After Mockingjay

Goodbye

After we visit the lake we decide on staying at his house. We stumble through the woods while the sun sets. When we arrive back to the meadow I tell him that I have to say congratulations to Effie and Haymitch.

"I'll come," he grabs my hand and we stroll to haymitchs.

I knock on the door hoping to be Effie. Nope.

"What," he slurs clearly drunk.

"Tell Effie we says congratulations," Peeta says carefully.

"Whatever," haymitch rolls his eyes and slams the door.

I turn to Peeta and we laugh. Haymitch is so rude.

" let me say goodnight to my mom," I tell him.

"I'll come," he offers.

"No, I'll be at your house in half an hour. Ok?" I tell him.

I know he doesn't like me alone at night. I have to do this on my own though. He nods meaning he still thinks this a bad idea. I run to my house. Personally I don't like the dark either. When inside I find my mom drinking a cup of coffee and watching the news.

"Hi," I say stepping in the room.

She opens her arms and I run into them.

"It's okay katniss. I know this is what you want," she coos.

"Good," I say, "I'm going to Peetas."

I leave. In my way to Peetas. I stop and take a breath of the fresh air. This is perfect. Then Gale appears in front of me. Quietly as always.

"What?" I scowl.

"What's wrong?" he asks playing with my hair.

"You," I spit

"Aw come on we are meant to be together," he smiles.

"No, I chose Peeta. Remember I got to chose who I can't SURVIVE without. Yeah, I chose Peeta," I scowl and walk away.

That felt good.I still had a triumphant smile on my lips as is got to Peetas.

"What are you happy about?" He asks grinning.

"Gale," I reply plopping on the couch right next to him.

"Hm?" He asks.

Then I re-tell the story. At the end a smile is creeping on to his lips too.

"So you do chose me real or not real," he smiles.

"Real," I kiss him.

The next morning I went out to hunt really early. I figured that I would be back by the time I woke up. I was wrong. When I got back Peeta was gone too. Oh no. He went looking for me. I run upstairs. Nope.

"PEETA!" I call out.

His voice is distant and I can't make out what he said, but I know it was him. I decide to look outside. I look back and forth as I sprint to my house. He's not there either.

"Peeta?" I yell again.

"Hey," he steps out from the bushes.

No. It's Gale. I roll my eyes and continue. Gosh where is that boy?!

"If you wanna know where he is I'll tell you," Gale whispers.

I wasn't aware he was following me. I sigh and turn around.

"Then tell me," I scowl.

"First, you have to tell me why you chose him," he smirks.

"KATNISS!" Peeta yells.

"Where is he you mutt," I hiss.

"Answer my question," he crosses his arm.

"Why are you acting like a child Gale?" I sigh.

"ARE YOU OK KATNISS?" Peeta screams.

I close my eyes. This CANT be happening.

"WHERE IS HE GALE," I shout as I whisper.

He comes closer. I back away. This repeats itself over and over until I'm corned on the side of an abandoned house. His face is an inch away from mine.

"Answer me," he he breaths.

I cringe.

"Because Peeta is my choice, you can't change that," I spit.

Literally. He backs up in disgust. I sprint Away from this cruel man who used to be my best friend. He grabs my arm and yanks me into a hold that I can't wiggle from.

"Nice try," he laughs a disgusting laugh.

Them Gale is yanked from me and collapses on the ground. Peeta on top of him hitting him repeatedly.

"DONT. YOU. DARE. EVER. TOUCH. HER. AGAIN." He grits his teeth as he punches him one last time.

"Peeta," im crying now.

He helps me up and holds me tight.

"It's ok," he coos.

We stand there him holding me, me bawling next to Gales lifeless body.