Hey there guys and gals, I'm gonna apologise now for taking so long to write this chapter. All I can say is argghhhhh! I equally hated and loved writing this. I hated it 'cause I took ages to think of a perfect arena. I loved it 'cause Ike and Zelda finally got the alone time they needed to get their relationship moving. Haha I'm such a hopeless romantic :P. Ok I'm going to stop blabbering so you can get reading...
Disclaimer: I don't own the Hunger Games or Super Smash Bros
The Smash Games
The Princess and her Knight
Part 2: The Games
Sixty seconds. That's all we have until we each have to make our first step off the metal plate we are all occupying. If you do so before the time is up however, you get blown to bits.
A monotone voice booms all around me and counts down the numbers. I take my time to scan my surroundings which I still can't believe. All around us is a huge circular meadow that's patched with assorted flowers. It looks too beautiful for what's going to happen in just a few seconds. Averting my gaze I turn to my left and right, all I can see are trees. Some trees are too tall for climbing while some are just perfect. I've always been good at climbing, my father had said that it was due to my build. As I look beyond the silver glittering Cornucopia, I see something I've never seen in the Games before. Building after building is arranged in straight lines, towering over each other like a competition to see who's the tallest. These buildings are different however to the ones in the Capitol. They more look like the ones back at home, neglected and run down. I wonder for a second what might be over there and if it's a good idea to venture over.
On my right I realise that I can see the faint outline of hills near the horizon. I decide it'll be a good idea to head that direction as water comes from high land. Thinking of water I turn my head slightly behind me and see a vast blue shimmering carpet laid out. A lake, I conclude. The Gamemakers usually put in a main source of water as some years nearly all tributes died from thirst because the only water source was underground. It has to be about at least half a mile from where I'm standing. I recall one of the previous years had a huge lake like this too and the Gamemakers filled it with the worst monsters you could find. One tribute made the unlucky choice to venture into the water before being dragged under by some invisible force. I make a mental note to stay clear from it.
30...
Half a minute is gone. I stare dead ahead in front of me and see the Cornucopia filled with assorted things ranging from weapons to food and to basic supplies. I'm scanning the Cornucopia with more detail when I see it. A silver bow and even a quiver of arrows sitting next to it just waiting for me to dive in and grab it. No matter how much my fingers tingle at the thought of holding the bow and arrows in my two hands I dismiss the thought. They are too deep into the Cornucopia meaning that I will have to participate the bloodbath to retrieve them. After many years of watching the Smash Games I know it's not the best idea, but my, is it tempting!
Just seven tributes on my left I see Ike, with his signature dark green headband tied around his forehead-it must be his district token. The loose ends of cloth flaps lightly in the wind as he stands firmly in a stance that is posed ready to run. He can't honestly be thinking of running into the heart of the blood bath, can he? I mean, I know it's tempting and all but Samus already advised us not to. I follow his gaze to golden long sword decorated with a jet black hilt, that is coincidentally placed next to my bow and arrows. I almost want to laugh. How clever of the Gamemakers to put our weapons right next to each other. Are they hoping we'll grab those weapons and start murdering each other? I look back at him and shake my head in disgust. He'd really gamble his life for just a sword that he'll have trouble to lug around the arena? As I'm shaking my head Ike looks up at me with a annoyed expression. Our eyes meet and then the horn blares signaling the start for survival.
I developed quick reflexes from hunting for so long and therefore shoot off my metal plate before any other tribute. Ike however misses his chance and proceeds to stand dumbly on his plate, watching everyone speed off. For a second I wonder if I've actually distracted him. My eyes then lock on a bright yellow rucksack and a dark blue sleeping bag as I run. Such a bright colour isn't really my cup of tea but I have no time to be picky. I bend down slightly and hang my arm out to grab it as I run. Relieved that I managed to pull off such a maneuver I twirl on the spot quickly and turn to the direction of the heavy trees and the hills. As I turn I'm facing the girl from District 2 who's holding a number of knives in her hand. I panic as her eyes target me and her hand moves to throw a knife at me. She moves quickly but I'm faster as I pull my rucksack in front of my chest, blocking the thrown knife in the process. She grunts in anger and pulls out another knife to throw.
