"Well, from going public about our districts, they had decided to save all of this year's Careers' families… which included yours."

"What! They're alive?!" he asked.

"I'm sorry, Kawino."

Kawino sighed in frustration feeling like he wanted to hit something, not of course Enobaria or anyone, but something. He turned and drilled his fist into the wall actually denting it. "Guess I'll have to kill them myself." He growled dangerously.

"Kawino, you need to be careful." She said.

"It needs to be done."

"You can't talk like that here." He realized she was right on that, his eyes darting around. "Calm down, don't you want to see Katniss?"

"Yes I do."

"So, let's go see her then." He just nodded and followed her out.

She led him down a long hall and into a room on the right. Kawino pushed open the door trying to shove the thoughts of his parents away. There she was trying to push past Haymitch probably to find him. "Haymitch, why are you blocking her?" Kawino asked seriously.

"I didn't think you were awake." He said as she pushed past him and hugged him tightly.

"Are you okay?" He asked hugging her back.

"Yes I am. Are you?"

"Yeah, I'm fine for the most part.

"Doesn't seem to be," she said worriedly.

"I'll tell you more later. I promise." He said.

"Okay." She nodded.

Haymitch chuckled. "Who would have thought a couple from the worst statistic District and the best?" He said staring at them.

Kawino chuckled a little as well. "Alright, that is kind of funny."

"Maybe a little, but I'm glad it happened." Katniss said kissing Kawino's cheek.

"So am I."

"Okay, people let's give them some time." Enobaria said.

Haymitch shrugged and left the room.

Enobaria said; "You two have about ten minutes." Before she left the room leaving them alone.

As the door closed Kawino leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Katniss instantly returned it holding him close. He held her close as well, finally relaxing a little. "I know that you didn't want to be the center of attention for at least one kiss." He said when they separated staying close.

"You're right. Thank you."

"It's my pleasure I want you to be happy." He said.

"I am happy."

"You promise?"

"Yes."

"That's good; you are the only good thing to come out of that arena." He said.

"What about your parents?"

At that he let out a low sigh. "They're still alive."

"What? No."

"Yes, apparently my interview made them go in and save all the families this year."

"That's terrible... well, good for the other families but that's terrible for you."

"I know." He sighed bitterly.

"Why weren't they arrested though?"

"I don't know if they were or not." He admitted.

"Well, they probably were given everything you admitted on national television about what they did to you."

"Maybe."

"They'd have to. 12 would and it's hard to get in trouble for anything there."

"You make a fair point." He said. "Wait, really?"

"Yeah, there are so many things you can just blatantly get away with from our Peacekeepers," Katniss said, but left it at that in case someone here heard.

"Good to know."

"Yeah, it certainly comes in handy."

"It must. Our Peacekeeping Force is extremely brutal."

"They are?" Katniss asked having not thought of other districts.

"Yeah, pretty much you step on toe out of line and you've signed your own death certificate."

"Wow."

"Yeah."

"Well, do we have to live apart now?"

"I guess so." He sighed having not thought about that.

"I don't want that."

"Maybe if we could get the Capitol to like us enough."

"Maybe."

"Might as well try."

"I agree." She said.

"We'll sell that up in the post-games interview."

"Okay then," she said nodding.

"I think 2's village is full anyways."

"Yeah it is; I think."

"So, that's another good reason for them to let us."

"Don't you have people you would miss though?"

"Cady and Enobaria."

"Exactly, we both have people we would want to take with us."

"That would be harder."

"Very much so. I can't lose Prim or Gale."

"I know."

"We'll figure it out." He said.

"Hopefully, it probably would have been easier if either of mine were actually family."

"Yeah, probably."

"But they aren't, no matter how much it seems that way."

"I know, but you care about them like family."

"Definitely."

"We'll find a way," she said.

"I hope so."

"I know we will. They'll be coming for us soon though." She sighed.

"Right, I'll see you at the interview though."

"Yeah, see you there." She said leaning up to him again. She kissed him again put briefer this time. "See, you soon."

"See you soon."

"Alright are you two ready?" Enobaria asked coming in.

"Yes we are."

"Okay, let's go then."

They were both taken to their own prep teams. "Annia!" Kawino said on arrival.

"Kawino!" Annia smiled. "I'm so proud." She said hugging him.

"Thanks Annia. Is your daughter…?"

"She's gone." Annia sighed.

"That's what you wanted isn't it?"

"Yes, I just miss her."

"I understand that."

"Yeah, I know." She said.

"What about you?"

"I have filed for the divorce," she said.

"That much is good then."

"Yes, its progress."

