The dance floor was slightly crowded, but Prim didn't really mind when she was there with Gale. It was as though the two of them were in their own world, separate from the Capitol and its tricks, and set apart from the lavish festivities of the ball. Katniss's sentiment earlier in the week had been correct—Prim did look at Gale as if he was the only person in the room. Her blue eyes had taken on a softer look as his hand found hers and her waist, while her own hand settled easily onto Gale's broad shoulder, the moment was perfect, even if the circumstances were still questionable. “It doesn't feel weird to me,” she said, shaking her head slightly. The concept was, but Prim was happy to be dancing with the man she loved, even if they were there by the Capitol's design. 

The two swayed easily to the delicate music, and Prim actually giggled as Gale spun her. She hadn't been expecting that move, and she had to resist the urge to kiss him once they were dancing face to face one more. It wasn't a good idea to reveal their relationship at the ball, or at any time if she were to be perfectly honest. The tributes who were there with them all wanted to go home just as badly as the next person, and love was an easy thing to use against someone else in the arena. Above all else, even if Peeta's plan failed, Prim wanted Gale to be safe—she wanted him to go home and live a happy and full life. Unconsciously, she pressed herself a bit closer to him as they danced.

On the other side of the hall, Haymitch was also surveying the party-goers. He could see Johanna and he noticed that she seemed to be acting a little different, but the older man attributed that to the copious amounts of alcohol that were being passed around by the Avoxes who were serving as waitresses and waiters that evening. After Katniss agreed to get a drink with him, Haymitch took his focus off of Johanna and returned it to Katniss. With her by his side, it was easier for him to stay sober that night and it wouldn't have made any sense for him to start drinking again when the Games were so close and he had made such astounding progress. This was only one night, and Haymitch didn't want to ruin it by turning into the drunken mess he once was.

Once Katniss had gotten her drink, and Haymitch got a sparkling water, he clinked his glass against hers. “Cheers,” he smirked and took a drink. As they stood there, he followed her eyes over to Prim and Gale, who seemed to be having a great time together. Haymitch was still proud of himself for being the first to discover that they were a match for one another. “Why can't you believe it?” he asked, chuckling as he took another drink. “They're always this way. It's to show everyone else how much better they are than the districts.” He took another look around and found that President Snow was still distracted with his company, not paying specific attention to anyone else.

Again, his concentration was broken by Katniss, something he didn't mind very much. Going outside and getting away from the calamity of the ball was infinitely more appealing than standing around at the bar and being tempted with liquor. He lead the way outside to a quiet spot in the garden full of different colored flowers and all kinds of plants. It was another beautiful night, pleasantly warm with the moon overhead and surrounded by stars. “We're going to have to go back in at some point,” he mentioned, although he wasn't in any hurry and settled for putting his arm around her shoulders.

Back inside, the song was starting to come to an end, but Gale had altered Prim to something going on with Johanna. As he spun her around, Prim saw that Johanna was moving and she assumed the same thing that Gale had—this was the start of Peeta's plan and she too wanted to be out of the way. It was best that no one suspect them of anything, especially not Snow. “Good idea,” Prim smiled, wanting to end their dance with a kiss, but she resisted. There would be plenty of time for that after the ball.

After leaving the dance floor, Prim followed Gale over to an area where food and drinks were being served. Prim wasn't all that hungry, but she took a few of the offered foods and one of the fluted drinks that were being passed around. The liquid inside was a pale pink and very fizzy, it tickled her nose when she took a drink, and the flavor of it was sharp and sweet at the same time. The blonde girl had never had a drop of alcohol before, and one drink was sure to be enough for her. The ball was the perfect place to try new things, but Prim had no desire to go overboard. “This isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be,” she said as she lead Gale over to one of the tables. “Are you having fun?” She wanted Gale to enjoy himself, even if he didn't want to be there.