The cannon went off with an echoing boom. I spun around, my eyes flickering in panic, trying to maintain the emotionless mask as I searched for Clove. After two minutes, I still couldn't see her. "Clove?" I called, irritation masking the desperation in my tone. Still nothing. Panic was rising in my now, threatening to show on my face. "Clove! Where are you?" My thoughts pounded like blood in my head. I set off, breaking into a steady jog as I entered the woods. I heard a scuffle from the bushes a few metres to my right and spun, sword at the ready, to see Clove emerging from the foliage covered in blood. I rushed over to her, my throat dry "What the hell? Clove, are you okay? What happened?" I check her once over visually before she rolls her eyes and pushes me aside. "Chill Cato, it's not mine. Oh, except for some up here" She peers interestedly at a large gash on her arm that is bleeding heavily. I'm lost for words as I stare at her "What….Who? I.." She laughs, and the sound brings warmth to my heart. "That kid from district 6. Damn, I never realized how much arteries splurt." I laugh shakily, and her gaze holds confusion. She walks over to me, smiling lightly as she does. "You weren't actually worried, where you?" She asks, a shadow of a laugh still in her tone. My expression doesn't change from the mask of worry. Clove looks up at me, seriousness in her sparkling brown eyes. "Hey, I can take care of myself. You know that. Don't worry about me." She reaches up and strokes my face tenderly, her eyes meeting mine. Clove perched up onto her tiptoes and whispered into my ear, unseen by the prying eyes of the Capitol. "We stick together, remember? I'm not leaving you anytime soon. And neither are you." Before I even think about what consequences my actions will have, I'm holding Clove's face in my hands, kissing her with the same tenderness she had when comforting me. She looks up, startled, once I pull away. I can't help but laugh at her expression. Her giggle joins mine, and I hold her in my arms, feeling elated. She's fine. No, she's better than fine. She's perfect.