Slide Away

t h i r t e e n

"It's time for them to start their life, Hazelle," Rose says, "and as much as I want to be around to see it happen, I think it's time we give them some space."

I nod my head. Maybe she was right. The war was over, there was nothing in the way for Katniss and Gale to start the lives the wanted. With us being here, living with them was just preventing them from doing much.

"We'll talk to them later." I say back. "Explain why we are leaving and that we'll visit."

"You made the right choice, Ell." Rose puts a hand on my shoulder.

"I hope your right, Rose" I whisper, looking out the screen door at the kids.

------------------------------ Gale's POV ----------------------------

Katniss was sick, this morning she was throwing up constantly and wen she tied to get to her feet she collapsed. Thank god I was there after holding back her hair. I easily caught her and helped her sit down once more so she could vomit once again. She refused to eat anything, with just the mention of food you could see she didn't like the idea one bit. Rose checked her temp but there was no fever. 

"How are you feeling?" She asked.

"Nauseous and light headed." Katniss answered. 

"You don't have a temp." Rose frowned.

Katniss only shook her head as she leaned into me more. My arms were wrapped around her waits, helping her stay on her two feet considering she was having a hard time doing so. 

"Odd." My mother looks Katniss up and down.

"Agreed." Mrs. Everdeen nods.

I tighten my arms around Katniss as she turns to face me, her arms wrapping around my neck for the extra support.

"I'm tired." She murmurs, burying her face in my neck.

"Yeah?"

She nods her head.

"Take her on up to bed, I'll go look in my medical book." Rose demands.

I slip an arm under Katniss's knees and keep my other arm by her lower back. She tightens her arms around my neck as I pick her up bridal style, holding her fragile body against mine. I cary her up the stairs and pass a cluster of worry looks from the kids as I make my way to our bedroom.  I lay her down carefully and pray her arms off my neck.

"What do you think is wrong with me?" She asks, running a hand through my hair.

"I don't know." I shrug slightly.

I wish I knew because seeing her like this scared me. Watching her vomit and then push away food and water scared me. There was no way in hell I was going to lose her again, I couldn't lose her again. She was everything to me.

She frowns, "I've gained some weight."

"That's because your eating again." I say.

"True." She nods.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better actually." She sits up. My hand flew to her lower back and she shoots me a look. I raise my hands in defeat. Nobody can't say I didn't try to help her.

"Your head? stomach?"

"I still feel a little dizzy," She says, swinging her legs over the side of our bed. "But my stomach feels fine.

"Do you you want-"

"-Gale Hawthorne you mention anything about food and I swear to god." Katniss glares at me.