The Hanging Tree

Chapter 15

I wasn't out for long, maybe for only a few seconds. When I did wake up, Peeta and Gale were screaming at each other. My head hurt from the blow, but it was numbed from the alcohol. I couldn't imagine the pain without it.
I sat up and looked around, I slowly started to stand when two hands helped me up.
"Katniss are you okay?" Peeta said gentility.
"What do you care?" I spat at him.
He didn't respond. Gale pulled me towards him and he looked at me head.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Gale, I'm fine," I smiled at him.
"In fact, I'm great."
I was so drunk that the pain had gone completely. I laughed. The two stared at me but Gale soon joined in.
"What are you two laughing at? Katniss you could be seriously hurt."
"Oh you mean the injury you caused? Peeta, everything was just dandy until you came alone. Maybe you should just leave Hale and I be."
"You mean Gale?" Peeta corrected.
I felt my cheeks heat up.
"Hale, Gale, it's all the same." I waved my hand.
"I'm too drunk to care, anyways." Gale added blandly.
"Like I said, you should just leave, Peeta. Good old Gale will watch me just fine, won't you Gale?"
Gale hiccuped and nodded.
"Fine.. if that's the way you want it. I'll go back to bed then. Good night Ms. Everdeen." he looked hurt but turned away.
Who needed Peeta anyways? I have my best friend and was buzzed, I didn't have a care in the world and I liked it that way.
"Thank's for taking that punch for me, Catnip. That was really sweet of you."
I shrugged. "It doesn't really hurt anyways..."
I looked at Gale differently, I wasn't sure if I liked it but I accepted it quickly.
Too quickly.
Next thing I know I'm locking lips with Gale. I don't pull away, and I don't want to this time. A warm sensation grew inside me, I threw my arms around Gale's neck and his hands wrapped around my waist.
I fell in love, or maybe it was just the booze.