Walking into my room, I rubbed my face after a long day at work. No matter how much they prepared us for a life of being peacekeepers back in district two as children, you're never fully prepared until you're thrown to the wolves. At 23 years old, I've been a peacekeeper since I was 18. I first entered the peacekeeper training academy at age 16, although like other children from the age of 7, I attended the academy, which prepared children either for the games or for life as peacekeepers. We didn't have too many options back in two, it was either the games, or this. And for me, that was a no-brainer, I knew that I wouldn't make it in the games. That and the fact that my father was a peacekeeper influenced my decision.
At first, I was assigned to District 11 for my hands on training and got stuck in 12 for my assignment a year later. I have been here for four years, and I do like it better than I did in District 11, it was more laid back and peaceful, I guess I could say, for lack of a better word. Occasionally, I did miss home and the comforts of District 2, but every now and then, we took turns in groups for a week training to make sure we stayed up to date on our fitness and training classes.
Shaking my head, I tossed my helmet onto a chair and got out of my uniform, letting my hair down and then changed into a pair of leggings and a tank top after getting my shower.
Eventually, I heard a knock on my door. I opened it tp be surprised at seeing Darius there. He was my partner and I had known him since we were kids. Our fathers had been pretty good friends and we trained alongside each other in the academy, but he did his on hands training in District 6. Then we were both assigned to 12 and as partners. But I had also have had a massive crush on him since I was 16.
"Venus." He down the hall both ways before stepping in and closing the door behind him.
"Hmm?"
"There's uh, there's something I need to tell you." I raised a brow as he fumbled with his words. It was actually kind of adorable. And I realized in his eyes, that he had felt the same way I did. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "What I guess I'm trying to say-"
I couldn't keep my amusement in anymore. I laughed a bit and spoke before he could get offended. "Oh just shut up and kiss me already."
He seemed surprise by that, but he didn't ask questions and did as I told him. He crossed the gap between us, and the next thing I knew, my back was to the wall. I kissed him back before coming to my senses, which I mentally kicked myself for. "Wait." I broke off and put my hand on his chest. "Darius, what if we get caught?" We would be in a lot of trouble if anyone found out, as it is forbidden. Peacekeepers weren't allowed to get married or have families until they first gave 20 years of service.
"We will cross that bridge if and when we get to it." He murmured against my lips. "We will be careful." He then kissed me again and I let him, kissing him back, wrapping my arms around his neck, one hand in his hair.