"For the cameras," Peeta spoke the obvious for the sake of making things less awkward. He definitely heard the bitterness in his voice and immediately felt guilty, even though Peeta knew he shouldn't. It felt a bit ridiculous to worry about what Gale thought now of all days, or how it affected the boy's relationship with Katniss. But it was still there, still haunting him like he was supposed to feel bad... and he was suddenly all too aware of the locket around Katniss' neck with his picture tucked inside.

The one he'd given her... on that beach that felt so far away now.

Focusing back on the present, he squeezed Katniss' hand, looking from the back of Gale's head to her again.

"Right," Gale continued, still not looking at either of them. "You're supposed to be a symbol, some representation of hope and perseverance. We can't have you splitting up now."