The sun is safely hidden behind large, fluffy, white clouds, while Mona's jacket and pants keep me perfectly warm. Everything leaves a strange numb feeling in my stomach.
The cornucopia, so real and so close, lies silent in the middle of the clearing, perfectly encompassed by the dense forest. Behind me, the soft gurgling of a river separates us from an old town, long forgotten since before the Dark Days.
…30…29…28…
Across the field, his eyes focus on the metallic plunder, fainting glimmering in the muted sunlight. Knives, backpacks, a bow, swords, bags of food- I'd rather not think of what the boy spotted, that makes his sea green eyes twinkle.
Less than twenty seconds, the Ky finally finds me. No smile, no wave- no time. I worried how the actual beginning of the games would affect him. Right now, Waylan should be proud of his tribute- the little boy, who managed to win over the Capitol with his charming smile and careful attitude, seems fully confident with himself. To think he'd be the last thing I'd have with me in this world- it's a curse and a blessing.
Ky gives me a swift nod toward the forest behind my back, and I think to myself, I would die for this boy. And I will.