A/N – The map of Panem I used was created by aimmyarrowshigh and badguys at livejournal.
KPOV
We've been on the road for about three hours, having passed through Districts 1 and 2 already because the road we're taking seems to lead through the smallest parts of them. We just barely went through District 4 and it seems surreal that we were just there this morning, but considering the road we're taking, I don't think anyone who saw us before will notice us now.
Christian has stayed silent, singing along instead to the songs that come from his radio in the car. A radio in the car. Just a few years ago I wouldn't have really ever thought about it because we walked everywhere we needed to go to. Yet, Christian is used to all the finer things that life could possibly offer and I have just begun to get a sampling of it. Yes, I had the luxuries when I was in the Capitol for the Games, but this….experience with Christian is entirely different.
I feel his hand on my leg and look over at him. He gives me a gentle smile and asks, "What are you thinking about?"
I shake my head, old thoughts dropping away, "Nothing much; just that the only times I've ever been in a car, besides with you, had been official Game cars. I'd never been in one just because and the ones that they issued us for the Games didn't have a radio."
He cocks his bronze head to the side, "Huh, I guess I never thought about it. Are you okay with this though? I mean, we've been sitting a lot today."
"No, it's fine. I'm fine, being with you. And you're right; it is prettier to see the districts this way. I mean, I'd seen them when we did the tour, but this is different and we get to stop whenever we want to." I tell him, squeezing his hand. "I like this, Christian, I really do."
"Well, we'll be stopping soon for some dinner and hopefully find a place to stay. I didn't even bother to check and see what may come along. But I did have Taylor make sure to pack some things in the Jeep just in case." He says, the corner of his mouth tilting into a smile.
I narrow my eyes at him and turn around. I didn't dig into any of the bags back there, nor did I plan that I would. That's when I notice a very familiar shape sitting up against the side. Pointing to it, knowing that he knows what it is without having to look, I ask, "Is that? What is that?"
"Well, in the case that we don't find an actual hotel to stay at, I made sure that there were a couple of tents packed and everything that we may need." He answers, but not to the specific thing I asked.
"And what may we need that would come in a case like that?" I can't help the smile from spreading over my lips as I know what it is and I can't believe he thought to get one for me.
"Well, you're the only experienced hunter, so I made sure that Taylor got a bow and arrows for you. It's more like the ones you would have used in the Games though. I'm sure the one you have at home is much different." He replies, taking a glance and smiling broadly when he sees my happy face.
"You got me bow and arrows? Seriously? Do you think I'll be able to use it while we're on the road? I mean, have you ever eaten fresh, like really fresh meat before?" I'm getting ahead of myself, I may not be hunting any time soon, but I'm excited to.
"Well, not that I can recall. You know, we could just find somewhere to park and settle for the night. The skies are looking quite clear and it'll cool down, but the sleeping bags that Taylor packed will be set for that." He explains jabbing his thumb towards the back of the Jeep, full of what I am now finding out is equipment.
I know now that Christian will do whatever would make me happy and I get the feeling that we'll be stopping soon so that I can try and hunt us up some dinner. I wonder if he'll let me go out on my own or insist on coming with. Being that he's a bigger man than Peeta was, I'm not sure if he'll be louder or not in any kind of woods. Before I can say anything though, he picks up a small device, presses a button, and speaks into it:
"Taylor, Andrews, let's find somewhere out here where Katniss can hunt." He looks at me and gives me a wink.
"Are we stopping for the night then, Sir?" I hear one of them answer back, I think it's Taylor.
"Yes, Taylor, let's find somewhere that she can hunt and we can set up camp. Andrews, since you're ahead of us, you find someplace, right?" Christian asks, although it sounds like an order too.
"Of course, Sir. I saw some signs pointing to campgrounds. I think they used to have these signs up a long time ago. I remember my grandfather talking about how he used to go stay out in tents when I was little." That's the most Andrews has ever said, ever shared that I'm aware of and I'm surprised since he seems so serious all the time. Maybe he was just as excited as this trip as the rest of us.
"Good, then you know what to look for. I doubt anyone will really be using them yet, as many still aren't traveling by car." Christian looks over at me and smiles "Make sure that there are a lot of trees around so that Katniss can climb if she needs to."
"Roger that, Sir." And then there is silence and Christian puts the little device down in its holder and takes my hand.
Shaking my head, I ask him, "Why would I climb a tree when we'll be down on the ground, safe from any predators?"
"Is that the only reason you climbed trees before? To stay away from dangerous animals?" He shoots back, alarm in his eyes.
I cock my head to the side, watching him, "Well, yeah, and I guess to see what might be ahead. I didn't hunt from them often, though I could easily I guess. It's been awhile since I've been up in a tree though, so who knows. Plus, I don't know what I'll be looking for out here." I reply, looking out the window.
The sun is getting lower, which may work in my advantage as some animals will be looking for shelter. But it also means that the bigger animals will be coming out too. I'll have to have someone with me and I'm sure Christian is going to be my volunteer. Who knows yet?
Within fifteen minutes, we're all pulling into a wooded area about a mile away from the road we were on. There are no tire tracks whatsoever on this path, so we know no one has bothered to be here as of lately. Though, as I look closer, I realize that the dirt is actually more like dried mud, which means it rained recently. That'll make tracking even easier. I smile to myself as we come to a stop and get out of our vehicles.
"Does anyone know where we are? What I'm supposed to be hunting out here?" I ask as soon as everyone is out and making a small circle.
"We're in District 8, so there will be rabbits, some elk, turkey, sheep. Probably some more in there, but who knows how much is still around. I mean, I have a feeling that they have repopulated since the war." Andrews answers and we all stare at him in silence. Apparently I'm not the only one who is surprised at how much more open he is now.
"I can work with that. Someone needs to come with me though." I nod and I see Christian's face light up, so I add, "Anyone else know how to hunt or track?"
Taylor steps forward, "I do Miss Everdeen. I know how to be quiet in the woods too, so I'll go with you while everyone else sets up camp here. If that's alright with you, Sir?"
I look at Christian just as Taylor does, see his pout instantly turn into a solemn face and he gives the go ahead with a wave of his hand.
"We should go now before it gets any darker. I haven't been hunting this late in a long time; I usually get them as they're waking up." I comment and I hear what I think is a snicker from Taylor and Andrews. I go to the back of the Jeep and Christian hands me a jacket and then the case for the bow and arrows. He slips the jacket up my arms, patting down the shoulders for whatever reason and I open the case. Inside is a beautiful bow, made of a shiny deep gray metal, I do prefer my old wooden one, my father's, but this will do.
"Are you okay with me going with Taylor?" I whisper to Christian as he watches me set up my quiver of arrows.
He rocks his head back and forth, "I know I wouldn't be able to help you out there, so I guess so."
The sadness in his eyes and pout on his lips make me giggle though and I pull him close to me for a minute, holding him to me before I reach up on my tip toes and kiss him. "You, Christian Grey, are all kinds of jealous right now, aren't you?"
"Of you going out there hunting? No. But that I won't be right by your side? Yeah, I think I am and I'm okay with that." He pushes me back at arm's length and looks at me. "You look like how you did in the Games, only a little bit wiser, sexier."
I laugh out loud with that remark and begin to walk away, "I have no idea how those two things can go together, but if you say so Mr. Grey."