Even in the Capitol, miracles were actually possible.
When Haymitch looked to her, almost as if to show off or even seek approval, she just returned the smile and looked to see Gale and Prim getting comfortable on the couch with them. If a stranger could see them now, they might mistake them for friends, as opposed to warriors and killers who only sometimes saw eye to eye. Katniss was surprised by how well they were getting along and she didn't want to jinx anything because the more they had moments together now, the easier it would be to keep a level head when the world was on fire and crumbing all around you, creating some real-life hell that only one person could somehow escape from.
The topic moved from Finnick to the event itself and how it wasn't as bad as the Ball. She shook her head. "Nah, it's a lot easier than the Ball." Having now done both, Katniss could say she was feeling more comfortable with the impending interview. Of course she and Peeta had to figure out what she was going to saw because their relationship would be brought up, without a doubt. "You've got nothing to worry about, everyone already loves you." She told her sister. Katniss worried about survival back home but now that they were someplace else, she hoped Prim wouldn't worry about things that didn't matter, that they couldn't readily change. Prim needed to be focused and treat the interviews as another way to survive, give people what they want.
Gale listened as Prim expressed concern about the interviews to which Haymitch had assured her they weren't bad and then Katniss also chimed in. He wasn't worried. He was almost looking forward to it. He could finally have his voice be heard. Of course he thought nothing of the people in the Capitol but he knew that important people were watching and listening too. He had a lot to say when it came to how he viewed the unjust way the big city treated those it relied upon for food and materials. But Peeta had been stern in telling them not to say anything too colorful and to keep things light and casual, to appear human, genuine but also considerate.
But to Gale, he didn't think he owed the Capitol any sort of pleasantry.
They had all been pulled into some shitty situation and were now expected to smile and laugh along with everyone else? How disgusting. For he withheld his contempt for now, like Katniss, he wanted to enjoy the fleeting peace. He felt Prim lean against him and then Haymitch made a comment which surprised him. He knew he and Prim were a bit obvious by now but to hear the man bring it up was still unexpected. He saw Katniss quickly kick Haymitch in the ankle, which he knew meant she wasn't one hundred percent on board with him and her sister. "You think it'll be a good angle?" He asked Haymitch. The more he considered it though, the more the man figured it would be nice to play it up if it meant a better chance for their plan. But even more so, he would happily declare his love for Prim if it meant everyone knew.
"It could make them targets." Katniss quickly pointed out, not wanting Prim or Gale to get too far ahead of themselves. "What?" She saw Gale looking at her. "Any weakness will be exploited, that's not my fault. I'm just trying to look out for you two." She quickly said before Gale or anyone else accused her of being bothered for other reasons than it having to do with the Hunger Games. She was happy for Prim and for Gale but it was proving to be difficult to be happy for them both together, hence the kick to Haymitch for even bringing it up. "Anyway, I'm sure Peeta has a list of things we should and shouldn't do so...just check with him." She glanced to Haymitch, not wanting to necessarily undermine him or his advice but Peeta's thoughts had to be considered too.
"Your list is probably very long, catnip." Gale teased her. He knew Haymitch's suggestion was valid but so was Katniss's, even if she was still getting used to him and Primrose together. He finished his tea and set it down, not feeling like getting up for a refill quite yet. The topic needed to move on though, before Katniss had some kind of mental episode if she kept picturing him and her sister together, holding hands, kissing. "Anyway, I'd like to think we're more in control than other Districts. We at least all know each other and can trust each other but some newcomers and returning Tributes might not see eye to eye." He pointed out their advantage. "I've heard some arguments erupting from the 2 District, as well as the fourth and seventh."
She was very thankful for the change in topic, even if it wasn't that much better.
Katniss glanced back to Haymitch, hoping she hadn't upset him or anything, as she hadn't meant to.
"Well we've also got Haymitch." Katniss pointed out, smirking with a hint of pride sparkling in her eyes.
Gale glanced to Prim, Katniss had been more cheery lately and he figured Haymitch was the cause, somehow.
He didn't need to think about that though, not if his suspicions were right.
"Yeah, and we've got you and Peeta." Gale added. "We're in good hands." He put an arm around Prim.
"You guys will be good." Katniss agreed and bit on her lower lip, wishing she could do something, at least lean against Haymitch or loop her arm in his own. His slight jealousy was something they also had in common. "And the interviews will be painless, and whether you two make your relationship known or not-" She swallowed, trying to stay collected. "you'll be loved and everyone will wonder why Snow has decided to hurt so many innocent people." She pulled herself back in, finding comfort in her resolve as she smiled at them. While their public affection could be weakness, she also knew it could be very strong and she just hoped the odds were in District 12's favor.
The boy at the other end could tell Katniss was thinking about something and he nodded in appreciation. "Snow will be sorry for everything he's ever done." He assured her. Katniss released her lower lip from her teeth's grasp and finished her tea. It was times like this, when she was anxious, that she wished she could hunt. Being in the forest and rambling made her feel at peace and safe but now she wasn't alone and didn't have to be. "After the interviews," He decided to change topic again hoping this attempt would be better. "I'm sure Effie will want to fawn over us but I wouldn't mind if we sat down like this again. It's...nice."
"The view from the roof is actually amazing, Peeta and I used to-" She stopped herself. "We should check it out tomorrow." She just said.
Gale wondered if Katniss hadn't been in a better mood, if they would have ever gone up to the roof. He knew Haymitch was to thank for keeping Katniss sane, especially after the incident at the Reaping and then on the train. An apology was hard enough, coming from any man's mouth but Gale knew he also owed Haymitch some gratitude. "Thanks for uh...thanks for looking after Katniss." He spoke up, leaning over to look at the old man. "I didn't give you enough credit, for all I know, Katniss could be much worse if you weren't here." He said, swallowing a bit more of his pride.
"I'm not a dog who needs looking after." Katniss snapped, pouting slightly but she knew what he meant. Prim and Gale and even Peeta, had been hard-pressed to help her back home and even then, they didn't make much progress the way Haymitch somehow could. "But it's really good to see you two finally getting along." She then looped her arm through Haymitch's.
"Baby steps." Gale rolled his eyes a little and glanced to Prim, hoping she knew how difficult it was to do such a thing, and in front of Katniss and Haymitch no less. Katniss would surely tease him about it for a while but hopefully Prim wouldn't. "But yes, the roof would be a good place to enjoy our last night together." He quickly said.
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