As usual, anything you recognize isn't mine, but Suzanne Collins'.
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Chapter 21
Saturday night, Games Day 12
Prim looks at me worriedly. "She's going to go, isn't she?"
"Yes," I answer, without elaborating. There is no point in sharing my conviction about the outcome of tomorrow's feast. We will all know soon enough.
For a feast, the broadcast will begin at noon and last all day. Similar to the first day of the Games. They will probably have the families go to the square for what might be the Grand Finale. Thirteen days is on the short side for a Games. The Careers will need both luck and skill to take out everyone at the feast.
And, they'll still need to find Peeta. Wouldn't it be ironic if they all killed each other and Peeta ended up winning because Katniss knocked him out?
Oh, Katniss, why won't you stop and think like a hunter instead of a nurse? Enough with the star-crossed lovers routine!
My attention is drawn back to the screen as Cato grabs Clove around the waist and pulls her into his lap. Maybe bloodlust has become…
"Cato! Stop that. Remember where we are," she hisses, pushing against him.
Cato cups her cheek with one hand and leans his forehead against hers. "Just for a minute," he says very softly.
"We have to keep our heads in the Game, Cato," she reminds him, her voice softening ever so slightly.
"Are they…a couple?" I ask the room in surprise. How could I have missed this?
"I've been wondering that, myself," my mother answers. "Ever since the way he reacted when Katniss dropped the nest."
I try to remember anything of note after the tracker jacker attack. They were lying next to each other while they were unconscious. But, not in one another's arms.
"He pushed her ahead of him as they ran towards the lake and made sure they were together before he passed out," my mother elaborates.
"And, they look at each other a lot," Prim adds.
"And they volunteered to fight in the same Games? What is wrong with Careers?" I say, stunned.
"No, Cato volunteered; and then Clove was reaped," Vick supplies. "They do the boys first in District Two."
"She was reaped? I can't remember the last time Two wasn't both volunteers," I say, watching the two fiercest tributes in the Games cuddling. For a moment I almost see two normal teenagers. I quickly remind myself of the trained killing machines they have been since the Games began.
"I think they must have some kind of system in Two. In One and Four the volunteers all race to the stage, but in Two the volunteer seems to be pre-selected. Maybe they only use the pre-arranged volunteer if the reaped tribute isn't a Career," Vick speculates.
Which makes perfect sense, since there is no doubt Clove is a Career. And one of the fiercest in memory.
"Cato is eighteen. This was his last year of eligibility. Clove is seventeen. She probably planned to volunteer next year, for the Quarter Quell," Vick conjectures. How does he even know about the Quarter Quell? I've never even been alive for one.
Back on screen, the two are done whispering to each other and Clove slides off of his lap. "What do you suppose is in our backpack? We don't desperately need anything," Clove wonders. Back to business as usual.
"What we need will be at the feast. But, it won't be in any backpack. What we need is our last four victims all gathered conveniently together so we can end this," Cato says coldly. "Get some sleep. We head back to the Cornucopia before dawn." His head seems to be clearly back in the game after a moment of…weakness? Sentimentality? Very strange for any Career. But, especially the Career pack leader.
Apparently I have been so preoccupied with all things Katniss that I haven't paid sufficient attention to her fiercest competition. Katniss inspires one-track minds two at a time, it seems. I knew the two from Two trusted each other. That they worked well as a team. But, I hadn't identified them as a couple. How does them being a couple change the situation? Does it change the situation? Should it? Can we use it? A normal couple might be extra cautious and concerned about each other and therefore take fewer risks. Doubtful that is the case with these two. It bothers me that I missed this vital piece of information. A lot. What else have I missed?
We watch Katniss as she camouflages the entrance to the cave with more rocks, spending most of the evening building the perfect screen to protect Peeta while she is gone. She's expending a great deal of energy to keep him safe. She eats and cleans her weapons while she waits for the anthem.
There were no deaths on Day 12. Six tributes remain.
We watch Ginger as she slinks through the forest, making her way towards the Cornucopia. She will be the first to arrive. Cato and Clove were hunting a good distance away today and are making camp in the woods. Thresh is sticking to his usual routine in the grasslands.
Katniss slides into the sleeping bag with Peeta again. She faces the mouth of the cave and has her bow at hand. At least there is no doubt he will be completely unconscious tonight - thanks to Haymitch and his sleep syrup.
