Neither her nor Haymitch were ones for sweet talk or sappy romantic displays of affection but it certainly didn't hurt to remind the other that they cared. And Katniss wanted to make sure Haymitch didn't forget that, even if it wasn't the easiest thing for her to let down her guard. But with Haymitch it was definitely easier than most things and actually felt good. Shaking her head, she didn't think anyone else would have the balls to ask her for a dance. "I doubt it." She just to him, a bit amused at the thought of someone actually being disappointed with her lack of interest in dancing. If anyone at the Ball knew her, which was no one, they'd knew not to bother asking her for a dance. It seemed the only guy to not get the message was the exception to the rule. And that suited her just fine. Plus she liked dancing with Haymitch because it meant being close and stepping a bit further away from reality.

He then spun her around and once she was back to facing him, she felt lips against hers for a moment. That was another great perk about dancing and she would take all the positive reinforcement he offered. She grinned and moved her arms around his shoulders now, "You better not dance with anyone else." She couldn't help but protest even when he assured her he felt the same way. Katniss was sure she was the jealous type but that likely stemmed from her loyalty and protectiveness which she couldn't really change easily. When she cared about someone like Peeta, Cinna, Gale, and even Effie, Katniss would do anything to keep them safe and keep them close, because the closer they were, the easier she could actually keep them safe. Of course that was a hard thing to illustrate with the walls crap she built up around her as a means to make sure she didn't end up getting hurt or betrayed.

But now that she had found some honest solace in getting close to Haymitch, those walls were quick to crumble because she wasn't different from anyone else. She wanted to love someone and be loved in return. Even Katniss knew that couldn't happen unless she stopped being so bitchy. His arms slipped around her and she rested her chin on his shoulder, quiet happy where she was. She knew Haymitch had walls of his own and that due to his past, he wasn't eager to get hurt again or watch people leave him prematurely. So she knew that this was as much promising progress for her, as it was for him. As the music changed again, Haymitch said they should be going inside now. She really didn't want to move but she knew he was right. "Yeah...guess we can't put it off any longer." Katniss slowly pulled back and looked around them, no one was paying them any mind but that would all change now. Hopefully she could smile and get done quick enough to earn an early departure from the Ball.

He loved Prim and didn't feel right with putting them in some strange situation. He assumed most people at the Capitol wanted to talk to them about the Games but he hadn't expected the tone of the conversation, as well as the topic, to be so weird. He was pretty sure those two had been hitting on them but he really wanted to chalk it up to something else. Maybe they were drunk and just being overly friendly? When he felt Prim's lips touch his cheek, he quickly looked to her, his worries evaporating. Returning what she had done, he gave her hand a small squeeze. Gale wished he could kiss her the way she ought to be kissed but right now their circumstances couldn't permit that and he wondered how much longer they would need to strut around the room, trying not to gag when it came to making shallow pleasantries.

"Maybe the next group won't be so strange." He tried to assure her, trying to also keep positive about everything. Gale hoped that their next interaction was more relaxed and not too friendly. This time he let Prim guide them and they found a pair of purple people. He was now having second thoughts and gave a quick glance to the woman by his side. Purple wasn't so bad right? Prim began to introduce them but was cut off by the man who seemed pretty excited to see him which was a surprise. He would have thought Prim would have been the object of his happiness. Gale chuckled nervously and used his other hand which wasn't still linked with Prim's, to rub his neck. What did chic mean? He wasn't really sure and had to assume that the man was paying him a compliment. "Thank you." Gale smiled, not too creeped out like he had been a few minutes ago with Sindy and Daviod. "The parade was a lot of fun but I'd say this tops that." He replied, doing his best to be cordial.

Looking to Prim, he tried to keep her included since in his mind, she was more appealing than he was. "Prim and I have been enjoying the food and music a lot." He said and glanced back to the duo in front of them. The male glanced to his female companion and let out a small noise of amusement but Gale wasn't sure how to read it. It didn't seem rude or contrived but it still seemed questionable. 

"Wonderful." The man replied, his eyes still lingering on Gale. "Someone such as yourself deserves to enjoy life's many pleasures." He said. Gale rose a brow, pretty sure he was being hit on, which made him smile a little. Mostly out of awkward bemusement. His thumb rubbed against the back of Prim's hand as he tried to figure out what to say to that. He actually had no idea how to reply to the man. It was flattering but at the same time it was unnecessary since Gale was already taken, happily at that. "Rest assured I will do whatever I can to keep you safe. Comfortable? We shall see." The man continued to say, eyes sparkling. Gale bit his lower lip and offered him a small smile. He had Prim but knew this networking would do them all some good. Whatever Peeta's plan entailed, he needed to have plenty of sponsors at his disposal so that the plan had everything it needed. He then finally acknowledged Prim properly. "You two best keep each other safe, you never know what goes on in the dark when no one is looking."

"Yes, we will." Gale finally found something to respond to. "Thank you..." He licked his lips, wondering if it was time to go or not. "I didn't catch your names actually." He then realized, hoping to maintain the good impression the two seemed to associate with him with.

Walking back into the brightly lit room, Katniss felt tempted to go get something to eat but told herself that could wait since she needed to go chit chat with people she hated, while pretending to love everything about the Capitol. She just hoped the topic of Peeta didn't come up but she was sure it would. She and Peeta had already talked about what she was going to say during the interview but right now, that was the furthest thing from her mind. She glanced around and saw Haymitch sticking close by. She had wondered if he was going to stick by her side as they had to make their rounds. She had assumed so but she felt better to know that he actually was. And it also forced to be be on her best behavior, or something close to it. She spotted Gale and Prim on the other side talking though it wasn't easy through the sea of people dancing and walking around. That gave her more relief as she turned to Haymitch. "Let's get this over with." She muttered, figuring Effie and Peeta were also off trying to show the best side of District 12. Katniss knew she had to contribute if she wanted to keep everyone alive.

Somehow.