This is a fanfic. The original work belongs to the marvelous Suzanne Collins and any other co-owner. You want to read a good story? Start with the original. This is merely my bad take of the story I've fallen in love with.
I make no profit...
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Chapter 21
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A scream of pure terror resounds through the air. Followed by the sound of a soft body hitting sharp rocks. It makes me curl into a ball and hide behind the rocks. Too afraid to look and find Peeta crushed and bloodied. I can't even bare the thought.
The sound of shouts and laughter echoes over the cliffs. The career pack is congratulating their new ally as the cannon goes off. I aim a punch on one of the large rocks I'm hiding behind, hurting my knuckles on its hard surface. My anger and sorrow being too much to contain. Hate is coursing through me and I vow there and then to make them suffer.
The more of their laughter I hear the more my rage grows. When I hear Glimmer's comments on how much blood there is I rush up, ready to kill them all. My hands already pulling out the knives. As I step out of my hiding place I start filling my lungs, ready to give out a defiant cry of war, only to stop dead in my step as I take in the group.
They aren't so near that I can see their faces, but I can recognize his silhouette anywhere: PEETA! I fall back and hit the rock. Its hard edges cutting into my back. I don't even notice it. The shock of seeing him alive leaves me numb. He's sitting on the ground and nursing his injuries. How is he alive? I look down and are met with a gruesome sight. Timmer is crushed and pierced by the rocks below the cliff.
Peeta must have been able to throw him over the edge. I have to swallow the laughter of joy and relief that's bubbles up in me. He is alive and well, a new member of the pack. He will be alright from now on. At least for a little while.
After watching them for a little while longer I sneak away, afraid of getting seen by lingering out in the open for long. I don't lose sight of them, only letting the trees hide me as I follow their path over the cliffs; it seems they are heading back home. Most likely to show Peeta the camp and get him acquainted with the others on safe ground.
He isn't as injured as I thought which is good. Peeta might actually be allowed to live. To be curtain I make sure to keep an eye on Clove, she is the one that would stab you in the back. The others has a bit more honor in them. Clove is more like me that way, it's better to ask forgiveness than permission.
With Timmer dead it means there are only ten left. It is all going much faster than I remember. The people back at the capitol is either very disappointed by this year's chosen ones or we are too good. It could explain why I got a gift this morning and why the careers made a new ally; if we also died the games would be over in the matter of days. They usually try to make it to two weeks before speeding up the process. It has only been four days so far.
It scares me how easy I take Timmer's death; the others left me feeling guilty and depressed, but the more I watch Peeta with the careers the more relief I'm feeling. A person died so that Peeta would be safe and I don't feel sad about it. In truth I am glad. Glad that he died, because I don't care for him. I care for Peeta. I love Peeta and if others need to die so he can live; so be it.
This realization troubles me. It means that a part of my humanity is being buried underneath greed and cowardness. I recognize these feelings, they were what lead me to push Peeta away the first time. Made me seek comfort in Gale, because he too was filled with the same anger and darkness. It's a cold dark flame I've always had and it's hard to push away; the will to survive being too strong, so strong that you forget to live.
I didn't want to be that way. It had taking me so long to be someone worthy of warmth and love. I've never been a good person, but Peeta had made me become a better one. Someone that I could like and respect. So as I walk I force myself to relive the sight of Timmer broken body. To remember that a boy was dead and that it could have been avoided.
I stop thinking about the dead when the careers enter the forest ahead. Quickly climbing a tree to hide, making certain that they don't circle around and find me. You can never trust another tribute. They are sneaky killers and if you underestimate them you die. Plain and simple.
*I wonder where foxgirl is? Is she behind me or on her own?* that thought made me pause and look around. Almost expecting to see her in the shadows. She's a tricky one for certain. It would be humorous; the pack followed by someone that's being followed. I almost snort at the thought.