Now I have a problem. The girl is blocking my only route to the safe arms of the trees and I can't turn a different way in case she throws another knife while I'm turning. Stuck, and desperately trying to block the screams and pleas behind me, I pretend to head to my left and sprint back but this girl outsmarts me and throws a knife, however unfortunately for her it misses me by inches. I can imagine Samus is jumping up and down, screaming at me to get out of there now. The girl pulls another knife out, this time with more anger and is about to throw it when I see Ike charging right towards her from her right. She hears his loud crashing footsteps and turns to him instead.
''Run you idiot!'' shouts Ike as he lunges for the girl.
The girl's red eyes switch from Ike to me, not knowing who to take out first. As Ike closes in she decides on him prepares her knife to throw. Just as Ike is about to bring the girl down I break into a mad dash for the trees. I look sideways to the girl and Ike, barely managing to stop myself from letting out a scream when I see the knife leave the girls hand and fly towards Ike.
As I'm running past I don't fully catch what happens but I stare at Ike in horror as he stops dead in his tracks clutching his left cheek. He brings his hand away from his cheek slowly and looks into his now bloody hand. Fortunately for him, he can't see the long gash the knife cut along his cheek. Blood rushes out of the cut covering Ike's cheek and neck. The girl reaches for another knife, angry once more that she didn't succeed in killing him, and throws it but Ike dodges it just barely. Instead he lunges again for her and brings her down onto the grass with him. They struggle for a second, then the girl ends up on Ike with a hand holding his forehead down and another clasped around her knife. She brings it high in the air before bringing it down but Ike manages to shake his hand from her clutches and grabs it just as it lands square on his neck. I let out a breath as I realised I've been holding it when Ike strongly kicks her in the stomach off him.
I decide I've wasted enough time watching Ike and continue my sprint through the trees with my rucksack safely on my shoulders. I feel guilty at leaving him at first as he just saved my life and- no! Not again! I think to myself as I realise Ike has yet again saved my life. Will that guy ever stop? I ask myself as I dodge tree after tree in fury. Part of me hates him for saving me but then if he didn't I might not be alive now. Instead I'd be heading home in one of those cheap coffins they send us back in.
As I run I pull the knife lodged in my rucksack and slide it under my belt. Thanks for the knife, I think to myself, happy I have at least one weapon to defend myself if the worst comes.
I spend hours varying between sprinting, jogging and walking. Sometimes occasionally stopping to make sure no one is following me. Only when I'm happy with the distance I've put between myself and the Cornucopia do I give myself and rest. I pick a bush and sit behind it as I pull my rucksack from my back to put in front of me. With shaking hands I open the zip and rummage around checking all the supplies I've got. The first thing I pull out is a sheet of plastic which I can use for reflecting my body heat on cold nights. Then I find a water bottle to my relief and open it to see if it has any contents. To my disappointment it's as dry as a bone. As I think of water my mind suddenly registers how thirsty I am from the constant running. I lick my tongue against my dry lips in frustration. Why couldn't they have filled the bottle? I continue my search ignoring my mouth and it's plea for water. I find a packet of peanuts, a packet of biscuits, a small loaf of bread, some thick rope, a bottle of iodine-for purifying water, and a coil of wire. I'm not completely relieved with my bounty but it'll be enough to keep me alive for a while.
As I repack everything in my bag I remember the sleeping bag I picked up at the Cornucopia and realise I must've dropped it on the run to the trees. There's nothing I can do about it but I can't stop thinking about how useful it will be especially on cold nights. I slowly get up and continue my walk in the direction I'm sure is opposite to the Cornucopia. Along the way my eyes are constantly scanning for water and for enemies. I'm really thirsty now as I have gone without it for hours but I push on, mentally coaching myself to suck it up and continue fighting. Surprisingly I'm not as hungry as I am thirsty. Days and days of gorging myself has paid off but I know the effects won't last forever.
One moment when I'm walking I hear a sound behind me and pull my knife out in defense. I squint through the bushes and almost jump when a white rabbit jumps out. ''You scared me,'' I say quietly at the rabbit as it hops away.