"I know it must be hard without her though."

"It is very hard."

"It will get easier though. Just remember that she's free. Where she wanted to be," Kawino said, his own voice catching is his throat.

"You're not okay."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I heard your voice there." She said.

"Just Clove."

"Oh, I see." She said.

"I found out they were abusing her as well."

"What?! How?"

"I don't know. I should have known."

"What do you mean?"

"I should have known what they were doing. I shouldn't have trusted them to keep their promise."

"It'll be okay. Well, she's free in her own way."

"Yeah, I know," He sighed.

"Doesn't help much though."

"No it doesn't, but I try to put it out of my head most times."

"Does that help?"

"Yeah, it does a lot."

"How do you do it?"

"I remember happier times."

"Well… I could try that."

"It won't be easy, but it is possible."

"Thanks, Kawino."

"No problem and you have me." He said.

"I know I do."

"I hope that helps a little."

"It does."

"Good."

"We need to get you ready though."

"Right, lead the way. I trust you completely."

She smiled a little and led him to his outfit. It was a well-tailored dark red and black suit. "Try it on," she told him.

"Okay."

He took it off the hanger and put it on. It was light but warm and comfy. "I like it." Kawino smiled.

"Good, I worked hard on it with Cinna." She said.

"Does it do anything then?" Kawino laughed.

"Why spoil the surprise." She said smiling.

"Fair enough." Kawino smiled.

"Good, now just small touches for you really."

"Go ahead."

"You trust me?"

"Completely."

"Good."

"Why?"

"Because, it's still make-up."

"That's fine."

"Okay." She shrugged and set to work.

Soon he has all ready. "There, now you need to go to the platform."

"Don't you need to get ready too?"

"Yes I do, but not much."

"After all it's Katniss and yours day not mine."

"Right, see you out there."

"See you there."

She nodded and headed off. He headed off where he was told. Once there he sat.

He noticed with a curse that the room seemed to be divided by some kind of curtain. "Just have to wait it out." He muttered. 'Shouldn't be too long right?' he thought.

It couldn't be, but still for the first time in a long time he found himself bored. He sighed having no idea what to do about that. Boredom was new. He didn't really like it. "Ugh!" He sighed.

Meanwhile Katniss was back in her own room with Cinna. He was just showing her, the candle fire dress. "It's beautiful. Does it do anything?"

"Just produces a soft glow." He said.

"Alright, thank you, Cinna."

"No trouble, so you and this Kawino boy?" He asked.

"Yeah." Katniss smiled.

"You seem very happy compared with when Peeta confessed."

"You can't possibly compare Peeta to Kawino."

"I am pretty sure I just did."

"Peeta was just so… Peeta though."

"He was, and yet you didn't seem pleased when he said he loved you."

"Would anyone?" She laughed.

"Maybe some women in the Capital."

"So you're comparing me to some women in the Capitol now?"

"No, but you asked who would," he said, smiling.

"You get the point though?"

"Sort of, I don't see what was wrong with him."

"He's useless, bossy, and honestly kind of creepy."

"Creepy huh?" Cinna asked.

"Incredibly, the only thing he had going for him is that he saved me and my family from starvation five years ago."

"How is that creepy?"

"It's not. I said that was the only think he had going for him."

"Right, that's nice of him."

"Yeah, we would have died if he hadn't."

"Yet, unlike most girls, this didn't make you take a liking to him."

"It's hard to get me to take a liking to someone that way."

"So then, how did Kawino get to you?" He asked as he applied eye liner on her.

"By being stubbornly loyal, but also useful and not trying to force me into anything. Plus being a lot like me in the sense that he is damaged."

"Wow, this is the happiest I have seen you when not speaking of your sister."

"Well, I am happy."

"I'm glad to hear that and now you're done."

He turned her to the mirror. She was amazed at how she looked like a softly glowing candle. "Once again you've out done yourself, Cinna."

"Thank you Katniss now to the platforms."

"You're welcome, Cinna." Katniss smiled and headed to the area. Cinna smiled after her, it was nice to see a softer side of her.

A while later the post-game interview was starting. Both Katniss and Kawino were excited as the entry music began. They both knew the victor went up last.

Slowly, the prep teams, stylists, escorts, and mentors rose and then at last it was their turn.

They both stepped on being taken up to the stage. 'Kind of cruel,' Kawino thought while heading up on the platform.

Soon though they emerged onto the stage and finally saw each other. Katniss immediately ran up and hugged him.

The audience erupted as he caught and held her.

"I missed you." She whispered.

"I missed you, too," he said, holding her close.