When I get a glimpse of the careers crossing a small clearing a few miles ahead I climb down and rest. My body is tired and I would be a fool to overwork it after the ordeal from yesterday. I eat the packed fish and some soft bark, trying to ignore the hunger growing inside me. The mere thought of food makes me remember all the luxury back at the capitol. It makes it hard to chew the bark when you think about chocolate cake and other goodies.
As I rest the idea of stealing from the careers grows more alluring. It would help a great deal to get some extra resources for the days to come. Especially since I'm tired and dirty, with the sun as the only warm sources. It would be risky and foolish, going beyond the mere recon I first had in mind.
The audience would love it.
I spend the next couple of hours walking, resting, hunting and eating. Taking care to have great space between me and the pack. The closer to the cornucopia I get the more their traps I find. Poorly made and easy to destroy without leaving clues. The ones that actually had any trapped animals I cleared with good conscience. Getting one bird and a squirrel. I almost laugh as I see some of the snares laid out. They must believe the animals to be stupid. They are too visible and far away from any trails.
"That is stupid. If you want to catch something you have to be able to understand the animal's nature." I mumble, shaking my head at their folly. "For rabbits you lay it behind a bush, near a trail; anywhere that you find spills or footprints. Not out in the open where the sun can reflect in line. This is utter stupidity."
The traps brings to mind the time Rue and I blew up packs supply pyramid. They had been near to helpless without the resources. It could work this time to, but then it would leave Peeta vulnerable and that is the last thing I want. Besides, this time I would have the opportunity to really study the traps surrounding the pyramid; a great opportunity.
Noah is beyond smart and it would be tricky, but I had the advantage of having seen foxgirl manage it and watched the scene of them burying the mines. I should be able to figure it out somewhat, with a little time and help. After all, they needed food and drinks upon homecoming. I just needed to be near enough to see how they walked around the mines.
The cameras follows me as I track the careers. If I survive the night I will be a clear favorite for being so brave and devious. Not that I was, but it would help my cause if the capitolist would see me as such. It also had the benefit to make me lovesick and girlish without making me look weak.
The truth of the matter was: I needed something and they had it; be it food, weapons, Peeta's safety or more camera time. Not that Haymitch nor Effie would ever let the sponsors see it that way. They would spin the romance and talk of our hardships. I was just helping along by being selfish, needy and curious. If the watchers knew how un-romantic I was they would be shocked. The idea of what their faces would look like helped spur me on.
I resist eating the bird and squirrel raw, too afraid to make a fire and fearful of getting sick. I'd already taken a great chance eating the pike raw yesterday, best not tempt fate. I don't need any more complications.
By late afternoon I drink the last of the water. Now I have to preserve my strength. I might not be able to collect more water for the next two days. It all boils down to how much attention the careers will put to the supply pile and outer perimeters of their camp.
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It is close after nightfall. I have reached the outskirt of the careers camp. I can see where they have their firepit and tents. For a while I circle the area, getting a feel of the land. The area next to the cornucopia has next to no grass and there is very little vegetation to hide in.
Luckily for me they have placed themselves to the west side of the cornucopia, near to the water and close to the forest line. It is a good place to camp at, but it also gives me a chance to get close to them later. When it is much darker, the brushwood will help hide me some as long as they don't look to close. For the moment there is no chance to approach them, even in the dark I can see they are on the alert if not guard. I climb up a tree to study them for a while, wanting to get a feel of their guard-system.
For the next two hour I watch them. The clock nearing midnight. The entire group is seated around the campfire, relaxing and rough-housing; taking the time bonding with their new member and sharing their food with each other. Hopefully Peeta is using his charms. He will need it to survive in their mists.
As I watch I can't find any real plan in their scouting. It seems that one or two just takes a quick look around before returning to the camp. They are scanning the area, but don't go too far into the forest. It makes me move up my timetable and start planning for the next step; get close enough to hear them. The forest will be my protection. I should have a chance at getting close without detection.
