Thanks to the company of Haymitch and the astonishing progress of their own relationship, Katniss slept better than usual. But by this point, she knew his presence was rather beneficial. And now armed with the knowledge that he shared the same feelings for her, she felt even more happy than usual that night. Katniss rested her head in the crook of his shoulder and fell asleep quickly and soundly. Without needing to worry about a line to tip toe around, she could relax much easier around Haymitch without thinking she was getting too close or intruding somehow. Katniss wasn't the only one getting to curl up with someone they loved. Gale knew he and Prim could come out of this much stronger for themselves, each other and those around them. Once Prim was settled, he closed his eyes and turned off the lights in the room so they could get a full night's rest, even though come dawn, nothing would really be asked of any of them. And with any luck, he and Prim would get to spend time together without Katniss prowling around like a territorial shark.

When morning arrived, said dark haired girl was not so eager to actually get up and be a productive member of society. Firstly, the society she was in was pretty terrible but secondly, she was too comfortable being wrapped in Haymitch's cozy arms. She felt spoiled and privileged that she got a chance to see him sleepy. It was a bit like when he got drunk but much cuter and more fun to tease. And now that he didn't drink anymore, she was amused to get to see a rare side of the usual stoic mentor. Before either got out of bed, Haymitch did mention that he was looking forward to seeing her tonight which caused her to grin and call him a pervert before she headed off to get dressed. Meanwhile, Gale and prim had a similar lazy start to the day. The more he woke up to the beautiful blond, the more accustomed he became to spending nights with her which would be problematic but he didn't really care.

Gale pressed his lips to her forehead and soon the pair separated to get ready. Gale spent the morning lifting weights and then took a shower. In the afternoon he settled in the living room with some books while the others roamed around, napping, chatting and sometimes looking to the tv which they had kept on most of the day in the living room which was covering several topics while leading up to the coverage of the Ball. Gale kept glancing at Prim, trying to picture what she might be wearing. He thought of something teal or perhaps grey or maybe even pink but he knew whatever it was, he would love it, just as he loved her. The group had a late lunch together which was laid back, a continuing theme throughout the day. He and Katniss spoke now and then but it seemed everyone was just content to laze about without bringing up the stress of the Games or drama or the Ball itself. When the stylists and their crew arrived, Gale and Haymitch were quarantined off to another part of the floor so Gale just gave them wave before he was dragged away.

Fancy attire wasn't something he bothered with. Even if he had the chance to dress better like Peeta, he still wouldn't. There was no point or use to it but for tonight, he did want to look good for Prim and represent their district. He was quickly dolled up like Haymitch and the end result was a handsome looking young man. [url=http://thebestfashionblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Mens-Everyday-Pantsuits-in-Digel-Spring-Summer-2013-Lookbook-3.jpeg]He[/url] had on a deep blue suit and a sea-foam colored tie. His undershirt was a simple white and he on black polished [url=http://shopbuy.org/static/category/original/dress-shoes/mens-dress-shoes_LRG.jpg]shoes[/url] which matched his belt. His look was modern and polished. His hair was trimmed slightly but not slicked back because it was decided it made him look like some cheesy con-man. Gale buttoned one button on his blazer and looked to Haymitch who had just finished getting ready. Peeta was done too and had on something less fancy than either of them but it was likely due to his role of mentor wasn't meant to draw attention to himself. This night wasn't about him and Peeta was hopeful that he'd be able to get done what needed to be done.

"Yes, I have a feeling this could take a while." He smiled at Haymitch. Effie showed up looking extravagant as ever, which didn't surprise Gale all at but being a gentleman, he complimented her anyway, even if she looked a bit like a flower and less of an actual person. He didn't see why she needed or even liked to hide herself behind piles of make-up and clothing. Effie was a good person and should have more pride in her own beauty but tonight wasn't about of that so he just said something simple and the trio of men were off to the Ball. Gale was getting anxious, wondering what Prim looked like. The three made light chat about the food they might serve and what the girls might look like. When they got to the lobby, someone was there to take them away and Gale pocketed a hand, hoping that the night would go smoothly. When they arrived, they were taken to a large room. There was an area for outside dancing and dining.

The room was decorated with reds, golds and silvers. There was plenty of space for doing anything and there was already a crowd of people dancing or off to the side eating. There were people outside under a large tapestry which was held up by large black and gold marble pillars. Everything oozed lavishness and Gale was feeling pretty out of place. He noticed Johanna in a leather dress, it had a short cut and she seemed to be chatting with someone. When he looked to his right, Peeta was no longer there and he assumed he was already off to check on the others. Gale then looked to his left and saw Haymitch still lingering near the entrance, the pair clearly not wanting to go too far without their unspoken dates. Gale wasn't sure what Katniss and Haymitch were up to but he had noticed them more casual around each other during the morning and afternoon. It was curious but he was just glad they weren't fighting. He had no clue that their fighting could be something like pent up sexual frustration or something. 

