Everthorne

Chapter 18

Katniss's POV

I wake up screaming and thrashing. I remember the horrifying image that ran through my head earlier which makes uncontrollable tears run down my face. I roll around my double bed, crying. I wish someone was here, I wish someone was here to comfort me. I fold my legs underneath me, burying my face in my knees. I hear loud thumps becoming louder every second. I hug my legs in fear.

The thumps stop, then the door opens. It's Gale, the thumps were Gale.

"Katniss!? Are you ok?" He asks in panic. I let go of my knees, in attempt to look confident.

"I'm fine, just a bad dream," I say surprisingly calmly. Gales shoulders relax in relief. I hear him breathe out slowly.

"Are you sure you're ok?" He asks.

"I'm fine, you can go now," my voice breaks without meaning, making it sound like I've been crying. Gale turns around, then hesitates.

"You've been crying," he says with his back turned. I try to cover it up by coughing.

"No-o," my voice breaks again and a couple of tears escape my eyes. He turns around. "Katniss-"

"Will you stay with me?" I ask before I can stop myself. I imminently regret it, I don't want to force Gale into anything. I sit there awkwardly, waiting for a reply.

"I will," he says. I let that process in my brain. Peeta has just died and I'm sleeping with another man? Well, he is my best friend, and I can't let Peeta's death control my life. I hear the spring of the bed as Gale gets onto it. I feel Gale's weight shift as he lays down beside me. His hand brushes my shoulder, since it's pitch black he can't see anything he must be looking for me. His hand slides down my body and I feel him lay down beside me.

Gale gets into a comfortable position with me in his arms, my head resting against his chest. A twinge of guilt pinches my stomach, It feels like I am betraying Peeta by doing this. Gale wraps his arms around me. His arms are steady and strong, making me feel protected from the evil outside. It's something I never felt from Peeta, when he slept with me it felt like I was protecting him, not him protecting me.

"Good night," he whispers in my ear, his hot breath tickling my ear. I feel a smile creeping up my lips.

"Good night," I whisper back. I close my eyes and fall into a deep sleep.

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Authors note

Sorry, short update! I have been really focusing on my other book Holding On, and I have finally finished it! Please give that a read.

I finally got the Everthorne plot on track and I have really big plans for this book :) - Hanna