Haymitch is likely to cuss at me right now as I climb down and move forward, but it would be safer not to be too cautious. They have proper food and other supplies there for the taking, just a few hundred meter away. If I make a move for it when they have gone to bed I should have a good chance to get a better stash.
To be more movable and limber I hide my backpack inside a bush and cover with its branches, making sure to mark the spot by making a small X a nearby tree. After that is done I rub dirt on my face, cloths and hands. Covering myself as best I can. When satisfied I start to move close. Avoiding a trap or two that would have alerted the pack of my presence.
Arriving at the brushwood I get down on my belly, hiding my small figure amongst the grass. There just enough height to provide me with sufficient shelter. If I'm cautious I should be able to crab-walk close enough to hear them. The tricky part will be knowing when to stop. If I get to close I will be spotted, too far way and I'm risking my life in vain.
When I'm ready I start moving. It is harder than it looks going on your hand and feet, every muscle in my body is working on keeping me mere centimeter of the ground and mobile. The wind in the trees masks any noise I make, including the labored breath I try to mask. After some careful orientation I'm close enough to hear them. Happily laying down on the grass to rest and watch.
They have three torches stuck into the ground for some extra light and warmth. It makes the camp an illuminated place with dark edges; helping me to stay hidden. The worst thing someone can do when in hostile territory is to make a fire in the dark. It tells anyone near where you are and kills your night vision. *What luck I'm having* I think while smirking.
I have to be careful though, they could have goggles that let them see in the dark. If that is the case I am in deep trouble. The idea that anyone of them can whip out a pair of goggles and find me makes my skin crawl, but I stay put and try not to panic. I stick my head up enough to get them in sight. Wanting to know that I've got them all in one place.
Ahead of me Cato and Glimmer is snuggled up, Marvel is sitting next to Clove while Noah leans on a trunk together with Peeta; who is currently under scrutiny. They seem to be playing the childish games ~if-you-dare~. The realization surprise me, I believed them incapable of being childish; it is incomprehensible.
"Come on Lover boy, don't tell me you're scared." Cato shouts, making the others laugh.
"It's not that, she might stab me if I do it wrong; I'm not that rehearsed with it." Peeta are playing along with them... and having fun by the sound of it. We have gone beyond shock at this stage. I must have been stung by a Tracker jacker without realizing it. I subtly look for a swollen mark, surprised when I find none. This is actually happening.
I smile at the relieved tone of Peeta's voice, he sounds rested and calm. Happily warming himself by the fire and working his magic on the people around him. What happens next whips any smile off my face.
Whatever the dare was it has Peeta leaning over and kissing Clove - and it isn't a soft kiss either. She's don't stab him, in fact she looks to be enjoying the kiss. Jealousy hits me hard and bitter anger follows it. If not for my wish to live he would be facing my full wrath right now.
My anger grows even hotter when Peeta lifts up a nutrition bare and eats it, sharing the other half with Clove and smiling about it. All of them has some sort of food in their hands and my stomach threatens to grumble in protest. I have to bite into the ground underneath me to stop the onslaught of hunger that comes from the sight.
I feel extremely childish lying there and being bitter of the riches they have. Probably a reaction stemming from the traumas I've lived through the last few days. Being immature is just a way to respond and deal with everything at the moment. However useless it is. The benefit is it will make the capitol believe me lovesick.
With some force I manage to control my feeling and get a hold of myself. Soon I start thinking rationally again and I try to scan the surrounding area. Wanting to know if there is another path I've not seen to the supply pyramid.
The grass underneath and around me is soft and moist. Already the chilly night is turning the hot air of the day into dew. The cold is unwelcomed, but at the same time needed. It will make the careers stay put. Unwilling to leave the warmth of the fire. Hopefully they are tired and will go to bed soon. Giving me the chance to raid their stash.
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I stay at my spot for as long as I dare. Only crawling away when Marvel and Cato start a fake fight to impress the others. Soon after I've retreated to the forest line they break it off and start getting ready for bed. They seem to smart enough to work out a guard system, but foolishly believing they only need one guard. Noah being the first to take point.
