Grey Eyes

"I can't find my game bag!" Gale yelled out to Katniss, who was putting seeds in the bird feeder. "It's on the shelf, next to the matches." Katniss answered him. "What shelf?" Gale called back again. Katniss stomped inside, walked to the shelf Gale was inspecting, and grabbed a large burlap sack. Gale laughed. "Oh, that shelf." Katniss smiled. "The same place it's always been!" She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the lips. Gale hugged her tight. "How's she doing?" Gale motioned towards Katniss's belly. "She was kicking all through the night. I think she's getting ready to come out." Katniss replied. Gale smiled. "I hope she has your eyes." Katniss smiled, too. "Well, if we know one thing about her, she's definitely not going to have light hair." Gale stroked Katniss's chestnut brown hair. "Have you thought about any names?" Gale asked. "I like Prim." Katniss replied. Gale was momentarily stunned before speaking again, "I love that name." Katniss buried her head in Gale's sweater. The smell of roasted coffee beans and pine needles invaded her nose. "I miss her so much." Katniss's voice was strained. "I know" Gale spoke softly. "Me too."

Gale wiped the tears from Katniss's face. He had thought visiting Prim's grave would give her closure, make her feel a little better…but now, he was regretting the decision to go. Gale hated to see Katniss cry and nothing broke his heart more. He watched as she gently placed a dozen primroses on the soft ground. She slowly stood up again, looking like a fragile doll that could break at any moment. He reached for her hand and felt her cold fingers squeeze his. Her small shoulders heaved and he could hear her labored breathing. He grabbed her waist and picked her up. She wrapped her legs and arms around his tall frame and began to sob again. He stroked her back and tried to comfort her the best that he could. She lifted her head and began to speak, "I..I want to…name her...Primrose. Primrose Hawthorne. Do…you think that…sounds okay?" "It sounds perfect." Gale answered, clear and assuring.

The next few days were focused on the baby. Katniss and him picked out the nursery colors and furniture. They bought a crib and toy box that Katniss had seen in a store window. Gale made 8 brightly colored blocks that spelled out PRIMROSE and set them down over the crib. Over the next few days, the nursery was looking better and better until it was finally finished. Katniss and Gale stood and admired their hard work. The room did look very pretty, and with much effort, somewhat girly. Gale was just touching up on the painted butterfly border when Katniss felt sharp pains shoot through her gut. Gale grabbed the hospital bag they had prepared a few days earlier, helped Katniss to the car, and rushed to the hospital. By the time they got there, the nurses had already set up a bed and room for Katniss, and the contractions were 10 minutes apart.

After 11 hours of labor and tasteless hospital food, Katniss was ready to push.

Primrose Sky Hawthorne was born at 11:23 p.m. As far as Gale was concerned, she was absolutely perfect. Katniss cried tears of joy for the first time in her life. She kissed her head and rubbed her fluffy hair. Gale cautiously rocked her in his arms. She had chocolate brown hair and porcelain white skin. Her eyes were a clear grey, exactly like her mother's.

After the nurses took Prim away, Gale climbed into bed with Katniss. He kissed her soft lips and she cuddled next to him. "I love you." Gale whispered into Katniss's ear. "I love you, too." Katniss whispered back. Gale had never felt so content in his life.