Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
❝ right now, ❞
❝ i wish you were with me. ❞
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
AS I WAKE UP, I ASSEMBLE AND PUT MY LOOSE AND EXTREMELY KNOTTED HAIR INTO A high ponytail, careful not to wake the girl from eleven, peaceful at my side. The immediate thirst scrapes my throat painfully. I needed to find water now, my voice incredibly raspy.
I run my hand over my neck anxiously, but my gaze soon averts itself from the tree and attempts to find the origin of a slight buzzing sound. The presence of a silver container flying towards catches my immediate attention. A sponsor.
I grab the metal box and open, already guessing its use. It's a smooth, white cream with a rectangular note that reads:
APPLY GENEROUSLY ON WOUND. GOOD LUCK SWEETHEART. I BELIEVE IN YOU.
-H.A
I sigh in relief, the pain from my shoulder having emphasised during the night. I follow the instructions and apply the medicine on my wound. I moan in happiness as my injury becomes less and less painful. I can practically ignore it now.
Even with my efforts to stay quiet enough, Rue opens her eyes, wide awake, her big brown, doe-like orbs staring up at me.
"Hey." I say, grinning at the girl.
She smiles back, but something seems to be resting on her mind.
"You weren't joking, right? About having me as an ally?" she asks, playing with her fingers.
"Of course not. I mean, you fly around trees like someone with wings, and you're obviously skilled enough to still be alive." I answer. Rue beams, and I know that I landed on something she'll admit pride on.
"It's a deal then." she replies, seeming somewhat relieved. I can almost hear Haymitch groaning as I team up with this wispy child. But I want her. Because she's a survivor, and I trust her, and why not admit it? She reminds me of Prim.
We both descend the tree, both our stomachs rumbling and craving the feeling of droplets of water on our tongues.
"We should go hunt, and find some water." I state, smiling, as she puts her hand into mine.
"I can look for crops, and berries if you want, while you hunt and look for water." she adds, looking out into the wild forest. I nod in agreement. We had to use this day to our advantage, and fulfil our bodily needs.
"Sure, let's do that." I say.
By morning, we have a plan. By lunch, we are poised to carry it out. We decide to meet afterward at the site where we first met. The stream I noticed earlier should help guide me back to it. Before I leave, I make sure Rue's well stocked with matches. I even insist she take my sleeping bag, in case it's not possible to rendezvous.
