Everthorne

Chapter 23

Katniss's POV

I cover the blanket over Prim's sleeping body, giving her a kiss on her forehead. I walk over to Rue, who is sitting up on her bed. "Mummy, what's wrong with me?" she asks, staring off into the distance. I push her softly, to let her lay down. I cover her body with a blanket.

"You're sick Rue, but it's okay now. I've got some medicine to make you feel better," I say sweetly. Rue nods and closes her eyes, drifting off into a deep sleep. I kiss her forehead and walk out of the dark room.

"Katniss," Gale says. I crash into him, almost tripping over, but his hands hold me steady. "I have to tell you something," he says. He grabs my hand, and leads me into the living room, not waiting for me to reply. I feel the usual curiosity overwhelm me, some things don't change.

"What is it?" I ask. Gale doesn't reply, leading my to the very middle of the room. He turns around, his grey eyes showing no feelings. He drops onto one knee, and holds out what looks like a black leather case. Gale opens it, revealing a simple silver ring. I stare at him in shock, what is he doing?

"Katniss, I know you may not be ready for this, but I can't wait any longer. I love you Katniss, and I would like you to be my wife," he says, hope filling his voice like a thick mist. I try to speak, but my throat is closed tight. I open my mouth, and tears fall down my cheeks. I feel a mixture of feelings in my veins, happiness, sadness, excitement, dread. I wipe my tears away, but more come, blurring my vision so I can't see Gale's expression anymore. I sob slightly, I can't believe this is happening.

"Y-yes," I manage out. I cry harder, falling onto the couch. I feel Gale's arms wrap around me, wiping my tears away. I melt into his arms, letting him put the ring onto my finger. The cool metal touches my warm skin, making me shiver. I turn around to meet Gales eyes.

"Thank you," I whisper, our lips centimetres apart. I grab his neck and pull him into a kiss.

Next Morning

I wake up, feeling Gale's bare skin against mine. I smile happily at the sun shining through the curtains. Peeta..Peeta I remember. I no longer feel regret, or sorrow for betraying him like that. I know that he would've wanted me to move on when he died, I did just that.

"Good morning Catnip," I hear Gale say. I smile happily at my old nickname, it brings back the good memories I have had with him. I swivel around to face him, our lips almost touching. "Good morning," I reply, then give him a quick kiss on the lips. He smiles at me, a real smile. I smile back, hugging his body tightly.

"I've got to go check on the kids," I say. I stand up, the bed creaking slightly. I can feel Gale's eyes scan my almost naked body. I grab a plain white t-shirt off the top of my closet and put it on in one swift motion. I notice a pair of jeans laying on the ground from last night. I ignore the jeans and put on a black pair of pants and my fathers old jacket. I smile at Gale and exit the room.

"Mummy what's this" Prim questions standing right in front of me. I look down at her, she's holding the medicine for Rue. I close the door behind me and lead her to the living room. "Sit down," I say quietly, pointing at the couch. Prim sits down, eyes wide at my remark.

"Stay here, I'll go get Rue," I say and then walk away, not waiting for a reply. As I walk over to Rue's door I bump into Gale, who catches me as I'm about to fall. He gives me a bright smile, which I faintly smile back.

"I'm going to tell the kids," I say. Gale nods and let's me go.
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