New Beginnings (Mai and Cam)

[Cham]

Gia smiled, running her fingers up his arms that pulled her close. Feeling his firm chest against her back. She leaned her head against his shoulder, and felt a tender, wet kiss on her cheek. "I dont mind one little bit" She whispered, turning, then feeling his arms clamp her to him once again. Her own arms wrapped around his neck, and she pulled herself up to kiss him passionately. Only stopping to murmur against his lips "I love you... IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou"

[Lotus]

His hands tightened around her waist and he slowly backed her up against the shower wall, kissing her back whilst forcing every ounce of love into it. When he pulled away he was a little breathless and he rested his forehead against hers. "I love you and never forget it okay?"

[Cham]

Gia giggled softly and pressed her lips to his for only a moment "How could I? Especially in this position" She laughed and wiggled a little, murmuring as she looked into his eyes "If theres anything I want to remember its this. So kiss me" Then pulled him back down to her.

[Lotus]

Isaac finally let himself grin and he lowered his head down to place his lips against hers, forcing all his love for her into it. He didn't want to forget a thing. Their lips moved in sync and his hands started trailing her body, feeling every curve in a new way; memorising her.

He pulled away briefly to look at her face when her eyes were closed and she was happy. That was a face he never wanted to forget. A sad, small smile spread across his lips and he pressed them back to Gia's.

[Cham]

Gia leaned back, breathing momentarily. But she didnt want to breathe. She wanted to wrap herself in the love that was Isaac, and never let go.

But the time passed much to quickly. The water began to chill as she rinsed the final suds out of her hair, turning the shower off, and stepping out into a towel. Kissing Isaac softly and whispering her love to him. Then tying her hair up in a second towel and moving back to their bedroom.

[Lotus]

Isaac watched her step out of the shower and quickly followed in suit. He wrapped a towel around his lower half and walked out of the bathroom, drying his hair with another towel. He walked to his closet and reached into the back, pulling out his Reaping suit. He hated it. It was dull, boring and not him but he had to wear it. He sighed as he hung it against the door of the wardrobe.

"What are you wearing today baby?" His face was now sullen. The happiness of moments ago quickly draining away as each second took them a step nearer to the possible end of their life together.

[Cham]

Looking over Isaac's shoulder she contemplated what to wear. She wanted something sexy for Isaac if they were not reaped, but subtle enough for the capitol if she was...

Rummaging through, she pulled out the black dress his mother had given her ages ago. The one Isaac had been floored by. Contemplating it, then nodding her head "This one... What do you think?" Smiling and holding it up to herself. The skirt clung nicely, and the V neck hid well enough, but gave just a little peak of cleavage.

The look on his face was enough, and she grabbed black underwear to go with it, pulling off the towel and slipping into the outfit.

[Lotus]

Despite the mood he was suddenly feeling himself being dragged into, he smiled. He had loved how she'd looked in that dress and it'd give him something to look forward too after the Reaping; if they were both still in the district that was. He sighed and turned back to his suit, letting the towel slip, pulling on underwear and then hastily slipping into his suit.

He turned to her and said, "Could you do my tie again? In that way you showed me before?" He walked over to her and held it around his neck at the right length. He smiled softly as her nimble fingers quickly tied the knot and he stepped back. "Good enough?"

[Cham]

Gia grinned cheekily at Isaac as he dressed, glancing at him and blushing softly. But when he asked her in his soft almost mournful voice, her eyes glazed in tears that she held back. Remembering that moment when everything had changed between them. Snuffling softly, she nodded and tied it quickly, blinking back the liquid that threatened the spill.

"You look perfect" She whispered, her hands still on his chest. Looking at him made it so real... This could really be it. The last touch. The last kiss. The last everything. Looking up into his concerned eyes, she grabbed the tie and jerked him to her. Her lips crashed into his, and she kissed him fiercely. The tears slipping down her cheeks unbidden.