I don't even try to sleep.
Sunday, Games Day 13
I sit in the meadow watching the dawn break, wondering if this will be Katniss' last day on earth. Two hours until dawn in the arena. Two hours until the feast. Two hours until she risks her life in a free-for-all against Cato, Clove and Thresh. For him. All for him.
More likely than not, she will be dead in two hours.
And then it will be four more hours until the broadcast. They won't broadcast it until noon here. Ten o'clock in the Capitol. Wouldn't want to make them get up early or anything. Six hours until we know if she lives or dies.
I sit, staring out into our woods watching the sun clear the trees. Are these her last hours? Is she even now hiking towards the Cornucopia? Are Cato and Clove lying in wait for her?
Surely, they must be. She has been their number one target since day one. They'll want to get Thresh as well, but she will be their priority. He got his ten based largely on his size and attitude. They've probably figured out that a small girl from District Twelve could have gotten such a score only for a more deadly attribute. A tremendous, unknown threat. An impressive skill with a weapon. A skill more impressive than even Clove's knife-throwing skills. And, they know she has the bow. The most deadly weapon in the arena. If they have to pick only one to kill, they'll pick her. Inescapably. Beyond any doubt. She is the bull's-eye.
I bury my face in my hands. I have missed her so much these past three weeks. I can't imagine living the rest of my life without her. I just can't imagine a world without her. My world without her. Please don't die, Catnip. Please don't die. Just don't.
I should have gone to see Dougray this morning. He needs more convincing to come around to my way of thinking about the organization of the rebellion. It would be time better spent than sitting here brooding over things so wholly beyond my control. At least with the rebellion, I can work towards making a change.
It must be dawning in the arena now. I'm going to lose my mind with worry over the possibilities. My mind won't turn off. Or slow down. I want to tear down this stupid fence with my bare hands. Probably her best hope will be if Thresh and Ginger run for the bags at the same time as she does, splitting the Careers' focus. If they have three targets instead of one, her odds will be much improved. If they go after her two-on-one, she's lost. Finished.
An hour later, Rory finds me still sitting here. "Hey, Gale. The Peacekeepers came by and said we have to be in the square by ten."
I nod my head in acknowledgement. Of course. The Capitol wants to get the predictions of the family members before they broadcast the feast. They know the results and will enjoy our torment. Rory sits down beside me.
"Do you still think she'll win?" he asks.
"She could. She should. But, she's going to be stupid. She's going to run in to get his medicine and put herself at risk. She should be in a tree near the Cornucopia waiting to pick off the others as they go in before going in to retrieve his medicine. But, she won't risk that," I say bitterly.
"Do you…do you think she's going to die?" he asks.
I can't – or rather won't - answer that question, so I just get up and change the subject. We head back towards home.
We stop by to collect the Everdeens and walk into town together. As suspected, the reporters are back in full force this morning and we'll need to do another round of interviews before the broadcast begins. As if today isn't going to be hard enough. Mrs. Everdeen is barely holding on. Prim looks as if she didn't sleep at all last night. We should've all taken sleep syrup. Peeta's surely the only one who got a full night's sleep last night.
We are immediately herded to the stage where my old friend Varvara Vamp lies in wait. The pre-interview is quicker this time, presumably because we know what is expected of us and Vista knows our good sides. Mrs. Everdeen and Prim sit to Varvara's left and I sit to her right.
Varvara tells me what great feedback they got on our first segment and how thrilled she is to have a chance to renew our acquaintance.
"Hunger Games correspondent Varvara Vamp here with Mrs. Lily Everdeen, Primrose Everdeen and Gale Hawthorne, mother, sister and cousin of District Twelve tribute Katniss Everdeen," she says in that annoying accent Katniss and I so enjoy making fun of. She turns towards the Everdeens. "It's so exciting to be back in District Twelve again. How have you been enjoying the Games this year, Primrose?"
"They've been very exciting," Prim deadpans.
"And, I imagine you must miss your sister?" is she trying to make Prim cry? Retaliating for her perfect deadpan? Retaliating against a little girl on national TV? I hate them all.
"Of course. Nothing is the same without Katniss. I miss her terribly," Prim says in a tremulous voice.
"And, what do you think about Katniss and Peeta?"
"What about them?" she asks.
"Do you think they make a cute couple?" Varvara prompts. I hope she doesn't ask me that question. I'm not so sure I could pull off a civil answer.
