Author's note: so, here it is. THE PROPOSAL CHAPTER :D

As usual, thanks to my wonderful beta, who gave me the whole idea for this: TacoBelle :)

And my wonderful reviewers: fireprincess17, Galeniss and memily4eva, , TacoBelle, 333TEAMGALE333, emilyroorose, DeadlyDarkAngel, Ellenka, RipperRim, ..Who..

Btw, I'm in this project… Go to my profile and read there, it's kind of hard to explain shortly… Just go and read on my profile, please! It's a very interesting project with lots of authors involved :)

Now, enjoy!

Chapter 21

Truth or Dare

Alyssa's POV

And so we headed off for a walk. We were taking a very common route that wound around the whole of District 12, from the Meadow to the mines. It was a warm sunny end-of-May day. Surprisingly mellow weather. Usually it was either freezing or scorching. If you were lucky, there was some transition weather. Only if you were lucky, though.

All of us were walking leisurely through the District, enjoying ourselves and talking about what we could do in summer, since school was ending soon. It was going to be the last year for Gale, Alec, Damion and me. Gale would be headed to the mines, Alec and Damion would continue working in the bakery, and I… Well, I'm still not sure what I'll do. I could take over the family store, but I needed a husband for that, I couldn't do that alone.

Damion softly kissed my cheek, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turned my head to smile warmly at him. Only his bright smile could calm me down in a matter of seconds. His smile is what made me agree to a date in the first place.

*Flashback*

It had been a very rainy, gloomy day in District 12. I had just broken up with Gale. It was a mutual breakup, we both knew it was for the best, but I couldn't help thinking about it over and over. I was in the back, cleaning up some jars and bowls that were used before, when I heard the bell ring. I swung the door open while working on getting my hair out of the constricting tie. It was almost the end of my shift, so I didn't have to keep my hair up anymore.

When I looked up, I saw Damion standing there with a slight smile on his face, his wet hair dripping onto his coat. I smile back. He's pretty hot… I can't help noticing. I shake my head, trying to clear my head of those thoughts. My stupid heart should not interfere with my customer relations. Though I can see his thoughts mirror mine, as his eyes rake over my body in what is supposed to be a sneaky manner. Yeah right. Nice try.

"Can I get you anything?" I ask politely, ignoring his advances.

"Well, I'm not sure if what I want is for sale." He smirks my way.

"Just tell me what you want. I know you're not here for candy." I say, getting to the point. I don't want this to take longer than necessary, my mom should be coming down soon.

"Straight-forward, I see. Well, I'll make this quick then. Would you like to go somewhere with me?" And he gives me the most charming, adorable, cute smile I've ever seen. I just about melt on the inside. And to think I was considering getting Gale back 5 minutes ago.

Unconsciously, I smile back. I've been told I have a beautiful smile, but I didn't believe it 'til that day, when Damion's eyes lit up solely from my smile. In response to Damion's question, I nod. He smiles again, and turns to leave. Though before he reaches the door, he whirls back around and looks at me.

"Something I forgot to ask, what's your name?" Damion asks me.

"Alyssa. And what's yours?"

"I'm Damion. Well, see you tomorrow at 7, Alyssa." He gives me a mock salute, one last smile and walks out the door.

*End flashback*

That day is still imprinted into my mind, and I doubt it's going anywhere. I remember I spent the rest of that day skipping and humming, which almost never happens.

When I finally returned my attention to the surroundings, I realized we have walked through most of the district by now and were nearing Victor's Village. Well this was fast. Didn't even get to say anything the whole way there.

Everyone is still talking about something, they didn't even notice me blanking out. Happens to me a lot, so I guess they're just used to it. Or they really didn't notice.

After a couple more minutes of walking, we're in the Victor's Village. The exquisite, huge, white houses tower above us, our heads pointing up and straining our necks. I wonder what it would be like, living in these mansions… No one in all of District Twelve has these kind of houses, not even the mayor. Only victors ever get to experience this luxury. Victors get everything: a huge fancy house, food, money, clothes, electricity… They only thing they don't have is sanity. They say you lose yourself in those Games… I don't think I could understand that, I think it's one of those things you can't understand, unless you experience it yourself.

"Okay, people. Haymitch told me we can only use one yard, and we have to stay quiet. If we don't, he will, and I quote: 'send us all to bloody hell'. So, yeah. One yard, stay quiet." Gale concludes, motioning for us to follow him with his arm.

We all oblige, since he's the leader here. He's the one who dared talk to the drunk of District 12. Honestly, I'd be too afraid to ever do that.

Gale leads us into a fancy yard, with flowers growing everywhere, trimmed grass, perfectly shaped hedges, exotic trees that we haven't ever seen… And I already have a name for it: District 12's Garden of Eden. Everyone, including Gale, is standing and gaping at the whole site. None of us have ever seen something that beautiful or perfectly aligned.

After we step out of our momentary shock, we pick a place to sit down. It's in the far, left corner, in the shade of a large apple tree. It will be useful, because the midday sun is getting hotter. District 12 weather is returning.

We have all set out our stuff, or what remains of it, when Prim suggests we play truth or dare. This game has a certain reputation in District 12, it's like the right of passage for every teenager. It's the time when most people get their first kiss, or maybe even their first boyfriend/girlfriend. But if your parents ever catch you playing it… Start writing your will. I'm serious, it's that bad in parents' heads.

At first, the dares are pretty stupid: exactly the point of the game, but they get more interesting as the game progresses, and soon, it's Damion's turn to ask. He turns to me, and asks, "Truth or dare?"

"Dare." I answer in what is supposed to be a confident voice, but probably sounds more like a wimpy one. Damion is known to give crazy dares. He smirks, sensing my unease.

"I dare you…" He pauses, and gets something out of his pocket. It's the small box I found on his nightstand… He then proceeds to get on one knee. This is not happening… "To marry me."

Author's note: It finally happened. But you'll just have to wait for the next chapter to find out what Alyssa says ;) YES, I AM THAT EVIL.

Anywhore, till next chapter, I salute you! *mock salute*

P.S. the mock salute thing, I do that a lot IRL…. So yeah, little side note ;D