominant hand and both, as he knew either situation would come up during the Games. He had a sparring partner as well as the official instructor giving him advice as he kept practicing swings for offense as well as defense.

Now that she had a bit more peace of mind, Katniss turned up the difficulty and went back to practicing. She spent time work on evasive moves with her weapon as well as if she lost an arrow or her bow. After an hour of intense training, she headed off to try making some arrows by hand. She used to make them often when she was poor and hadn’t money to buy anything except material. Now that she had won, she hadn’t made an arrow from scratch in a long time. She carved a few wooden arrows and made sure they were balanced properly and had the right groove in the back. She then practiced launching objects other than arrows, like rocks or pieces of wood that might help deter people from following her track. Katniss checked to see how Gale, Prim and Haymitch were doing and she was happy to see they were all buckling down like her, which gave her more hope, that they would be alright, even if they somehow got separated. 

Gale approached her and helped her clean up the area where she was. “Lunch is coming up, why don’t you me and Prim head up to the room?” He offered.

“Sure.” Katniss nodded and glanced to where Prim was, figuring they needed to talk about what had happened. It was bothering her still and it didn’t feel right to leave things the way they were. “We have a bit of time before that though, I might go life some weights.” She said and headed off to go do so. Gale moved back to where Prim was and smiled, Katniss wasn’t the only feeling better now.

“Hey Prim, when lunch rolls around, you wanna head up with me and Katniss? I’m getting tired of the cafeteria scene already.” He offered to her. He had been keeping an eye on her and he was happy to note that she was turning into a formidable opponent and not some burden like she feared, all it took was effort and she was giving that now. Prim’s progress was great and he hoped she saw that, she needed to if she was going to keep improving the way that she was. "I really am proud of you." He said. "You know we all are." He said quietly, his smile still present.