"Alright, you two please have a seat." Caesar said.

"Sorry Caesar," Katniss said, and they both sat down on the love seat.

"So, first off how are you both?"

"I'll be honest with you, Caesar. We're actually really sad."

"Sad, my friends, why? You are the first co victors and you seem so happy together." He asked, looking at both of them.

"We are really happy together," Kawino said, keeping an arm around Katniss.

"And that's the problem," Katniss finished for him. "Soon we'll have to return to our own districts and won't be able to see each other for months."

There was a great "Aww." From the crowd.

"Oh, I see well maybe you can speak to the president about this?" He asked as they looked to Snow.

"Well, I think we might be able to fix that problem."

"Really?" Katniss asked with undisguised hope on her face.

"What with how many people would be so disappointed to have their new favorite victors separated." The crowd cheered and clapped. "In fact if you both can agree upon a place to live, your families can go with you should you wish."

"What about someone that actually isn't blood related but pretty much is family?"

"They may move but only if they want to."

Kawino of course smiled at that and of course turned to Enobaria. She nodded as if to see of course she would go with him if he left 2. Kawino of course smiled at that. It was too perfect. That just left Cady. "So, does that cheer you both up?" He asked.

"Yes," they both said.

"Good, good. Now this question is for Katniss, what was going through your head when you stopped Kawino from jumping to the mutts?"

"That I couldn't let him die. I realized that I'd rather die myself than lose him."

"That is sweet, and Kawino on the same side of things what were you thinking as you were about to jump?"

"Pretty much the same thing. I was certain at that point that I only had two options: die or kill her and I knew I could never do the second one," Kawino answered as at least part of the truth.

The crowd was eating it there were even tears in the eyes of several. "Of course you couldn't who would ever want to kill someone like her?" He asked.

"Marvel seemed pretty itching on it."

"Yes, that boy was on the verge of victory."

"Yeah, he was a pretty hard opponent."

"Would you say he was the hardest opponent?"

"Yes, I would," Kawino admitted.

"Him or Thresh," Katniss added.

"Did either of you think you would lose?"

"I did." Kawino admitted.

"Really why?"

"Guess I needed more confidence in general. I have that now."

"Having Katniss must help."

"It certainly does."

"So, Kawino, when did you start falling for her?"

"When I first saw her in the Stables before the Parade. District 12, she was small, no make-up in a black suit that wasn't lit yet. Despite those things though she managed to stand out at only a glance not because of how she looked but because of how she held herself. She seemed confident yet terrified which at the time made no sense to me. When Enobaria went to discuss an alliance I had her say it was because she volunteered for her sister which is true but I didn't find out about that until afterwards though it was a lot easier than trying to explain that she opened my eyes. Especially since I hadn't really figured it myself. Before that moment I had never believed that there was an in-between on anything but when I saw her something seemed to change. Like maybe humans don't need to be perfect."

"So, you would say that she had a more than profound effect on you and the way you say things."

"Exactly."

Katniss was smiling lovingly at him; even she had not known that until now.

"And you Katniss?"

"I'd have to say right after his pre-games interview."

"Right after?" Caesar asked.

"Yeah, pretty much."

"That is sweet."

"I guess it was just meant to be."

"Yes it seems to have been. Now, are you both happy to be on the way home soon?"

"Now we certainly are."

"Good, now final question before highlights. How does it feel to have made Hunger Games history?"

"It's pretty much indescribable," Katniss said.

"It really is." Kawino agreed.

"Well, then. Let's check out the highlights."

He rolled the footage, which was mostly, of Kawino. They noticed that there wasn't anything about his parents in it though making Kawino suspicious. He looked at Katniss to see if she was thinking the same thing. She clearly was.

'They couldn't have cut out everything could they have?' he thought. He was not sure though anything was possible.

He found himself wishing he had let the Peacekeepers kill his parents when he chose to save Ria's family; they had even offered to kill them right after he made his choice. At least then he would know they were dead and gone.

The video ended and Caesar turned to them. "Any final parting words?"

He figured he could just tell the world now but he didn't really have the time anymore. "Just, thank you all for making our stay in the Capital a good one." He said.

"We're all glad you have thought so. Ladies and gentlemen give it up one more time for your victors!" The crowded went absolutely nuts for them.

They stood bowed and left the stage.

Once gone Kawino pointed out the elephant in the room. "They don't know."

"Yeah, I noticed that." Katniss said.

"What do we do then?"

"I don't know if there is anything we can do." Kawino just sighed at that. "I'm sorry." She said hugging him.

"I just thought..."

"That they would know?" She asked.

