In her mind, she didn’t think seeming weak or as he phrased it, approachable, would help with sponsors. In her mind, they wanted a good show and if she was a fearless competitor, then they’d have to sponsor her, regardless of a pretty dress and fancy footwork. But she didn’t want to tell Haymitch that because the subject was growing old and she would rather talk about anything else or nothing at all when it came to her time with Haymitch. For all she knew, this would be one of the last times they would get to spend together. You never know what the Games would do, it could split them up or any of them could die from some ambush or sneaky alliance formed by those terrible careers.

By now neither of them were doing any real dancing, both just standing like carefully constructed statues. She pressed her lips together, not sure why the silence suddenly felt so heavy. Katniss wasn’t used to such close physical contact and considering it was Haymitch, her brain was having enough difficulty keeping focused and not letting her imagination get the better of her. Only there, would she actually be able to say and do the things she thought about when she thought no one was paying attention to her. He was now staring right back at her and she wasn’t sure what to say anymore. The tone had changed from light to something else entirely and Katniss was wondering if she should just push him away before she did something stupid.

Instead Haymitch was the one who did something. He leaned down and pressed her lips to hers and then pulled away after what felt like not nearly long enough for her taste. Her face turned a light shade of pink and words failed her. At first, Katniss wondered if she had just imagined that because there was no way he would ever do that, surely? Staying perfectly still, she watched him, still wondering if that happened or if her imagination had suddenly gotten much better. As both of them kept quiet, she realized her heart was beating much faster than usual and it dawned on her that the kiss had to be real if it stunned her this much, since usually her mind didn’t just stop and wait for everything to catch up.

Oh. Oh! Her face turned even brighter and she wanted to smack herself, starting to finally understand that he kissed her. He actually kissed her! A million swear words were running through her head since she felt very stupid now. She kept both arms around his neck and decided she would need to double check, just to be sure. Katniss pulled him down to her while she moved to stand on her toes so they could share another kiss. Her fingers brushed against his hair as she closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them, she wouldn’t be back in bed or something. No, she was very certain about her feelings and she needed to make sure he was too. She kissed him with a bit more pressure and need before she stepped back on her feet, keeping her arms around his neck. 

“Looks like...we found a better way to shut each other up.” She opened her eyes and smiled, trying to ignore her nerves. Katniss really hoped she didn’t look as starstruck as she felt because she did not want him holding it over her head. There were some thoughts rattling in her head though, regarding the sincerity of how he felt, because Katniss didn’t want to be some charity or fling because of the Hunger Games but for now, that didn’t matter. Katniss wanted to revel in the safety surrounding her, stay in his arms for as long as possible. Her experience with kissing was limited to people she didn't really share such a strong bond with but she was quite willing to let Haymitch take the lead there as he had done before. 

"I've wanted to do that for...a while." She admitted anxiously. 

A future with Prim was very possible and something he did look forward to if his mind did find itself trapped in a dark corner. A bright future was able to keep him sane and centered, able to banish those moments of weakness and depression. And with the Games approaching with each passing second, Gale needed to believe that the plan would work and that no matter what happened, they would get out together, alive. Though he knew Prim and Katniss loved their home, and it was home to him too, Gale wanted to see what else the world had to offer. 

He wanted to see what the world looked like without it being tainted by the Capitol's hands.

Gale knew neither of them wanted to mention what might happen to things after the plan was executed. It was very possible something bad could happen to all of them. The plan may not work, they might get trapped in the arena or kidnapped. And their home? That might not be standing when everything was all said and done. But Gale still had to believe that Peeta knew what he was doing and made some sort of arrangements for people to be safe, just in case. He knew, deep down he was probably fooling himself but with the rumors going around about riots and unrest, Gale had a feeling a lot of bad things were to come and they couldn't be selfish at a time like this, with just their home being taken into consideration.

Prim turned over on his side to face her and he smiled. There was so much at stake but so much to gain. One of them being actual freedom. It was hard to keep thinking about things going on around them, when the big picture was so bright and blinding. He was glad Prim was with him, that he wasn't alone with some other tribute from their district. Having her with him made things so much better, better than she'd ever know. He moved a little to rest on his side too, so that he was fully facing her. "Once everything happens, we'll be able to see other districts and other places beyond that." He smiled, trying to stay positive.

Katniss and Peeta and Haymitch had the veil lifted from over their eyes. They saw and now they knew what kind of importance a big change could mean to the people of Panem. And he and Prim were also getting to understand that big picture where they might fit into it. Gale closed his eyes for a moment, thinking about when he'd tromp around the wilds and feel so free, without eyes watching him or without consequences of wandering around. Well, there were consequences and the act of that was to become an Avox. But that didn't matter. The past no longer mattered if the future was going to change soon.

"You know, I'm really glad it's you and me." He said and opened his eyes to look at Prim. He figured he could enlighten her on what he had been thinking about. "Not just because I...of how I feel about you." Gale didn't think his declaration of love would be interjected very well. He didn't want all of his new happy memories to be in the Capitol. When he told Prim he loved her, they would be free and he wouldn't have to worry about looking back and seeing her among the darkness. "I mean, this plan is counting on all of us and I know I can trust you and Peeta and well, I don't think I could handle your sister myself." He laughed a little. "We'll get out of here though, we won't have to look back." Gale said. Maybe they would need to return but at that point? It might be different.