I'm glad I've seen a rabbit. It means that they'll be more rabbits for me to hunt and that means food. Now my only problem is finding water. Horror strikes through me as I think of the lake. What if that's the only water source? If it is then there's no way I'm going to get to it in time. Covering all the distance I just did again would be agonising. Plus, heading for the Cornucopia wouldn't be a good idea as it's normally where the Careers set up camp and traps. I'd be walking right to my death...
Wait! The rabbit has to drink too so there must be a stream or river close by, I think to myself. All I have to do now is find where. I decide to rest for a little while and even though it hurts me to do it, I open the packet of peanuts and pop one in my mouth. I'm desperately searching for something to keep my mouth occupied so I don't have to think about how thirsty I am.
After a few minutes I begin to set up snares. I'm just finishing my last snare when a cannon booms, echoing loudly around the arena. Each cannon shot signals one death. The fighting must have finally stopped at the Cornucopia. They never collect the bloodbath bodies until the killers have fled. On the opening day they don't even fire the cannons until the initial fighting is over because it's too hard to keep up with all the fatalities. I stop my panting and listen hard to count the shots. One...two...three...on and on until they reach eleven. Eleven dead in total. I think of Ike, wondering if he survived the bloodbath. Tonight I'll find out when they project the images of the dead in the sky.
Twilight is nearing so I walk around looking up as I search for a good tree to hide in. Eventually I find a tall tree that has thick leaves that'll be perfect for concealment in the night. Once I finish climbing the tree I glance at my rucksack and wish that it wasn't such a bright colour. Hoping it won't stick out for anyone to see I squash it between two thick branches and grab a handful of leaves to camouflage it. I'm not entirely happy with it but I'm forced to since I have no other option. It'll do, a voice in my head says, trying to convince me. Tomorrow I'm going to have to make an effort to get it camouflaged.
Taking the rope I extracted from my bag earlier I tie it around myself and a sturdy branch that I'll be resting on. Once I'm fully secured I lean back against the trunk and try to fall asleep. My legs are aching now I'm resting, the lack of exercise has made them weak. I wait for a few minutes but my mind refuses to switch off even though I'm physically exhausted. I just can't stop thinking about the other tributes and what they'll do to me if they catch me. I realise with a jolt that I'm terrified. My thoughts then cloud over and I picture Ike with his bloody cheek. Then I imagine his dead lifeless body on the grass near the Cornucopia along with the others who have fallen. The image of his lifeless blue eyes boring into nothingness scares me. It's only now that I realise I'm chewing on my nails. I stop immediately and notice the nail polish that my prep team professionally painted on looks so wrong with my dirty and worn out hands.
Thinking of my prep team immediately conjures up an image of Roy. I feel a sharp pain in stomach and my heart starts to beat fast at the thought of him. He kissed me... I think as I unconsciously bring a finger to my lips before I know I'm doing so. I turn my head the other way as though embarrassed and I try not to think about Roy anymore.
Instead I think of Ike and his cheek that was overflowing with blood. Samus is probably fuming at him for doing the exact opposite of what she said but I think for a moment that's what he always intended to do. He wants to do the opposite of what people tell him. He's a rebel and rebels are hated by the Capitol. Also meaning that they don't usually live long lives in the arena. There was one year where a young boy shouted out into the cameras during his interview about the cruelness of the Capitol. To this day, I'm positive that the lightning that struck him wasn't actually a coincidence.
My train of thought is interrupted by the blare of the Capitol's anthem. I can see the seal of the Capitol floating in the sky clearly through the branches. I'm actually watching another screen. There's a hovercraft flying over the arena with a huge screen attached to it on either side.
I get my fingers ready to count the dead tributes off as one by one the images appear illuminating the sky. First it's the girl from District Three-that means all the ones from One and Two survived. Then it's the boy from Four-big surprise there as normally all Careers survive the bloodbath. The girl from Five is gone, meaning the fox survived. Both from Six and Seven. Boy from Eight. Both from Nine and Ten. The images fade away and everything goes dark and quiet again.
I try to figure out who's survived as I look at my fingers. Eleven are dead and thankfully none from Twelve meaning that Ike survived. I let out a sigh of relief at the thought. At least if I die, there's a chance Ike will and I'm sure he'll look after my family while I'm gone. Pit and his district partner survived. Pit... I'm glad he's made it this far. I bite my lip as I think of the five Careers that have survived. Hopefully they'll kill each in boredom eventually. Unfortunately I can't figure out the others so I just let go of the thought and lean back down against the trunk of the tree to rest. Finally I can rest now I know who I'm up against.
