The Hunger Games

Chapter 20

          I get up and shoot an arrow in the direction of Peter, and it hits him in the hand. He yanks it out, throws it on the ground, and runs into the forest with Shimmer.

          I drop my bow and arrows and catch Lily as she falls back, and I fall down with her. I begin to cry and yell out her name several times repeatedly, “Lily! Stay with me, stay with me! Don’t die, please, don’t die! Come on, please! Don’t leave me here. Lily…” I plead. Lily grabs my hand, and I know she’s still alive, which calms me down a bit, but I already know she’s a goner.

          She struggles to speak, but manages to after coughing out blood. “Katharine, win. You have to.”

          I nod. “Yes, I’ll win, for the both of us.” Tears fall down my cheek. Lily cries too, breathing hard, and blood comes out of her wound and mouth.

          Danny sits down on the other side of Lily. He yanks out the knife and grabs Lily’s other hand. “You’re going to be okay, just calm down.” He says calmly.

          Lily winces in pain and looks back up at me. “Katharine, sing. Sing Jake’s song. Please. I want to hear it before I die.” Lily says crying even more and coughs up more blood. “Please…it’s all I ask you.”

          Sing. I don’t want to. I never sing much anymore. I can’t sing to her, I just can’t. I look down at her; her eyes are filling with tears. Then I decide that I will sing for her. I remember reading in my test book once that one of the most famous victors sang to her friend as she died, and so will I. I will fulfill Lily’s last request. I have to do it. I need too. I look at Danny and he nods. He begins to hum the melody and tune of the song and I begin to sing the lyrics,

When the sun goes down, you know where to run.

When the moon rises, we all go to sleep.

You know that I will always be there,

Always at your side, no matter what happens,

I will always love you.

          I look down at Lily, her eyes are open, and her breathing is slowing down. I continue onto the second verse,

As the sun falls down, we all start to run

And I can’t help but worry, that you’re not safe

Fire spreads out, and there’s nowhere to run,

And you’re surrounded by flames, but I run and save you

          Lily coughs up more blood, but I ignore it and continue onto the third verse,

Tell me why, Bad things always happen

We’re not a part of their Games,

And we shouldn’t be forced to

We need to show that we’re more,

Than just a piece, of their Games

          Lily looks up at me and squeezes my hand tightly. I just said something rebellions, and the Capitol probably heard it. Tears fall off my cheek, but I continue on,

And look at me now, I’ll show you where to go.

As the moon sets, the flames begin to rise

Don’t look out your window,

Blood is splattered everywhere.

          My breathing turns fast and heavy, while Lily’s slows down more. But I refuse to stop, even if I’m forced to watch my friend die,