Always

Chapter 2

I woke up the next morning to an empty bed, as always. I intertwined my fingers with the sheets and let out a halfhearted sigh. Pressing my palms into my eyes, I attempted to rub the sleep out of them.

Memories of him flooded through my mind, his smile, his eyes, his gentle nature. I didn't even notice the tears flowing from my eyes until I faintly heard a knock from downstairs.

Sniffling and wiping the tears out of my eyes, I slipped into a pair of boots and threw on my father's jacket over rumpled pajamas. I gently treaded down the stairs.

I walked apprehensively to the door and opened it, half-hoping it was Peeta himself, waiting there to tell me I was dreaming, and that everything would be fine. But sadly, I was wrong.

Gale stood there, shivering in the cold. His clear eyes pleaded to be let inside and I wordlessly stepped aside as he launched himself in the house. He pivoted and caught my waist, pulling me close.

I felt my expression quickly change to horrified.

"Um, excuse me." I pushed his shoulders back slightly.

He grinned and caught a strand of my hair between his fingers. The smell of oranges filled the room.

"Gale. What are you doing here?"

He paused and his brow furrowed, caught off guard as if he didn't think I would ask.

"Katniss," he started. "I heard about the baby. I know it's been rough for you, but you don't have to do it alone. I think that- that we can raise it together. I want your child to have the best life possible. There's no one else in the world I'd rather have children with."

My eyes widened in confusion.

"Wha- what are you- wha how what??!" I yelled, catching him off guard. "Oh I get it! You're joking! Haha, well not funny, Gale!!"

"Katniss - no- not like - like that. I didn't mean to-" He blushed furiously. "What I meant was that I want to be part of its life. I want to help you get through this, even if I am just the baby's uncle or something. But something this important to you is important to me."

"Oh... Gale, I don't know" I ran my fingers through my hair, not knowing what to do. I couldn't do this on my own, could I?

He bit his lip and stared at the ceiling. "I understand if you don't want me to, but you're my best friend. And I don't want to grow any farther apart from you than I already have."

A small smile found my face. I had my best friend back. "Yes." I decided.

Grinning, he pulled me into a bear hug and whispered, "I knew you'd come through, Catnip."

"But - Gale - I'm so scared. I can't do this without him." I cried into his shirt and he squeezed me harder.

He stroked the top of my head with his thumb and held me at arms length to look at me.

"You are the strongest person I know. You can do anything."

I blinked away my tears and softly smiled. "I can do this. If you're with me."

A huge smile stretched across his face and he backed up a bit farther.

"That's the spirit. This kid here is going to have an awesome mom." he teased, poking my slightly protruding belly.

"And an awesome Gale." I said, laughing slightly, poking his muscular stomach.

He giggled, and quickly stifled it. I laughed incredulously at the girly sound of it.
He went beet red and kissed my cheek.

"You have nothing to worry about Catnip, I'm always here for you."

I batted him away but yanked him in for another hug. Pulling away, I looked into my best friend's eyes and said, "I am so glad that you are with me on this." I stepped back and leaned against the counter.

"I'll be here every step of the way. He would be so proud of you for being so brave."

I nodded. I knew he would be. And I knew that he would've wanted me to keep living.

My smile turned to a sigh and I rubbed my belly. "Your daddy loves you so much."

It almost seemed to flutter in response.