I wake up with a jolt at the sounds of footsteps and voices. How long was I asleep? It's still dark so I haven't slept long. I nearly jump when a voice pipes up just below me.
''Did you injure him enough to leave him dead by morning, Sheikh?'' queries one of the voices, a gruff males by the sound of it.
I hear a loud sigh, ''I've told you, I just cut him across the cheek. It's not a fatal casualty is it?'' I hear the girl, Sheikh, from District 2 say. The name of the knife thrower is Sheikh, I mentally jot down.
''You were so close to killing him and you let him go?'' sneers another girl.
''I did not!'' answers Sheikh firmly.
I bite my lip as I turn ever so slightly onto my side to see who the voices belong to. Through the thick branches that are concealing me perfectly I see bits of legs and arms. Then one of them steps backwards and I immediately recognise him. It's one of the Careers from District 1.
''Whatever. All we know is he went this way, right?'' says the District 1 boy.
''Sure,'' says a girl.
I know who they mean... Ike... So the Careers are targeting him already?
''I can't wait to kill him,'' says the boy from District 1.
''Heh, me too, Ganondorf,'' agrees the other boy.
''I just hate that thing he made up about being in love with that other stupid girl,'' comments one of the girls, ''I mean, really?''
''You don't think it's real?''
''Of course not!''
''Why, do you?''
''It looked convincing a bit, but no, I guess you're right, it can't be real.''
The Careers start walking away from my tree and I can finally breathe again. I'm relieved they didn't pick my tree to camp under or something, that would of led to a big problem on my side. My thoughts turn to what the Careers said about not believing the star-crossed lovers act. I ponder for a second if the Capitol is eating it too? But then again, according to what Marth said I feel very assured that they are. I just hope deep down that Marth doesn't exaggerate.
After being rudely interrupted in my sleep I can't seem to fall back so I'm forced to watch the stars in the sky twinkle back at me. Leaving the safe arms of my tree doesn't appeal to me especially not when the Careers are lurking around. Instead I wait for what seems ages for the sun to rise slightly signaling the break of dawn. Untying myself and grabbing my rucksack, I carefully climb back down and proceed on checking my snares. I can't stop smiling to myself when I see one rabbit caught in one. However my smile disappears when I think of how I'm going to cook it. A fire would be incredibly useful but the smoke let out by it will definitely attract the Careers.
''Hey there,'' says a drawling voice behind me cutting of my thoughts completely making my whole mind go blank. My eyes stretch wide open and my fingers grapple for the knife in my belt. I turn fiercely clutching the knife tightly in my right hand in front of me, pointing it straight at the source of the voice.
''Whoa, whoa, hold on,'' says Ike as he puts both hands in front of his chest and steps away slightly.
''I-Ike?'' I say to myself.
I watch Ike's mouth form into a slight grin but then my eyes insist on creeping to his wound on his left cheek. I almost want to throw up when I see the blood on his cheek-and neck-is now dried and looks horrible against his features.
''Bad, huh?'' says Ike as he wipes the back of his hand across his cheek. When I don't reply Ike carries on, ''I've been looking for water. Haven't seen any have you?''
I honestly can't believe the tone Ike has right now! He sounds so relaxed as though we're discussing the weather over cups of coffee. ''No,'' I answer bluntly not letting my eyes off him. I see his eyes flicker to the knife I'm holding in defense and then to my face. If he's trying to tell me to drop my weapon, he's got another thing coming.
''Oh,'' says Ike plainly in disappointment.
An awkward silence passes us and I begin to imagine the people of the Capitols thoughts of us. They're probably intrigued as why the so called lovers are cold to each other. Ike lets out a huff, obviously fed up with the silence.
''Are we going to just stand here? I have no weapon so don't be scared,'' he says.
''How do I know you're not tricking me?'' I ask as my eyes make a fully body scan of him to check.
Ike lifts his hands to the back of his head and moves around on the spot to show he's not armed. ''Happy?''
