While the news of a plan was incredible, and uplifting, Gale knew it could go wrong and that they had prepare for both the best and worst situation. He also wasn’t fond of keeping things from Katniss but he knew he couldn’t tell her or Haymitch about it because then things would really get out of hand. “Thanks.” He said to Peeta and got up with Prim. He held her hand to the elevator but then dropped it so they didn’t attract anyone when the doors opened. His mood was lifted and he knew Prim’s had to be as well. Today was turning into quite a good day, considering they were trapped inside the Capital, training to kill and not die in some brutal entertainment scheme.

For the rest of the afternoon, Gale spent time at various stations around the large room. He made some fish hooks with Mags and he even spent some time sparring with Finnick who was wielding his trusty trident while Gale had his sword. The plan was the thing taking up the most space in his mind but he had to remain focused and appear as though he didn’t have any hope, which wasn’t easy. Gale took a break to watch Katniss and Haymitch take down a few simulations together. They were an impressive pair and he hoped the more the four of them showed off, the less people would want to try taking any of them on.

Haymitch seemed to respond favorably to her idea which surprised her.

Of course Katniss couldn’t complain about some more one on one time together.

The two Victors spent most of the afternoon running through various programs thanks to the digital simulation. It gave her some relief to be able to make sure she could shoot with him, without him getting in her way when she retracted her string and that he could throw his weapon without taking off her head in the process. For the most part, they were either side by side or back to back. As they worked together without needing to speak much, since they seemed able to read what the other needed in terms of vantage and movement, Katniss could have sworn she was back in the woods with him.

She wasn’t a fool though and knew they were being watched so she couldn’t let herself fantasize too much. When it was time to go, she got a cup of water with Haymitch, feeling pretty worn out herself. “You think so?” She asked him, her tone more light than sarcastic or flippant. “I hope so.” She shrugged when he said they might even avoid her. She gave him a smile, liking the idea of others running off. It meant less people to worry about, less blood on her hands. “Maybe if you’re around, I think I work better with you.” She found herself saying as they caught up with Gale and her sister in the elevator which she was thankful for. “Hey guys.” She greeted quickly.

Prim mentioned their work with the simulator and Katniss opened her mouth to say something but Haymitch beat her to it. He gave her the credit and their arms brushed against one another. She glanced down at their hands and then back up to “I’m glad they’re not, we get to sleep in tomorrow.” Gale mentioned as the doors opened to reveal their humble home. Katniss and Gale headed out, followed by Prim and Haymitch. “I’ll see you all at dinner.” Gale waved and headed off to his room to wash his face and get changed into something that didn’t remind him of the approaching Games. Katniss waved back and headed off to her room to do the same.

Peeta caught Haymitch eyeing him and sighed, figuring it had to be now.

“Come on.” He said and motioned for Haymitch to follow him to another part of their suite, an area where no one could overhear what he was going to say. Peeta knew Haymitch might press him further for information but Peeta needed Haymitch to trust him and to let him help. Once they were alone, he looked around and then turned his attention back to the eldest in their group. “I do have a plan, Haymitch. I’m finishing it up and...you just need to last a week. I can’t say anything else.” He didn’t want to tell him anything but Haymitch needed to at least know that there was light at the end of the tunnel. “You can’t tell Katniss and you know why. I don’t even want to tell you, I can’t have you sniffing around and-” He stopped himself, knowing Haymitch didn’t need to hear about his reservations. 

Meanwhile Katniss had changed and headed over to speak to Gale. She knocked on his door and he poked his head out, clearly in the middle of changing. “Gale? I need to talk to you after dinner.” She said, wanting to clear the air with him now, since she and Prim had. Gale nodded. “How about we check out the hot tub? I’m sore as hell.” She said and headed back out to the living room. Gale closed the door and finished getting ready. When he came out, he saw Prim and Katniss sitting together and looking through a picture book which had highlights from around the city like buildings and such. They were mostly poking fun at it but he could tell it was a bit much to look at a city reeking with lavish things while their district, like so many others, was barely surviving.

“It’s dinner time, would you be a darling and get Haymitch and Peeta?” Effie asked Gale as he had been the most recent arrival.

“Sure.” He nodded and turned back to go look for them, not sure if he liked the idea of those two alone.

It could risk everything.

“Hey, guys.” Gale approached them. “Dinner.” He said.

“Thanks, we’re coming.” Peeta looked to Haymitch before following Gale.

Katniss and Prim sat next to each other and were already getting served their food, a nice roast beef, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy and whole wheat roll. It was a very comforting meal after a long day of hard work. “I have heard so many wonderful things about your progress.” Effie praised as they were all finally reunited at the table. She gave Peeta a look before she continued to prattle on. “Haymitch, Katniss it seems you two are quite the duo! And Gale, your swordsmanship is impressive considering you’re still learning and Prim, your knife skills are also impressive, I’ve heard people speak of your promise and skill. District 12 would be so proud.” She gushed.

“Thanks.” Gale smiled and started to eat.

Katniss glanced to Haymitch and gave Prim a nudge. “People are gonna watch their backs around you.” She teased.