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...
Chapter 23
A sudden scream breaks the silence.
A cry of fear and pain.
It's Rue's.
My head snaps up and I instinctively start scanning the area. Trying to find the threat before I remember that she isn't here. I left her down by the lake. I don't stop to think. Leaving the barely started fire and supply behind as I rush through the terrain, uncaring for the branches that scrape my face. I follow the scream the best I can, trying to find the path I walked only minutes before.
*I left her safe, what's happened?*
I come to a stop just before the brushwood. The sight of glimmering blond hair alerting me to another's presence. I take cover behind a cluster of forsythia bushes, it barely covers me as it is only knee high. I presume I've gone unnoticed me when I'm not killed.
My heart is racing from the run and my breath is too loud. I'm surprised that the person before me can't hear it, to me it sound like a drum, echoing over the area. Silently I study the person before me; from the height and feminine built it must be Glimmer. I can't see anyone else, but where one careers is there are others. Which means that Rue has gotten herself in a world of trouble, but is alive. I haven't heard the cannon yet so it gives me hope.
I look for the other tributes, unwilling to risk capture. Finding none in my direct line of sight I crawl into the bush, trying not to sneeze at the pollen falling down my face. From here I can see most of the river and the bank and still be concealed from all directions.
Burying down into the ground and covering my face and hands in dirt I feel more secured and take my time studying Glimmer. For a long time all I can see is her back, but as she turns Clove is revealed crouching on the bank. At first I feel more exposed by another careers presence, but since neither seems to be on the lookout I slowly relax.
Both look worn on the edges, but still in good health. Leading me to believe that haven't been chasing us for days. They just got lucky on their hunting trip. The girls most likely staying behind to rest, while the boys chase the prey. Both looks bored, but doesn't seem to be in a hurry to find their teammates. They are talking, but it is hard to hear them, their voices being drowned by the river. What little I do hear doesn't fill me with confidence.
"I think we… How hard can... just one… not much blo..." It's Clove talking, gesticulating with her arms and playing with her knifes.
Glimmer gives her a stare and an answer. What? I don't know, but from Clove sudden stillness it most likely an insult. Reminding me of something Peeta once told me: Clove always goes still before a kill. It's hard to spot, but it's there if you look. For a moment I thought she was going to kill Glimmer, hope and horror growing inside me. Hope; for it would mean that the bow could be mine. Fear; for what it would mean for Peeta's continued safety. - The pack was nearing its end. Peeta needed to get out of there.
Instead of killing Glimmer Clove kicks something into the water. At first I don't understand what it is, not until I see it floating downstream. It is Rue's net, meaning that the girls are staying put in case she comes back while the boys hunts her.
They had found her, but are afraid that she might be getting away. Trying to cut off her chances.
I smirk as I think about it. Rue is fast, even faster than me. If she got a head start not even Marvel could catch her. Her chances increases even more since the careers left their two long-distant-hunters behind. The thought comforts me and I start looking for a way to leave unnoticed. Wanting to head into the woods and find Rue's tracks.
Before I could leave noises is heard upstream. It is Marvel joining the girls on the riverbank. He is waving for the girls with his sword and they go to meet him. I have to crawl out of the bush and half-rise to still see them. What they talk about I don't hear, but from his smirk any hope I have dies. He seems very pleased with himself and are clearly bragging in front of the others. They head into the forest and leaves me behind.
I wait until I can't hear them anymore before moving. Only leaving my spot when I deem it safe enough. Carefully I walk down to the river, scanning the area for clues. Finding nothing but footprints and a half eaten apple.
I'm left with the decision of following them or leave.
I chose to follow. I made my decision when I called out for Rue, I'm not leaving her to die.
They stick close to the river, not going too far into the forest. Marvel guiding the girls. With the threat of them spotting me or another career appearing I walk carefully. For most part I'm in a half-crouch, walking from tree to tree, using every bush or hill I can find to my advantage.