It takes me a few seconds to convince myself he's really unarmed before I drop my weapon. ''How did you know I was here?'' I'm honestly curious about this. I've always thought that I'm quite stealthy.
''Like I've said before, I've seen you hunt so I guessed you'd be in the trees. It was actually luck that brought me here,'' Ike pauses for a second but I remain sullen so he carries on, ''Anyway, I saw a pair of legs dangling out of a tree and then you jumped down.''
''The Careers are hunting you,'' I blurt out suddenly, catching Ike and myself in surprise.
''What?'' asks Ike with a puzzled look.
I take a deep breath and repeat what I said. I can't tell though by his expression what he's thinking when I finish. It looks like a clash of fear and anger.
''How'd you know?'' asks Ike seriously.
I bend down to fetch my rabbit out of my snare and tie it to my belt so it's hanging on my side. ''I heard the Careers talking about wanting to finish you off. They woke me in the night when they were passing my tree.''
''They came this way?'' Ike points to the ground.
I nod and begin to walk off. I don't want anything to do with him, even if we are 'star-crossed lovers'. ''Where are you going?'' calls Ike from behind me.
Away from you, I almost want to say to him but then that wouldn't be good for the audience to see. ''I need to find water,'' I say instead.
I want to groan as I hear Ike jog up next to me. ''Me too.''
I almost tell him to leave but then I glimpse his wound and it makes me feel all bad inside. He did save my life so I guess I could help him. ''Fine, but after that we split up.''
Ike nods and we walk together in complete silence to the direction we're hoping is water. Along the way I get a little peckish so I pull out the packet of peanuts from my bag and begin eating a few. It's only now do I realise that Ike is completely empty handed. ''Didn't you pick up anything?'' I question him.
Ike averts his gaze from the trees ahead to my face. I'm aware that his blue eyes are causing my heart to beat fast. Before he answers I look away from him, hoping I'm not blushing. Why the heck would I be blushing anyway? I don't like him. But, then again, his eyes are quite mesmerizing.
''I couldn't,'' says Ike as he brings a hand to wipe his cheek, ''I barely got away from the Careers in time even without stopping to pick up things.'' As he says this his eyes wander to my hand that is holding the packet of peanuts.
''Want one?'' I ask as I hold it out to him.
He chuckles then looks away from me, ''I don't need pity.''
''I'm not giving you pity, I'm trying to help you,'' I hiss, ''Take it or leave it.''
Ike decides to leave it so I stop walking but he continues before noticing. ''Can we just keep moving?''
Ugh! Why is this guy so stubborn? I think to myself. Purposely stomping up to him I grab his hand and pour a few peanuts into it before enclosing his hand. ''Eat it,'' I say as I look up at him.
Ike does as I order this time and eats them all in one go. He must've never realised how hungry he was. Time passes and I'm beginning to feel more fatigued. My head starts to pound in my ears and tongue isn't as moist as it's meant to. I'm not used to being this thirsty as I am used to being hungry. Back at home, water was never a scarce item. I notice Ike lick the side of his mouth occasionally and the look of tiredness settling on his eyes. I wonder if he had any sleep last night.
The sun is shining bright overhead and isn't being much help to our condition. We both walk side by side each other, looking everywhere for just a drop of water. Ike looks up to the sky and then shakes his head. Not cloud in the sky. They'll be no rain today.
I'm just about to tell Ike that we should rest when we both flinch at a sharp sound of rocks being clicked together. Instinctively we head to a thick bush and hide behind it as we look for the source of the sound. Ike taps my shoulder and places a finger to his lips before pointing to his left. I follow his finger and see a girl kneeling on the grassy floor of the woods with two stones in her hand. A few more clicks later she finally starts a fire.
''What's she doing?'' I whisper to myself, stressed that she'd be brave enough to light a big fire. Immediately smoke rises and I know Ike and I are in serious danger. Quickly I scan for a tree that will be suitable for climbing. I find one sturdy looking one but then I think of Ike and his heavy build. I can climb it easily but will he? My conscience will never allow me to leave him so he'll just have to push himself.
''Damn,'' lets out Ike as he continues to watch the girl. He knows too what the smoke means.
I gently grab his shoulder and he turns his head to me. I silently point to the tree I've chosen and then him. Like lightning Ike's features change into a look that says are-you-serious?.
