I was panting with the effort I made trying to get Marvel back to camp. He was already perfectly healthy, but he was terribly exhausted and couldn't stand straight for 5 minutes. I had to support him the whole way back to the camp. I had even his spear in hand.

Not long after Katniss left, I moved his body further away, feeling exposed in the clearing. I waited about two hours for him to regain consciousness. It felt like sitting on needles and pins. Every moment I turned my head around, thinking that some other tribute will appear and ambush us.

The bushes around me were itching me and I wanted to get back to the camp. The sun was coming down and the temperature started to drop. I gave my jacket to Marvel, knowing that he needed it more than I did, so I sat as close to him as possible trying to snag heat from him.

"Marvel." I snapped at him, his eyes snapping open. His body was heavy and didn't help me a bit. Not to mention that he was nearly as tall as Cato, having a good few inches on me.

"Wake up." I whispered harshly at him. I didn't want to make any more noise than necessary, the darkness around us and the sound of forest at night giving me creeps.

Not only my body , but my mind also was exhausted.

The main reason of my worries was the announcement of the change in rules.

Two victors instead of one, at the condition that they have to come from the same district.

When I heard it, I closed my eyes, knowing that this was the unofficial canon for everyone that was left alone from their district. I'm sure we all knew that Cato and Clove were now the victors of these games. They were too strong for us.

When the announcement was over, I looked at Marvel if he heard it as well. He did. His eyes were defeated and knew that even though he survived now, he probably won't later.

"It's alright. We'll be fine." I said to him, the most blatant lie I have said in these games. He nodded weakly and let me blabber about silly things in quiet voice, taking our minds of the pressing discovery and mine from the danger of staying there.

When we I finally saw the dim shine of the Cornucopia, I let out a sigh of relief. I didn't hope that Clove and Cato would be there. After all the day's showdown of the dead tributes wasn't yet.

I got to the gold wall and sat Marvel down. He slid down the wall, laying on the ground, putting his knees close to his chest. We left the things we needed the least in the back of the gold shelter, thankfully blankets were among them. I grabbed three, covering Marvel with two, and putting the last one around my shoulders.

The spear that fell next to Marvel gleamed in the moonlight, the dried blood creating maps on it. I kicked it further away from me, disgusted my it's appearance.

I took out a small energy bar that I had in my pockets and started eating it. The chunks of honey nuts were dry in my mouth as I put out the withered grass blades from the pocket as well. I wanted to throw them on the ground, but I decided against it. I tied them together, creating a long braid. I stretched the ends but it didn't tear. I put it back in my pocket and my fingers started fumbling with the string bracelet from Morris. A bitter smile appeared on my face, remembering his carefree smile and happy face, his boyish features and green eyes. I should have shouted and screamed for help for him as well, but now I know that wouldn't have helped me. We weren't important enough for them to send us something so expensive.

In that moment I wanted to fly away, just as Cato told me at the bloodbath.

Sound of hurried footsteps reached my ears, I looked up just in time to feel someone's strong arms lifting me up and pressing against his chest.

Cato.

I breathed in the familiar scent of metal, forest and spices. He pulled me away from him a bit, his eyes searching my face.

"I'm fine." I said, answering his unasked question. His blonde hair was falling into his eyes, and I fondly pushed it back, chewing the last piece of the energy bar.

"What happened?" Asked Clove. I turned around, still in Cato's arms and saw her next to Marvel who was passed out not responding to her touches. She looked concerned, her hand still on his cheek.

I sighed, shaking my head to clear my thoughts. I didn't want to talk about the events from today.

"Well?" Pressed Cato, his blue eyes transfixed on mine. I look away a frown on my face, and buried my face in the crook of his neck. I leaned on him, his body supporting my whole weight, taking in all the warmth he had to offer. I could feel Cato taking in the state of my jacket and my hands, covered on blood. The slow rumble of his chest as he prepared himself unconsciously to hurl words at me.

Artificial light of the screen in the night accompanied the natural light from the moon and the picture of Rue appeared on the night sky, her eyes twinkling innocently just like the start around her.

The shower of words that he had prepared hit a barrier in his throat. I saw him looking at Marvel and the spear that had blood on it. Realization dawned on his face.

"What happened?" He asked just loud enough for Clove to hear as well. She turned to mer with a question in her eyes.

I slowly started telling them what happened, starting with the melody. I didn't bother going into great details. I deliberately omitted the announcement about the change of rules.

After I finished, no words were said between us. Cato moved Marvel to the Cornucopia, Clove went to eat something and I stood waiting for the right moment to whisk Clove away for a second. Marvel woke up after a while. When I saw Clove finishing her meal, I locked my eyes with her and signalled her to come outside. We left Marvel and Cato talking in hushed whispers.

