Lera's eyes opened just slightly as she was reluctant to get up. She was resting on Cato's chest who, as she assumed, was already awake.
- You didn't wake me.
- You were so sweet. – he admitted and smiled.
- I've told you to wake me so that I don't sleep the whole day through.
He shook his head and got up. They had this kind of conversation almost every morning. He looked around and stretched his arms. Yesterday they'd found this beautiful place near a lake where they could rest peacefully. Too bad they couldn't stay. For the last few weeks they've been moving and moving because they feared the Gamemakers will find them. Their fears were legitimate…
Just as Cato was beginning to wash his face in the cold water they heard a familiar noise and both jumped on the ground, covering themselves with leaves. A hovercraft appeared; the wind it made waved the branches of the trees but didn't blow their cover.
When it was gone, Cato got up and cleaned himself from the mud and the leaves.
- It's the third for this week.
Lera simply nodded.
- How long will we continue like this? – she asked, her face angry.
He sat down next to her. He was tired of running and hiding, too. He wanted to have a normal life, instead of living in the bushes, constantly fighting to stay alive, to come out unnoticed, to have nightmares when he has finally had time to rest. The idea of running away had come up in his mind and he had spoken it out loud to Lera. He didn't think it through; otherwise he would have probably rejected it. He wasn't unhappy he was here with this girl, he loved her. He would have just been too scared to do it if he knew this is where they'd end.
- I don't know. – he thought the answer was "forever" but he didn't admit it. It was hard to accept and it was twice as hard for Lera. She tried to run her fingers through her hair which was dirty no matter how many times she'd washed it. Without a shampoo it wouldn't fit. The redheaded felt dirty all the time. And anxious. This automatically meant she was like a bomb ready to explode at any time. Cato was feeling the same way, too. They hadn't burst out yet but they might do it anytime, really. But until now they bared each other. A conflict was the last thing they needed.
She tried to comb her hair once again and when she didn't succeed she threw her sai and shouted:
- I cannot go on like this!
Cato took her in his arms, petting her head. He knew that if she cried it out or shouted everything she'd been holding she'd eventually feel better. She was just too stubborn to do it and she said that she wouldn't unless he did. But the boy just couldn't. It's not the way he was taught, not the way he was used to. No matter what, he just couldn't say the words.
- I can't, Cato. – Lera sounded hopeless.
- I know. – he whispered.
- How long do we have to run, to hide?
- At least until the Hunger Games exist. – he admitted sadly. – Or the President dies.
At this thought she tilted her head sideway, obviously thinking about something. Cato looked at her and the idea went through his mind although Lera had said nothing.
- Let's kill President Snow.
That was the final chapter, guys! I hope you have enjoyed reading my story cuz I had great time writing it! :) Thank you for all your reviews and support and let me know if you're interested in a sequel. :) I'm currently planing on writing one but I need time to rest first. If you're keen on it, let me know and I'll start it as soon as I can :) Also, let me know what you liked and what you didn't so the next one will be better. I'll name it "Fight to Stay Alive". :)