[Lotus]

Isaac smiled softly and felt tears in his own eyes. When they kissed though it finally hit him. It hit him hard. Tears streamed down his face as he kissed her back with an equal forced and knotted his fingers in her hair. He pulled her to him and deepened it further, trying to control the tears that ran down his face. He couldn't take it though. He pulled away and rested his forehead against hers, wiping away her tears. "I can't lose you..." His voice cracked, showing how scared and weak he was.

[Cham]

Gia felt Isaac's thumbs wiping away the tears, dragging under her eyes softly. The soft sobs causing her to blubber, unable to form a simple word. It took several moments before she could even choke out "I-I cant-t-t Lose... YOU!!!" chastizing herself mentally and forcing herself to take deep breaths before she could look up into his eyes, and murmur with more conviction than she knew she had "Your my better half... I love you more than life itself. If im reaped I swear to you that I. Will. Come. Back." Giving a small shrug she whispered "I have no other choice..."

Only then did she realize her trembling hands were gripping the lapels of his jacket. She released him, and smoothed them out, taking slow calming breaths.

[Lotus]

Isaac felt more tears flow down his cheeks at her words and even though she stepped back he pulled her closer to him again. "If I could hold your hand the whole time I would. If we could both go in and both come home I'd do that too. I've got my fingers crossed so tightly, and we will be okay. We've got to be." He nodded his head, his chin lightly hitting the top of her head. "You're my better half too, and without you in my life it would be meaningless." He sighed and tried to calm his emotions.

There was a knock on his door and he turned to see his mum standing there with a hollow look on his face. "It's time you two." Isaac pulled away from Gia with a deep breath, replacing his terrified look with a stern, emotionless face. He gripped hold of Gia's hand.

"I'm not letting go until I have to."

[Cham]

Gia couldnt contain her emotions. Terror, Horror, Anxiety, and an abundance of joy that she couldnt seem to explain. Perhaps that he knew of her love, and she was absolutly sure of his. After the pervious day, this was all solidified. If she lost him, there would never be anyone else for her. Her life would become mundane and bleak... She couldnt afford that. Not with the exuberant amounts of effort she had put into this relationship. Not now. Not ever.

Mrs. Waterman looked like she was trying to mask her pain. The smell of alcohol was evident, but fresh. How much had she drank was the question... Her eyes were slightly dialated, but not terribly. Couldnt have been much.. Worry was added to her list of emotions.

She gripped Isaacs hand. "Im not letting go at all. If you go in. I go in. We've lived together, Ill die with you." Her facial expressions were firm. There was no way she would let him out of her sight.

[Lotus]

Isaac nodded his head and swallowed over the lump in his throat. "That we shall." He turned to walk out of the door with his one and only by his side. He saw his mum and gave a weak smile as he reached out for her hand, trying to not give her any reason to cry; despite what could happen.

He walked them out of his room, down the stairs and out of the door. He turned round and took a look inside the house, closing his eyes for a moment. This could be it. He squeezed both the hands that were in his and turned his head back round, letting his mum close and lock the door. The took the steps together and started walking to the square. He noticed other groups walking the same way and the dread started to build. But nevertheless, he held his head high with a grim expression.

They would get through this.

[Cham]

Gia's fingers clenched Isaac's, attempting to smile at Mrs. Waterman but only managing a frightened, deer-in-the-headlights look mixed with insanity. Gia didnt want to look back though. she wanted to look forward. She wanted to get past this shit, and begin her life. But she couldnt do that without Isaac.

As they began walking, she saw glimpses of Max and Rylee, then a little while later Wes and Danielle. Wes was caressing her face, she was gazing lovingly up at him.

Gia murmured softly "What have I done..." How terrible could she get? Introducing her dearest friends to each other. Allowing them to fall in love. Only to watch them fear for each other. Have the possibility of losing someone they had given every day and night to.

She stopped in her tracks, and felt her breath quickening. Panick setting in as the tables loomed infront of them. "I cant" She whispered "Isaac, we cant!" Fear spiking her voice.

