Everthorne

Chapter 20

"We're going to have to do a blood test to see if she's alright," says the doctor. I nod in agreement. Rue shivers in fear.

"Do we have to mummy?" She asks. "Yes Rue, we have to make sure your fine," I reply. This seems to comfort Rue but she still looks in fear.

"And I suggest leaving her in the hospital for the night, just in case the pain gets worse," the doctor says. I nod sadly, I can't believe this is happening to Rue. Rue's crystal blue eyes turn to me. I wrap my arms around her protectively.

"Ok then," I say. I stand up and lead Rue out of the checkup room. I open the pale white door and meet Gale on the other side. "Gale, thank god your here," I sigh. The doctor walks towards Gale. "Is this your husband?" He asks. I feel a sick feeling in my stomach after he said that. Peeta is my husband, not Gale. Gale can't be my husband, he's not Peeta. No one can replace him, Gale is my...

"Friend," Gale says. The doctor nods. "Oh alright then, sorry about that," he says. I take a deep breath and relax my shoulders, it's scary how a tiny statement can make me this angry.

"I gave a message to the nurse to take Rue to her bed, but I would like to have a quiet word with Katniss please," he says. He steps back into the room gesturing me to come in. I shoot Gale a grateful look then walk into the checkup room.

The doctor shuts the door behind me then begins.

"Rue's pain, I'm afraid it's worse then we think," he says worriedly. "This is a common symptom to many diseases and illnesses, but one that seems mostly likely is brain cancer," he says. I feel a pang of shock in my chest. "Although I could be wrong," he says before I can process my feelings. "We have no proof, I could be overreacting, I just wanted you to know why we are making Rue stay here," he says. I feel the shock simmer a bit, but not enough. My breath feels heavy and my chest feels like it would drop. Rue could have brain cancer, this can't be happening. I grab my locket and spin it in my fingers. There is still hope, he could be completely wrong I tell myself just calm it Katniss.

He leads me out of the room and takes me to Rue's plain white bed. Rue is sprawled on it, Gale kneeling over her, whispering something. Rue bursts out in laughter, a soft bell like sound, while clutching a bright k teddy bear. Rue notices me, then smiles showing off her pearly white teeth.

"Gale bought me a teddy!" She laughs. I smile slightly, then walk up to my daughter and brush her cheek. "How are you feeling?" I ask softly.

"Good," she says. I notice a slight crack in her high pitched voice which makes me doubt her. "You sure?" I ask. Rue lowers her eyes off me nervously. "What is it?" I ask again.

"I'm scared," Rue says. Her eyes fill up with clear liquid. "I don't want to stay here, I wanna go home," she says as she wipes her teary eyes. I feel sadness fill up in my veins, I want to take her home. But you don't know whether the pain is coming back I tell myself, it could be worse then you think.

"We have to stay,"

"Why?"

"Because..." I start.

"Rue, listen to your mother, she knows what's best for you," Gale interrupts. Rue turns her head towards Gale and nods slightly. I give Gale a thankful smile then turn to Rue. "Rue, it's going to be fine. We'll be back tomorrow and the doctors will take good care of you," I reassure her. I pull her into a long hug, letting her sob in my chest. She grips onto me like it's the last time she will ever see me.

"Be brave Rue," I say as I let go of her fragile body. I watch as she wipes her tears and rubs the scars around her wrists. "I will," she whispers. I leave the room slowly, letting the drops of sadness and tiredness fill me up. I leave a little room for the bursting hope I have left, I let myself think over the possibilities.

"Gale, thank you," I say all of a sudden.

"For what?" he questions. I look up at his pale grey eyes, filled with hope.

"For everything," I say. Gale's eyes flicker.

"For keeping Rue and Prim safe, for keeping them happy... for keeping me happy," I say nervously. Gale grabs my hand and gives it a light squeeze. He stops walking and turns to face me straight in the eyes.

"I can't lie anymore, I just can't," he says confidently.

"Katniss, I am confused. One day you mourn over Peeta and then the other you seem like you have moved on," I flinch at the mention of my husband. Not many people have said his name after his death. "I just want to know whether you are ready, you know...to move on," he says. I let my brain tick over his question. I haven't thought of it myself, am I ready?

"I... I think I am. I just don't want to cry anymore," I say.

"I don't want to let his death control my life," I say. Gale's determined eyes dull a bit, but obviously not enough. He grabs my cheek and gently pulls me closer. His warm touch calms me, I can feel his warmth spread over my whole body. Just as we are almost touching, I pull away sharply. The image of Peeta's smiling face as we pulled out of our kisses burns in my mind. I try shake it out but it is still there, tormenting me.

Betrayal, that's what you did Katniss. I am your husband not him I hear Peeta say in my head. You betrayed me Katniss, I will never forgive you for this.

"Katniss?" I hear Gale say. I snap my eyes open, wanting the voices to disappear from my head. "I betrayed him," I say. Gale lets go of my hand sadly. "Peeta... Peeta," I mutter.

"Katniss! You have to let him go! What would have Peeta wanted? For you to mourn forever or live a happy life?" He shouts. Luckily, no one is in the hallway to hear us. I feel anger boil in my chest as I process what he just said.

"Who says I would be happy with you? Who said moving on would make me happy?!" I yell back. I let my anger spread through me and into my words. "Why would I ever want to be with you Gale!? All you ever do is feel jealous and try to get me with you! GO BACK TO DISTRICT TWO!!" I yell again. I feel the anger and distaste stain my mouth, like I just ate something nasty. I don't let that bother me. I spin on my heels and storm off through the exit, leaving Gale all alone. How he should be.

A/N

I'm so sorry I haven't updated for so long! I have been taking a break off writing to relieve some stress for a while, plus I had really big writers block. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter and updates will be more rapid, I promise. If you enjoy this book please take some time to read Harsh Memories also about the Hunger Games, Holding On which is more about real life and check out You are the first one which is a short random story based on a dream I had once. Don't be afraid to comment tips and suggestions, and I don't mind harsh advice. Vote and read on my children :) - Hanna

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