Forever And Always - A Hunger Games Story Inspired by Suzanne Collins

Ch 10

Ch 10

I sat up in bed. Gasping for air. I had been having a terrible nightmare. I'd always had bad dreams but never as bad as the ones I'd been having since I was reaped. I swung my legs off the bed and stood up. I went into the bathroom and splashed water on my face. I walked back into my room. I knew I couldn't sleep. I was going into the arena tomorrow. There was no way I could sleep. I wrapped myself in a blanket and crept out into the hallway. My bare feet made no sound on the thickly carpeted floor. I walked out onto the balcony and looked down at the celebration below. It was horrible. I wanted to be home, with my sister. I wish none of this had ever happened. I felt my eyes sting and tried to swallow the lump in my throat. No. I don't cry. I haven't cried since my parents stopped caring about me when I was twelve. I was lost in my own thoughts and didn't realize anyone was behind me until I felt a hand on my shoulder. I didn't think before I acted. I spun around snapping my elbow up under its chin causing their head to be thrown back and shoving my knee into the person's stomach. I heard the breath leave them and them hit the ground. "Didn't... Feel... Too nice...." I recognized the voice. "Oh gosh Ben! Are you okay? I'm so sorry!" "Fine... Just need to... Catch my... Breath...." I helped him to his feet and sat him on the edge of the balcony. His breathing was returning to normal and I sat next to him. "I'm sorry Ben..." he smiled. "it's fine. I should have said something first...." he trailed off watching me. I looked at him. His deep brown eyes stared into mine and blond-ish hair stuck up everywhere. “You're bleeding." I said and he shrugged. "I probably bit my lip when you hit my chin." I reached out my hand and touched the cut. I could feel his breath warm on my skin. Ben leaned forward and I could see the flecks of gold in his eyes. He leaned in further and then stopped and gave a half smile, "Do I, Endymion, have permission to kiss you?" I laughed. In our district, before one's first kiss it is tradition for the boy to ask permission. "Yes. Ben." he closed the space and his lips pressed against mine. I felt happy, joyful, light, like I could fly. It was blissful. I never imagined it could be so amazing. Ben broke off and lifted my chin. I looked up at him. I'd never realized how tall he was. he smiled. "Good night, Endy." He tapped the tip of my nose, stood and left. I sat there for a while longer, remembering the felling of his lips. I smiled stupidly and gazed out at the city lights, they were beautiful tonight.