Marvel and Clove almost discover me on several occasions, but for some reason I'm not discovered. No matter how small my chances are and the risk of detection growing for every step; I'm not willing to give up until I've hear the cannon. As long as it is silent that means Rue still lives.
We walk for some time, none of them seems to be in a hurry. Glimmer takes her time eating some bread, Marvel to stab at trees and Clove to play-throw with her knives. It is far easier to follow them that way, especially since their jackets glow in the greenery, making it possible to maintain a great distance. Then I hear shout from up ahead, close to the river. It gleaming water shining between the trees. It's a shout of greeting, a male one that is calling his friends to join him.
Clove breaks away first, starting to jog towards the left and I have to angle my body behind a tree to remain unseen. Glimmer and Marvel joins her. I spot Cato as he greets them, he is leaning on a tall tree, seemingly relaxed. That worries me.
Glimmer walks up to him and gives him a kiss. For a few minutes they stay underneath the tree, greeting one and other. I'm not concerned about hearing them, just at being seen. The place they have picked is far more open than what I like. I'm still mostly hidden, but if I want to get closer they will have no trouble spotting me.
I don't see Noah or Peeta, most likely they are back at the Cornucopia protecting the supplies. Meaning that there is no way for me to warn him of the failing alliance. I focus on the careers that I do see, Cato seems to showing the others something. He is circling the tree with Marvel joining him, while the girls seem to be angling their heads upward.
After finding a white oak I start to climb, wanting to get an overview. The tree is a bit barer than I would like, but it give me a good height. I might still be seen, but they have to look closely. When I can see the tree they are so interesting in I don't see anything at first. It's not until she moves that I spot her.
Our roles has become reversed.
Rue is stuck up in a tree, close to the water, but too far away from anything else. She is hiding behind one of the high branches, trying to protect herself from arrows, knives and spears. I close my eyes in despair, the injustice filling me with anger.
The careers won't go away and they have the benefit of the terrain. They can wait her out. The only chance I have at saving her is to wait for nightfall, hopefully I can get to her from the riverside. The careers doesn't know we're a team, giving us a small chance. However, that all depends on Rue waiting for me. From what little I see she hasn't a choice, but I know what your mind does to you when you are cornered.
So far it seems the tree is too high to climb. The tree trunk is also too thick to chop down. Hopefully they don't start a fire and smoke her out. Since Cato didn't think of it the first time we might be lucky. I cross my finger just in case.
I stay up in the oak for an hour, watching them. They try shooting at her, but she is too small, the branches protecting her. Neither can Clove's knives get to her. They try a few other methods, but no fire. In the end they take a break and sit around the trunk. Most likely planning the next step.
I climb down the tree and sneak away. Heading towards the river, moving upstream and away from sight. At one point I believe they have discovered me. I feel eyes on me, but can't see anyone. Must be the Game Makers wondering what I'm doing. My answer becomes apparent when I reach the river and start removing my jacket and boots. It's not the best spot to try this, but its close enough that I might react if anything happens.
The current isn't as strong here as it can be, but I will still struggle to stay afloat. For now I will just try the plan, see if I can manage the current. I don't even get two meter out before the river tries sucking me down. Proving how useless my plan is; I'll have to find another way. Wading back to the bank I get up on land before disappear into the forest again, my jacket and boots in my hands.
As soon as I'm passed the brushwood I walk right into him. He looks as surprised as I do.
Peeta.
He is standing before me holding firewood.
We stare at each other. Neither knowing what to do. The entire world disappears and my shoulders start shaking. I can feel the tears coming and bite my lips to stop it. He has gained some weight and looks fine. The sight of him make everything so much worse. What will we do now? Fight?
Peeta makes the decision. Looking around and making sure that we are alone he gently place the firewood on the ground before taking five quick steps towards me. Embracing me and the moment his strong arms is wrapped around me I start crying. I clinging to his very being while biting into his shoulder to stop the noise from being heard.
I'm disgusted by my weakness, but I need him. He is hushing me and combing his finger through my hair. It is painful and yet wonderful. I never want him to stop. He whispers nonsense to calm me, telling that everything will be alright. I know that he is lying, but soak up the comfort.
