Chapter 12
I wake up to the loud booms from the canons and a bright light coming from the sky that shows the faces of the tributes that died today. Once it ends I sigh in relieve that I didn't see Peeta, Ander, or Cato's faces. When the lights from the sky goes out its easy to see a small fire close by that must be a loner tribute. I shake my head in pity when I hear the screams from the girl who must have made the fire. The boom from the canon signals her demise. I stay up afterwards to make sure that they don't come anywhere near my spot in the trees. After I'm sure that they are away from me I lay my head against the tree to get some rest. In the morning, I pack up all of my stuff so I can go search for some food and water. Before I leave I put a mark on the tree so I can find it again if I need to. I start my trek by going to the left, away from where the girl was killed last night. I walk around for a few minutes before I some across a small stream with clear water. I look around and find a big enough leaf to hold water and I begin to fill it up. Filling up 5 different leaves with the water, search for something to tie them together so my hands will be free. I end up using one of the steams that I got the leaves from. I tie all five closed and string them onto the steam. I use the belt that carries my knives to hook the steam onto my body from my belly button across my right side to my back. I gracefully pick myself up and start to walk when I hear a soft scratching sound. I pull out both of my knives and settle into a low crouching position so I am ready for any attack. I almost burst out laughing when a bunny jumps out of the nearby bushes. "I am sorry little bunny but I need to eat." The bunny gives me and odd look but before it can run I throw my knife at its head and effectively kill it. I pull the knife out of its head and pick the bunny up. I move into a more secluded area so I won't be seen as I clean and cook my food.
I go back to my spot in the trees after cooking my food. I make it back into my spot just in time for the final announcements in the sky. When they finish I grab a small piece of my rabbit meat and eat it with a small swig of water and look for the faces of my friends in the sky. Thankfully they are all still alive. Eventually I untie the leaves full of water and string them across two limbs out of sight from any passerby. Slowly I nod off into sleep with a full belly. The next day is spent sitting in my tree munching on small pieces of rabbit and savoring my water. This hiding place is nice but I know that I can stay here much longer or the gamemakers will force me out. I decide to leave this spot for a new one come morning. As soon as I wake up I roll up my sleeping bag and retie my leaves full of water to my belt. My only thought right now is too keep moving until I can find another safe place to stay. As I walk I look high and low for any safe harbor. Before I am able to find one I see smoke and smell burning wood. Only a few feet further do I realize that the forest is on fire. I immediately run in the opposite direction so I won't get caught up into the flames. While running I notice that the flames are in a giant circle and its slowly closing in on one area. "They are forcing us together." I rasp. I push myself to run as fast as I can. When I burst through a set of bushes I see that Peeta, Cato, and Ander are also here at this small spring. This doesn't make sense, why would they push the four of us together. They know that we won't kill each other. I turn back towards the others and notice that Ander has an arrow on her bow. Is she planning on killing us? Before I can ask her what she is doing Marvel flies out of nowhere and throws his spear. Ander quickly shoots him down but Peeta has been hit. She runs over to protect him and Cato and I circle around waiting for the next attack that is sure to come from Glimmer. I soft rustle from nearby bushes indicate her location and a sword barrels towards Anders chest. She dodges the attack and fires another arrow at Glimmer's location. Thinking she is dead I focus my attention on Peeta and how to heal his leg. Searing pain runs through my right shoulder and I feel the warmth of my blood slowly soak my right side. I wobble on my feet and fall to my knees. I look up and see that Ander is rushing towards me with a scared look on her face. Peeta is frantically crawling towards me and Cato stares at my shoulder with a stunned look. I let a tear fall from my eye. "Goodbye." And everything goes black.
