the untold tale (A Gale Hawthorne story)

CHAPTER 18

A cold draft wakes me up. The coals in the furnace had already become grey ash and my hands were covered with black soot. For a moment, a sense of calm settles over me. But then a shiver runs down my spine as the memories of last night's dream plague my mind.

I could feel my stomach tightening, the bile rising and taste it at the back of my mouth. I try getting up but realise something heavy lying on my chest. I look down to find Posy curled on my chest. Her tiny hands still clutching my shirt tightly. My ragged breathing evens out. My arms move automatically around her and encircle her slight body with warmth. She relaxes beneath my arms and holds onto my left arm. 

Father wanted always to name one of his children after flowers, but he never got a chance. After the accident, Posy, Vick and Rory were the reason that kept me going. I have to take care of them, protect them from this cruel world, and make sure they don't feel the loss of our father.

Posy mumbles something in her sleep and snuggles closer into my arms. Her pale face is covered with soot, but she didn't seem to mind it. When did she come over to me and fall asleep, I wonder. The cold floor of our house is hard and uncomfortable, but I don't mind it. I lie there for a long time, in no hurry to start another hellish day. 

A while later the sun rays entered our modest home. Posy stirs on my chest, rising slowly and rubbing her sleepy eyes. "You're finally awake Pos. Why didn't you sleep with Mam and the others last night?" I ask her. She pushes herself upright and sits comfortably, then gives me a shrewd look. "You promised to sleep with me, but you didn't come. You are sad. Why?" she asks innocently. 

My heart drops at her words. "That's because you slept before I came home," I tell her, trying my best to keep my voice cheerful. I haven't been taking proper care of our families. I have to stay strong. I have to stay strong for all our sakes. I have to stay strong for Katniss. 

I ruffle Posy's short dark hair and she starts giggling. I lift her small body and take her outside where my mother was doing laundry. She looked shocked when she saw our soot-covered faces. "You're going to take a bath now lady," my mother says. Posy goes stiff in my arms. "But you made me bath yesterday!" she says indignantly. I smile. 

"Well, then you shouldn't have slept with me last night," I tease her. I poke her stomach but she doesn't seem to find it funny. "But Gale!" she wails, gripping onto my shirt tightly, struggling to hold on as mother starts pulling her off me. 

My mother gives me a worried look before carrying away Posy, knowing that I needed space. The moment they disappear into the house, I fall on my knees. The image of Katniss's lacerated body remains burned in the back of my eyes. Closing them seemed scarier than keeping them open. A shiver runs down my spine. I can't do anything now. 

The interviews take place tomorrow, the following day...

I stand up, the elated feeling that Katniss had received an eleven in Training had faded away long ago. I bite my lip. Years of biting down on my lip had left a calloused little part in my lower lip. It didn't hurt.

All I can do is stay strong and endure the pain of the days to come. 

thank u so much for all your support guys!!! stay safe!! Goodnight!

edit: Guys please give me some time. I've got exams coming up so I'll be pretty busy. I'll post as soon as possible.

The next chapter is gonna be fun...its time for the interviews...and let's see how Gale reacts to Peeta's interview! 

wish me luck with my exams!