I nod and take him by the hand as I guide us both to the tree. After circling the tree and surveying quickly where would be the best place to climb I finally manage to climb a quarter of the tree. On the ground Ike squints at me in disbelief. I know he knows he can't do it but he has to!
''Zelda!'' he whispers hoarsely.
I position myself so I can help him up but Ike doesn't budge from his position. ''Get up here now!'' I whisper back.
Ike scans the tree trying to find a way then shoots me a look. ''How?''
''Just try!'' Ok, now this is getting silly. He needs to get up here now or the Careers are going to murder us along with that girl.
Ike takes one look behind him before shrugging and muttering something to himself and finally attempting to climb. I stretch my hand down the trunk to grab his hand to help him up. However when he tugs on my hand I almost fall out the tree. I let out a muffled squeal as his grip tightens on my hand, nearly crushing it in the process. I hurry up higher in the tree checking branches to see if they're strong enough to support Ike's weight. Before I can check a branch though, Ike slams his foot down on it. Closing my eyes I get prepared for a scream but nothing comes, instead Ike looks back at me with a sheepish grin. ''Sorry,'' he mouths.
After giving him a glare that says everything, we finally lodge ourselves in the highest part of the tree that can support us. Ike is just a few branches lower than me as he cannot risk climbing too high. We wait for what seems like ages and I begin to think if we've made a mistake. Maybe the Careers never saw the smoke. I'm thinking about how lucky the girl is then, when suddenly the thundering of multiple footsteps fills the air. The girl has probably fallen asleep as there seems no reaction to the sounds.
Below me, Ike closes his eyes for a second, listening intently to the silence that has fallen upon us. I tighten my grip on the branch I'm holding, frustrated that my palms are sweating like crazy. A scream rips through the silence and I nearly lose my balance. I do, however, loose my footing and end up making a big leap down the tree to right where Ike is standing. Luckily I grab onto Ike as he does the same to me before I can make a wrong move again. Sounds of pleas follow, the girl is begging for mercy. A loud chuckle fills the air followed by supportive hoots.
''Kill her! Go on Falcon!'' says a female voice.
''Hey, she's my kill, '' disagrees a rough male's voice.
Silence follows with the occasional cry from the girl. I stop breathing and I notice Ike has too. My fingers grasp onto his jacket and I dig my face in the chest. I've never liked hearing people's screams for mercy ever since I witnessed the first death on screen of the Games. Especially if it's the Careers kill. They always seem to enjoy making a show out of it. I'm aware of Ike's arm that slinks it way around my waist pulling my close to him. He needs support as much as I do.
''What shall I use? Sword? Hatchet? Dagger? Or a bow?''
A bow? I think. He has my bow!
''Use the dagger, it's slower,'' says a chirpy voice. I think that's Daisy, the elegant District One girl who looked amazing during her interview.
Seconds later I hear the poor girl scream and I try my best to block it out. As much as I wanted to help her, she was really foolish to start a fire. Anyway it's the Capitol I should hate for putting all of us in this situation.
A cannon goes off meaning she's gone forever. The Careers then begin talking among themselves about distributing supplies and then they start talking about Ike again. I lift my head from off his chest and look right into his eyes. Ike is more interested in the Careers and never gives me a second glance.
''It's a pity we don't know how he got the eleven,'' says Sheikh.
''Don't forget his girlfriend,'' says Daisy, ''Though, she doesn't look like a threat right?''
The others murmur in agreement before they finally disperse to allow the hovercraft to pick the dead girl up. The birds start singing and sounds of wings flap fill the air as the leaves of the trees rustle. Through the branches I can just make out the hovercraft flying over us.
As soon as the hovercraft disappears I can breathe again. ''So,'' says Ike as he looks lazily into my eyes causing my face to heat up, ''How are we getting down?''
''Easy,'' I answer as I swiftly lower myself down. For Ike however the journey isn't as simple and he nearly lands with a loud thud on the ground if not for me catching his foot before it landed. I pull my hand away and shake it as pain sears through it.
''Are you alright?'' asks Ike concerned. He takes my red hand in his own and inspects it. My eyes linger on his cheek and I can't help myself as I reach out to touch it.