Prim smiles sweetly, "Yes, they do. Peeta seems really nice. And, he makes her smile and laugh. That's not an easy thing to do, even here in District Twelve." Careful, little one.
"Are you surprised she's going to risk her life to save him?"
"Not at all. That is the kind of person she is. She'll always put the ones she cares about above herself. She must care about him a lot to risk so much for him." Prim answers seriously.
"Mrs. Everdeen, are you proud of how far your daughter has made it in this year's Games?"
"Yes. She's done an amazing job taking care of herself and of Peeta, and with very few resources. I'm very proud to call her my daughter."
"Do you think they can win?"
"She has overcome many difficulties in the past." Oh, you don't know half of the difficulties she has overcome in the past when you checked out. "She promised Prim she would win. And she has never broken a promise to her little sister." Wow, where did Mrs. E. pull that from?
Varvara smiles before turning her hungry gaze towards me. It is the Hunger Games, after all.
"So, Gale, how have you been enjoying the Games?" she pats my knee.
"I have been absolutely riveted to the TV," I admit without sarcasm.
"I can only imagine. District Twelve hasn't had two tributes make it to the final six since the Second Quarter Quell."
This comes as news to me. I didn't know we had ever had two make it this far. No, wait. The Quell was Haymitch's games. With Madge's Aunt Maysilee. "Yes, the Victor of the Quell was our Haymitch Abernathy. He and Maysilee Donner made it to the final five, I believe." My eyes seek out Madge, but she is across the square with her father and doesn't hear me. Thankfully.
Varvara's clearly surprised at the depth of my knowledge. We both know the Quell happened before I was born.
"Well, I myself had no idea that Twelve was capable of producing such fine specimens." Specimens? She eyes me suggestively as she continues, "Normally you lose both tributes in the bloodbath. What do you think makes this year different?"
Besides the fact that Katniss is trained with a long-range weapon? That probably wouldn't be helpful to mention.
"Katniss and Peeta are both healthy and smart. Both determined." Well-fed. But, mentioning something like that could be considered seditious. Wouldn't want to be accused of that. And it wouldn't help them get sponsors, anyway.
"Katniss certainly is smart. Were you surprised with how easily she managed to track him in the arena? The odds in the Capitol were against her finding him in time," she informs me. The odds are ever against her favor. I wonder what else they are taking odds on in the Capitol.
Tread carefully, Gale. "No. As I said, she is smart. She knew he would be near water. And, he wasn't very far from where she had last seen him."
"And, tell me, what did you think of their reunion?" Do I hear a taunt? Imagine a taunt? Does she still suspect the cousins story?
"I was surprised he was alert enough to call to her, honestly. After so many days." That isn't enough of an answer. "I was relieved," when I figured out the one perfect night was not what Peeta had led everyone to believe.
"As were we all! Watching the poor boy languishing for days was simply heart-wrenching," she sighs dramatically. If only you had a heart. I really don't understand how these people can feel bad for their victims and root for their deaths simultaneously. How do they rationalize it to themselves? Oh, I don't know. How do you carry on two conversation simultaneously, Gale? One with the interviewer and a second one in your head?
"Yes, it was hard to watch. Especially for his family." That was probably a bit over the line. But, honestly, if she felt that bad, how does she imagine the families feel? My anger threatens to spill over. I can't afford to lose it on camera. Can't afford it anytime. Calm down.
"Speaking of family. Did you consider volunteering in Peeta's place at the reaping? To protect your cousin as Peeta has?" I would have done a much better job protecting her if it had been me. "You look as if you are about to volunteer here in this clip," she replays Peeta's reaping. I remember the moment of shock so vividly I don't need the replay.
"No, I didn't. Not seriously. After all…" I almost say their can only be one winner, but catch myself in time. There is still a possibility that she survives the feast. "I was prepared to go because I expected my name to be called. After all family devotion goes only go so far."
"Speaking of devotion. Peeta tried very hard to convince her not to attend this morning's feast. How did you feel about that?"
"I felt… mixed emotions. I agreed with Peeta not wanting her to put herself into unnecessary danger. But, it was immediately clear she didn't feel she could risk not going."
"To save him," she purrs seductively.
