"How the hell did we get lost? I could hear the water that surrounded the Cornucopia a couple of minutes ago and we ran towards that! Now, we are completely lost! Dammit!"
Finnick and I volunteered to scout the area while Peeta and Mags rested, although it was more like Peeta being in shock from the force field while Mags kept an eye on him. At least we didn't have to worry about him disagreeing with us for now. We thought that it would be a good idea to scout ahead to see the potential spots the Careers can use to try and flank us.
It turned out that this wasn't one of our best ideas, since the Gamemakers must have thrown a couple of curveballs in order to make us disoriented. After all, every single one of the trees were starting to look the same to me. It must have had the same effect on Finnick, since he looked just as confused and far more pissed about it.
"Those fuckers better not be leading us to the Careers. That is all I need. It wouldn't surprise me that the Gamemakers would be trying to force more action, since I haven't heard any cannons go off in a while." Finnick says while slamming a knife into the adjacent tree.
"If you are so worried about being led into a trap, would it be a good idea to keep moving then? We can only leave Peeta and Mags alone for so long." I say worriedly. I want Peeta to get out of this alive and the idea of the sweet, but old Mags being the only thing possibly standing between Peeta and a pack of bloodthirsty Careers is not exactly reassuring.
As if reading my mind, Finnick responds with an air confidence, "Don't worry Katniss. Mags might look old, but she is actually still quite deadly. She knows how to use the strength she has left to be the most effective. After all, she taught me everything I know today."
"Okay, fine. Let's pretend that they are safe. What about us Finnick? We are disoriented, possibly walking in circles and if the Careers don't kill us, something else will!" I start with conviction, but finish with hesitation. I refuse to get close to him, knowing that I will have to kill him once our mutual enemies are dead.
The look on Finnick's face shows me that he knows what I really mean. After all, this is the Hunger Games. It is every man for himself. However, even though I do not love Peeta, I will do anything it takes to make sure that he walks out of here alive. That is the only alliance I care about, the only alliance I can care about.
Finnick's voice interrupts my thoughts.
"Do you love him?"
This question takes me by surprise. Is it that obvious that I don't feel the same way?
I quickly shake the internal debate and answer, "Of course! He and I are star-crossed lovers! We are meant for each other and…"
Finnick interrupts me with a tired voice, "The cameras are not on us right now Everdeen…"
I look at him in surprise as I ask, "Wha… What does that have to do with anything?"
Finnick walks up to me and says, "I know that Peeta loves you. That is obvious. But my question was about whether or not you love him and you didn't answer that. So, I will ask again and try to be honest this time, do you love him?"
I am surprised by his bluntness and that he could see through the façade. So surprised, that I look at him wide eyed and am unable to answer his question.
"Based on your lack of response to my question, I will say no. Which is good for several reasons. Certain people will be thrilled to know that you don't love Lover Boy." Finnick starts his cocky tone, but finishes in an unfamiliar tone.
Once he says that, he notices one of Mags' hooks.
"We are close to camp Katniss. I think Mags is leading us back since we were taking too long. Yep, here is another hook. This way." He says while investigating the ground for anymore of Mags' hooks.
We are almost back to our camp when Finnick's words finally resonate in my head. Before we reach the camp, I grab his arm and ask, "What did you mean when you said 'certain people will be thrilled to know that you don't love Lover Boy'?"
He gives me a genuine smile, which looks far more attractive on his face than his typical arrogant smirk, before he responds with sincerity, "Believe it or not, you have made quite an impact on a certain victor. If you open your eyes and look what is in front of you, you will see who would be thrilled about the news. Come on, let's get back. Don't want to worry Peeta anymore."
As we are walking back, Finnick's words continue to swirl in my head. Was he talking about himself? No, that's impossible. Or is it?
Although he says the answer is plain to see, I am still at a loss. These games, especially this alliance, are getting that much more confusing.