''It's stopped bleeding?'' I ask as I look at my blood free hand.
''Yes,'' says Ike while standing up and releasing my hand. ''Sorry.''
''Payback, eh?'' I say with a smile.
Ike understands what I mean and returns my smile. The audience is probably dying to know what we mean. ''How did you stop it bleeding?''
Ike looks away from my gaze and I immediately know he doesn't want to tell me. ''Did you get a sponsor?'' I ask. Normally people don't get sponsors so early in the Games and at the end of the Games too. The longer the Games progresses the more expensive something will be. I'm not entirely surprised on hearing this though. Marth and Samus already made it clear that Ike was popular.
He nods, ''Yeah. It was just a little medicine though. Just enough to stop the bleeding.''
At his words I lift my hand to his cheek and rub my thumb over where I saw the knife cut it. Ike sees my expression and answers, ''The medicine got rid of the cut before I bled to death but I need water to wash the excess blood off.''
I pull my hand back and put my hands on my hips. ''Well, we'd better get moving then.''
I start to walk the opposite direction we saw the Careers go in but Ike stops me. I turn back to see him jog up to me. ''Give me the rabbit,'' he orders.
Even though I'm confused on why he wants the rabbit so sudden, I hand it to him. Ike disappears off through the trees and I quickly follow him, curious to know what he has in mind.
''The word is still hot,'' says Ike as he feel the wood.
Following his idea I pull out my knife and begin to skin the rabbit. After a few minutes Ike and I chow down on some fairly nice cooked rabbit.
''That's me full, but I'm still thirsty,'' says Ike as he finishes his bit off.
''Yeah,'' I agree as I take one of the burnt wood and wipe it on my yellow bag to camouflage it.
I can't take it any longer...
I walk, no, more like tumble, through the woods my head is killing me and my eyes refuse to focus on anything for more than a second. My throat has gone horribly dry and what little urine I've been able to pass is dark yellow. I'm terribly aware that the right side of my chest is searing with pain, my heart is having a bad time dealing with my dehydration.
Ever so barely do I see Ike ahead of me by a few paces, trudging through the woods in the same manner as me but a little less clumsy. I hate being like I am now. If someone were to attack me I'd be any easy kill. The world goes weird for a second and my legs give out, causing me to land on a mattress of dead leaves.
''Zelda?'' says Ike hoarsely. I open my eyes to see him come up to me but then my eyes close again.
I hear Ike make a groan. ''Sa...Sa...Please...'' A hear a thud on my right side. Ike has collapsed next to me. ''Samus!'' he says more clearly but in more pain. ''War...war...water...''
We lie for a few minutes then I hear rustling beside me and I feel a pair of hands grab me by my shoulders, dragging me upwards so I can stand. Ike props me up but my legs give way.
''Please Zelda, help me,'' Ike says.
I'm trying! I really am! But it hurts too much, I want to scream my thoughts at him but all I can manage is a moan. Before I know it Ike slings me over his shoulder, carrying me piggy-back style before making his way through the woods again. I want to tell him to stop, that it's no use but the words never come. Instead I lean my face against the warmth of his back, enjoying the homely feeling it has. I feel so comfortable with him like this.
I close my eyes sometimes opening them as I think of Peach who is watching this. I think of Link next and then Ike's sister Mist. They must be on the edges of their seats now. Ike manages to hold on for a few more minutes but then he crumples to the ground, bringing me down with him. We lie on our backs, facing the sky, waiting for the inevitable. All I can think of now is Samus and how much I hate her for not sending any water. How hard could it be for her? She sent Ike's medicine fine and all. What's stopping her now!
My fingers wander aimlessly besides me and I hear Ike hyper-ventilating besides me. I turn on my side so I'm closer to him and I place my hand over his heart, it's beating like crazy.
''Samus!'' I murmur as I look up at the sky, ''We need water...now!''
I want to cry now but no tears come. We desperately need water and Samus is ignoring us? How could she? I mean, How could she really? I know definitely that everyone in District 12 will hate her if she lets us die like this... If... If she lets us die. Then I think that she isn't that cruel and wouldn't do something like that. Maybe she's giving me a clue; maybe we're only just a stone's throw from water. Maybe... Maybe... I think it'll be alright to die here. Yeah... surrounded by trees and mud. Sticky, squealchy mud.
