The Parachute
We walk along the western cliff toward the cornucopia, but not close enough to actually see what Oscar is talking about. He explains that there are metal bolts placed at certain parts of the cliffs walls. He thinks that they are there to help us climb but we are missing something important to help us up and if we tried to climb up now, it's very likely we wouldn't make it to the top. It's so high up that falling could mean our death.
"After we find Winnie and Addis, you are welcome to try to climb it if you like," says Oscar, "but personally I say we wait until the feast. I doubt it will erupt before then and whatever we need will definitely be the bait to lure us to the cornucopia."
Oscar is right. Every year they try to lure tributes to the cornucopia for the feast. If the volcano erupts there will be no cornucopia to go to. Everything he is saying makes sense but I'm still not convinced on his plan. If I do have a sponsor, they are probably waiting for me to show some promise in the arena.
"So what exactly is your plan?" I ask, "Do you really think we will make it to the volcano by nightfall?"
"We have to make it!" he almost roars at me. "Look I know you have an injury and the right side of my head is throbbing from where I got kicked earlier."
I notice the dried up blood that once trickled down the side of his head.
"Just keep walking Thales, we are almost at the cornucopia then we will be halfway there.
I'm so tired of walking already, and I feel like we are marching toward our deaths. I almost start to walk slower so we don't make it in time when Oscar nudges my arm. He points up into the trees and I can see a small white parachute falling. We both run to catch it, but I reach it first. On the parachute is the number "3" written in big black ink. It's for Oscar. I pass the small bottle to him.
"What is it?" I ask.
"Two pills," he replies, handing me a little orange pill.
I take out the last of the water and we swallow them.
"What is it, aspirin?" I ask.
"I hope so, let's keep walking!"
I notice the pain exit my body almost immediately.
"I feel so good!" I say practically prancing now.
"Feels like I can fly!" reveals Oscar.
We both start giggling like school girls.
It feels like time is slowed down. Like I'm standing still and the earth beneath me is moving, but Oscar and I are both running our fastest. We reach the cornucopia in no time.
"We can't feel the pain, but it's still there," says Oscar, "go easy on your foot.
As we creep around the forest outlying the cornucopia we notice the careers. They have made the cornucopia their base. It's the girls from one and two. The girl from One is carrying two axes, one in each hand, while the girl from Two is equipped with a bow and arrow. Beside them, I see a girl being held captive. She is on her knees tied in rope. Her red hair, now a messy bun atop her head. It's the girl from Nine. I can hear her weeping over the two career girls talking.