Chapter Text
Thank God for Cinna - or I don’t know, maybe I should be cursing him - because what good can come from this tingling electric feeling in my fingers as I grasp her hand in mine.
With every shift of my fingers I’m transported back to the years of harvest festivals, wedding celebrations and new years dances, glancing as secretively as I could across the room at her sitting along the sidelines - mostly alone but sometimes with Madge - and dreaming of approaching her with a confidence and convincing her to dance. Taking her hand in mine to the awe of half the town and leading her onto the floor.
I chance another glance at her glowing face, she’s taken in by the crowd, the excitement and her own power - and I’m transfixed by her. At least if these are my last days, I got to feel her hand in mine, gripping me so tightly and relying on my steady strength as I rely on the absolute vision she is now to fight the nervous twisting in my stomach.
Her hand stays firmly in mine as we disembark from the chariot to meet our team - and I know I won’t be the one to let go. This first hurdle is done - we made it through together, and when she finally releases my stiff hand - I feel the absence like a weight.