My eyes fly open at my realisation. ''Mud!'' I say in a hoarse voice loud enough for Ike to hear and open his eyes. I force myself to crawl as I follow the scent of lilies. Pond lilies!
Slowly yet surely I find a pond meters from where we fell. Ike has no energy to follow me and I don't blame him, I must thank him for saving my life again. Ignoring the annoying fact that Ike has a tendency to save me, I whip out my empty two litre bottle and iodine bottle. With shaking hands I dip the bottle in and put in a few drops of iodine to purify it. I remember the survival expert telling me in training to wait from three to five minutes before drinking but I have no concept of time so when I feel that it's been about the right time, I take a swig of the water. Carefully I allow myself to slow gulps as not to cause myself sickness. After I'm finished drinking, I run hastily to where Ike is still lying.
I'm just about to get to him when I hear it. The sound of a cannon shakes the arena and the birds that nestled in the tree flee. I can't help but fall to my knees in despair as I see Ike's chest is no longer rising and falling. I'm too late...
I slowly creep up to him and sit next to him. I take an opportunity to scan his features as I've never actually been able to before. I come to the conclusion he's absolutely gorgeous and then tears begin to roll down my cheeks.
''I'm sorry Ike,'' I whisper, ''You saved me loads of times and when it was my turn I let you down.''
I freeze at a slight sound. Pure shock strikes through me as my eyes catch Ike's fingers move. Not wasting any time I put a finger to his left neck and I can feel the slight pumping of blood in his vessels. He's alive!
''Ike! Ike!'' I call out to him, gently stroking his eyes and forehead. His eyes flutter ever so slightly in response and then close tight shut again.
I muster all my strength to pick Ike up so he is in a sitting position. I lean him against me, in between my legs and let his head fall on my shoulder as I look sideways at him. My left hand opens his mouth slightly and my right holds the water bottle. I pour small amounts of water in his mouth, careful not to make him choke. His hand grabs my hand that's over the bottle and holds it there. After a number of gulps I pull the bottle away from his lips and put it to the side.
''Come on Ike,'' I say as I help him get up.
Together we support each other on the way to the pond. Ike looks a little better now but still shaken so I lay him down next to the pond before scooping up water and working on his cheek. As I'm washing his blood off I cannot help think why I'm helping him. It's not like Ike and I will ever be able to escape the arena together. One day either Ike or me is going to fall whether we like it or not.
''Zelda...'' Ike murmurs as he opens his eyes.
I hush him to be quiet and I feed him some rabbit first before me. Maybe it's because I'm human and this is what humans do. They take care of each other no matter what if they love that person, I think. But I don't love Ike. I love... Well, actually I'm not sure who. Images of Roy's sweet loving smiles and Link's happy intent grins appear in my mind. When I think of Ike all I can see is him holding the back of his head in pain, the knife slicing his cheek, the look of pain when he told me to stand up, his quick breaths and rapid heartbeats, the dead look he had when I thought he was gone and then finally the serene look he has on now. I watch him quietly as he dozes off and I run a finger along his cheek. Maybe I'm wrong...
Hmmm, what do you guys think? Is Zelda wrong about who she truly loves? Or is she just imagining it? Okay guys, I just want to say thanks for the reviews and also I'm asking for your help today. Yes, you! If you have any ideas, anything at all, to what happens next, you are entirely welcome. Just give me a little idea on what you want to happen in the arena, who's involved in it and so on. Say for example a bombing done by the Gamemakers nearly kills Zelda or something (just an example ok? Not real.)
For those who aren't sure about the map of the arena this is what it like (well according to the crap drawing I sketched)
The middle is the Cornucopia with the 24 metal plates around it, then there's a big circle of trees surrounding it.
South to that is a huge lake that goes on for all they can see.
East of the Cornucopia is the hills, that's the area where Ike and Zelda are now.
West of the Cornucopia is the tall grass.
And finally North of the Cornucopia is the rundown buildings. These hold scary secrets let me tell you. The tributes will definitely be surprised to what they'll find there...hehehe.
Ok, so you're welcome to give me ideas, they're highly appreciated! Thank you!
