『 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗡 』𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

Game changers

TRIGGER WARNING: BLOOD, VIOLENCE, GRUESOME SCENES, AND DEATH.

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" Y/n." Rue's voice is soft. She begins to sway slightly on her feet and you quickly catch her before she falls, slowly and carefully guiding her to the ground

One look at the wound and you know it's far beyond your capacity to heal, beyond anyone's probably. The spearhead is buried up to the shaft in her stomach. You crouch before her, staring helplessly at the embedded weapon. There's no point in comforting words, in telling her she'll be all right. She's no fool. Her hand reaches out and you clutch it like a lifeline. As if it's you who's dying instead of Rue.

" You blew up the food? " She whispers.

" Every last bit," you say.

" You have to win," she says.

" I'm going to. Going to win for both of us now," you promise. You hear a cannon and look up. It must be for the boy from District 1.

" Don't go." Rue tightens her grip on your hand.

" I won't, I won't, I promise. I'm staying right here," You say. You move in closer to her, pulling her head onto your lap. You gently brush the dark, thick hair back behind her ear.

" Sing," she says, but you barely catch the word.

Sing? You think. Sing what? You know a few songs, one's from your childhood. Your father pulled you in with that remarkable voice — but you haven't sung much since he died. You remember the song that your father would sing to you when you were scared, making you feel safe and at peace.

Sing. Your throat is tight with tears, hoarse from smoke and fatigue. But if this is Rue's last request, you have to at least try. You give a small cough, swallow hard, and begin:

" Deep in the meadow, under the willow

A bed of grass, a soft green pillow

Lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyes

And when again they open, the sun will rise.

Here it's safe, here it's warm

Here the daisies guard you from every harm

Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true

Here is the place where I love you."

Rue's eyes have fluttered shut. Her chest moves but only slightly. Your throat releases the tears and they slide down your cheeks. But you have to finish the song for her.

" Deep in the meadow, hidden far away

A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray

Forget your woes and let your troubles lay

And when again it's morning, they'll wash away.

Here it's safe, here it's warm

Here the daisies guard you from every harm "

The final lines are barely audible.

" Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true

Here is the place where I love you."

Everything's still and quiet. Then, almost eerily, the mockingjays take up your song. For a moment, you sit there, watching your tears drip down on her face. Rue's cannon fires. You lean forward and press your lips against her temple. Slowly, as if not to wake her, you lay her head back on the ground and release her hand.