"Not just that. I was sure there'd be no way they would still be alive."

"Kawino, I don't know what to say."

"Well, at least I could go to 12 with you and be away from them."

"Yeah, if you want."

"I would."

"So 12 then?"

"I honestly think it would be best unless there's something I should know about."

"I don't know I thought you might want to stay in 2 is all."

"Not a chance."

"Things are different in 12." She warned.

"What should I be aware off?"

"Well did I tell you about Gale?"

"No."

"Well, he's been my best friend for years and he's very protective."

"Well, I don't think they'll be any reason to worry."

"Yeah, I just thought you should know."

"Well, alright, anything besides him?"

"Well, there is the Hob." She said brightly.

"What's that?"

"I'll tell you more when we are on the train."

"Okay," he agreed.

"Good." She yawned.

"Tired?"

"Yeah, I am." She admitted leaning against him.

He put an arm around her. "You can go to sleep soon."

"I know," she said smiling if only slightly.

"For now don't you want to say goodbye to Cinna?"

"Yeah, I should, you to Annia?"

"Yes I do."

"Okay, so we split up and meet after?" She asked.

"Sounds good."

She pressed a kiss to his cheek and headed off. Kawino went right over to Annia hugging her. "I'm going to miss you." He said.

"I know, Kawino. I'm gonna miss you, too."

"We can call each other right?" He asked.

"Yes, and I'll make sure to."

"You promise?"

"Of course."

"Thank you." He said.

"It's my pleasure. It will help me, too."

"I hope so."

"I'm pretty sure it will."

"Right so place to stay first."

"Okay."

"Give me a call as soon as you get there."

"Yes I will."

"Good, I trust you to."

"I will; I promise."

"Good."

"Be careful okay?" He asked.

"I will," she promised.

"You promise me now."

"I promise I'll be careful."

"Okay, that is all I ask."

"And I will keep it."

"Good so will I."

"I guess this is goodbye for now though."

"Yes for now."

"Won't be able to see you in person again until the tour."

"I know, but I'll be there."

"Of course."

She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Stay out of trouble." She said.

"Aw, you're no fun."

"No, I'm not." She chuckled.

"I will."

"Good thank you," she said.

"I promise," he added.

"Good, you keep that promise and I'll make sure to work with Cinna some more so you look good and get to be comfortable."

"Sounds good."

"I hope so."

"I have faith in both of you."

"Thank you; we have faith in you and Katniss."

"That's good then, right?"

"Yes it is." She said.

"Good."

"Now, you should go and take care of that girl." She said.

"I will." She smiled as he headed off.

A few minutes ago, Katniss headed over to Cinna as well. "I guess this is goodbye then?" She asked.

"For now but we'll be able to call."

"I know but you kept me calm here."

"I know that."

"I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you, too, Katniss, but it will be okay."

"I know that." She said hugging him.

"I'll see you in a few months."

"Yes you will."

"Call once you get there."

"I will and you had better answer."

"I will."

"Good."

"You good then?"

"Yes, I am now," she said.

"Good."

"Goodbye Cinna." She said with a final tight hug.

"Goodbye, Katniss," he said, returning it.

"That boy had best take care of you."

"I think he will."

"I think so too."

"I'll let you know if he doesn't." She laughed.

"Good, now go." He said. She nodded letting go. He smiled as she headed off.

She headed back to Kawino who just finished up as well. "Ready?" He asked.

"As I can be." She nodded.

"Good." He said wrapping an arm around her again.

"Time to go now?"

"Yes."

"Okay, you're sure you want to go to 12?"

"Unless you want to go to 2." He said.

"Not from what you've told me."

"Then yes, I still want to go to 12."

"Alright then."

"We need to stop by 2 first, though."

"Why?" she asked.

"I have someone I need to get."

"Oh, right, Cady."

"What if she doesn't want to?"

"Then I may have a problem."

"Yeah, pretty much."

"We'll see though."

"I guess we will."

"Not looking forward to seeing them though?"

"Of course not. Victor or not, they terrify me."

"I'll be there though." She said

"What if they hurt you, too?"

"They won't and I don't think they would dare hurt you anymore either."

"I wouldn't be so sure."

"I am though, you are a victor now."

"So?"

"So, victors are near untouchable."

"What do you know about victors?"

"Just what I have seen."

"Well, they're not."

"They are, because the Capital loves them."

"Not enough. Really the only way they're any less 'touchable' then anyone else is that we don't have to worry about being Reaped again."

"We'll see, and besides we will be under constant guard until we pick where we will live."