For some time I don't try anything, letting the members fall asleep and watching Noah. The teen has had a few trying days going by the black eye and tired appearance. He knows he's survived so far by being useful to the pack; which is why he keeps all of his attention towards the pyramid. If it was destroyed he would become useless and he wouldn't allow it.
It made him a dangerous guard, to attentive to the small things even if he focus more on the meadow itself and not the forest line. I use it shamefully to get to the cornucopia. Going to the other end, farthest away from him and crab walk to its side.
I get up on my feet when I'm sure that Noah can't see me. It shocks me a bit how big the cornucopian really is. I have forgotten how massive its structure really is. The metal is like cold gold to the touch and its many edges and lines gives it its charismatic look. I carefully climb the structure and get acquainted with its design.
For many minutes I just sit up on the top with my feet dangling in front of the opening. The night is dark and full of stars. The entire Valley is seen from this point and it beauty strikes me as much now as it does in daylight. It is a great sorrow that it will be a shunned land in the future. A place where no one wishes to visit. It deserves more from us humans.
When Noah is relieved of his shift it must be around two in the morning. This time it is Cato who takes the watch. The tall teen is more mobile than the boy from three and moves about the clearing. I lay flat on the cornucopia's top for most of his shift. Only daring to climb down and search the surrounded area for left or missed supply when he sits by the campfire. Finding none I start feeling the coldness and the ache in my limbs. The urge for sleep is heavy but I push it aside. I can sleep later.
Afraid of getting arrogant I make sure to keep track on Cato. Staying low and listening for every sound. Slowly the hours tick by. I do what I can to avoid letting the cold paralyzing me. The frustration is grating, but I don't give up hope for the supply pile; even if it seems pointless the more time that goes by.
When it's around four in the morning I see Marvel switching with Cato. By his tired walk he won't be active for much during his shift. I'm proven right when he soon after going a lap settles done by the kindling fire and falls asleep. Soon I hear him snoring, which means that the coast is clear and I can go for the supply pyramid.
I get to it without being spotted, crouching down on the other side of it; letting it mask me from the camp. It proves a good thing because as soon as I'm hidden I can hear movement from the camp. I carefully stick my head around and scan the area.
It's Glimmer. She has wakened from Marvel's snores and are getting out of the tent. She is wrinkling her face as she studies her fellow tribute, but don't get out to wake him. Probably out of fear getting stuck on the shift. She checks her surrounding and go to relieve herself. When she comes back she stops to put a few logs on the almost dead fire before returning to the tent. Believing the camp secure enough to let Marvel sleep.
Her stupidity surprise me into chuckling softly. Stopping when the wind takes my laughter to the camp. Afraid that she might have heard me I get down on my belly and get ready to crawl to safety. When nothing happens for several minutes I carefully get up again.
With such a small window of opportunity I hurry to circle the pyramid, trying to find the patterns in the mines I know lies underneath the deceptive earth. From what I can remember foxgirl (or Finch as is her name) had danced around them, staying of the piles of dirt. Meaning that they are dangerous.
However if I remember Caesar Flickerman right there is more to this trap than just the dirt-piles. It make it all that much harder since I can't see everything as clear as foxgirl had in the daylight. My only clues being the one from the coronation day, when they had replayed the scene on the big screen on the capitol square.
Ceasar had said that the mines had been put into a beautiful labyrinth; worthy of any tribute from district three. I can't remember the details since I had hidden myself in Peeta's neck, but I remember the mention of the mines being placed into patterns. After walking around the pyramid two more times I think I've found the answer.
I take out my knife and started digging into the ground. Making a sketch of the dirt piles surrounding the pyramid, when I believe I've gotten them all I start on the second pattern. At first I thought it was the stones littering around the pyramid, but then I noticed it; the more stump on patches. They made out a pattern that fits amongst certain piles, which leads up to the supplies. After some more sketching I had an overlying design carved into the ground.
