Although District 5 does not and never will compare to the Capitol, it is still beautiful. Right now, I'm staring down at the most captivating sight that has ever crossed my field of vision: lights flash from the tops of buildings and electricity towers, imbuing the snowflakes' white glow as they cascade in pastel shades of red, green, and blue.

My head settles on a rock and I close my eyes, allowing myself to daydream. On most days, I try to keep my thoughts lined up and stick to my tasks. For now, however, we're out of school for everyone's favorite holiday: Mockingjay Day. Every year on December 24th, thousands of mockingjays are released from the Capitol to fly from district to district and nest. It's a truly beautiful sight.

Just as I begin to drift into sleep, I hear the crunching of snow underfoot, indicating that someone is approaching. I sit up and, within the span of one second, I'm on my feet, completely aware now. My muscles visibly relax when I realize it's only Spade.

"Hey, Frox," he says. "What are you doing out here all alone? It's freezing." Must be, as he's shivering slightly even though he's got a blanket around him.

"I just wanted to get away and be alone," I reply shortly. I do enjoy his presence, though… maybe he won't take the hint and he'll stay a while longer. I'll never admit that I want him to stay.

Taking a seat beside me, he speaks again. "I'll stay anyway. I wouldn't ever leave you alone in freezing weather like this." He smiles and wraps the blanket around both of our bodies. It doesn't help much, though, because I'm still uncomfortably cold.

I look up at him and gaze into his eyes. They've taken on a bluish tint, but are still sweet and… soft? No, not soft; Spade is never soft. What is it, then? Either way, it's very comforting, and I scoot closer for more protection.

When his own eyes flicker down, he smiles again, but says nothing. Snaking an arm around my waist, he pulls me onto his lap and puts his other hand behind my head. "You are beautiful," he whispers. By now, my heart is beating fast in anticipation as I continue to stare at his face. I don't know why, but I'm nervous. Why should I be? He tells me this all the time. We're practically siblings. Then, gently, he removes a strand of hair from my forehead and bends down to whisper into my ear. "You are the most beautiful girl in all of Panem." His mouth moves from my ear to my lips.

Shock fills my entire body. I never expected this to happen. Here we are, out in the coldest weather of the year, alone on top of the tallest hill in District 5 that looks down onto the entire district, kissing. I know I should pull away and say we're only friends, best friends. But that would be a lie. Right now, I'm no longer shocked but lost in this winter paradise involving snow blanketing our bodies and Spade's lips, warm and welcoming, against mine. I never want this moment to end.

But it does, all too quickly. I open my eyes in disappointment and look up at him again. This time, his eyes are full of compassion and a tiny bit of regret. "Frox, I'm so sorry. I couldn't help it. I hope you don't mind…"

Spade tries to scramble away, but I tug him back, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him close again. "I didn't mind at all," I whisper. Again, our lips touch, gently at first, then with more passion. Sorrow, bitterness, longing, and love take over all at once, which, I promise you, is a bad combination. Still, I savor the moment, planning to enjoy it for the rest of my life.

I've never felt like this before. I've never even kissed a boy, let alone fallen in love. Until now. I love this boy so much. I have loved him ever since I met him, I just didn't realize it until now. He's so much more than a best friend to me. Spade is all I ever wanted and all I need.

His grip on my shirt tightens and he strains to kiss me harder and get me as close to him as possible. All traces of coldness have gone. My mind has switched over to serenity and blocked everything out but the taste of Spade's lips and the warmth radiating from his body. I can feel his muscles through his shirt as he presses against me and removes me from his lap, setting me on the ground. Surely I've sunk into the snow, but I have, I don't even notice.

Finally, we part, gasping for air, although Spade is still on top of me and very close to my face. "I love you," he murmurs. There's a burning intensity in his amber eyes that I've never seen before.

"I love you, too. Now let's go celebrate," I add with a grin. "It's almost Mockingjay Day."

We walk back to the house together, hand in hand, still smiling. Even after ten minutes, my lips still tingle with that newfound sensation. To say the least, I really love it.

As we pass the bakery, a seventeen-year-old boy from school pops out. He's one of the wealthy, popular kids that every girl is in love with. I don't like him that much, but he's one of Spade's friends, so I restrain from wringing his neck. "Whoa, it's Foxy and Spade! And look, they're holding hands!" He winks and saunters over.

