[ For once, Gale doesn’t have to pretend to be happy during all this fanfare. It’s subdued, of course, in his usual manner, but it’s there, out for everyone to see, and his smile is a little brighter as he and Katniss sit with fingers intertwined, talking about the wedding like it’s the only thing on their minds. He’s always loved her, and now the world can see that for what it is - not just a mentor helping their tribute, or even a friend helping a friend. Gale is well aware that she isn’t wholly convinced that this is what they need to do, and honestly, he isn’t either, but this is the hand they’ve been dealt, and it isn’t as bad as it could. He knows that for a fact.
Unfortunately, that’s not the only hand they’re dealt, and when the announcement comes, his breath catches in his throat. Former Victors. That means… Katniss has to go back in. His eyes harden where they’re locked on the screen, mind immediately set on finding a way for them to survive this - for Katniss to survive.
There are two options: either he goes in with her, or Haymitch goes, and he helps from behind the scenes, like last time. Whatever happens, Gale’s already decided that this will be the last Game. It isn’t hard to recognize this as the turning point they’ve been waiting for.
Finally, he turns to Katniss. She looks horrified, and rightly so, but there is only so much either of them can do now, so soon after their wedding announcement, so he goes for the one he knows the crowd will fawn over, and pulls her into a hug. They’re supposed to be hopelessly in love, and now at least one of them will have to face the arena all over again. They’ll need to play this up if they’re going to get through it. ]
Don’t worry, Catnip, [ he whispers, determined as he holds her as tightly as any man who’d just learned his bride is being sent to die would. ] We’ll figure something out.
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Unfortunately, that’s not the only hand they’re dealt, and when the announcement comes, his breath catches in his throat. Former Victors. That means… Katniss has to go back in. His eyes harden where they’re locked on the screen, mind immediately set on finding a way for them to survive this - for Katniss to survive.
There are two options: either he goes in with her, or Haymitch goes, and he helps from behind the scenes, like last time. Whatever happens, Gale’s already decided that this will be the last Game. It isn’t hard to recognize this as the turning point they’ve been waiting for.
Finally, he turns to Katniss. She looks horrified, and rightly so, but there is only so much either of them can do now, so soon after their wedding announcement, so he goes for the one he knows the crowd will fawn over, and pulls her into a hug. They’re supposed to be hopelessly in love, and now at least one of them will have to face the arena all over again. They’ll need to play this up if they’re going to get through it. ]
Don’t worry, Catnip, [ he whispers, determined as he holds her as tightly as any man who’d just learned his bride is being sent to die would. ] We’ll figure something out.