Now to find the safe area along the path. It should be the area next to where the two patterns meet. It makes sense as it will give me just enough room to move. I collect some small petals to throw at the believed safe zones. Not willing to risk my life just yet.
When I'm not blown sky high at my third attempt I judge it a correct guess. One wrong step would be dire since I can't take the sketch with me, but after studying it for some time I believe myself to have memorized it.
I only have a small window left to do this. It is around five o'clock in the morning and soon the campo will most likely wake up. Since there isn't any immediate danger I get ready to start. Already scanning the pyramid in front of my for the things I want.
Most of it is inside boxes, safely tucked away from thieves. But since they must get to it easily I presume they have placed the medicine and food in the more ease access ones. Pressed for times I collect myself, ready to take the plunge. The pressure to get it done growing for every minute. Soon the morning sun would be touching the valleys edges.
O move to the starting point and takes my first tentative step. Carefully I place my right foot on the ground between a dirt pile and a stomped patch. When I'm not blown up by I start breathing again. Continuing slowly, step by step, I get closer and closer to stash. My greed growing for every inch I gain. Soon I'm more than halfway over and the smell of the food reach me.
The pang of hunger is enough to make me sway, but I manage to stay on my feet. I'm rewarded by reaching the goal alive and after jumping the last meter I am safe. The pyramid is open for me to raid and no one even knows I am here.
I take my time and are rewarded with; a better backpack, snare-lines, a thicker blanket, a rope, fishing lines, water bottles, crackers, candy, dried meat and medical supplies and much more. I have to stop myself from taking more than I can carry. Knowing that I must remain agile and movable. Too much would slow me down and leave me vulnerable.
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I have made it back over the minefield and have just landed when I hear it. The sound of an arrow being launched. Not even taking the time reacting I throw myself backwards, uncaring of the mines. In an act of miracles I land just right. I can practically see the top of one mine next to my face. Looking beyond it I see Glimmer standing in front to the camp fire and doing a nock*.
Her face is determined and devoid of emotions. She is aiming to kill me. It's when I get up and move away from the minefield that she shouts out a warning to the other and launches another arrow at me. I barely avoid it. The moment I'm clear I start running. Not even stopping to see who's chasing me.
From the shouts and noises coming from behind the entire camp is on my tail. Meaning that I will have a hard time escaping. They have the advantage over me; rested and angry they will have the energy for a long chance. I on the other hand most find a good spot to hide, soon, being up all night and tired from the last few days isn't a good incentive for a chase.
To maintain my lead I don't make the mistake to look behind, I instead focus on scanning the landscape for a good hiding place. I found none in the first half hour and it is when I'm short on breath and little to no strength left that I find my best chance. By then they have gotten a lot closer to me and I could practically hear Cato breathing down my neck.
My best chance is an ancient tree that has been growing over a buried cliff, its big roots are spread over the area and has many hiding holes. I rip of the backpack and hide it in one of the smaller ones, covering it with moss and whatever is on the ground. Striving to make it look natural.
After that is done I try to find a hole big enough for myself. At first there isn't one visibly, but I don't give up. I can't run anymore and if I don't find anything on the ground soon I will climb. Even if it would make me visible for the careers. Just as I'm about to give up I find a small hole at the threes west side.
It is oval and narrow, but its inside should be able to hide me efficiently. It had the bonus of having removable greenery growing over it, giving me great cover. I have to strip of my jacket and shirt to manage to squirm inside. My skin being scrape severely. I have just enough time to get dressed and remove any trace left outside when I hear approaching footsteps.
Knowing that I might have gotten spotted I prepare myself to die. Knowing that it is too late to run or climb I wait for my fate.
The person are moving closer and closer to my tree and for every step my pulse goes up. I have to stuff my and into my mouth to prevent my heavy breath from being heard. Soon the sound of a sword being stabbed into wood breaks the treacherous silence. Someone is looking for a hidden person amongst the many natural holes the tree offers.
