Nice and short (: Hope you all have been okay with all the shootings, stabbings, and mishap all over the world. Stay safe for me Please. I love you all, honestly.

Enjoy Chapter 10. And yes, things will progress a bit.. more faster.

Katniss POV

My eyes flutter open yet again. It's bright and Cato's asleep against the window. Again. After I'm adjusted to the intense blare of the sun, I crack my back and then move to shake my partner.

"Cato," I grumble, using my hand to shake his shoulder, "get up."

He groans and his blue eyes flutter open. At first, I was expecting him to be angry, but when he was fully aware of the situation, his eyes light up. I give an uneasy smile before going to grab my vest-that-used-to-be-a-jacket. The tatters and tears that rip large holes in the sides are things I can work around.

After pulling it over my now sun-kissed skin, I turn around to see Cato just... staring at me blankly.

"You okay?" I ask. My voice hints signs of confusion, which he seems to catch up on. Shaking his head, Cato looks down and out the window yet again.

"Yeah. Right as rain."

Rain. It's been so long since I've seen one little droplet. Too long. I've been craving for it, or at least something to remind me of Prim. I hope my mother is there for her. I hope she promises to keep her fed. And I hope that someday, I'll be able to return back. Back to the mockingjays that surrounded our woods with beautiful harmonies. Oh, how I love those little birds, despite their aggressive motions if I get towards their nests. The memory was still fresh in my head.

"Well, what are we going to do today?" I ask. He shrugs.

"I guess we could go explore anymore of the island. I know it top to bottom but you don't." I smile. Adventures were always fun. When my father was still alive, we'd hike around the woods and hills, especially in the summer. Everything seemed so bright then and now, I can relate the palm trees and sun to my forest back home.

"I'd love to," is all I reply. He smiles and at that moment, we both just think. And stare. At each other, out into space. Wherever, as long as memories must pass us by.

After the peaceful silence, we pack up and begin our trek.

Cato POV

It's grown stronger now. Even more so than before. The way she smiles, the way her hair is perfectly styled in such a drab place, her light. Her fire; everything excites me and I can't help but relish in it. It's not just nice to have another person around; it's amazing. There was no one like her especially, since she is in fact Katniss Everdeen. The one who is changing my outlook on life and my emotions.

Everything's changing because of her.

We begin to hike at my suggestion, passing through large bushes and overhanging branches that I cut out of the way. Buttercup must be wandering in the cabin, hiding in case an animal tries to eat him. I feel bad for the little guy, considering he's been a bit replaced at the moment. Before Katniss came, I'd talk to him like a mad man, engaging in conversations I thought I'd be hearing from him. But then my insanity became tolerance and I'd lost the feeling to talk to anyone for a long time.

And now? As we walk through the jungle, I don't notice anything but her.

Marching up the steep hill, we pass by snakes coiled around trees, birds flying everywhere, and the constant chirp of insects everywhere in a five yard radius. It's calming in a way when you think about it; the soft hum of the little musicians playing their small fiddles. Yet again, it is another thing reminding me of my break down two years ago.

But instead of focusing on the break-down and the trouble I've had regaining balance, I watch as Katniss strolls in front of me, silent as a sleeping creature. Her stance is perfect and I wonder where she's perfected the stealthy tip-toeing. Her hair shines in the sun, out from the braid she came in and cascades down her rear view to the small of her back. Her clothes are faded after torn and worn use over the few weeks.

So far, it's been about a month at the least. Time flies like I'm paralyzed by it and sometimes, I wish I could be my old self again. Sadly, I'm still trying to find it. I used to be the boy who wasn't afraid of anything. My brothers, Levi and Abner, were by best friends. We took up a bakery after the old baker and his family were prosecuted for foraging in the Black Market. We never visited the rickety building but we did trade in secret, thankfully earning a good meal each day. It was a nice life, just being a kid. I was the youngest, making my brothers fifteen and seventeen by the time they died. And I was considered dead by Snow after a year or two. Now, this island is hidden by rough seas and no go lands, so we're safe for the time being.

Jogging back up to an eager Katniss, I walk beside her and my stomach flips. Her wide gray eyes are staring at everything that moves, especially the flowers. A few give out toxic gases which I steer clear of, grabbing her hand and pulling her away. In a palm tree, I see a large gash and smile. I've been here before. Many times.

About a year ago, I found a small pond with no animal life inside and it's only four feet deep. Yet for some odd reason, it had an impact on my life ever since I've arrived and I came almost every day until Katniss came. It slipped my mind until I saw the mark, and immediately, my pace quickens.

"Cato, wait up! You're running too fast!" Katniss shouts while I sprint through the trees. Stopping, I pick her up, wrapping her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck.

Then, I start running.

Since we didn't have 10 reviews, I'm uploading a new yet short chapter! Sorry about the long wait! I've updated Fire Igniting (which, if you haven't read it, you should. Not as good as this one but pretty decent c:) and now, I think things will start to progress more smoothly.

Now, I know how everyone loves suspense. And that is, in fact, one category for this story. So, it may not be in the next chapter but it'll be there. Action. Fear. Betrayal. Knowledge. Everything your minds can muster up.

Just for your information, this chapter without the A/N is 1,092 words long! A bit over the limit but I'll allow it..

Have a lovely Winter Break and know that I don't have homework! So, I can update for 2 weeks! In that amount of time, I'll probably get 2 chapters in if I'm slow.

See y'all soon!

~HeyoMyFellowReaders101