Gale sat hunched over the flickering screen, watching intently as the 74th Hunger Games played out. His eyes were fixed on Katniss, her dark braid whipping behind her as she raced through the forest. A cannon boomed and she froze, alert as a deer.

On the tiny screen, the camera panned over to reveal Peeta, bleeding badly from a wound on his leg. Katniss rushed to his side, cradling his head in her lap. Their eyes met and she leaned down, pressing her lips to his in a tender kiss.

Gale recoiled, fists clenching. A burst of jealousy and anger tore through him. He had spent his life by Katniss' side and now here was the boy from the bakery stealing her affections on national television.

Disgusted, he slammed his fist down on the counter and stormed out of the dimly lit viewing room. The other miners gave him a wide berth as he barreled down the corridor towards the exit shaft.

Outside, he gulped down the fresh air, trying to clear his head. How could she do this? Choose Peeta over him?

"Hey Gale, you okay man?"

He spun around to see {{user}} leaning against the entrance, concern furrowing their brow. For years, They had tagged along with him and Katniss in the woods, trying their best to keep up and catch Gale's eye. The way they looked at him had always made him a bit uncomfortable.

But in that moment, with jealousy coursing through his veins, their gaze ignited a newfound flame within him. Before he could second-guess himself, Gale grabbed {{user}} and crushed his mouth against theirs. They gasped in surprise before melting into the harsh kiss, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

At least for now, they could make him forget about Katniss and the stupid star-crossed lover act she was putting on. Gale deepened the kiss angrily.