I ran. I just ran. As fast as my weak legs could take me, past the thickness of the trees, the large rocks that rested at the edge of the creek. I couldn't be late. I wouldn't live it down if I was late.
My eyes skimmed over the ground until I found a single drop of blood. The drop turned into a steady trail leading to my destination. I can't be late my mind screamed.
Finally, I stopped and stared ahead of me. There was a large lump beside a tree, crumpled into itself. It was surrounded by a pool of deep crimson.
Late. Late. Late. Late. Late.
I ran towards him, already knowing I wasn't going to like what I found. I crashed to my knees beside him.
I picked him up out of the pool of blood, forcing him into an almost up-right position. The smell made my stomach turn, but I ignored it. His mess of curly blond hair was filthy with dirty, and his bright blue eyes were half closed, with the normal brightness replaced with certain dimness.
"Peeta!" I shouted repeatedly, trying to shake him from this trance.
His leg was bleeding profusely, leaving his body looking completely drained. He had already lost so much blood, and was beginning to look lifeless.
"Peeta!" I shouted again, this time more desperately. I was panicking. "Please, Peeta, Please!"
He tried to utter something, but his voice failed him. He was weak, so very weak. It wouldn't be long until his eyelids slowly slid shut, sending him into oblivion.
But they never did shut. They stayed open, to forever stare up at me with his hazed over gaze.
A cannon fired loudly in the background, and I knew that they wouldn't come to collect him until I left. And if I didn't leave, they'd make sure I had a reason to make a quick exit.
A lump formed in the back of my throat as I closed his eyes. I gently laid him back down onto the ground, and stroked his hair.
"I'll stay here with you," I managed to choke out.
"I'm sorry I was late."