She didn't harbor much guilt for kicking Haymitch though it may have been a bit too hard, and if it was, then she was sorry in that regard but there was no use apologizing for something you couldn't exactly fix or take back. Right now, they had plenty of other things to talk about, or just pretend didn't exist. The latter seemed much more preferred. Katniss had done a horrible job last year when it came to pretending to be in love, and even on the Victory Tour, she struggled to keep reciting Effie's lines with sincerity and gratitude. She hoped the interviews would go well, she wasn't worried they would mess anything up, but she just wanted to do well, as opposed to scrap by. Cinna was always good with the pep talks and she was sure he'd have some words of encouragement come time to dress up.
But right now, outside with Haymitch, she knew his advice would also be useful and comforting, in his own way. He told her to stay vague, something she had considered. If she didn't lie, she wouldn't have to remember what she said or meant. It wouldn't be easy but she also knew Prim would be a big topic and she wasn't sure how she felt about that. Prim was her sister and she was where Katniss was a year ago, if she talked about the issue for more than thirty seconds, it was likely she'd get more angry as opposed to teary eyed, which wasn't good for their publicity or whatever. Furiously pushing horrible fabricated scenarios from her mind, Haymitch then mused about what he would have to discuss when the lights were finally on him.
His sobriety would probably be brought up as well.
When he then asked why she asked, she found herself a bit taken aback. Katniss was just trying to keep conversation, she hadn't meant anything much by it otherwise. "What?" She spun around and leaned against the rail, her back turned against the shining lights and noises the city created down below them, so far out of reach. "Not really." She shrugged, propping her elbows back on the rail. It still was a bit cruel that Prim and Gale could be more open about their relationship, or at least had a suitable opportunity to do so. But there was no way she'd be able to stop herself from expressing her true feelings when the Games began. She just considered how much it might actually hurt one of them when they had to deny any sort of feelings for someone, anyone. "I just want us to be on the same page, like Gale and Prim." She cleared her throat and glanced off, fighting off jealousy as she headed back inside.
The weather was warm and slightly breezy but Katniss would rather just get under the covers and get some sleep. They've earned it. "Speculating seems pointless though, so we should just get some sleep. I don't feel bad for the Careers who have to get up early and kick the interviews off." She smirked and got into bed.
His arms remained around her, feeling too comfortable to move away from her warmth and softness.
Gale inhaled softly, bringing her scent to the forefront of his nose. She still smelled of home, even though they had been in the Capitol for nearly two weeks. It was reassuring to know that she could still be his anchor in the sea of madness crashing around them. That she and Peeta could help bring them all back to safety, no matter where that happened to be. District 12 or otherwise.
Gale knew they needed to have their story straight, no matter what they intended to tell the next night in front of cameras. That didn't matter but he wanted to figure out a general plan of discretion if they needed one, much like Katniss. "I don't really want to tell them, I'd like to but I'm not bursting at the seams." He tried to phrase it as best he could. He wanted people to know but he also wasn't about to push the matter into the spotlight to create any kind of issue or problem. He didn't want to be compared to Peeta or anyone else, or have people think it was just some trick (though they seemed to buy into Peeta and Katniss's star crossed lovers bit). Either way, Gale was pretty sure that they would need to keep things general for the most part. Prim's general tone seemed to be against making a big deal out of it and soon she gave more of an elaboration as to why.
The lovely lady in his arms then said that she didn't want them to belong to the Capitol, he could understand that. Their privacy though, was no longer sacred like it was back home, and even then, Gale sometimes felt like he was being watched by someone other than the Peacekeepers. He pressed his lips to the side of her face, kissing her softly as she continued to express her distaste for the notion of their private lives being on display and nitpicked. "We can ignore all of them tomorrow night, it can still just be me and you if that's what you want." He told her softly. "Or we can just pretend there's nothing going on and behave ourselves and make sure we're still as well liked as we were at the Ball, you and I both had some admirers." He reminded her sweetly and slowly loosened his grip so he could rub her arm softly.
She then moved to rest her head against him, which he welcomed. "I think talking to Peeta is a good idea. I'd hate for him to scramble at the last minute if he didn't consider a budding romance to flourish right before the Games kick off." He considered. "No matter what, you and I don't need to worry about anyone else who is watching us tomorrow and when the Games begin." Gale told Prim. "We just need to remember who the real enemy is," As Peeta had pointed out on more than one occasion. "and who really matters." He let slowly let go of her but not before moving in front of her and kissing her sweetly before moving to get into bed. He never could have imagined that he'd finally be with Prim in such an intimate manner, he had only wondered when out hunting but now, of all places, being in the Capitol was able to finally bring them together. "We'll talk to him in the morning, for now, this is our time to have." He then pulled her into bed with him.
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