We can't linger like this. The others must expect him in any second and we have things to talk about. I push him away and take a step back. Taking control of myself and becoming cold once again. He looks saddened by my act, but allows it.
Soon the reality of our situation sinks in for him and he starts to look nervous, wondering what I will do. Now he has to face me as a tribute, not as a comrade. This time it is I that makes the first step; asking him something that I've been wondering for days.
"You're leg?"
He looks surprised at me before placing his right hand over the wound.
"He only stabbed the side, missing all the vital muscles." He answers in low voices, worried that somebody might hear us. "It was mostly just skin he got, I just screamed a lot for extra effect."
His attempt to downplay his injury makes me snort before shaking my head. To me it had seemed like a clear hit but it might have been because of the blood.
"So they let you live because?" He had still been wounded, why they allowed him to live still plagues me. It might change in an instant.
"Cato decided. He wanted to find you and I could still walk." He gives an ironic smirk at that. "I've been the one tracking you these last few days."
"You can track?"
"Haymitch." Is all he gives me and it tells me more than a thousand words. Of course he would help Peeta. I give him a quick smile at the revelation before focusing on other things. Our time was running short and I still had something important to say.
"Clove almost killed Glimmer. The pack is dissolving. Take what you can get from the supplies and get out of there. You have a day or two at most."
He only nods, his eyes telling me that he has noticed. I can see that he is afraid, the forest isn't his friend. I look away, towards Rue's direction. He turns to look as well. Guilt making his back fold forward.
"It's." I start before the words just stop. What was I going to say? That it is alright that he will help kill her. That he will help them get her down and end her life. By the look Peeta gives me he sees what I was about to say.
"I'm sorry." Is all he says. I nod.
"You should head back to them." I say and take another step away from him. "They will still keep you safe for a bit longer."
"I might..." He starts before my empty look stops him.
"You survive longer with them." I kick the woods at our feet. "As long as you're useful that is." Forcing myself to suppress my emotions.
"I could go with you." He whispers. Eyes holding longing, but his body remains firm and proud. He will not beg.
My soul does, it begs me to let him. That we can make a packed, but I promised Rue that she would be safe. If I also have to care for Peeta I won't be able to sacrifice us. My love for him would win over what is right. *If he's with me I can't be the Katniss I need to be to get Rue through this.*
"I can die for her." I whisper, staring into his eyes. My voice carrying in the wind, making him shiver. "Not for you."
*Lie.*
My words have him retreating. Which is good. I need him to leave, he is screwing everything up. With every breath he reminds me of what we can have, but I can't. I already lived in Rue's place once. I will not do so again. If that means killing every emotion inside of me I will.
I do!
"I can." He tells me as he starts collecting the firewood. When he rise my face cracks, the tears moisten my eyes, making my sight blurry; I do not let them fall this time. His words tearing my armor to shreds.
"I can die for you." He whispers before leaving.
I let him go, even with thousand and more words tumbling around inside my brain. Begging to be let out. I push them down.
Rue.
My first priority is Rue. Everything else comes next. I can fall apart later. After I've saved her.
...
Since Peeta spotted me I hurried away. Even if I do trust him, his wounded feeling might lead him to tell the others about me. I know I would have.
I don't let my emotions cloud my mind. The river was out, meaning that I needed another way to save Rue. The question being what? After being gone for so long and running into a career (even if it was Peeta) I headed back to my oak. Climbing it again to get an overview of the situation.
Rue was where I left her, the careers camping below. Now joined by Peeta and a small fire. I take position to think. I have several crazed plan forming, none of them any good. In the end when nothing else is coming to me I look to the sky. Giving out a silent plea to Haymitch. When nothing comes I can hear him in the silence.
You can't save her.
The anger is boiling inside me and I silently shout back.
Watch me old man.
I don't rush into anything. I stay put and stew over the situation. It is still daylight out, but the night is setting. The sun is lowering on the horizon and if I'm lucky the entire camp will fall asleep; allowing Rue to just walk away. That would be a good escape plan: just wait for your fellow tribute to snooze. Wonder if Cato would be willing to comply?
