A/N: Yep, this is Chapter two already. I hope you guys are enjoying this fanfic so far because I'm having fun writing it.
Jerome opens his eyes, the light of day momentarily blinding him. Rubbing his eyes, he sits up and looks around for Mitch, spotting at him at the entrance to the cornucopia. He sighs. Gosh darn it. Why does he look so cute when he's asleep? He blushes a little, knowing that Mitch wouldn't feel the same way he does anyway. Struggling to stand, he uses the wall for support, inching his way closer to his buddy, before sitting down next to him.
He stares down at Mitch for so long he loses track of time. Slowly he lays down by Mitch and snuggles into his chest, feeling the warmth from Mitch's body seep through his thin t-shirt.
Mitch, feeling something tickling his neck, opens his eyes to see Jerome laying there cuddled against him. Trying his hardest not to blush he says "Um...Jerome? You okay?"
Jerome jumps a little, thinking Mitch is angry at him. "Um...yeah, I was just...cold."
"Oh. Okay." Mitch says, a little disappointed that's the reason Jerome gave him.
The two sit up, not making eye contact.
"So, um... how's your leg?" Mitch asks, still not looking at Jerome.
"It's better." Jerome responds, trying to hide his blush at being caught.
Mitch looks at him then, noticing the blush on Jerome's cheeks. Does he...does he like me? Trying to hide his excitement, he says "Then maybe we should get moving. This place is going to be a hot spot for the other tributes soon and I don't you getting hurt anymore."
Jerome nods, standing up slowly.
Mitch puts Jerome's arm around his shoulders and wraps his own arm around Jerome's waist, pulling him slightly closer than was necessary, but if it bothered Jerome he said nothing about it.
Slowly, but surely, they make their way down the hill and into the surrounding forest.
Every sense aware, Mitch and Jerome keep their eyes and ears open, ensuring that no one sneaks up on them.
"Hey Mitch?" Jerome says, breaking the silence that enshrouded them.
"Yeah Jerome?"
"Um...I was wondering if...you um…" He hesitates, not knowing if it was the right time or place to say it. "If you wanted to take a break." Why do I have to be so scared? I'm such an idiot.
"Yeah, we can. Are you feeling okay?" Mitch asks, worried that his friend is starting to get sick from his wound.
"I'm fine. Just need to sit for a sec." Jerome says, sitting against a tree to rest.
Mitch watches him closely, thinking his friend is just trying to keep him from being worried.
The sound of a stick breaking a little ways away from them reaches their ears and they both pull out their weapons, ready to engage in combat if needed.
Mitch slowly and quietly makes his way over to Jerome to be the first line of defense while Jerome uses the tree to stand.
Without warning, another tribute jumps out of the trees towards them, landing right in front of Mitch.
Mitch doesn't hesitate, he swings his sword, aiming for the guy's side, but is blocked by the other tributes sword. "I only wish to talk." The tribute says.
Mitch looks at him, suspicious. "Really? Just talk?" He doesn't lower his sword, but allows the guy to speak, all the while studying him. There's no way he's a career. He's too thin. If he wasn't then he wouldn't be able to climb through those trees like he had.
"Yes, that's all. I know that it was Ash that wounded your buddy there at the beginning, and I also have some information about her that you might want."
Mitch lowers his sword now, completely surprised. "And you're just willing to give us this information?" Mitch questions him.
The tribute smiles. "At a price, yes."
"What is your price?" Mitch asks, raising his sword a little.
"All I want is that you allow me into your group and provide protection until we are the last three."
Mitch stares at him. Why does he want our protection? He has to be planning something, but keep your friends close and your enemies closer. "Alright, I'll agree to this, but only if your information is useful."
The tribute smiles again. "Oh it is. I guarantee that."
"Then what is it?" Jerome asks, now standing by Mitch.
"I know where Ash is, and that she isn't in the position she would like to be in, thanks to you." He says indicating Mitch.
