Iris POV
Her body was radiating heat as she sat next to me. I was trying to figure out what was going through her head at that moment. Why was she so nervous around me? I dropped the stick in my hand and occupied them by twisting my hair through my fingers. She seemed to be breathing almost twice as fast. My hand found hers, as if it was magnetically drawn. Her breathing hitched at the contact. "Are you okay?"
Johanna's eyes locked onto mine, wide, almost panicked. And muttered: "I'm fine." I frowned slightly. I could tell when someone was lying. I let go of her hand, but she tightened her grip on mine. Subconsciously we had started moving closer together. Her shoulder was touching mine and her face seemed to be closer than I recalled. I felt a sudden rush go up my body and I realised that the girl sitting next to me looked almost vulnerable.
I wanted to take her face in my hands and soothe away her worries. I wanted to tell her that everything would be okay and that we'd make it out of this arena and put an end to the games. I wanted to let her drop her facade. I wish I could but I couldn't lie to her. More than anything, I wanted to push her away from me. It was the only way I could guarantee she would be safe from harm. They couldn't hurt your loved ones if you had none.
My body betrayed my intentions as my fingertips brushed her cheek. Her eyes closed at the contact and she leaned into my hand. "Johanna..." I began, but she put her finger over my lips. "We may not be here tomorrow. Don't let me die with regrets." I could feel her breath on my face. Her eyes fluttered closed again as she leaned in and touched her lips to mine. It was feather-light and gentle; something I didn't think was possible for this hardened and angry woman. My eyes closed on contact and I relaxed into her. Her hands moved up to my shoulders and then rested at the nape of my neck. I kissed her back gently, letting my hand rest on her hip.
She pulled back when a realisation hit her. "We need to get going." She said, getting up and walking over to the sleeping allies. She shook them awake and got them ready to hike up to the big tree. We estimated it to be about 9 o' clock. The wave would hit in an hour and soak the beach. We started the hike up to the tree. My fingers ghosted over my lips, which still tasted like Johanna. What had just happened?
She was marching on as if nothing had happened. It was better that way for both of us. Emotional attachment wasn't going to do us any favours if one of us had to die; but deep inside me, something had stirred, and I knew I would die in her place if it came to that.