Gale's P.O.V
I had no clue what time it was as I held Phoenix close to me. Her color was slowly returning and her breathing was much steadier. All of a sudden; I heard the cannon fire which meant the last tribute was dead. Phoenix and I had won the final games. "It's over my angel, we won" I whispered.
Just then; I heard the voices of the gamemakers encouraging me to come out. I carried Phoenix out of the cave and saw Plutarch waiting. "Congratulations Mr. Hawthorne and to Miss Abernathy; now give her to the medical workers" he told me. I carried Phoenix to the hovercraft with Plutarch following and I gave the love of my life to the medical staff.
We arrived back at the training base and Phoenix was rushed down to the medical ward. I explained what had happened to the others. I vowed I wasn't leaving Phoenix's side until she woke up. I settled into the ward beside her bed and that is where I stayed.
Hours turned into days and Phoenix still hadn't woken up. I feared that I might have been too late but I could see she was slowly recovering. Slowly; I ran my fingers along her arm and she was warm. "Phoenix; my beautiful firebird, please wake up" I pleaded softly. This was truly the first time that my cold exterior had ever melted. I finally laid my head down and my exhaustion caught up with me as I drifted off.
Phoenix's P.O.V
I was having beautiful dreams of dancing in a meadow full of flowers. The only thing was that the meadow was empty of any other life and somewhere in that; I could hear Gale's voice calling to me. I wanted to call out "Gale; I'm here" but when I tried to speak; nothing came out. It was like I had become an avox.
When I heard the call this time; I finally screamed his name and my eyes slowly opened. I was no longer in the cave in the arena. Gale was at my side, holding my hand and he asked "Are you alright Phoenix?"
"I'm dry" I croaked. He gave me some water and I drank it in one swallow and finally said "I'm better now that I have you but how are we out of the cave?" "We won Phoenix. They delayed the victory ceremonies until you were awake and healed" Gale told me. "When can I leave the hospital" I asked.
"Soon as the doctor says so" Gale replied. Right then; the doctor came in and checked me over before I finally got to leave. Tomorrow night; Gale and I would give our final interview with Cesar followed by the crowning ceremony during the interview and then the next day; Gale and I would be married in the most blazing ceremony ever witnessed.