So, basically I've always wondered about any sort of interaction between Gale and Peeta, and while thinking about it, I assumed that this conversation would come up at sooner or later. Katniss and Peeta's families are in the room too, along with Haymitch and Johanna because, well, it makes it that much funnier(: Enjoy!
The avox dressed in white approaches us, holding a bottle of wine in his hand. Would you like some? He says with his eyes. I nod and look around the room. Sitting in a large booth is my family, minus my somewhat overbearing mother. Why isn't she here? I tell myself I don't care, and neither does she. Mrs. Everdeen and Prim sit in another booth across from them. They seem somewhat uneasy, and that's when my eyes settle on Haymitch, ushering the alcohol-bearing avox over to him. I'm sitting in another booth, my eyes trained on Gale Hawthorne sitting across from me. I suddenly realize that we're the reason for the heavy atmosphere in the train car. I guess I had always known we would meet up again someday, I had just some other time besides on the train on our way to the Capital for the 5 year anniversary of the rebellion. It seems like nothing's changed…Katniss and I are still broken, although we have slowly, slowly started to heal each other. Oh, and then there's the fact that I sleep in her bed every night.
Johanna Mason is lounging on a booth, wine glass in one hand and remote in the other. She looks from Gale to me, then back to Gale, then back to me, all over again. She clears her throat.
"Hey blondie, I think these two fine gentlemen need some more wine." She addresses the avox. He nods and walks over to us. My family is turned around in their seats, and so is Katniss's. Great. Just great. Johanna clears her throat louder again this time, and Gale narrows his eyes at her. It's clear that there's something going on between them.
"So…Mellark." He says. I down my glass of wine with one gulp and hold my hand out for more. He does the same.
"So…Hawthorne." I mimic him, although I don't sound quite as deadly. Gale clears his throat and we meet each other's eyes for the first time today.
"Can I ask you a question?" He says slowly.
"Shoot." I say without hesitation. Gale bites the bottom of his lip.
Haymitch snorts. "Just get it over with already, you little wussies."
Gale looks me strait in the eye. "So, are you screwin' her?"
Johanna spits her mouthful of wine all over herself. Mrs. Everdeen clears her throat quietly and shifts uncomfortably in her seat, whilst Prim has turned a bright tomato red. The avox has managed to spill wine all over himself. My father stares intently at his shoes. Both of my older brothers laugh loudly and shake their heads. I down yet another glass of wine.
"Never in my life have I imagined having a conversation quite like this with Gale Hawthorne, out of all people." I say to myself.
Gale doesn't hesitate to respond this time. "So you are screwin' her." He says. As if it needs to be repeated.
"Well, we haven't had time to visit the newly built District 12 library quite yet, if that's what you're getting at." I smirk. Two can play at this game, Mr. Hawthorne. My brothers laugh even louder.
Haymitch looks between Gale and I, trying to catch his breath from laughing so hard. "This day just got a whole lot better!" He says enthusiastically. Mrs. Everdeen clears her throat loudly, and shifts in her seat yet again.
Johanna stands up, brushes herself off, and says, "I don't know about either of you, but I'm going to go eat dinner now while I proceed amuse myself with thoughts of this rather entertaining conversation I've had the pleasure to witness." And with that, she turns on her heal and walks out of the room.