It's Always Been You

Chapter Twenty Five; Sense of Security

"What is there to talk about, Gale?" I ask, walking quickly with my bow in hand. "You made it pretty clear that you're not going to support me through any of this. Maybe Peeta really is the only person I have left."

"Katniss, stop it. I apologized so many times. I just miss my best friend. You're seven months pregnant and these may be the last chances we have to hunt together for a long time. Just please forgive me."

I stop, turning around and letting out a huff. "Give me a reason why I should forgive you. You lashed out at me for having sex with my husband. You've ignored me for the past four months because I'm pregnant. Now, though, you just want me to forgive you like that?"

"I lashed out, because I was supposed to be the one to take your virginity, Katniss. We talked about it. I fell in love with you." Gale's voice fades out, and he comes close to me. I don't know what comes upon me, but I let him. He grasps my hand, and brings it to his lips and kisses it softly. "I wanted children with you."

"Things changed. I changed." I pull away from his grasp, walking away. "I changed, and now, I love Peeta."

"That's how it has to be, and I know that. Peeta's a nice guy, and if we have to act like cousins, so be it. I want you as my best friend, nothing more. I want you to be happy. Just... please let me kiss you goodbye."

I consider Gale's feelings. I think about how I felt after I returned from the games the first time; how I wanted nothing more than to be with him and not Peeta.

I nod my head slowly, Gale's face coming closer and closer until our lips meet, and he deepens the kiss. However, for some odd reason, my eyes don't close. I feel empty when he kisses me...for the first time, his kiss has no effect on me because I love Peeta.

When he finally pulls away, I nod. "I should get going."

"When will I see you again?" Gale asks softly. I can see the trace of a single tear on his cheek. I wish I felt sorry for him, but I don't. I love Peeta.

"Soon. The next time I see you, though I'll be a mother."

+++

I don't want to go home to an empty house. Prim is at school, and talking to my mother right now is the last thing I want to do.

I decide to go to the bakery. Peeta gets off early today, and I want to talk to him. I have to.

The walk isn't far, but I can't help but be intimidated as I step through the doors. I shudder just thinking about Peeta's mother, but Peeta told me that she was sick, so she wasn't working this week.

"Zemel." I say as I nod to Peeta's oldest brother. He smiles, holding his hand out, and I shake it.

"Katniss, how are you? Peeta is in the back. He's just finishing up."

"Thank you. And I'm well." I say, smiling slightly. I take a seat at the counter, toggling with the ring on my finger.

"Hello, Katniss." Peeta's father says when I catch his eye. I smile.

"Hello."

"How are you? I see your getting a lot bigger. How has your pregnancy been?"

"I've been good." I whisper. "I'm seven months now. I don't have much time left, really, and there's still so much to do." I say, realizing Peeta and I haven't even set up a nursery yet.

"Oh, well best of luck to you two." I open my mouth to speak again, but I am interrupted by Peeta coming out from the back room.

"Oh, Katniss. I wasn't expecting you." He says. I press my lips together. "Ready to go?"