"Yes." Oh Katniss! It's been over three hours since sunrise in the arena. This intensive questioning has to mean you've survived, right? If you were dead, what would it matter? "She went to save him. I hope she sat in a tree picking off some of the competition first, but knowing Katniss like I do…" I swallow, "Knowing Katniss, I know she couldn't risk someone else taking their backpack. She's counting on it having the medicine to save his life. She's betting her life on it." If she risks her life and survives, that had better be what is in the backpack. If it isn't, she'll be so mad she'll probably destroy the entire arena.
"Peeta said at the interview that she didn't know he was alive before the reaping. They seem to have grown extraordinarily close since then," she leans in provocatively. "They have both risked their lives for one another. It's so romantic, don't you think?" She definitely doesn't believe the cousin story. Why else bait me like this?
I merely nod. I am so angry at Katniss for risking her life for him, I realize. When have I ever been mad at Katniss before? Never, that's when.
"And, what do you think are their odds of winning?"
"That is hard to say. The four highest scoring tributes of the Games are all still in." And she is…has done something stupid today. "But, the Gamemakers gave her the top training score for a reason." Remind the sponsors that she shouldn't be counted out. "If anyone can overcome the odds, it's Katniss. And if she survived the feast, then District Twelve is going to win."
"True love conquers all?" she quips with a seductive smile. That can't possibly be a scripted Capitol-approved question. Doesn't she realize how subversive that sounds? 'True love conquers all'? As in love conquers the Hunger Games? Love conquers the evils of Panem?
"Oh, yes. Let's hope so," I smile back at her. The first real smile I have given on camera. Varvara beams back. She positively glows.
...
"Hey, Gale, can I talk to you?" Vick is waiting for me when I climb down from the stage.
"Sure, something the matter?" he looks as if he's going to be sick and the broadcast hasn't even started yet. I lead him through the crowd, looking in vain for a quiet place to talk. We settle down in a corner of the square, away from the crowd.
"What do you think happened this morning? Do you think Katniss survived?" he asks anxiously.
"The fact that they wanted such a long interview makes me believe that she did," I tell him.
"Really? You didn't even come to bed last night. I thought you thought she was going to die."
"I did. I really did," I admit. "She's the number one target for the Careers. They're still working as a team, when normally at this point it would be every one for themselves. If given the chance, they'll take her out before they worry about the others. Cato and Clove together against Katniss isn't a fair fight. But, she has the bow, the best weapon in the Games. And, she knows how to use it. If she waited for them to make the first move, she'd have the advantage. It would still be two against one. But, she could do it. I'm just afraid she went in for the medicine first."
"But, she has to save Peeta, right?"
"She can't save him if she's dead," I look up to see Varvara and Vista standing a short distance away with their camera trained on us. Damn. Did I say anything to Vick that could hurt Katniss?
~Mandatory Viewing Games Day 13~
We settle into our usual seats for the viewing. Madge sits to my left. Vick to my right. The rest of my family and then the Everdeens fill up the row. The Mellarks are across the aisle from us. Peeta's life hangs in the balance today, as well as Katniss'. If she dies, he dies. All in. If she lives, the odds may finally be in their favor.
Katniss lies awake, shivering despite the shelter of the cave, the sleeping bag, and their shared body heat. I'm surprised it's not snowing given how cold the Gamemakers are making it in the arena. While it is still dark, she slides out of the sleeping bag and prepares to depart. She leans down to kiss Peeta goodbye. I suppose she's going for romantic here, but it's really kind of creepy watching her give him such a long, lingering kiss while he's completely unconscious. Drugged by her. Well, too bad for him. She'd certainly never kiss him like that if he was awake and he's missed it.
Ginger is huddled inside the Cornucopia. Her breaths come out in clouds of white vapor. She is going to be cold and stiff by the time the sun rises. I wonder if she'll be able to run at all after being crouched down in the bitter cold all night. Risky move, but perhaps the others will not bother to chase her with their backpacks still waiting to be claimed. Actually, a brilliant idea. As long as she doesn't run directly into the Careers during her escape she may live through the feast. No small feat. My respect for Ginger continues to grow.
Katniss, Cato, and Clove all travel towards the Cornucopia before dawn. Cato and Clove are quietly discussing their strategy as they go. As I expected, they plan to lie in wait at the edge of the clearing until the others reveal themselves when they attempt to claim their backpacks from the Cornucopia.
"Don't get carried away giving a show for the audience, Clove. This is going to be a mini-bloodbath. We don't have time for theatrics," Cato reminds her. All business. Career business.
