He went back to training and after a bit more time had passed, it was time for lunch. He caught Katniss’ eye and saw her watch Haymitch leave. He figured all four of them would need to have lunch together in public at some point as to not appear disjointed or anything. He’d try to make that happening tomorrow but for now, he met up with Katniss to head up to their room where privacy would be on their side. He and Katniss headed up, neither one speaking to one another. Katniss quickly headed off to her room to get freshened up and Gale decided to do the same, as well as give the girls their space. 

Back in her room, she took a few calming breaths and washed her face. She headed back out into the living room, not sure why she was so nervous but she was. And it hurt. She didn’t like being at odds with her sister, even for just a few hours. It felt awful. The elevator opened to reveal Prim. “Hi…” She said and she hurried over to her sister, meeting her halfway as she pulled her into an equally tight hug. “I’m sorry too, I know you’re under a bunch of stress. I was only trying help.” She said quickly, feeling tears quickly form in her eyes.

Being away from everyone made Katniss not dread the fact that she was crying and holding her sister. Damn everyone else, Prim was pretty much all she had and all she needed. “I love you Prim, no matter what happens, I will always love you and I just want to see you do well because I know you can.” Katniss forced herself to pull back and rested her hands on the girl’s shoulders. “I refuse to lose you. I refuse to let you leave me the way mom did when dad…” Maybe that’s why Katniss took it so hard when Prim shut her out, it was because their mother did that to her and it still hurt, the rejection and silence.

“I won’t shut you out either, I promise.” She said and put her hands on either side of her face. “I am so proud of you and-” She heard someone say something and turned to see Gale giving them a big grin as he leaned against the wall under the table’s loft. “Gale, I swear to god, if you say one word!” She pointed a finger at him. He raised his hands and shook his head. He was smart enough to keep his mouth shut after letting a small ‘aw’ escape his lips. He was happy for Prim and Katniss, their team was much better united than divided. And he was friends with both girls and being in the middle was tough but he knew it wasn’t as tough as being either of them.

Gale pushed himself off the wall and pointed above him to where the table had already been laid out with food. “How about we eat?” He smiled to them and headed on up the stairs. Katniss glanced back to Prim and grabbed her hand and headed up after Gale. A huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders and Katniss was glad things between her and Prim were better. There was bound to be misunderstandings and even disagreements but if they could rise above it, they would be safe and still have each other. “I feel like we’re coming together, we’ve all got something to offer.” Gale said as he began to fill up his plate.

The Avoxes were around but they were mostly cleaning which was fine with Gale, things felt natural again and he didn’t mind having this moment to themselves. 

Back down at the cafeteria, the group with Haymitch were trying to find a way to discuss Peeta’s plan without bringing much attention to themselves. Johanna and Finnick were filled in, as were Beetee and Wiress. They had all been instructed to not let Haymitch or Katniss in on the alliance or that a plan had been laid out. It was obvious that those two were already under enough scrutiny and no one wanted to risk the plan Peeta had formed, even if it was crazy, it might just work. “Just relax Haymitch, you look like you could use it. It seems like those kids of yours are improving, I’m sure you had something to do with that…” Finnick winked at the older Tribute and continued to nibble on his food.

“They do well here, who’s to say they won’t blow it in the Games?” Johanna shrugged. “Of in the Interview or Demonstration?” She smirked.

“Come on.” Finnick shook his head at her. “You’re just upset Katniss got a few good shots in.” He teased. Johanna’s face was healed, good as new but he could tell Johanna was annoying. “And her sister is stepping up her game too, you probably want to not try picking a fight with her.” He smiled.

“I plan on relaxing tonight, take a nice hot bath and maybe get a massage.” Johanna said, changing the subject. “Which might do you some good.” She said to Haymitch.