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Chapter Twenty Five

Leaning against her doorway, just barely enough to block her from entering without ducking under my arm, I say, "So, Delly Cartwright, imagine finding her lookalike here?" I smirk, making her blush and divert her stare to a painting down the spacious hallway. She hesitates, considering her options.

"Have you been on the roof yet?" I ask, hoping she'll give me an explanation once we're away from Capitol ears. She shakes her head.

"Can we just go up?" she asks impatiently.

"Sure, come on," I reply. Katniss follows me up the winding stairs, her clammy hand resting on the metal rail, making a squeaking sound as she drags it while we climb the stairs. I want to reach mine back at her, to grip hers again. To feel the comfort we both felt at the parade when we were side by side, my hand linked with hers. My hand feels empty without her sweaty one in it.

I thrust open the bulky door, and a cool breeze drifts through my hair, making it flop back and forth on my forehead. I breathe in the night air, closing my eyes, taking in this moment. I look back at Katniss, whose breaths are heavy and elongated, her hair matted to her forehead with sweat. I reach for her hand with a warm smile, offering to help guide her onto the floor of the roof, and she doesn't resist. She grips it, relieved for the help. I lead her to the edge of the roof, where electric colors burst from the streets below. She pulls away her hand from mine, but I squeeze it ever so slightly before letting go. She looks down at the lights with excitement and disgust, trying to decide which she wants to feel more.

"I asked Cinna why they let us up here," I say. "Weren't they worried that some of the tributes might decide to jump right over the side?" I look at her and cock my head to the side, imitating myself.

"What'd he say?" she asks, genuinely curious.

"You can't." I reach my hand out and tap a field of invisible electricity, sending a warm jolt through my finger. I shoot my hand back, rubbing it and wincing at the pain. "Some kind of electric field throws you back on the roof."

"Always worried about our safety," she says, rolling her eyes with a smile and shake of her head. It fades quickly, turning into a nervous expression.