In it for the Long Haul

Cressida POV:

"Cress, it's safe now." Heather said.

"I know, Heather, but - I - I still don't like being here." I said gulping. Sure, no one tapped the phones anymore, saying that over a phone would have been unthinkable if not grounds for severe punishment several months before. Especially in the Capitol itself. We were filming more rebuilding efforts two months after our return from District 3.

"Well, you have Pollux to help you now - I'm sure he can say something that can help." Heather said gently.

"True." I said. I hung up and sighed. Editing the video we shot today of more rebuilding wouldn't help. In fact, in my delusional state, I might accidentally delete something important. I tried to read my book again and even do a crossword puzzle in the Panem Daily News. Nothing was working. Images of the last battle in the Capitol continously marched through my brain. Heather was right. I should at least try and ask Pollux for help, and not try to handle everything by myself. He was there too. He remembers everything just like you. A voice in my head said. You just might need each other.

I grabbed my hotel room key and went several doors down. I knocked on the door and waited. Pollux opened the door. Even though it was nearly 11:00pm, he was still fully dressed. "Pollux - um - may I come in?" He nodded. He gestured for me to sit on the bed. He sat down beside me and took my hand.

Memories? He asked. I nodded. Castor? Mesalla? I nodded again. A sob escaped my lips. I tried to choke it back, but it was useless. Pollux wrapped his arms around me. I leaned into him and wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my head in his neck. His body shook with silent sobs. After a while - no idea how much time, we pulled apart briefly. You should stay here. He pulled back the covers and gestured to me. As I was in my pajamas, I just slid under the blankets. Pollux hummed to himself and I quickly averted my eyes as he stripped down to his boxers. He slid into bed next to me.

"Thanks for letting me stay." I said softly. He kissed me gently and pulled me closer to him.

We're safe. I love you. He said simply.

"I love you too." I whispered. I stared at him, and he was giving me this look as if he was waiting for me to fall asleep - which I figured he was. I closed my eyes and at least tried to relax. In Pollux's arms, that was surprisingly easy.

Pollux POV

Cressida is in my bed. Wait. That just sounds wrong. No, not like THAT, but it is still somewhat accurate. The only awkward moment was when I changed sort of in front of her. Obviously in Peeta's house I have a room to myself, so it doesn't matter. But working in the Capital, I shared a dormitory with 19 other male Avoxes. We walked around in our briefs / boxers around each other. I guess it became habit. Whoops!

I looked down at Cressida relaxing or at least pretending she's asleep so I can sleep. I kissed her gently on the forehead again. I was just mustering up the courage to go over to her room when she came to mine. I knew both of us would have a rough time coming back to the Capital because of the last battle of the revolution. I shut my eyes tight and shook my head to try and pull myself out of those horrible memories. Cressida sighed and moved around some more. I opened my eyes and smiled. Focusing on her made the memories go away. I watched her eyelids flutter, but remain shut. I grinned as she repeated this several times.

Who knew that watching someone else sleep would be entertaining? Asleep yet, are we? I finger-spelled into her hand. She rolled over and playfully smacked me in the chest. I chuckled. Both of us dozed on and off during the night. I must've drifted off into real sleep because I was awakened by a knock on the door.

"Pollux! It's me, Mark! Cressida wasn't answering -" I pushed a button on the nightstand that would unlatch the door without me having to get out of bed. Mark sauntered in dressed and ready for the day. He skidded to a halt when he saw us half-asleep in each other's arms. "Seriously, guys?" Mark asked staring at us. I saw Cressida's face turn crimson, and I knew I was blushing too. "Alright, well, I want a raise since we'll only be reserving two rooms when we travel places now." Cressida raised her eyebrows. "I'm joking, boss! I'm joking!" He laughed. "You guys are cute together. See you downstairs in an hour."

Cressida POV

The day didn't drag on as much as I thought it would. We filmed more city blocks that were rebuilding and we all cheered with the crowd while filming the demolition of Snow's mansion. Pollux kept on hinting about a surprise later on in the evening. We all ended up dining at a really nice restaraunt (Pollux's treat to everyone), and then we took an evening stroll along one of the avenues lined with shops. Pollux stopped me and pointed to something. There was a blinking light on the side of one of the buildings. Instinctively I grabbed for his hand and squeezed it. Not a pod. Don't worry. Pollux reassured me. The blinking light flickered and suddenly words written with bent lit wires illuminated the side of the building. I gasped. Pollux bent down on one knee and looked at me expectantly.

I gaped at the lighted words that read: Cressida, will you marry me? before looking down at Pollux. I was speechless and held out my left hand. He put a ring on my left finger and we kissed. After several minutes we finally became aware of half the street (egged on by Mark) cheering and hollering for us. "Betee!" I called. Beetee came down from a ladder. "I know you're here!"

"Congratulations, you two!" Betee said grinning. I looked down at the simple yet beautiful ring and hugged Pollux. We were in it for the long haul and I couldn't have been more thrilled.