I led her behind the Cornucopia, knowing that they won't hear us there. She had a curious expression on her face, unaware of what I was going to ask from her.

"You are very good at knives, right?" I asked, not waiting for an affirmation from her. The answer was obvious.

"Do you-"

"I hope you don't think I'm going to teach you how to throw them and stuff. We don't have the time and I don't have the nerves and patience." She said, her hand put in front of her.

I let out a quiet nervous laugh shaking my head.

"NO. " I said. "I was wondering if you know how to kill someone just in one move?" I asked, biting my lip.

Clove got an unreadable face, her dark brown eyes narrowing. "Yes." She said curtly.

"I know you heard the announcement." I said, explaining what I had in mind. "It is painfully obvious that you two are made to win this thing, so I was hoping that when it comes down to the-".

"No." She interrupted me. "Just no. Stop talking. I don't want to hear it." She shook her head, her ponytail bouncing wildly behind her.

"No. You listen to me. I know Cato wouldn't do it. And I trust you. You're my only girl friend and I would be happy if it was you." I explained.

"Are you crazy?" She exploded. "You think that even if I did it, Cato wouldn't find out? The sure as hell there would just one victor, because he wouldn't let me live after doing something like that." She said and just then I realized the stupidity of my plan.

I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Worth asking."

Clove snorted and leaned on the Cornucopia, her right foot bent. "I can't believe you even though about that." She said disbelieving.

"I'm sorry, alright?" I said. "But I still think I would have been happier if it was you than.. I don't know.. Vale for example." I didn't even want to think of it happening. I was happy that I haven't seen for quite some time.

"Just stop talking about it. I don't want to hear a word about it again. Understood?" Her dark brown eyes were fixed on mine, making me nod my head. Satisfied with my response she leaned back on the wall.

I did just as her, looking around myself. "So..." I said, unable to withstand the silence and to stay quiet.

I heard Clove mumble something under her breath annoyed at me speaking up again but I didn't let you it stop me.

"You and Marvel?" I asked, wiggling my eyebrows.

Clove turned to me, her mouth open, shock evident on her features. "What?"

"It's obvious that you like him." I said.

Clove closed her mouth, her lips pressed together. "Don't be ridiculous." She snapped at me.

I held my hands up. "I'm only saying what I see."

"Don't forget that it's me out of the two of us that can kill in one move." She said with a grin on her lips. I gulped dryly widening my eyes comically. "But you said that you wouldn't do that. Cato wouldn't like it."

She flicked a small knife out of the belt, her finger running down the edge. "I could hide your body." She said. At the same time we started giggling at the absurdity of the situation and headed back.

I woke up early in the morning, the first sunrays peaking behind the clouds. I pushed back the hair that was in my face, having put it our from the rubber band it was the night before. I propped myself up, looking around the inside of Cornucopia. Clove and Marvel where sleeping next to each other, but Cato was nowhere to find.

I stood up, the blankets falling down on grass, chilly morning air sneaking under my jacket.

I went outside and looked around. Morning dew covered the grass, tiny drops of them shimmering in the morning light. I walked around looking for Cato without any success.

"Up here." A voice came from above. I spun around, surprised to see Cato face looking down at me from the top of Cornucopia.

"Can I come?" I asked coming closer. Cato nodded, gave me his hand and raised me next to him. I didn't expect him to put me up so quickly. I stumbled a bit falling onto him, my foot tripping on the edge.

I looked up from my position on his chest, his lips stretched to a broad smile. "Hi." I said, biting my lips. "How's it going?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.

"I think it's good now." He said after a short while. I rolled my eyes and turned on my back, using his arm as a pillow for my head.

"What an exhausting answer."

After a while my neck started to hurt so I turned around and lay on his chest, hooking my leg ist across his. His arm wrapped itself around my waist holding me in place so I would not roll over. I sighed in content, liking the contrast of chilly air and his warm body.

After a few minutes of silence, broken occasionally by the rustle of leaves or bird's singing, I asked Cato a question. "Why me?"

"What why you?" He asked confused.

"Why did you stand up for me at the train. We haven't spoken a word before and yet you stood up." I said, voicing my inner questions.

"Why are you asking it now?" He said, propping himself on his arms, lowering his head so he could look me in the eyes. I shrugged at his question. "I don't know. I suppose now it quite a good time."

He chuckled and swung both of my legs of his, making me comfortable. He rested his big hands on my thighs, warming them up through the pants I wore. "Do you remember how you looked like?" He asked me with a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes.

I frowned, trying to recall it, but my mind couldn't come up with any image. "I can't."