I snort and my eyes turn to emerald slits, but Spade only laughs. "What do you want, Axel?" I ask wearily

"I just want to know what's up, that's all," he says nonchalantly. "You two dating now or something?" His accent is bothering me. He's from the Capitol; his father is a Peacekeeper here.

Spade and I exchange looks. Then he turns back to Axel and nods. "Definitely."

Axel raises an eyebrow. "Hey, now. Don't do anything you'll regret. Remember, you live together." He laughs again and one of his friends steps out of the bakery. "Guess what, Disse? Foxy and Spade are a thing now!"

They high-five each other and Disse says with a wink, "I was waiting for it to happen. Man, this is great! So, how did it happen? Spade, did you kiss her like I told you to?"

Now it's my turn to be interested. "I'll tell you when we get home," Spade mutters to me.

I open the door to see… a party? Drinks, dancing teenagers, streamers, strobe lights… what is this?

"What is this?" Spade asks, echoing my thoughts exactly. "Blaire never told me there was going to be a party. She must be behind all this."

I only shrug and make my way through the crowd. How did she afford this? Oh, I think bitterly, that's right. Blaire: Hunger Games victor. Money galore.

One of Amber's vase smashes onto the tiled floor as Spade's friend, Ventus, stumbles over, drink in hand, and shouts above the din, "Hullo Foxy, Spade." He winks. "Your sister's amazing."

I flash a smile and grab his glass, choking down the rest of the blood-red liquid that happens to be only a few shades darker than my hair. Ventus chuckles and grabs another bottle before heading off to a different room.

Blue, white, and purple lights flash in my eyes. I push past Lorem Ipsum, the most popular girl at our school – Axel's newest girlfriend – and glare ferociously into her hazel eyes. She gives me a strange look as I jerk my head away and saunter off. Ignis Catenam and all the richest kids in District 5 are at myhouse enjoying myparty. For I have just remembered: today is my birthday.

"Happy birthday!" Torqueri Corde cheers as I walk by, splashing wine on my turquoise dress. She must be drunk, I think with a bitter sigh. Torq is usually civil and considerate. This dancing, screaming slut right here is notthe gorgeous Torq I know and love. Even her twin, Pura, seems a bit off tonight. But who is to blame? Mockingjay Day is coming up, along with the reapings. I scoff as I remember Ira bragging about the fact that this year, she would be one of District 5's proud tributes. Clearly, she is a Career-wannabe. Even if they do ally with her, they will probably kill her while she is asleep.

I shudder at the thought of the annual Hunger Games. Each year, I stand tensely in the crowd of other teens my age, impatiently waiting for Dallam to choose two unlucky tributes to participate in a deathly game for the Capitol's entertainment. It's sickening.

Someone nudges my shoulder. "You alright?" asks Spade, looking down at me. He must be at least five inches taller than me.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I assure him. He bends down to kiss my cheek, inducing glares from Ira and Ignis and their followers. Ignoring their harsh, biting gazes, I clasp my arms behind his neck once again and kiss him softly. Each kiss leaves me wanting more, and soon enough, we're upstairs on my bed in a full-on make-out session, with Spade's shirt lying on the floor. I plan to go no further than this, no matter how badly I want it and how much I love him.

I roll on top of him and run my hands down my bare chest, then tangle my fingers in his tussled hair. His hands rub the superficial fabric of my shirt as he mutters, "I love you so, so much. You mean the world to me." Spade's soothing voice blocks out the noise coming from downstairs.

Things start to go downhill when Amber is reaped for the Hunger Games. I watch as she stands beside Dallam, trying not to tremble. Fear glints in her coppery eyes, caught on tape by the cameramen standing atop buildings and in various places of town. A boy whose name I cannot recall steps into place by the podium, waving shyly to the crowd, and shakes Amber's hand. I silently curse Ira for not volunteering; her hatred towards me for 'stealing the love of her life' must be strong than her desire to participate in the Games. But I hate Dallam even more for choosing one of the two cards with my friend-sister's name on it. As Ardisia, Hawken, and I weep on Amber's shoulder, I can only hope that the Hunger Games will never be the death of me. I can only hope.

Side notes:
Daemon Corde- the heart of the demon
Pulchra Corde- beautiful heart
Pura Corde- pure heart
Torqueri Corde- tortured heart
Ignis Catenam- chain of fire

If they haven't appeared already, they will at some point. Oh, and if you're ever wondering why I chose a certain name for someone, find out its Latin definition or whatever. Usually, it will mean something.

I know it seems un-Foxfaceish, but I promise, she'll get more in character as the story progresses. c: