“What? Yes I can dance.” Gale defended himself. His mother taught him. Of course when Katniss was offered the same lesson she just took off, saying it was stupid and that she had better things to do which was a shame. He would have enjoyed dancing with her. But that was years ago now and he was looking forward to dancing with Prim now. Personally, Gale was surprised Haymitch could dance but then again, he supposed the man probably had more opportunities for the activity but he didn’t question it. He didn’t need any lessons from Effie, nor was it something he’d be interested in even if he needed them. Effie was nice but he didn’t need her help. “Thanks for the offer Effie.” He smiled a little.

Looking to Prim, where Katniss remained sitting, she did her best to be patient and supportive, the way any sister was expected to act. Prim fiddled with her words but then finally, and thankfully, came out with the big secret. She and Gale kissed? Katniss wasn’t sure how to react. She saw Gale as a brother and well Prim was her sister and she had told Gale to do what he wanted last night, she just didn’t think Prim and him would have done anything so soon. “...uh wow, that’s...great Prim.” She was torn, really torn. She was of course happy for her sister to experience something so wonderful but at the same time, she was a bit deflated that she thought something similar could have happened between her and Haymitch.

This wasn’t about her though.

It was about Prim and she finally smiled, knowing it meant a lot to the blond. “I’m really happy for you.” She said sincerely. If she didn’t picture it, she would be okay. She stopped twitching and got up to hug her sister. Gale was a really good guy and she knew they cared about one another. She just felt guilty for putting them in the Games. “If he does anything inappropriate, you just say the word,” She pulled away and looked to her. Katniss wanted to protect her sister from any possible form of heartbreak or sorrow. Katniss was once again picturing the two cuddling and kissing and she quickly stepped back. She didn’t need any visual details. Prim was still a baby in her eyes but she knew the girl was becoming a woman.

Oh now she wanted to cry.

“Oh Prim, if you need to talk about anything, you can approach me.” She found emotions swinging back into a loveable sisterly/motherly figure. “Sure I’m not..really...er…” Experienced but she still wanted to be the person Prim could go to. “I love you and I love Gale, if you two make each other happy...I will try not to make too many gagging noises if you guys keep the PDA to a minimum.” She laughed a little and kissed the top of her sister’s head. It was a very bittersweet moment for Katniss. Prim was growing up and it made Katniss so happy but at the same time it made her sad and reminiscence for the old days of innocence. Prim had to hold onto hers longer that Katniss had.

Katniss had killed people, had to take care of her family and Pri was so lucky to not be hindered by the struggle. Even with the Games fast approaching, she hoped Prim and Gale could keep each other safe. And hold onto as much innocence as possible. If those two could get out alive and have some future together, it might all be worth. “Come, let’s eat. Your boyfriend’s waiting.” She teased and ruffled the top of Prim’s hair before she headed out. She was honestly happy for Prim but she had her reservations about Gale now that something had actually happened. On the inside, she was panicking a bit. She knew kissing could escalate and with hormones and boys, she was now beginning to panic a lot.

“Hey Katniss.” Gale greeted and she threw him a very hellish look. He looked to Prim and quickly guessed she had told Katniss. Gale wanted to get up and leave. Though he knew Katniss was okay with it, he was sure she was still uneasy about the whole thing. He muttered something under his breath and Katniss sat down as Prim also sat down. 

“Prim looks nice, doesn’t she?” Katniss spoke up, deciding to have some fun with her best friend. Gale nodded nervously and quickly started to eat. Katniss smirked and started to eat too. “So what were you guys talking about?” She asked and looked to Haymitch next to her.

“The Ball tomorrow night.” Effie smiled.

“Do we have to go?” Katniss asked for the twelfth time. 

“Yes.” Effie said firmly. “You’ll mingle and maybe get a handsome fellow to dance with you. There will be special VIPs from the public who have been given special admittance.” She explained. They were fans who had won tickets to the Ball or had donated to the event itself. Katniss squirmed and took a drink of the fizzling soda. The only person she wanted to dance with was Haymitch but she didn’t see that very likely since neither of them were very social to begin with. She would prefer to just sneak off and people watch from a safe perch where people weren’t watching her.

“I’m looking forward to it.” Gale said and turned to Prim. He had a reason to want to go now. He could see her in something fancy and of course it meant he could fawn all over her and it wouldn’t be too suspicious. He was sure Prim would attract attention but he was hoping that he’d be able to be a bit selfish and keep Prim mostly to himself. He could dance and he was pretty sure Prim knew how to too. There would be lights and everything else too. He was sure it would take their minds off the carnage that was sure to unfold. He also knew Peeta would also be lingering, trying to talk to the others before the opportunity slipped through his fingers.

Their plan would work and he and Prim could actually have a future together. He felt Katniss kick him in the shin and he held back any sign of pain. Had he been staring at Prim for too long? Probably. He went back to eating, rubbing his shin under the table. “So I guess we’ll get to sleep in again tomorrow. I had such a great sleep.” He commented. He wondered if he might be enjoying Prim’s company again but he also figured it might be risky. Katniss might be keeping a closer eye on them now if she knew about them. He understood her worries, they were amusing, but he hoped he could gain her trust sooner, rather than later. He knew Katniss did trust him but he was with her sister now and things were expected to be different.