"You had on a small summer dress, apparently a size smaller than you wear and had no shoes on." Cato said with a laugh. He raised one of his hand bringing it to my face, his fingers playing with my hair. " Big curly hair, a smile on your face. Shy yet loud. I saw a girl that didn't belong there." He smiled fondly at the memory. Heat began to creep up on my cheeks as I lowered my eyes to his hand.

"And what about you?" He asked, nudging me in the shoulder.

My eyes met his and I asked, "What about me?"

He smirked. "Why me."

I rolled my eyes. "Why are you asking me that."

"Don't think I would be the only one here confessing. I'm not going to make it easy for you." He laughed at my discomfort. I glared at him, though that glare disappeared after second of looking into his face.

"Well." I took a deep breath, trying to find my way around it. "I honestly don't know."

"How can you not know." He said disbelieving.

"I mean I do know. It's just weird saying it out loud." I said, throwing my arms in the air. "I want people to know why I care about them without me telling them. I don't really like voicing my emotions and feelings. Getting too deep. Joking and turning things on the lighter side is easier."

"It is easier." Cato admitted. "But wasn't life meant to be hard?"

"Ohhohoh.. That was deep one." I said, snort coming out of my mouth. But he didn't do anything, just continued to stare at me with an expectant look on his face.

I moved one leg on the other side, so I was sitting on his lap, facing him. "Well there are the obvious reasons." I stated.

Cato raised an eyebrow. I sighed annoyed. "Well you look good. Right?" I said, irritated that I have to say it out loud.

"You're asking ME that?" He asked amused. I huffed and refused to look him in the eyes. I ran my hand through my hair, anxious. This conversation was uncomfortable. I leaned into his chest, hiding my face in the crook of his neck.

"You have beautiful eyes, nice smile, big hands. You're strong and brave, though sometimes stupid and reckless." I started telling him. He stayed quiet, only his chest falling and rising. "You have an unsatiable stomach and have a soft spot for chocolate and ice-cream. Sometimes you have this deep thoughtful look on your face and sometimes you act like a dork. You're funny in your own way. In a way that makes me laugh." I kept my voice down, letting the air around us carry it.

"You're temperamental but you like to cuddle. You make me feel safe, warm, protected... happy. I can sit with you in a silence, content. Even though I mostly can't keep my mouth shut." I admitted and Cato laughed silently.

"That's all and yet nearly nothing, because there is so much more that makes me confused and feel the way that I do, but I don't know what it it. " My voice faded into a whisper, a soft coat of the new life of morning covering us.

"You didn't mention anything about me being a murderer." His throat rumbled under me forehead. I frowned and shook my head.

"Don't say that." I told him.

"But it is who I am." He insisted stubbornly. "You can't just take that away. You can't be blind to it." He protested.

"Why do you keep bringing it up all the time?" I asked him.

"That's the label that comes with me." He frowned. "The brutal career. The monstrous boy from District 2. The bloodthirsty killer." He spat out the names, as if they were burning his mouth. "You can't just take them away." HE said shaking his head, his eyes looking at the trees surrounding the clearing.

He casted his eyes downwards, his hands limp by his side. It made me sad to see a boy so feverishly telling me something that was eating him inside. Something he wouldn't have chosen if you would have the choice. The label games put on him.

Don't they see they are not just a puppet in a play? That there aren't any white and black characters? That there isn't only one side of the truth? Of them, that we see?

I raised my head, my eyes looking at him. "I know I can't." I said.

"I understand that that's the way they portray you. BUt tell me one thing." I said. "I know, that you killed people in the arena." I mentally shuddered at the easy tone that accompanied the way I said 'killed', the prospect of how twisted it is seeping in the back of my mind. "But have you ever killed someone in real life?" My question brought his eyes back on me.

"I .. I didn't." He said, with a small frown on his lips. "But I have hurt people, when I couldn't control my anger."

"And you know what I did?" I asked him.

He raised his eyebrows waiting for an answer. "I burned worms because I hate them and they scared me." I confessed. "Now tell me that it is nice."

He chuckled and brought his arms around me, hugging me. "You can't compare that. And you know it."

"I know it isn't something I can just take away if I wished. " I muttered. I took his hand, grasping it between my smaller ones. "But look at that who you are around me." I said encouragingly.

"A goofball that wears a grass braid tied around his wrist that some girl put there." I joked, a corner of Cato's lips finally curling upwards.

"It's not just some girl." He said after a while.

His blue eyes locked with mine. "It's you."

In that moment, the cameras and other tributes ceased to exist.

It was just me and him.

Basking in the shimmering morning sun with warm breaths and fumbling hands and fluttering hearts of innocent people. That was us and in this moment, nothing else mattered.

Our foreheads touched, Cato's hands circling my face, barely touching it, like a porcelain doll on display. My hands were on his strong chest, feeling his heartbeat escalating.