[Lotus]

He stopped in his tracks and he turned to see the panic on Gia's face. He let go of his mums hand and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you always." He whispered before she walked off with a tear sliding down her cheek. He walked back to Gia and cupped her face in his hands tightly, yet lovingly. He looked into her eyes and tried not to let his own fear show though.

"Gia. We can. We've got to. We'll be together no matter what. That's our vow to each other. I can't live without you, so we'll get through this one way or another. I promise." He chocked out the last part and cradled her head to his chest, seeing Wes and Max out of the corner of his eye. He tried not to concentrate on him. "Gia, I love you. You're my world and nothing will change that. Be brave, I know you can be, so show it to me now."

He took a step back and smiled softly down to her. "We can do this. We can do anything." He stroked her cheeks with his thumbs and then crashed his lips to hers in their final kiss. "I love you." He chocked out before pulling away. He reached down for her hand and nodded at Wes and Max as they walked past, their girls hands in theirs. He took a deep breath. "Brave face Gia. Let's get this over with."

He turned to face the tables and with Gia's hand in his they made their way forward, behind their best friends.

[Cham]

Gia caught Mrs. Watermans hand, and gave her a loving, thankful smile, but couldnt force any words out. Hoping she understood.

She nodded her head, and gave him everything in her kiss, her tongue stroking his tenderly, but it was far too short. "I love you... Your my everything. Your more than I deserve. More than I could ever dream of..."

But seeing the others cut her off. Their scared faces only confermed that she needed to be strong for them. Agreeing with Isaac. "Brave face... We will get through this..." Nodding and trying to convince herself of it. Taking a deep breath and following Isaac who pulled her through the crowd which was now only a dwindling few.

Clinging to his hand as someone stuck hers, taking her blood sample, anddirecting her in the other direction. She went to move, but found her hand wouldnt release. With a final soft kiss, she blinked, smiled and whispered "I love you fiancee..."

[Lotus]

Isaac gripped her hand tighter than he ever had, not afraid of hurting her. He felt the prick in his finger and he was registered. He turned to walk into his so-called pen but was dragged back. He was still holding Gia's hand. He slowly let go and lent into her kiss. "I love you too fiancée..." With that they both turned and walked the opposite way, following behind Wes and Max.

He took his place in the pens, his fists clenched and he closed his eyes, trying to calm himself. He searched for Gia's face in the crowd and when he saw her head bobbing up and down he relaxed slightly. He would know where to look when the time came. He sighed and turned to Max and Wes who both looked like they could throw up. How were the Games a good thing?

[Cham]

Gia couldnt look back. If this was about to happen. If she was about to lose him, the last look she wanted of his was to be his loving eyes looking down at her as he kissed her.

She didnt realize she was biting her lip so hard until she tasted a tang of blood. Running her tongue along the inside, and pressing down. Rylee, Danielle, and herself all linked arms asn they stood in a little triangle. Tears fell, but no one saw, dripping into the dirt...

The Mayor stood at his pulpit and the girls were forced to look up. Gia kept her gaze up there, watching but not listening. As tempting as it was to find Isaac's gaze, she knew she couldnt. She would fall apart at the seams...

Oh god, where had the time gone? The escort stood, and Gia literally stopped breathing. "Our female tribute is Charlotte Raine!" rang out into the crowd.

Gia couldnt believe it... She wasnt chosen. How did this happen??? So much good had already come about. But the fear wasnt over. Finally she cast her gaze to the boys and found all three of them. Watching intently at the stage as the stupid escort's hand drifted over the papers...

[Lotus]

Isaac kept his eyes trained on Gia as the name rang out into the crowd. He nearly miss it from the beating of his heart being loud in his ears. But he heard it and it wasn't Gia. His muscles visibly relaxed knowing she was safe. But it wasn't over yet. His turn was still to come. He turned his intent gaze on the podium and stood shoulder to shoulder with Max and Wes, feeling how tense and upright they were. They were all in the same boat.

