"Cinna…" I said slowly, before shaking my head furiously, realising how ridiculous I sound. 

"Hello."

He smiled at me. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Without the ability to form words at that moment, I only smiled and nodded to him. "I'll be helping Miele and Jordi with your costumes this year, if it is alright with you."

"Of course," I whispered. This made him nod appreciatively and grin. 

"Well I'm glad. I have to say, I have a lot of things in mind for you." I could listen to Cinna talk all day. His voice was so calming, and he smiled so warmly, more than anyone I have ever known.

And so I started to feel more comfortable. So comfortable, that I began speaking almost full sentences!

"Could I please…s-see them?"

Miele and Jordi gasped quietly, before they both applauded with large smiles. It made me feel like a pet who had just performed a new trick. I suppose, to them, it is exactly what I am. They can not help that though. 

"Sure. I'm afraid I don't have them with me now, but how about tomorrow? If you'd like, you can come up to the District 12 Quarters."

"I-I don't know if-"

"I already spoke to Haymitch. He said it was fine."

I smiled slightly, and nodded in appreciation. "Thank you...Cinna." With that, he stood as did I. Taking m both hands in his, he kissed the top of one, and walked out.

"Isn't he just lovely!?" Miele shrilled in excitement. I had almost forgotten they were here.

~

After I left the room, I found almost everyone to be gone. There were still clusters of Mentors, greeting those they had not seen in a year.

I felt tired, however I knew I would need to attend the remake center's opening to help Melody and Zeke get ready. Rubbing my eyes tiredly, I began to leave.

"You just get more and more beautiful every time I see you Azzy."

That voice, that nickname. I spun around quickly, before bolting madly towards the boy I missed immensely, and swinging my arms around his neck.

"Raiden!

"Azaylan."

I release him and touch his face with both hands. There was something special about Raiden, and that something was he was perfectly charming.

It was to him, only, I could speak in full sentences. No one knew why. Axel at first suspected that it was because I loved him, but the others know of my feelings for Axel, not Raiden.

When I spoke to Raiden, I did not second guess myself, which the Doctor's said is the original probelm of my speech issue. 

I felt comfortable with him.

In a way, I was slightly scared of how the Games had left him. Mentally he had not been too great. Physically, he had been given an artificial arm.

I spoke to him for a while, fluently and happily.

"How are you?" He asked.

"I'm fine. Pretty tired actually," I laughed.

-No POV-

From the far side of the room, Axel heard her laugh. Light, happy and rare.

In fact, it appeared to be so unheard of that everyone turned to speculate what was happening. It was an odd sight, to see Azaylan so facially active...so talkative.

For a while, he started at her as she had a conversation. With whom, he could guess. There was only one person who could bring out that side of her.

The boy found himself striding towards them. Raiden looked up and noticed. Grinning at each other as old friends, Azaylan happily stepped aside to allow the boys to embrace.

"Maiden."

"Princess."

At a young age they adapted names for each other. Maiden for Raiden due to the rhyme, and Princess for Axel, because in packing and loading in district 8, he could pile everything so high it could form a castle.

"So what's happening?"

"Nothing much, just reminding Azzy about how beautiful she is."

More nicknames. Azzy from Raiden, Zay from Axel.

To everyone but Azaylan, the way Axel put his arm around the small girl looked protective and even possessive.

To Azaylan, it was a signal from him to her to leave, so he could catch up with his best friend.

So that is what she did. Promising to talk to them later, the girl scuttled away to the horses. Everyone in the room, watched Axel and Raiden. 

Still best friends.

Both in love with the same girl.

~