It's Always Been You

Chapter Twenty; Time

I gaze around the train station, searching for Prim. I hold Peeta's hand tightly behind me, pushing through the tight crowd. I find my way to her, letting go of Peeta's grasp and engulfing her in a hug. "Prim." I breathe, opening my eyes back up and seeing Gale and my mother standing from behind. I look back down at Prim, tears caked on her face.

"I've missed you so much." She says, looking up at me. I smile, kissing the top of her head.

"I'm going to see my family." Peeta says, patting my back. I nod, turning back to my mother, Gale, Hazel, and Prim. I smile.

"Let's get out of this crowd." I say, grabbing Prim's hand as the rest follow me towards home. As soon as we escape all of the commotion, I engulf them all in a hug. "I've missed you all," I whisper, smiling faintly.

I look towards Gale, and bite my lip. All I want to do is talk to him. "Would you all like to come for dinner? Tonight?" I stutter. "Peeta will make us some cheese buns and I'll make stew. It will be a nice way for all of us to catch up."

"That sounds perfect, Katniss." My mother says, kissing my forehead. Prim grabs my hand, smiling widely.

"Please never go away again."

"I wish I didn't have to, little duck." I whisper.

"Well, Katniss, would you like us to meet at your place at 3:00? That gives us all time to get ready." My mother asks. I nod.

"Yes." I say. "I will make sure to let Peeta know."

My mother and Prim walk to their home, and Gale tells Hazel he will be home soon. As everyone parts ways, Gale looks at me, offering me a smile. "Welcome home." He whispers, patting me on the back. I nod.

"Can we talk?" I ask, walking towards my house. "I have to tell you something, and you can't lose it. You can't yell at me and treat me like I'm your property. You're my best friend, and I expect you to be there for me through times like these."

"What is it, Katniss?" Gale asks, frowning deeply. I sniffle, trying to find a way to get the words out.

"You're going to hate me." I whisper, a single tear running down my cheek. "I don't want that. I miss you. I need you to help me through things like this."

"I'm not going anywhere." Gale says. "Even if you didn't want me around, I'd still be here, making sure you're okay. Just because you're being forced with Peeta doesn't mean that I don't still care about you. I'm always going to be your hunting partner. You told me you were marrying Peeta, now I don't see what could be any worse."

"Try me."

"Go ahead."

"I'm pregnant." I choke, breathing heavily.

"You're what?" Gale asks. I can sense the anger filling throughout, but he attempts to stay calm for me. He clenches his fists, releasing and running his hands through his hair.

"I'm having a baby... with Peeta." Gale shakes his head, turning around and punching the wall behind him. "Gale stop acting like that! It's not what I want. I didn't want any of this. Stop acting like its my fault!"

"You had sex with him." Gale whispers, turning back to me, looking me in the eyes. "You aren't a child, Katniss. You know that when you have sex, you get pregnant. Were you thinking about that when you were with lover boy?"

"I wasn't thinking, Gale!" I say, choking up. I let out a short sob. "I wasn't thinking, and now I'm pregnant. This isn't a stupid subject like marriage, or wether or not I love you or Peeta. This is about a baby that I am carrying inside of me that will depend on me for everything. This is my life now. This is my baby. You're either with me or against me."