One-Shot: I'd Bet on You
I have only a few seconds to launch before I am fighting for my life in the 74th Hunger Games. My stylist, Cinna, is making the finishing touches to my arena garb. All at once, I notice him fasten something gold and familiar to the inside of my jacket. I look up at him to speak, but he raises one finger to silence me. Of course. This sterile room might be bugged.
"Thank you," I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. I have no idea how he got back my district token from the security that confiscated it, even if it poses no threat as a weapon or unfair advantage. But however he did it, I am grateful.
"I'm not allowed to bet, but if I could, I'd bet on you," Cinna tells me sincerely.
"Ten seconds to launch!" the automated voice calls. I am suddenly filed with terror. I don't want Cinna to leave me...
We move in as one, communicating without words. Suddenly, this man is kissing me and I am openly kissing him back...
I have never kissed a man before. And even if I had bothered to create a Bucket List of things I should do before I die, kissing someone out of the blue would not have been on it. But in what could be these last moments of my life, kissing someone whom I know cares for me is a greater comfort than I could have possibly imagined or expressed, as I frame Cinna's face in my hands and press my lips deeper into his. The feel of his skin is greasy, like tar, but a nice greasy that must be natural to his dark skin. His lips taste like sweet chocolate - a delicacy I have only ever had a few times in my life. Which makes his kiss all the more savoring...
"Five seconds to launch!" Cinna and I reluctantly break apart. I march as bravely as I can into the pod, and the glass walls seal around me. I let Cinna see the fear in my eyes, but he only nods in encouragement, as I am pushed up, up, up...
Towards a fate unknown.