Learning To Let Go

Long Live

Jacob’s POV

“Don’t let go of my hand,” I whispered as Isabella slipped her hand in mine. She blushed as I leaned in and kissed her again. We were interrupted when Queena walked over.

“Do you guys ever stop kissing?” she asked, exasperated. I chuckled and squeezed Isabella’s hand. She smiled in return as Queena went ahead and switched on her dress. I let go of her hand as she bent down and switched on her shoes. Queena walked over and switched on my suit.

“These outfits are amazing,” I said for the hundredth time that day. She rolled her eyes and said, “Let’s just say Cinna left Avan and Liz many videos of fires.” There was a moment of silence at the mention of Cinna’s name. He had been Liz and Avan’s mentor while they were studying fashion. Of course, that was before President Snow had him killed.

Rochelle’s sudden appearance startled us. “Come on, get ready now. You two are up first,” she said all flustered. I gave her my best reassuring smile, and that seemed to cool her down a bit. She sauntered away as I slipped my hand into Isabella’s again.

“Okay, remember everything Liz and Avan said. Stare straight ahead but smile. And don’t forget the passionate kiss when you see us at the exit,” Queena reminded us as the doors slid open, revealing the roaring crowds. I looked behind me at my fellow friends, my enemies in less than a week. Some were dressed in coal miner’s outfits, others a jumpsuit simply dusted black with coal dust. Evidently Isabella and I would stand out. I waved my hand at Rene and Ashleigh, nudging Isabella to do the same.

We turned around in time to see the horses pulling our carriage take off. We faced straight ahead, a smile playing at our lips. The crowds roared and chanted our names, the bright lights blinding me. I could feel Isabella’s hand squeezing mine hard, and I was almost positive there was no blood flowing in my right hand.

My heart was pounding away at the thought of our kiss and I whispered out of the corner of my mouth, “Do you really wanna do the kiss?” Isabella hesitated before whispering back, “Not really. But I’m convinced it’ll get us sponsors. Remember Katniss and Peeta?” I nodded my head the slightest bit and looked up at the gigantic screen. The cameras were zoomed in on us, showing our fiery figure. We looked like coals that had been removed from a fire, still burning. The cameras changed its focus to Ashleigh and Rene, who were blowing kisses to the crowd. I glanced down at Isabella, who was holding back her laughter. Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see the exit door looming ahead.

“Ready?” I whispered, squeezing her hand. The door was in view, and we could clearly see Avan and Liz with their thumbs up. I took a deep breath and turned to her, crashing my lips on her lips. She placed her arms round my neck and I put mine round her waist. I slipped my tongue into her mouth. I had never kissed anyone like this before. My hands roamed down her back and she tugged on my hair ever so slightly. I opened my eyes and pulled away, looking up at the crowd. I saw the shock register on their face just as we drove through the door.