An hour goes by without any of us moving. The careers are preparing for the night while Rue is trying to get warm. I can see her desperate attempts to gather leaves to protect herself from the night shill. Smart girl.
At one point she moves to far out of the protective layer of leaves and Glimmer shot an arrow at her. The terrified scream she made will haunt me forever, even if the arrow missed. My heart went up my throat and for a second I stopped breathing as I saw its path.
Her scream seems to have egged the tributes on. They try to get at her by throwing knifes and rock, hoping to scare her out of the tree. My anger grows for every attempt, but I can control it since none of them hit their mark.
Then Cato does something unexpected. He thinks. At first I don't get it, but from the gathering of the pack I get that something is about to happen. Cold fear grips me as I look at their camp fire. They will smoke her out; but that isn't what Cato has in mind.
Breaking away from the others him and Marvel take position underneath Rue. She is more than twelve meters above them, protected by several thick branches. Glimmer walks over to them and they lock a grip before she climbs on. They heave her up on their shoulders and when she is stable they single for Clove and Peeta. They walk over, Peeta slower than Clove.
While Marvel and Cato holds Glimmer stable Peeta helps Clove climb up the trio, using his strength to keep her up. The plan is becoming clear and my chest contracts as they work. Clove is soon standing on Glimmer shoulders, clearly causing her pain, even from her lit frame. She is still too short to reach the first branch and I find myself hoping they'll fail.
Clove seems to have realized the shortage and are shouting to Cato. He, Peeta and Marvel close fits around Glimmers ankle and with all their strength lift them a little bit longer. It is still too short and I'm beyond relieved. The branch they are aiming for is still a meter away from her grip, she won't get to it.
Rue has also seen their plan and have started climbing upwards. Seeking protection amongst the weaker branches. Clove won't give up though. She takes out something shiny, probably her knives and stick them into the bark above her. With that she starts climbing the rest of the way. Soon she has reach the branch and are clinging to it. Hoping with every inch of me that she will fall Clove manage to climb to safety.
The branch holds and Clove is up in the tree.
With Rue.
Just meters away.
Rue screams in terror, her voice scaring the wildlife. Several nearby birds take flight, making me jump. As Clove's climb up I'm climbing down; knowing that Rue only got minutes and I must do something. ANYTHING.
Just as I reach the ground and take off running towards them another scream is heard, then another and another. I push myself to go further and I'm getting closer, I can see the boys standing underneath the tree with Glimmer, their faces becoming more detailed for every step. I have no plan; only my instincts and they are screaming at me to get close. My breath is shallow and I'm overcome by worry, but I don't stop running.
*I'm coming Rue.* this wasn't supposed to happen. I wasn't supposed to watch her die again. She was meant to live. Only now her screams are tearing the illusion to shreds.
Then another shout is heard; it's Peeta. I stop dead in my tracks. Only meters away from the others. Even now they are focusing too much on the action ahead rather than the area around them, meaning they missed my mad dash. My eyes zero in on him; he is standing behind the others, closest to me. All of them watching the river. Why?
My eyes flies up the tree, looking for Rue's dark fluffy hair. It is hard to see, the light is disappearing fast as the night is coming. The tree appears empty except for Clove; Rue is gone. My mind believes the worst at first, but still - no cannon goes off. The pack remains vigilant of the water and I'm left clueless. The tree isn't close enough for Rue to have jumped. Or is it?
If Rue was high enough when jumping, if she did, she might have gotten far enough to land in deeper water. But the impact would be hard and if she was to close to the bank the ground might kill her. I join the others in staring, not even thinking about my own safety. Trying to see any sign of life, losing hope for every passing second.
Then it is Marvel that gives a shout and heads off towards the river. The others soon sees what he has, following him as I'm left behind; still trying to see. Suddenly: THERE! In the middle of the river and already swept away by the current is Rue. She is conscious and struggling to stay above surface. Her scream reaches us at the same time as Glimmer lifts the bow to aim.