And just like a lightning,so sudden and unexpected, our lips touched.

Barely moving at first, seemingly frozen. Sparks flew between them, urging for something more. And that more was granted. they started moving, slowly, against each other, heat beginning to build up. Hands that were so shy at first were now crossing borders.

When we parted, we didn't lean away from each other, surprised and stunned by our actions. We prolonged the feeling, our lips still in slight shock from such a new experience. We were breathing steadily, though are heart didn't see it as the right time to calm down.

"For someone who says he never kissed a girl, that was one heel of a kiss." I said quietly. Not a second passed and I opened my eyes in shock.

"I ruined the moment." And bit my lip. Perfect, not it seems like I'm an idiot. Cato's laugh reached my ears, my eyes looking into his.

"Why are you laughing?" I asked a bit hurt at his actions.

"It's not like that." He said, shaking his head, his lips pink.

"You just made it more perfect." He said.

I let out a sigh of relief, gently punching in the arm.

I crossed my hand on my chest. Cato stood just a few feet away from me in the same stance as I did. Except he looked way more serious than I did.

"You won't go with me." I repeated stubbornly second time in a row.

"I will." He retorted.

"No you won't."

"Yes I will."

"I won't get killed you idiot."

"I don't believe that for a second."

"You don't get it. I can't.. can't.. do that with you there."

"I will turn around."

I hid my face in my hand and screamed into them out of pure frustration. I weaved my les around each other, coaxing my bladder into not exploding.

Peeing.

This was a serious issue. The game makers didn't think about it. There were no toilets nor stalls around here. The first few days, it wasn't such a problem. Having not much to eat and drink made it easier. And when I had something to out in my mouth, it was at the Cornucopia and there was Clove that didn't mind that much to go with me.

But now, she's not here, doing God knows what, leaving me with still sleepy Marvel and Cato. And Cato saw it fit to go with me.

Hell no. Over my dead body. I don't think we got to the point in our relationship where we should share our experiences to this level.

"JUst let me go alone. I won't got far." I said, desperate to convince him. Cato sighed, his previously crossed hands falling to his side, giving me a glimmer of hope that he'll let me go.

"I swear that if you won't return in 5 minutes, I'll go after you." He said. I squealed and turned to run in the forest.

"Give me ten!" I shouted back to him. Zigzagging through the trees, without waiting for an answer.

After I was done, I walked slowly with an elevated feeling thought the forest, my eyes skipping from one branch to leaves and birds.

Everything was green.

Green, green, green, brown, green, brown, mud, leaf, white flower, green, orange, green, brown...gr-.

Orange.

My eyes found him immediately, as if they remembered the color that just didn't belong.

Right in front of me, half hiding half not behind a tree, was Vale. His head slightly tilted, hair standing out at the greenery around us.

Right in my path to the clearing.

Maybe Cato was right after all. Maybe I'll get killed.

.

.

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AN: Feel free to kill me now, since the time I last updated was like thousands years ago.

I lost my drive and made a big mistake of fixing Cato to the actor that played him, Alexander Ludwig. Don't get me wrong, I think he was perfect for that role, I just realized that I should have created my own version of Cato and I didn't. So I spent that whole time thinking about it. But not only that.

I have a part time job that takes up quite a lot of my time, I got even lazier and messier than before and I had some different things on my mind as well. A girl, that belonges to my 3 best friends for about 5 years, thinks I'm not worth her time, ignores me, doesn't reply to texts. I even visited her two times, worried that something bad happened to her and she didn't even come to see me and tell me that our friendship is over.

Sorry for the rant.

I read a lot of ff in about 5 or 4 years since I dicovered it. Every single day, at least few hours. It's pretty much my love. So when I finally decided to write something, I was scared but excite at the same time.

I want you to know that I appreciate evry single view and hit or what is it called like, and review are like dreams come true. I hate to admit that I was a bit disappointed with the lack of reaction to the last chapter and that made me realize that the way I write is far from as good as some other authors.

But thanks to every one of you who reviewed, added the story or even me to follow or favorites. It makes me feel honored that you did something like that and I'm grateful for that.

Castiel's Saving Grace, Sassi15, LollipopR5, RtheAwesome, horseluvr888, XxSayaKeikokuRyuuxX, Stjarna15, EmoPrincessBunny, natnat9, flippingthroughthepages thank you so much for the follow/favorite.

Special thank goes to the ones that reviewd: Guest, Dreamer, fangirlingeveryseond.

Dreamer: I appreciate it but since I'm a complety troll when it comes to these things, could you write the the i have to put before it? I would love to check it out. thank you.

Review, review, review.

Thanks for reading.