Knowing that at any minute a sharp edge of a blade can pierce me I try to crawl even further back, praying the greenery hides me proficiently.
"Cato." A female voice says lowly just above me and I go deadly pale. *They have found me.* Not even knowing of Clove's closeness was daunting.
"Yeah." I hear next to me. Cato sitting down and stabbing his sword at any hole he sees. From a crack to my right I can see his legs. Sounding angry and frustrated. I move a bit, very carefully, so that I can watch them both. Not willing to have them this close without seeing their faces.
"I don't like this. First the lover boy and now the girl. They are too close, why are we keeping him alive again?" Clove ask irritated as she stabs at some bushes and glare up the tree; looking for clues. Letting Cato do the checking around and underneath the tree.
"Because, he's our best chance of finding her. She is weak, but smart." Cato answers in a short tone, not liking being question. "She manage to get to our supply, but we are close on her tail thanks to him. Even if he's right and she is slower than usual we could have lost her long ago." He continues when he sees that Clove is about to argue. "Her feelings for him is also our best chance to kill her. You save the look she gave him. She might become desperate enough to approach him."
"Then perhaps you should keep the food more secure so she becomes that desperate! She got several things before we discovered her." Clove snap back at him, making sure to have a knife in each hand as she stared at her fellow tribute.
Cato takes a threatening step forward, ready to kill her or put her in her place. Either way it might get them to leave. Their arguing might lead them to discover me and I'm already at my wit's end.
"Nothing of any real value; from what Noah said she only got a bag, bread and some water." He says with a clenched jaw. "It will be gone in days if she's as hungry as Lover boy was. Now stop talking and look, before it is you that becomes useless."
They stare at each other for a few seconds, arriving at the same conclusion. For the moment both are too strong. It won't be an easy kill either way and whoever survived might be finished off by the others.
Then more approaching steps are heard and both hide their drawn weapons, not willing to show the disagreement between them. It is Marvel; he has already gotten bored by the search and is wondering if anyone has found anything just yet.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK?" Cato barks at him as Glimmer and Peeta arrive.
"I found some footprints a way back that at least tells us we are close. She is going in the direction of the river. Most likely to cover her tracks better." Peeta tells the agitated teen, trying to stave off a tantrum.
"How the freck can this girl be so good at hiding from us, she only got a seven and doesn't seem to smart." Glimmer complained to the group. Touching her bow as she scans the landscape.
"We'll make sure to ask her before finishing her off." Cato grumble in clear irritation.
"Why do we even care?" Marvel asks. "It's not like she's that important. I'm more interested in the big guy from 11, or why not the fine red hair girl... Finch? Right?"
"Ewww. Don't you have better taste?" Glimmer says in disgust, taking several steps away from her fellow tribute. Making the other laugh and start teasing the boy, making him go red.
I have control myself from not throwing a knife straight at the boy for his words. His eagerness when talking about killing disgusting me.
"At least I like someone smart." Marvel eventually shouts when he's had enough. To stave off an argument between the two Clove steps in and looks to Cato.
"So what do you want us to do Cato?" She asks.
"Look for any trail. I want that girl." At those words the entire groups spreads out and start looking. It is Peeta that *finds* some new trails and heads them of in the direction of the river. Giving me a good indication on where not to go.
I stay in my hole for a while longer, allowing the time to go. I get comfortable enough so I can rest without breaking my back. It's a close fit, but manageable. After some while I actually fall asleep for an hour or two. - Only waking up when a branch cracks up ahead.
After making sure that no one has spotted me I try to find the origin of the sound. Seeing nothing but trees, grass, rocks and bushes I start believing it to be a bird or something. That is until I see a mop of black hair in the tree up ahead. I can just see it from my point and my heart almost stops as it is confirmed seconds later to be Rue.
The not knowing if it would be a good thing to approach her weights on my mind. I got her killed last time and don't want to be responsible for her once again. However I still get into a better position to follow her, almost crawling out the hole as I try not to lose her. She hasn't spotted me which is good. It will give me some time to think.