I'm about to shout for her to stop, but Cato lays his hand on hers before I can. They look at each other and I can imagine their bloodthirsty smirk. Glimmer lowers the bow. They will allow the river to kill her. They know she doesn't stand a chance in the current. She's too weak.
Sprinting forward and to the side I bypass the other tributes; all of them giving of startled shout as I run past them. I'm throwing of my jacket, knowing that I need as much mobility as I can get. My position becoming even direr when an arrow sip passed my face. The careers has taken up the chase, let see if they will brave the water.
My blood is burning in my veins and my hands are shaking, as are my legs. I'm scared, cold and in shock. What I'm about to do is a death sentence, but still I run. I'm in mortal danger right now and I don't care as long as I can reach Rue. She still struggling, gasping for breath. I scream her name and don't stop.
She sees me when I reach the bank, the careers just behind me. She screams my name and goes under. I don't stop to think, diving right in, grateful for the deep water that appears all around me. *So that's why she lived.*
The water is ice-cold and is a shock to the system. I take in water before gaining control over myself. I have no chance to swim in this current, but do my best to stay close to the surface in spite of the water pounding on me. I need to get as far out as I can get; the careers might be just behind me.
When the need for air becomes too great I try to reach the top, managing to break the surface on my third attempt and greedily breathe in the evening air. The careers are right in front of me, up on the riverbank and watching us being taken. None is following us. I turn from them and look for Rue, the waves of the water making it hard to see; I have to rely on sound.
Rue is still screaming and it does sound close. I try to steer myself in her direction, a feat easier said than done. The water suck me under and spits me back up again several times before I can even get a proper bearing. Nothing like the calmer water we played in earlier today.
My time is running out. The water is slowly shutting down my limbs, making it harder to stay afloat. I'm taking in more water than air, my system being overflowed. I need to find Rue soon and get onto land. Just as I think this another current steals me, sucking me under and pressing me down into darkness. How long I'm under I can say, but when I can breathe air again my lungs is burning from the lack of oxygen.
As soon as I have enough air I scream for Rue again. She answers. Close by and breathless.
She's running out of strength.
I'm swept under again, but this time I go with the current. Rue is up ahead and I think we are in the same one. I try to spot anything in the darkness and not drown. Just as I break the surface again I see a glimpse of her. She is right next to me. Before she can be swept away I grab her. She screams in fear.
"Rue it's me."
"Katniss."
"I got you. Hold on."
She about to say something as we are swept under again. This time it doesn't' take long before we surface. She is clinging to me and gasping for air.
"There. There." She tries to say, before a scream breaks over her lips. Blood flying across my face. I almost let go of her in shock.
"RUE."
"There's mutts." She manage to scream before we are under again. I see them. They are circling us. Being drawn by Rue's blood.
They are about an arm length is size, purplish in color and has no eyes: they look like a cross between a worm and leech. I don't see their bite, but I feel it. Like thousands of tiny teeth drilling into your skin. I scream in fear and grab on to Rue as I start to kick at them. Trying to push them away.
We break the surface again and look at each other. Rue has gone beyond terror, her eyes are huge and almost completely white. Her face ashen from the fear and I huge her close, trying to find the words to calm her, even as I feel the monsters attacking us again.
We fight the mutts and the currents for a long time, failing miserably at both. When my lungs can't take the strain any longer and my limbs starting to give up on me a gentler current steal us away. It feels warmer than the others and it is not long before I can feel hard rock underneath my feet.
I try to rise, but fall over. I try again, dragging Rue with me. Not knowing if she's still alive. With what little strength I have I manage to lift my head. What I see is rocks, right in front of us is a huge one laying in the river; right in our path. We hit it hard, but I manage to grab it before we are pulled away. Throwing Rue up onto it before following. I have to kick one of the mutts away, but finally we are safe.
Just to be safe I drag us up further and when I can't move any longer I succumb to the pain and tiredness. The night is just about fallen as I slip away.