"That is true," he admitted, actually a little hopeful that that would be able to stop them.

"Try to calm down at least a little."

"Okay, I will."

"Good," she said, hugging him.

"At least we're not staying there."

"Exactly."

"That does help."

"I hope so."

"Let's get to the train then." He nodded and they walked off. There was of course the inevitable crowd on the way. They stayed close together and waved as they went. That way it seemed a lot shorter for the both of them

Soon they were there. They got on the train and were soon off. "Thank goodness." He sighed.

"Tell me about it," Katniss agreed.

"You two should rest." Enobaria said.

"Alright," they both agreed.

"Separate rooms."

"Why?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why do they have to be separate?"

"I just feel they should."

"It helped with Ria before the games though."

"Well...I suppose."

"Then what's the problem?"

"Nothing, I suppose."

"Okay, let's go then, Katniss." She nodded smiling.

They both headed to one of the bedrooms. "You want the bathroom first?'

"No, you can."

"You're sure?" He asked.

"Yes I am." She nodded. He shrugged grabbing a more casual set of clothes and going to the shower.

Katniss sat down on the bed thinking about his words in the interview. 'I gave him hope?' She thought. She was of course glad to have but it didn't make very much sense to her. 'What did I ever do for him?'

Especially at the point he claims she knew she had just been an ass to him.

'I just...don't get it?' She hated herself for that whole conversation on the first day of training and she would expect him to as well. Especially after what she said about his sister. 'Yet he chose me.' Though it made little sense, she was glad he did.

She smiled. He made her feel… happy. It was a good feeling that was for the first time truly since her father's death. She leaned back smiling. "At least things had worked out," she whispered.

"Are you okay?" He asked

"What? Oh yeah. Just thinking. Why?"

"You sure?" He asked fully stepping out of the bathroom in pajama's

"Yes I am. Better than okay actually."

"Yeah?" He asked sitting beside her

"Yeah, I'm… happy… really truly happy."

"I am too." He said pulling her close.

"Great then."

"Yeah, it's nice."

"Almost seems like a weird feeling. Huh?"

"You have no idea." He said.

"Well, it is to me, too but I'd imagine way more for you."

"It's new to me."

"I'd imagine so."

"It's nice though."

"Well, I'm glad to make you happy."

"I'm glad to make you happy."

"I need to get clean now too though."

"Okay, I'll be here."

"I know. I won't be long." He smiled and let her go and she headed to the bathroom.

Kawino smiled lying on the bed and thinking. 'Well, things are getting better.' He never imagined it could work out this way.

'Yet I have to see them again. She's right though… right? She must be. I mean… they never did when normal class was in session so they certainly wouldn't with cameras there.'

He liked his odds at least 'I'll be okay.' He kept trying to convince himself. He was still nervous, but was starting to calm down.

He realized that the nervousness isn't going to go away. Even if they can't do anything to him again, just seeing them will be hell. 'Calm down!' He thought to himself.

"They need to die," he whispered suddenly, glaring up at the ceiling. "It's the only way. How though?" He muttered.

He knew that as a victor now he CAN get away with murder, especially so soon but then came how to actually do the act. He could report them but then it would be quick, just a shot in the head. They deserved SO much worse.

Could he stage a break down?

Probably but overtaking them would be the hard part.

He needed to figure this out.

He had always thought that if they ever hurt Clove his anger would give him enough power to take them but now that the time came up he wondered if it really would or would he be throwing his life away when it just started being worth living.

He was, to put it simply, stuck.

Soon Katniss came out dressed in comfortable looking green pajamas though. "Katniss, the need to die," Kawino said simply.

"You mean your parents?" She asked lying beside him He just nodded still glaring at the ceiling. "You think you can?" she asked

"No and that's the problem."

"Well talk to me, maybe I can help." she said, cuddling into his side

"I just don't think I would physically be able to take them."

"You have seen you right?" She asked.

"Yes I've pretty much come to realize that now but I've also seen THEM."

"And?"

"You don't get to run the advanced class for nothing."

"Wow, they are impressive then?"

"You have no idea."

"Well, maybe out smart?"

"Unlikely."

"I think you can."

"You don't know them."

"True, but I do know you."

"Are you trying to say I'm perfect now?"

"To me, yes you are." She said.

"That doesn't help in this situation."

"Kawino, I know you are better than them."

"How?"

"You don't stop until you succeed. Especially on something this important," she added.

"You really believe in me?"

"Of course I do."

"Katniss, thank you," he said.

"It's my pleasure." He smiled and kissed her. She just smiled into it returning the kiss and rolled so she was lying on top of him.