The Hunger Games: The Crankiplier Story

Runaways

We returned home and stood tall among the district.
The crowd cheered for us and Mark grabbed my hand and raised it to the sky. I immediately noticed Sadie running towards the stage.

I ran down as fast as I could and caught her as she flew into my arms. She wrapped her arms tightly around me and refused to let go.
Mark stood beside me and smiled at our embrace.
I was happy
Which was an emotional I didn't think I would feel.

Something about this felt wrong though.
I felt like I wasn't supposed to be happy.
This wasn't over for us just yet.

A sat on top of a large hill, passed the gates, gazing at the forest by district 8.
I couldn't help to envision the arena.
It look too similar to me,
Or maybe that was the point.

I heard a branch crack from behind me, and I quickly pulled out a sharp stick and aimed it to whoever was behind me. I jumped up.

"Hey! It's okay." It was just Mark.
I sighed in relief and fell back down to my knees.
Mark sat beside me.

"How are you doing?" He asked.

I shook my head.
"Better than being in the games."
I admitted. "But I feel like something else is gonna happen to us."

There was a moment of silence. Once I looked over at Mark, I noticed he was a farther distance away than he usually was.
"By the way Um-"
He faced me.
"That was some good acting."

I raised an eyebrow and faked a chuckled.
"What?"

"During the games, convincing them we were in love?" He said. "Really made us both survive."

"You were acting?" I asked.

He shrugged his shoulders.
"I knew you were."

I sighed out a bit and sat closer to him until we were only inches apart.
"Mark." I said, resting my hands on his shoulder.
"I wasn't acting. I really do care about you."

I sighed through invisible tears.
"I mean yeah I have a sister, yes I have a dad but they're not gonna be here forever. You know how fucked up these districts are. You were the closest thing I ever had to a friend, let alone a boyfriend."

Mark finally looked up at me.
"If I died, Sadie would be happy knowing I died trying. And if you won, my last words would have been to take care of Sadie."

"And what about the finale?" Mark asked.

"I meant every single word I said in there. I couldn't kill you and you couldn't kill me. I would literally give my life up if it meant you win, but they won't allow us since it's defiance."

Mark shook his head and formed a quick smile.
"Is there any other way that could convince you?"

"Well I mean..." Mark hesitated in his words. "You can try but I know that-"

Before he could even finish, I pulled him closer and pressed my lips against his. His froze everything in shock but eventually let out a quiet exhale. I crawled over him, straddling his legs and holding him tightly.
My hands found their way to Mark's hair as his made their way to my hips. We pulled away slightly to catch a breath.
Mark still looked shaken by my sudden affection.

"Is that convincing enough?"
I said quietly.

Mark chuckled and formed a smug smirk.
"I think I could be more convinced."

I smiled and connected out lips again.
This time it was more passionate, taking small breaths in between.
Mark fell backwards as I laid on top of him.
I cupped his cheek and slowly pulled away from him.
As we locked eyes, I softly caressed his visible scar across his eye. He smiled at me which made my heart warm.