Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games; movie or book. I wish I did though, because they both kicked butt! Anyway, on with the story. Warning- chapter has blood, but I don't go too far into detail. If I do, sorry!

I was running in a gigantic forest. The trees were all green and lush, which told me it was spring. The sun was shining down, desperately trying to break through the leafy barrier of the branches. I could hear the blood pounding in my ears, sounding like a million heavy bass drums in my skull. My heartbeat felt as if it would burst out of my chest at a moment's notice. My limbs ached, wanting so desperately for me to stop pumping my arms and legs, pushing them to their limits. The only thing that kept me going was the knowing thought in the back of my mind that I couldn't stop or else I would surely die.

So I pressed on, periodically looking over my shoulder. I had to make sure who or what was chasing me wasn't directly behind me. I was equipped with a small silver dagger and a bow and arrow. I had no idea how or why I had these weapons, but I knew they would help if the situation was dire.

As I kept running, the green foliage that was rushing by like speeding cars slowly started to become less and less until they finally disappeared altogether. I stopped to survey my surroundings, feeling I was far enough ahead that I could stop to survey my surroundings. Squinting my eyes because of the sun now beaming in the sky, I looked at the environment around me to find it was a meadow. All the vegetation that could be seen was small bushes, blooming with light pink flowers. Also, the ground consisted of bright green grass the color of sparkling emeralds and snow- white daises with a big yellow center. Deciding it was beautiful and danger- free, I sat down on the soft grass, absorbing the peace and tranquility of the moment. I let the fear and urgency of the moment before slip from my mind momentarily. Instead, my thoughts were lingering on happy things, such as my family and Peeta. My family is the best support system you could ever hope for. They are always so loving and caring, like a family is supposed to be. Even though we live in perpetual poverty, they always try to make the best of it, and I do the same. Also, they are very sensitive to my disability, and try to their best ability to give me the things they need to live a normal life. In short, they are the best. Then there is Peeta; he is, as you already know, my only friend. Therefore, he is a very important person to me, and I couldn't imagine ever losing him. He has never laughed at me for my disability, like many others have. I love him so much for this, and I hope he knows how important he is to me.

I am broken out of my musings by the loud snap of a twig behind me. That, followed by the heavy footsteps tell me someone is approaching. I quickly whip around, ready to face the intruder. Before I can even take a single breath, I am flat on my back with a very heavy weight on top of my body. I look at the person's face to see who has just blindsided me. Their eyes are gleaming with hatred and look almost frenzied; like a predator about to kill their prey. I also notice their eyes are…. sky blue, exactly like Peeta's. Their hair, although covered almost completely in mud, I can tell is a wheat blonde, also resembling Peeta.

I inhale sharply, remembering why I was running so fast, and why I was terrified to stop for even the slightest second. The reality dawned on me again for a brief moment, and it was enough to paralyze me with total fear; I was a tribute in the Hunger Games, and I was about to be killed by my best friend.

I closed my eyes and waited for the fatal blow, whether it is to the head, chest or throat. Then, "Peeta" brought his face closer to my ear, and held his knife against my throat.

"Listen you worthless retard. Finally, the world will be free of another useless cripple," he hissed threateningly.

I froze, recognizing for once the face before me. I now saw that this guy's features were too sharp and pinched to belong to Peeta. I looked at his shoulder to confirm my suspicions. There, right on the top of his shoulder was a badge bearing the number one.

I decided not to scream, so I don't give him the satisfaction of seeing me suffer, and because I know no help will come. This guy lying on top of me with a knife at my throat is not Peeta, my best and only friend who I have known for so long, and who has protected me from bullies. It was the ruthless boy tribute from district one, the one who made my blood freeze when I saw him at the reaping recaps.

While I was distracted with thinking, he drew back his knife and split my throat wide open. The blood that squirted out was such a large quantity; it fell as if a crimson rain. As it poured to the ground below, it stained the pink flowers, daises and grass a deep, sickening red.

I lay chocking on the blood flooding my throat; I stare into the same face that I thought I recognized so well, before I actually studied him. He now has a nasty smirk curling at the end of his lips as he sees me in pure agony. I close my eyes, feeling a welcoming peace fill me as my soul leaves my body. I utter one more word before I blackout forever.

"Cato."

Another cliffy! I bet you weren't expecting that! Even if you were, please say you liked it anyway to keep my fragile self- esteem intact. Lol. This was an actually fun chapter to write, even if it is gory. And if you were wondering, it was kind of like the same dream she had at the beginning of the story; but now she can put a name and face to her killer. Anyway, keep readin' and reviewing peas! Hahaha, it sounds like please kinda'. Sorry, that was random. Until next time!