My body seems to freeze, every muscle locking into place. I have no idea whether from shock or surprise, I couldn't say. I make sure that I'm pressed right up to the wall, until it scratches my back before I reply.
"Have you been watching me District 5?" I ask innocently, trying to forget that it was actually the other way around.
"Yes." The singular word makes my heart dance in excitement. "But only for as long as you've been watching me."
I pause and bit my lip, unsure of how to reply to this. I don't have to reply, however, because before I can think of anything he's already answering.
"I saw you last night, for the first time really. You turned away just as looked over. The face shining in the distance helped me to get back up. When I next looked over all I recognised was your hair."
I stroke my sleek bob in the darkness, thankful the shadows were probably masking the blush I knew was scarlet upon my face.
"You can come out now, you know. If I was going to kill you, do you not think I would have done it by now?" His voice is warm, like the melted treacle we get for birthdays, and somehow I trust him, stranger though he may be.
I throw my hands up in surrender as I step out of the shadows. I pretend to look confident by there's a maze of butterflies in my stomach as I walk out to greet him.
As I do, I notice him fully for the first time. His muscles are flexed but he has a cut lip and a swollen check. He's slouched against the wall with his hands over his chest but he mimics my hand action when he notices me. We both lower our hands at the same time, and he catches mine in his. His hands are warm and strong and in that moment I feel most definitely safe.
He lets go of one of hands and begins to caress my face and cheek. I nuzzle my face into his hand and somehow it feels right; as though this is where we were both born to be.
He smiles at me and his teeth shine, even with the lack of brushing and light.
Next thing I know, we're kissing and electricity is flowing through me. I run my hand through his hair and he moves his hand to support my neck, while still stroking my face with the other. He's so gentle, and yet so strong, and I don't want to ever let him go.
I just want to let myself go in that moment, submerge myself entirely in his warmth. I want to forget the games, the deaths, the cameras; I even want to forget District 10 and my family. Nothing is real in that moment. Not the coliseum or the cut in my hand, or all of the nation watching.
Nothing matters but him.