Breathless from the run back and the excitement of stealing around corners, a constant chorus of please, please, please… fills my head to the point of obsession as we dart down the last hallway.

"Clove, he already knows!" Cato insists, lagging behind to intentionally grate on my nerves. "What is he going to do – lash us?"

"He'll suspend our training!"

"Oh, give it a rest, Clove!" He laughs as we reach my door and I turn to face him. His hand presses against the door beside my head and he leans into it casually; pressing into my space like he's done a million times before.

"Just give me my key," I hiss, only half amused by his antics. "Neither of us can afford to miss training. Not if we want to make it into the Games."

An arrogant grin plays at Cato's lips and annoyingly the strange heat in my chest flares up more than the anger does. "You can always train with me," he says. "We'll get more in than anybody in the Arena."

"Then they'll lash you and suspend me. Cato, please!" I beg, trying to ignore his nearness. It's never bothered me before, but after tonight –after kissing him– it makes me stupid to have his face so close.

Hoping he doesn't notice, I make an exasperated face at him. Without a second thought he pulls my golden key from his pocket and offers it to me, dangling it as an offering in the air between us, but I know he has no intention of letting me leave just yet. His hand firmly planted against the door is a clear sign. Uncertain what to expect, I take the key.

"Thanks for taking me tonight," I say earnestly. "Getting more than training duals is worth it any day."

Cato nods nonchalantly and I watch the malcontent unfold in his eyes as he looks at me, searching my face for something else. My gaze moves slowly down to eye-level; to the notch at the base of his throat where an open button exposes the smooth skin underneath and his looming proximity makes my heart quicken in my chest. I glance up and catch his eyes for an instant before he leans in.

It's quick –a simple press of his lips against mine– but it's enough to make my body completely melt and my mind fall utterly adrenaline-silent. "We'll have to do it again sometime then," he murmurs as his eyes drift up to meet mine. "I'll let you know."

"Okay" I agree, still reeling from his audacity as he steps back and starts off down the hallway.