Gale's Fate Awaits [On Hold]

Part 7: We've got a big, big day!

I roll over in my sleep, bumping into someone. It must be Posy, she's probably having a nightmare. I roll to face her, keeping my eyes shut. An arm wraps around my middle, pulling me close to her. I open my eyes and instead of seeing Posy's straight blonde locks, I see Katniss's curly brown hair fanned out on the pillow. I remember now, she came to me, to sleep in my bed. The thought fills me with excitement. A jolt of electricity shocks me where her palm and arm touch my bare stomach. I slide my hand over hers, my back to her. I smile at the wall. I know I shouldn't be smiling, I mean, in just a few days we'll be fighting to the death in the Arena. Kids killing kids. I push the thought away and close my eyes. Where her skin touches mine, a current rushes through me. I think of the days we spent together, hunting and laughing. Eventually, I fall back asleep.

I heavy knocking and Effie's shrill voice pierces my sleep.

"We've got a big big day! Get dressed!" She shrieks. I groan and look next to me. Katniss is asleep, her head next to mine, her arm across my bare chest.

I shake her gently, "Catnip, time to get up." I coo. She cringes and sits up, yawning.

"Hey Gale," She says, her voice soft and relaxed.

"How'd you sleep?" I ask, concerned. I hope she didn't mind.

She looks confused before realizing, "Oh! It was the best sleep I've had in a long time." She says. I nod, "Me too."

And it was. I've never slept so peaceful, unscathed by the nightmare of being Reaped, or caught hunting in the woods.

She stands up, "Well, I guess I should go change for Effie's 'big, big day!'" She says, throwing her hands up.

I smile, "Okay, see you later, Katniss." She smiles at the ground and leaves. I change into the prepared outfit for the day. It's red and black, made of stretchy material. I pull them on with the shoes I was provided and go to breakfast. I am pushed down into a seat next to Effie and Katniss, as far from Haymitch as possible, I guess.

Effie smiles in my direction, "Gale, darling! How nice of you to show up! Katniss was just telling us all about you! She says you have a talent for snares?" She waits for my response.

I nod, "Did she mention that she's a pro with a bow?" I ask.

Effie turns to Katniss in astonishment, "No! She said she wasn't an expert on any weapons." She says. Katniss' cheeks redden and I smile at her.

"She used to practice in the meadow by her house." I say. "We both did." I admit.

Effie smirks, her bright orange lips curving, "Is there something going on between you two?" She questions, pointing to me and Katniss.

"What?! No..." I say, wishing it were true. I wish Katniss was mine. She shakes her head minutely, a sad look on her face. What does that mean? Why is she sad?

[A.N.    I had no idea what Posy looked liked...I made her a lot different from Katniss though...She's blonde with straight hair! Opposites!]