The time was now. The Escort had the slip of paper in her hand. His life could fall apart right now with just that one slip of paper. "Our Male Tribute is Nicholas Bind, Everybody!" Automatically he felt his muscles, Wes' and Max's all relax at that calling of the name, but he kept his eyes fixed forward. Something could still go wrong.

As he watched Nicholas walk up to the podium he realised it had been a kid in his class before they graduated. A clever kid with high expectations, quiet. Isaac wished him luck under his breath but it was a doubtful he would make it home.

[Cham]

"Our Male Tribute is Nicholas Bind, Everybody!"

Gia felt her knees going... 'Its not Isaac... Its not Isaac' Was all she could think, looking at him with love, affection, and relief. The name was familiar, and a memory sparked. She met Nicholas once... One afternoon in the library, but had never seen him after that. She would watch and see if he got any visitors, if not, she would go. Maybe bring Isaac. They were the same age. Mightve known each other even...

But now was not the time. They were free.

Free from this stress. Free from the fright every year, the blood pounding through your body, and the adrenaline coursing through your veins.

They were free to live their lives together. To have a family, and a home.

[Lotus]

Isaac watched intently as the tributes shook hands and all he could think of was it wasn't him. It wasn't any one he held close to his heart. It could've been him. It could've easily been any of them, but they'd survived for the last time. They were free.

The kids started milling out of the square, running to their parents with relief on their faces. Isaac's shoulders finally slumped and he turned his gaze to look at Wes and Max. They must have all had the same facial expression because then they smiled. It was weary, but it was still a smile. Finally, Isaac looked over to Gia as the boys started following the crowd of boys out of their pen. As soon as he was past the barrier he left Wes and Max behind, running to meet Gia.

He skidded to a halt and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in to a tight embrace. "We made it." He whispered softly before tilting her head back and kissing her softly. "We made it..." He sighed as he rested his forehead against hers.

[Cham]

Gia felt Rylee and Danielle linking arms with her, pulling her out of their section. The last time they would stand in this square. The next year, it would be outside of it.

A thought came to her mind, terrifying her. Next year it could be her brother... But even that was swept away when she saw Isaac... He had a tired smile on her face, and she mustve been reciprocating it.

With a squeal she took off, launching herself into Isaac's arms, and kissing his neck before he pulled her back and kissed her lips. Tugging gently on his hair as she weaved her fingers through it. "We made it" She repeated, and laughed, kissing him over and over every inch of his face.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Wes and Danielle locked in a heavy embrase, glued together at the mouth. On their other side, Rylee and Max who were touching foreheads, whispering to eachother "Isaac... Weve all done it..."

Clutching him tightly once more, she saw out of the corner of her eye, Mrs. Waterman who was standing silently, watching all the couples around them. Gia pushed herself off Isaac, and took his hand. "Come on... Lets go home" Running towards Mrs. Waterman, and hugging her fiercely.

[Lotus]

Isaac smiled softly and nodded his head. "We have..." He kissed her nose before she ran off, dragging him behind. He'd try and catch up with Max and Wes later. As they neared his mum he smiled and wrapped his arms around Gia and his mum as they stood their hugging. "I love you two." He whispered.

He lifted his head up to see his father and Issabelle in the crowd watching them. He let his arms drop to his sides and his body tensed up. What did they want? Hadn't they both done enough damage? He reached out and took hold of Gia's hand in a restraining manner. "Mum, I think they want to talk..."

[Cham]

Gia grinned and felt the love these two had for her, and she had for them. But when she felt one of them withdraw, she looked up to see Isaac glaring over their heads. It was them... The assholes who had tried to ruin their life. Feeling Isaac bar her back, she smiled rather restrained up at him "Just dont talk to them. We dont have to deal with their bullshit jsut because they want us to."

Taking his hand, and his mums she tried to pull them back to the house "We dont have to do what they say. They have no hold on you any longer"