"Oh, there is always time for a little show," she says with supreme confidence. "I'll take out Fire Girl," she smiles wickedly. "You can have District Eleven."
"Right. But, ignore District Five and Lover Boy unless it's an easy kill. We'll take care of them later." They're going to split up? I can't believe they aren't going to watch each others back. It's the biggest advantage they have going up against either Katniss or Thresh and they're just going to ignore it? Yes!
If I were in the arena instead of Peeta, we'd definitely have each others backs. And so we'd definitely win. Definitely.
Ginger waits inside the Cornucopia. The others are gathered around the clearing as dawn begins to break. As soon as the first rays of sunshine glint off of the golden horn, the ground in front splits open and a table rises into view.
The moment the table clicks into position, Ginger darts out, grabs the green backpack with the number five on it, and sprints away from the Cornucopia. It's over before it started. Damn, she's good. Good and dangerous.
Katniss looks angry. Probably that she didn't think to hide in the Cornucopia herself. Of course, that would have meant death if the Careers had cornered anyone in there.
Katniss nocks an arrow before she breaks from the trees, running full speed for the horn. The crowd is silent and tense. Everything rides on what happens in the next few minutes.
"Twelve's mine," Clove says as she pulls a knife from her jacket. "District Five's headed this way."
"I'll take care of Five. Won't take long." Cato tells her as they part ways.
Cato disappears into the trees to intercept Ginger while Clove chases after Katniss. The crowd in Twelve is suddenly wild with expressed emotion. Yelling for Katniss to turn around. To run faster. Cursing the Career as she aims for Katniss.
Vick and Madge both grip my hands.
Clove launches her knife smoothly, which Katniss seems to sense coming. She deflects it with her bow as she brings it around, shooting at Clove and stringing a second arrow automatically before the first can hit its target. Clove twists away just in time (and just enough) to avoid being struck in the heart, but still takes an arrow to her left arm.
She stops to pull out the arrow as Katniss reaches the table, grabbing up the little orange backpack. Katniss, you little fool! Kill Clove before you get the backpack!
Clove launches the second knife, which slices across Katniss' forehead as she turns to fire her second arrow. The crowd screams in dismay as blood pours down her face. She blindly shoots her second arrow, missing Clove completely. I've never seen her miss so badly.
Vick scoots closer against my side; I put my arm tightly around him.
Clove slams into her, knocking her to the ground. Pinned. Game over. She's going to die. Right now. In front of me. In front of Prim. And Posy.
There is no way out of this. Clove outweighs her by far too much.
The crowd has gone eerily silent as we prepare to watch her die. So many people and not one sound. Katniss is going to die and it will mean Peeta's end as well. District Twelve isn't going to have any Victors this year.
Cato is chasing after Ginger and missing Clove's moment of victory.
Clove begins to toy with her. "Where's your boyfriend, District Twelve? Still hanging on?"
"He's out there now. Hunting Cato," Katniss snarls. "Peeta!" she screams before Clove hits her in the throat to silence her. If only he were.
Cato stops chasing Ginger when he hears Katniss call for Peeta, immediately changing direction. He looks towards the Cornucopia, confirming that Clove has Katniss pinned before beginning his search for Peeta.
"Liar," she grins. "He's nearly dead. Cato knows where he cut him. You've probably got him strapped up in some tree while you try to keep his heart going. What's in the pretty little backpack? That medicine for Lover Boy? Too bad he'll never get it," she taunts. Where is the killer instinct? Taking time to taunt Katniss is reckless at such a time as this. I feel a spark of hope. Could she be reckless enough to give Katniss an opening?
Thresh approaches quietly from the far side of the Cornucopia, out of sight of both Cato and Clove. He eases his way around towards the front where Clove has Katniss pinned to the ground. He seems to be debating whether he can retrieve his backpack without drawing her attention.
"I promised Cato if he let me have you, I'd give the audience a good show." I don't recall that exchange. As a matter of fact, Cato told her the exact opposite.
Prim is whimpering. Many in the crowd are crying quietly. Katniss is struggling to unseat the larger girl, but it is clearly hopeless.
"Forget it, District Twelve. We're going to kill you just like we did your pathetic little ally…what was her name? The one who hopped around in the trees? Rue?" Thresh's head snaps to attention at the mention of his district partner's name. "Well, first Rue, then you, and then I think we'll let nature take care of Lover Boy. How does that sound? Now, where to start?" She turns Katniss' face from side to side, acting as if she's in a quandary about where to start.