Jerome and Mitch look at each other, then back at the tribute. "How do you know this?"
"I just ran past her but an hour ago. She was bleeding out because she had nothing keep that wound closed."
"Could you lead us to her?" Mitch asks.
He nods. "I would be happy to."
The three make their way through the forest quietly to ensure that they have the element of surprise to their advantage.
Nearly ten minutes later the tribute speaks up. "So, what are your names?" He whispers.
Mitch looks back at him. "Mitch." He whispers back. "And that's Jerome." Jerome gives the tribute a small wave before looking ahead again.
"Alright, you know ours, so what's yours?" Mitch whispers.
"Mike Rosoft."
Mitch gives a slight nod, accepting the answer.
Jerome stops ahead of them, lowering to a crouch and signalling for the others to do the same.
Mitch kneels next to him. "What is it?" He whispers.
Jerome looks at Mitch. "Ash." He answers.
Mitch peeks over the bushes and sees Ash lying in the middle of a small clearing. Pulling out his sword he doesn't bother hiding his presence as he moves through the bushes into the clearing. When Ash doesn't move he looks back at Jerome and Mike, wondering what he should do. Jerome only shrugs and Mike continues to watch as Mitch turns back around to stand over Ash. Holding his sword at her neck to keep her from any sudden attacks, he slowly turns her over onto her back. She looks up at him, her face pale and her breathing shallow. "F-finish m-m-me." Ash says, shivering.
Mitch takes his eyes off of her, unable to look at her shivering form any longer. Looking around the clearing, he spots her dagger a few feet away and gets up to retrieve it. Preparing to leave and let her wound finish her off, he stops, looking at Jerome give him a confused look from his hiding spot.
Mitch sighs, knowing that it would be humane to end her pain now while he could. He walks over to her again and kneels down, holding the dagger in his hands. Ash watches him, knowing that her end is coming.
"I'm sorry Ash." Mitch whispers so that the other two can't hear. He slides the dagger deep into her chest, and watches as the life fades out of her eyes.
He must have been kneeling there longer than he thought because he soon felt a hand on his shoulder.
Looking up, he sees Jerome's face, his eyes showing that he understands what Mitch is feeling.
Mitch stands up and pulls Jerome into hug, tears falling down his cheeks and onto Jerome's shoulder.
Jerome pats his back. "It's okay biggums. It's okay."
Mitch sniffles a little then looks at Jerome. "Thanks bud."
Jerome smiles. "Anytime."
They stand there staring at each other for several minutes, still in each others arms, both not wanting to be the one who ruins the moment.
Mike clears his throat from behind Jerome, causing the two to separate, deep blushes covering both of their faces. He smiles a little. "Let's go guys. We need to keep moving." Mike starts walking off, leaving the two alone for a second.
Mitch looks at Jerome, his blush still evident on his cheeks. Smiling, Jerome pats Mitch's shoulder and starts walking after Mike.
After walking the rest of the day without running into anymore tributes, the group finds a little cave set into the side of a hill where they can spend the night.
Sitting against the wall of the cave, the group rests, not a word being said between them for several minutes.
"I'll take the first watch." Mitch says, being the first to speak.
Jerome shakes his head. "You took first last night biggums. I can tonight."
Mike watches the two continue their small argument with slight amusement for several minutes before speaking up. "I can't take the first watch guys, don't worry about it." He says, pulling out his sword and walking to the front of the cave.
Mitch and Jerome say nothing as they understand that he doesn't wish to be argued with, so they both lay down and wait for their turns to take watch.
An hour into Mike's watch the Anthem comes on and Mitch and Jerome join him at the cave entrance to see who the unlucky tributes are.
District One: Chester Plates
District One: Lily Waters
District Two: Ash Purdy
District Six: Di Mounds
District Eleven: Mage Clay
A/N: Ok, that's the end for Chapter 2. Just so you're up to date Districts One and Eleven are eliminated from the Games. I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you for Chapter 3.