She is climbing from tree to tree, seemingly looking for dangers or food. At first I can hardly track her, she's too quick and nimble. It helps a bit when I spot the most likely target for her exploits. Further away I can just see the top of a large bush and by her focused movements it must have berries.
Rue slowly climbs down the large tree closes to it, stopping at every sound she hears. When she touch ground she take an extra second to make sure that the coast is clear before cautiously moving away from the tree.
I very carefully squirm out of the hole and worm myself closer to her. The more space I cover the more of the bush I see and it fills me with dread. It is a large and dark green bush, filled with blood red berries. The sight would tempt anyone hungry enough to try it, but I know it to be highly poisonous.
The same bush grows along the fences back home. If it get into your bloodstream the kindest thing to do is kill you. Death takes days to come and during such time you will suffer nothing but pain. No medicine helps.
I go cold inside as I see her take a step closer to the dark green bush and reaching out with one hand to pick a berry, her skinny hand trembling at the thought of food. She looks exhausted and tired, much like myself.
"No Rue, not them." I call out, getting up and standing a bit away. In clear sight.
Rue stops what she's doing and looks at me. Her hand inches from the berries and her eyes filled with terror.
"They are poisonous" I tell her calmly as I slowly walk closer, looking around just in case anyone else heard me. With the pack so near it is foolish to make sounds, but as Rue slowly lower her hand it's well worth the risk.
It hurts when she takes a cautious step back, looking for an escape route. Knowing she is too far away from a tree I try to come across benign. Hoping that she will stay long enough for us to talk. I slowly lower myself down onto my knees to show I want her no harm.
The exposed position make my skin crawl and I can almost hear Haymitch screaming at me, but Rue stops retreating. I try to give her a smile, but it comes out stiff and crooked. It feels foreign on my face so I stop.
"They are called roxes, they grow back home and has killed many children who tried them. They kill very slowly Rue." I stress to her. "It takes time, but it is deadly for humans to eat. It will slowly shut us down from the inside out."
I can see that she wants to believe me, but the fact I was just under her nose and she didn't know makes her cautious. She doesn't want to die and I can relate with that.
"I have a sister; she's about your age." I say. "You remind me of her: A good soul, trying her best to help the people around her - I give you my word that I will not be the one to kill you."
Rue slowly relax as I speak, feeling my sincerity. I know that I should leave, but now when I've started talking to her I can't bring myself to abandon her again.
If we join up it will mean a game change. I will not allow her to die. Hence why I tried to ignore my responsibility to her from the start. Not willing to give up on Peeta's and my chance to live.
"How do I know you won't kill me?" She asks in a strained voice, she must be dehydrated as well as half-starved since she can hardly talk. I need to get her somewhere safe so I can hunt and collect water.
"Because you are not my enemy and I give you my word." I put as much conviction I can into my words. The need to move growing more urgent. I can practically feel the pack sniffing behind me.
Rue stares at me for a long time, silent and judging. I can barely stand the pressure, but just as I break she gives a silent nod and walks over to me.
"What the plan?" She asks trusting.
"Get to a safe location and get food into you." I answer relieved and get up. We stay within eyesight, but maintain some space to start. Not willing to trust each other implicit just yet.
"For now I settle for some water." She jokes.
"That I can do." I say and smile. Hurrying over to my backpack, finding it intact I take out a water bottle that I give to her. She drinks half of its contests in one go.
"Better?"
"Better."
I smile the first smile of the day when I see her happy face. A huge weight on my shoulder falling away as I see her take her place by my side. We start walking in a quick pace away from the river. Keeping to the east*.
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*(Nock (practice) - The act of setting an arrow in a bow).
*(In earlier chapter I've discovered that I, by mistake, wrote that the mountains went to the south- this is wrong: The mountains are to the north, with the river to the west, forest to the east and camp to the south. I apologies for my blunder."