It was more than just his words that gave her comfort and took her someplace far away from the deep sorrow surrounding her. It was his presence and warmth, his simple act of living that gave her control and made her feel safe and self-assured. Katniss stayed tucked against his side, finding no reason to pull away or detach herself. If she was going to lose herself, or worse, him, soon then she wanted to feel as much as she could before she’d cease to exist. Before she was nothing, she wanted to be something than just a survivor. She wanted to be the kind of person Haymitch saw her as.

His comment about her going back home and that no one would starve made her smile. She knew life was hard and it went beyond her own struggle. If her own struggle brought others a better life, then it would all be worth it. Katniss was able to believe him, she knew he didn’t lie to her, nor would he try and trick her. They were too lazy to bother with the frills and complexity of devising a lie and carrying it through to the end. Even so, she could tell in his voice that there were no signs of deception of patronization. The man then mentioned how stupid some of the others really were, making her let out a small snort.

Haymitch’s soft laugh and fingers penetrated any sort of defense she was clinging onto. With him, it was difficult to keep her distance, both emotional and now, physical. She just wanted to be close to him, was that so awful? “He definitely breaks the stereotype of a career being smart.” She agreed. Then he assured her that if someone did come after her, that she wouldn’t have to worry. Rather than react as she normally would, by insisting she didn’t need nor want help, that she wasn’t someone in need of saving, she found herself blushing a little. It was unlike herself but it didn’t make her feel embarrassed or weak in any way. 

“Thanks in advance.” She smiled lightly and lifted her head to look at him, her own lips dangerously close to his. When Peeta had tried to step up and act like a hero for her, she was furious and yet with Haymitch, she didn’t mind accepting his hand in a dire situation. He leaned over and pressed his lips to the side of her face which made her feel even more warm, even though she had on shorts and a tee shirt. Katniss figured this was yet another side effect of being in love with someone who she didn’t think she’d ever have. 

In this moment though, Katniss couldn’t think of him as a mentor or even a friend. Her mind kept telling her that he was someone like her, trying to not get lost along the way while they both stumbled to find some sort of light at the end of it all. The woman resumed leaning against him and brushed her cheek against his shoulder, finding herself enjoying the feel of his fingertips playing with the ends of her own hair. “You...don’t have to worry either.” Katniss said quietly. She wanted him to rely on her too, to see him as someone strong who would protect him. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you and you’ll just have to deal with that.” Katniss smirked a little, remembering how some guys could get a bit egotistical. 

Haymitch didn’t seem that petty though. Katniss sighed softly and began to wonder where their line was. She wanted him to see her as someone serious, someone who cared about him, who wasn’t some child or troublesome girl who had the charm of a dead slug. Katniss just wanted to enjoy the moment, not over-think it or ruin it. She couldn’t help but let her nails gently trail down and entwine her fingers as he hand rested atop his own. “You’re coming home with me.” She said and glanced down at their hands, a bit fearful he’d push her away now. “District 12 would miss you, believe it or not.” She said, which meant she would. “It’s not the same unless you’re there…” Which of course meant, she wasn’t herself without him.

Sure, Gale could consider the repercussions of their actions and what it could do to those they loved but he knew they weren’t in the best position to be picking at a plan. A plan with risk was better than none at all. And he knew it was much better if they focused on the positive, rather than the possibility of negatives. He wanted to give Prim and the others hope. He knew they could give themselves more than enough worry and anxiety but he wanted to keep them strong and they were when they were together. Prim had to remember her bonds with everyone and that they’d be home, wherever it was, they would be home together.

She leaned against him and he was quick to pull her closer to him. Right now he was no longer thinking about the plan or Katniss or even training. All that was on his mind was the girl beside him and how he would do anything for her and how important she was. She said that he felt like him and it caused him to smile. That was probably the best thing he had heard all night, even better than what Katniss had told him. He wanted to be Prim’s home, keep her safe, give her strength and reassurance. Gale kept his eyes on her she continued to speak, her words soaking into his soul.

Prim then agreed that they would all be home. Yes, they would. Now she was looking at him, just as he was looking at her. Before he could do anything else, she mentioned her mother and his family and that pushed him back into a moment of depression. He forced himself to not dwell on the things they wanted and the things they missed. “We’ll see them soon.” He nodded to her. “Seven days will come and go in the blink of an eye, this trip to the Capitol will be far behind us and we’ll move on and be better for it.” Somehow. 

Gale was thankfully able to get his mind back into the present. The future could only be painted so bright before he couldn’t look at it anymore without feeling blinded. He reached around and pushed himself further on the bed so he could turn to look at her a little better, resting both of his hands in hers. “It doesn’t matter where any of us are,” He began to say as he tried to keep his thoughts collected. He couldn’t psych himself out now or his resolve would surely crumble. “I just want to be with…” He smiled softly and decided that if he was going to say or do anything, he had to do it now or he’d feel like a fool forever.

Before he finished, he leaned down and brushed his lips against hers once before he applied more pressure. The kiss was gentle but firm enough to hopefully show her what he kept failing to admit to with his words. His hands held onto hers, his fingertips brushing against the top of her hands, enjoying the softness of her soft skin. Gale then pulled back slightly and remembered what he was trying to say. “You.” He finished. “I just want to be with you.” Gale reiterated himself and looked into her eyes, searching for something.

He was searching for hope, acceptance, assurance, something. Gale licked his lips and hoped Katniss was right but the signs were there. That’s what it looked like to him. For some reason when it came to Primrose Everdeen, he could never be himself, as he was too caught up in trying to be everything for her. He was beginning to realize that he was good enough as he was. In the back of his mind, he was getting nervous. He had wanted to kiss her for quite some time and he was not disappointed. She was sweet and he just hoped he didn’t screw things up for them. His heart wouldn’t be able to function if she rejected him. It would just stop.