"Gale, take Posy," my mother whispers as Posy scrambles across Vick's lap towards me. I release Madge's hand to cradle Posy. Mother knows I'm the only one strong enough to prevent her from turning towards the screens once the screaming starts. If any Peacekeeper dares to say anything I'm definitely going to explode. There is no way a four-year-old should ever be made to watch something like this. The Capitol is sick.
"I think…" Clove says throatily, "I think we'll start with your mouth." She traces Katniss lips with the tip of her blade. "Yes, I don't think you'll have much use for your lips anymore. Want to blow Lover Boy one last kiss?" Katniss spits a mouthful of blood at her face, drawing a few approving grunts from the crowd. I close my eyes a moment, steeling myself to watch my best friend be mutilated and murdered. "All right then. Let's get started."
I notice out of the corner of my eye Madge slips off her bracelet, handing it to Posy to distract her.
As Clove cuts into Katniss' lip she is unaware of Thresh towering over her from behind. What is he going to do? Kill her as soon as she finishes Katniss? That would be the wisest move.
I feel as if my head is going to explode in rage. I could take out a few Peacekeepers before they gun me down. I need to make sure I hand Posy over to Madge and then clear away from my family so they don't get caught by a stray bullet. Right about…
Now. Thresh suddenly grabs Clove from behind, lifting her off of Katniss. What? Why? Run Katniss! Run!
Thresh throws Clove violently to the ground, shouting "What'd you do to that little girl? You kill her?"
Why is Katniss just lying there? Escape while he is distracted! Move!
Clove is trying to scramble away from him, "No! No, it wasn't me!" Terror-stricken. Good.
"You said her name. I heard you. You kill her?" He follows her, his rage growing with each step, "You cut her up like you were going to cut up this girl here?" He points to Katniss, holding a large rock in his hand.
"No! No, I -" Clove's eyes widen in fear at sight of the rock, "Cato!" she screams. "Cato!"
Cato's head comes up immediately at her panicked cry. "Clove!" He abandons his search and races towards her voice. Towards the Cornucopia. Wow. He's fast. But still a distance away.
Soon the Gamemakers will have the four highest scoring tributes all gathered in one place. Blood will spill. It will be a bloodbath. Just as they hoped. Money must be changing hands at light speed in the Capitol.
Thresh crushes Clove's skull with his rock. I feel Vick trembling against me. Thresh turns on Katniss, who still lies helplessly on the ground. Why oh why didn't she run?
"What'd she mean? About Rue being your ally?" he asks her.
"I – I – we teamed up. Blew up the supplies. I tried to save her, I did. But, he got there first. District One." Will this be the last time I hear her voice? It is better she die by his rock swiftly than by Clove's knife slowly.
"And you killed him?" he demands.
"Yes. I killed him. And buried her in flowers," she says. "And I sang her to sleep."
"To sleep?" he says, confused.
"To death. I sang until she died. Your district…they sent me bread." Clove lets out a moan a few feet away. Katniss looks as if she is going to cry, "Do it fast, okay, Thresh?"
Prims cries out in terror, "No!"
I tighten my grip on Posy.
Thresh lowers the rock he was holding above his head. "Just this one time, I let you go. For the little girl. You and me, we're even then. No more owed. You understand?" he says. What? I gasp. My mouth hangs open.
She nods her head in understanding. She understands. About owing. Everyone from the Seam does. Apparently, it's the same in district Eleven. Yes! But, I still can't believe he is going to let her go. This is the Hunger Games. This just doesn't happen in the Hunger Games. And neither does a district send a gift to another district's tribute. I suddenly love District Eleven. If we could team up in rebellion…
Cato breaks through the trees, no doubt taking in Clove's still form along with both Thresh and Katniss. He doesn't throw his spear. I am stunned…again. Nobody has the killer instinct this year. Taking time to what? Grieve, obviously. One set of lovers has been divided in half. "Clove!" he screams.
"You better run now, Fire Girl," Thresh suggests. Yes! Good idea! Run Katniss!
She turns over, pushes herself to her feet and flees. Flees as if Gamemakers' mutts are upon her. She's going to get away! She's going to live! The crowd begins to cheer.