Back in the suite, Cinna took Katniss aside since Portia could handle Prim. Cinna had help get Haymitch ready as he oversaw the selected attire. He was sure that he and Katniss would great together. Katniss was seated as he began to work on her hair first. "So any news with you and Haymitch?" Cinna asked as they got started. Katniss blushed and kept her lips pressed together. "I'll assume something [i]did[/i] happen, well I'm happy for you both...you've both been through so much and if you two are happy, then I approve." He laughed as he finished with her [url=http://laceandbuckles.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Jennifer-Lawrence-as-Rosalyn-Rosenfeild-in-American-Hustle.jpg]hair[/url] which was up and had a wavy strand hanging down. Her brown hair had been curled and tucked carefully up in several small buns and a black mockingjay pin was settled off to the side of her updo, opposite of the dangling bang. She had on minimal make-up since she insisted she wanted to stay recognizable. Once that she happy with her silver smokey eyes and black mascara, he slipped her into her dress. Katniss was happy to not deal with eye liner as it just reminded her of Johanna. 

The stylist stepped back and began to slip on her shoes while she looked at herself in the half mirror. Cinna saw she was speechless which he took as a good thing from her. Speechless Katniss was far different than one holding her tongue. He was done and finished the look with a black pearl and silver [url=http://www.blissalamode.com/image/cache/data/bracelets/BRACELET%20-%20Black%20Pearls%20and%20Beads%20750-225x225.jpg]bracelet[/url] on each of her wrists. He took her hand and helped her to her feet and spun her around slowly so he could admire her as well as his hard work. "I don't know what to say." Katniss laughed a little. She felt different but she still felt like herself, even if she was showing more skin than she was prepared for. It was still tasteful and classy while having a mature sort of sex appeal. Her [url=http://lovetastegirl.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/elegant-long-black-evening-dress-on-one-shoulder-2013.jpg]dress[/url] was black with a slit off centered which went from her lower thigh to the floor. Thanks to that, you could see her [url=http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/m1Ym-gGiVwv5ofmtbuFB4Fw.jpg]silver shoes[/url] which wrapped around her lower calves, showing off her slim form and curves. Her dress had small details of silver flourish and the one strap helped keep the attention on her as a whole, rather than just bits of her while also giving her an interesting back design. He ushered her out of the room and Katniss looked up to see her sister dressed up.

"Not really, not like you." Katniss smiled sheepishly and nervously wrapped a finger around her strand of hair. "You look fantastic...all grown up." Katniss gushed.

"Hey, no crying, or I'll have to redo the make-up." Cinna warned and Katniss let out a mix of a laugh and cry. She hurried over to Prim and hugged her gently, not wanting to ruin anything. 

"You look wonderful the dress is perfect for you. Gale is going to...well...he might faint." Katniss joked and looked at Prim up and down, starting to realize her sister may be younger but she was still a woman and a beautiful one at that. "Come on, the boys are waiting and we don't want anyone getting to them before us." She said and grabbed Prim's hand as the ladies headed down to the Ball via the glass elevator. Katniss found herself getting nervous and almost wondered if she should just duck out and pretend to be sick but that wasn't possible when an official was there to escort them across the building to where the party was being held. Having let go of Prim's hand by now, Katniss decided to let Prim go off and enjoy her time with Gale, so she could enjoy some time with Haymitch. When they arrived, many of the guests turned to see the girls as they were one of the stragglers. Katniss didn't really enjoy the eyes on her but she knew she had to play along. She spotted President Snow off at the large stage and podium which was made of polished black and gold marble. He eyed her and Prim before he resumed chatting with those with him. Her expression darkened but before she could do anything, the boys approached them.

"Wow." Gale said. "You two look amazing, beyond amazing." Gale said and unpocketed his hand and glanced to Katniss. She looked so grown up but then again, so did Prim. He looked at her up and down a few times, trying to take it all in. Her hair looked great, her make-up was good, her dress was lovely, Gale was pretty damn happy at the moment and didn't waste any time grabbing her hand and heading off to the side where they could get something to eat and converse without so many onlookers. "You know this wouldn't look nearly as good on anyone else." He grinned at Prim as he still held her hand in his. The Ball may be stupid but he was thankful he was there. As far as he was concerned, she lit up the entire room when she walked in and he was glad he got to be her date. "Thankfully tonight we get to have some fun." He said, sure that not many people would think twice about him and Primrose dancing and getting close. They were in the same district and people probably didn't mind them sticking together. Either way, he wasn't letting her out of his sight because he couldn't take his eyes off of her.

Watching Prim and Gale head off, Katniss realized she had been too nervous to even say he looked too, which he did. Snow was around and Katniss knew he was making a statement when their eyes met. She would make him pay for just looking at Prim, let alone involving her in a fight that wasn't hers. But when she turned her attention to Haymitch, that anxiety evaporated. He looked pretty damn handsome and she had a feeling Cinna was part of that ploy. "You clean up pretty nicely." Katniss smiled slightly as she tried not to fidget too much. The only upside to any of this was that she got to see Haymitch and get close without anyone thinking much of it. And that's all she really wanted. The dark and grey suited him well and actually managed to show off his form, unlike his usual suits. She leaned over so she could say more discreetly, now that she was feeling a bit more bold, "Not sure how I'm going to dance with you and keep my hands where they should be." She grinned a bit.