One Last Game -Haymitch Abernathy-

Chapter 44

Amelia had many thoughts about death. She wondered if there was life after death. It seemed she would soon find out. Her body started to turn on her three days ago. Her stomach injury wasn't healing, and she was becoming sick. Johanna tried to help her, but it was clear Amelia wasn't going to make it much longer. They had a few days at most.

She wished she was dead. She wished they were all dead. Amelia was tired. She was tired of life. It no longer appealed to her. It seemed the only way the pain would stop was if she was dead. That was all she wanted. All Amelia wanted was the pain to stop. Was that really too much to ask for?

The Tracker Jacker venom had complete dissolved the line between what was real and what wasn't. Amelia was struggling to trust her surroundings and her mind. It would constantly play tricks on her.

Suddenly, the power went out. Johanna looked up, blinking a few times. The power had never gone out before. She assumed it would turn back on, but it never did. Amelia began coughing. Johanna places a hand on her neck, feeling her pulse.

Amelia smacked her hand away. "I'm fine." She clearly wasn't fine.

Amelia's heart was racing. Johanna wasn't a doctor, but she wasn't an idiot either. Years of watching the games let her know what a bacteria infection could do to the body. Once it entered her bloodstream, there was little time to turn back. Johanna knew if they hadn't crossed that line yet, then they would soon.

If Johanna had to guess, she would say Amelia had less than three days. If she was lucky, maybe four. "Hey," Johanna said. "Stay with me." Johanna couldn't lose Amelia. They only had each other.

There was a silence that took over the building. No Peacekeepers were coming to check on them. There was nothing. Johnna figured something was going on, but she gave up on a rescue a long time ago. "I'm trying."

Johanna smiled at her. It was a forced smile with no joy behind it. "I know."

Amelia opened her eyes. Her body was leaning against the wall. "I always thought you didn't like me."

"I didn't." That caused Amelia to smile. "I thought you were annoying and a bit too preppy for my taste."

"And you don't now?"

"Oh, I do," Johanna responded. "I just like that about you now." Amelia wanted to comment, but she fell into a fit of coughs. Johanna rubbed her shoulder. There wasn't much she could do for the girl.

Amelia wanted to thank Johanna for staying by her side. It wasn't as if she could leave, but it meant a lot to her. She didn't fear death, not anymore. She held onto the memories she still had left, but they were far and few between. Many things were forgotten or changed. Many people she loved were now lost.

They were together in the darkness. Just the two of them. It was unclear if Peeta and Annie were there. Nobody spoke. Nobody made a sound. They waited for the lights to return, but they didn't.

Amelia rested her head against the wall. There was a soft thud as it made contact. For now, she was alive. Her body was slowly getting worse, but she had tonight. She knew in the morning things would be different.

Amelia didn't know much about Johanna's life. She said in the arena she didn't love anyone. Therefore, President Snow couldn't hurt her. She assumed her family was killed. "I lost my family," Amelia whispered. "They were killed." Johanna leaned against the wall. "But I don't remember anything about them." She forgot their names. Their faces. It was all gone.

"I lost mine too."

Amelia's body felt as if it was on fire. "I wished I died in the arena."

"Me too."

~~~~~~~~~~~

They sat in silence for hours. Johanna refused to move from Amelia's side, but she was asleep now. She needed the rest desperately. Johanna couldn't bear the idea of being alone. It terrified her. Over the past few weeks, they had leaned on each other for support. They helped each other stay grounded and survive the torture they endured every day. Johanna feared having to continue on her own.

Suddenly, the lights turned back on. They were brighter than before, almost blinding. Johanna raised a hand to cover her eyes, cringing slightly. She adjusted quickly. There was a stillness in the air. Johanna listened carefully. There was rustling somewhere down the hallway. Instantly, she was on high alert.

She waited a minute, and then the door down the hall opened. "Hello," a voice said. Johanna remained silent. "I have eyes on Annie."

"Cover the hallway. I'll get her out."

"Search for the others. Get them on the jet."

Johanna almost laughed in disbelief. It was a rescue. They were being rescued. "Amelia." For a moment, nothing happened. A wave of fear crashed through Johanna. Just as she was about to repeat her name, the girl's eyes opened.

"Why are you yelling at me? I'm trying to sleep." Amelia was exhausted.

She never had a chance to respond. The door was thrown open. Johanna jumped, looking up at the person. "Easy," they said. "My name is Boggs. We're from District 13. We're here to rescue you." Amelia felt the energy return to her body all at once.

"District 13?"

"About time," Johanna snapped.

Someone else entered the room. "Come with me. Gale, get Amelia." They knew their names. That didn't come as a surprise to her.

Gale glanced at the girl. Amelia was shocked to see him. He walked into the room and crouched down on the ground. He didn't know Amelia well, but Katniss was very fond of her. She was a Mentor to her in the games and a close friend.

She looked different. Her lips were white, and her skin pale, almost ghostly. She was skinnier, significantly skinnier. "I know you. You're Gale," Amelia spoke to him. She remembered him. It was odd considering she barely knew him. It seemed the Capitol didn't touch those memories. "It's good to see you." Despite the physical injuries to her body, she still greeted him with a smile.

"Yeah," he responded. "You too."

"Come on," Boggs tried to help Johanna.

"Get your hands off me," she yelled. "I'm not leaving without her." They had been side by side since the start. Johanna wasn't going to leave her now, not when they were finally going to be free.

"She will be right behind you," the man promised. "But right now, we need to get on the jet." Gale picked up Amelia. She wanted to argue she could walk on her own, but part of her doubted the theory.

"Let's go."