Cato drops to his knees beside Clove, completely ignoring his fleeing competition. "Clove! Clove, answer me!" he begs as he gathers her in his arms. "Please don't leave me. I love you, Clove. Together. We're supposed to win this together. They changed the rules for us. For us." He buries his face into her hair, holding her tightly. Whispering to her.
Did they? Did they change the rules for Cato and Clove? Not for Peeta and Katniss? Oh my, I haven't been analyzing nearly hard enough.
Thresh disappears back into his domain with the backpacks from Two and Eleven. Katniss reaches the forest. This leaves Cato and Clove alone at the Cornucopia.
Katniss runs on, blinded by blood, stumbling. She uses the socks she was wearing as gloves to attempt to stem the flow from her forehead. But, the socks are soon soaked through.
Thresh runs through the field of grain, clearly expecting pursuit. Did he take the pack to ensure Cato followed him or did he merely take it to ensure Cato didn't get it? Either way, it is good for Katniss. All good.
Ginger continues to flee, even after Cato gave up the chase. She finally collapses, gasping for breath and giggling. Hysterically. "I'm alive! I got away. I got away," she whispers to herself as she crawls beneath a bush to hide. Yes, clever girl. You sure did.
Cato continues to sit holding Clove, making no attempt whatsoever to pursue the others. He is…heartbroken. A Career can have a heart. Who knew? The announcers tell us that she is still alive. Cato is waiting for her to die before leaving. Doesn't want her to die alone. I wonder what would have happened if it came down to the two of them. Would the Capitol have allowed two Victors? Or, would they have made them fight to the death? To the death. This is the Capitol of Panem, after all. They clearly toyed with Cato and Clove before the Games. False hope is their specialty. They serve it up sparingly. Just enough. Just enough… for one.
So then. The rule change may not have been directed at Katniss. Or, not only Katniss. Note to self…Analytical self: it isn't always about you. It can't be a total coincidence that there were two "couples" in the final six when they made the rule change. Were they angling for a dramatic showdown between lovers? Will they revoke the rule change if Katniss and Peeta are the final two? Stealing a promised victory away like that could have unpredictable repercussions. Especially if the romance angle is so popular with the Capitol viewers. I wonder how it is playing in the districts.
Katniss somehow makes it back to the cave, crawling through the concealed opening. She is covered in blood, she has been bleeding for what must be hours now. It's impossible to tell how long it's really been.
She fumbles with the little backpack, excitedly cutting it open to reveal a slim box containing Peeta's medicine. Her hands are shaking so violently I don't know how she manages not to drop it. She picks up the hypodermic needle, stabs him in the arm and pushes down on the plunger.
The crowd seems to release its breath in one rush. Finally! Finally, she delivers the medicine she fought so very hard (and foolhardily) to obtain. I look towards the Mellarks for the first time in hours and see Mr. Mellark is crying openly.
"She's alive! Alive!" I whisper to Vick, who smiles in return, exhaustedly.
Looking back towards the screen, I see Katniss slump to the ground next to Peeta. She delivered his medicine, but she didn't manage to bandage her heavily bleeding head wound before blacking out.
The sound of a cannon blast stuns the audience into shocked silence.
ღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷஐღღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷஐღღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷஐღღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷஐღღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷஐღღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷஐღღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷஐღღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷஐღღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷஐღღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒஐღ
Author's Note:
Please don't forget to review :)
Thanks to my reviewers for the last chapter: yellowsunshine eb (yes, I'm still old enough to be your mother :), anonymity, toolazytologin, albien, Renae X, mmmmilovepeeta, cdtspecialk, PerfectTwo, Forest Bug, FlamingArrows, HabsGirl31, page-394-always1, Wonderous- Serendipity, AODiva1978, darrena, Ginger-Snapp, Maddy Hawthorne, The-Mockingjay-Games, j, xSparklyStarsx, The Magic of the Night, Pinklove21, odjjha, neopsycho9, Lorelei Eve, x-LiveFantasy-x and Ms Cassity
And special thanks to Ellenka, FortuneFaded2012, Nonamer44, MUSICFOODANDFLORAL, Kerinh22, Aninha Flavia, bookworm600, God1801, Aella Leto , xxAlizza, EStrunk, Animic, Gales Lover and Kaitleen for reviewing nearly every chapter. You guys are amazing and your support means a lot to me!