Author's Note: Final chapter. :D

I don't own anything.

-A Break in the Silence-

Days later…

Was this really happening?

A rule change. A rule change. In the Hunger Games. This never happens.

But it did. A few days ago actually, it was announced.

But I knew what the Gamemakers were trying to do. They knew that Lover Boy and Fire Girl 'loved' each other. And since the game called for one winner, the Gamemakers would be in a tough spot if they both didn't make it through.

Because, well, I wasn't an idiot. Romantic fools were all over those District 12 mutts.

A stabbing pain quickly began in my heart. The rule change wasn't for me and Cato. But still, it promised that Cato and I could make it back home. We could become the victors of District 2.

I turned towards Cato, the thought pushing me to smile. He half grinned at me, then resumed sharpening his sword to a deadly point.

We both didn't talk much about the kiss. What was there left to say? My feeling were quickly rushing overboard, to the point where I wanted to jump into his arms and kiss him. Especially with this rule change. Because now, I knew it was possible.

"So, was it the kiss?"

His sudden question surprised me. "W-What?" I asked reluctantly, secreting thinking he must have read my mind. I guess he could be asking about that now. Since we both could make it out alive.

He sighed, running a hand through his short hair. "You know what I mean."

And in truth, I knew exactly what he meant.

"It meant nothing. Clove, it was a dare." He thrust his sword into the ground, beginning to stand up. I felt so tiny in his presence.

I slowly felt my walls beginning to crumble. I didn't like this feeling, being vulnerable. "You still did it."

"She's dead."

I couldn't help but smirk at his statement. "Yes, she is. Obviously."

He plopped down on the ground next to me, scooting close. "Everyone else in this arena is good as dead, too."

I tensed up, then relaxed, knowing he didn't mean us. Besides Thresh, nobody else was really a problem. Fire Girl couldn't just leave Lover Boy to die. And if she did… would they revoke the rule?

"Admit it. Cato, you like me," I teased, turning to see a confused expression taking over his face. Turning away, I noticed the blush starting to form. Cato. This tough, handsome guy that likes me. For some reason, I always knew it would happen.

"No," he replied, "you admit it. You like me."

I waved my hand, dismissing his statement. "You first."

He stared at a single spot on the ground. This, right now, was happening.

"Isn't it obvious?"

This simple statement made my heart pound in my chest. When I looked over, a tint of red took over his features, ear to ear. For the second time, I smiled. This moment, the feeling of my hearting pounding rapidly against my chest, Cato blushing ever so lightly, and me smiling; I wanted it to last forever.

"Cato, I-"

Boom!

We were interrupted as we both abruptly stood up, knives clutched in each of my hands, his sword firmly gripped in Cato's. When we realized it was just the cannon, we fell back onto the ground in an annoyed heap.

"Who do you think died?" I asked, whispering cautiously.

He shrugged, his voice loud. "I dunno."

"Maybe Fire Girl?"

"Maybe so."

We were unconsciously moving closer to each other, when I felt his hand go up to my back. I felt dizzied and rushed as our lips touched for the first time. The shock that jolted through me… I felt it everywhere. Knowing that it finally had happened. That he was finally mine.

"Hey, Clove," he barely whispered.

"Yeah?"

"District 2. Let's finish this up soon."

I nodded, just soaking in his embrace. Knowing that soon enough, we'd win this. Together. The stone hard walls I surrounded myself in were finally falling. And it felt amazing.

"Let's go home, Clove."

-A Break in the Silence-

How was it? Disappointing? Good? Please tell me!

Remember, my new Clove/Cato story, What Wasn't, is out now!

-Ashe