STILETTO┃Finnick Odair

Chapter 9

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ:*

We make our way into the dense forest, the adrenaline coursing through our veins as we distance ourselves from the chaos of the Cornucopia. the thumping of our footsteps blending with the rustling of leaves.

After running far enough away we find a secluded spot to rest. Sitting down amidst the sheltering trees, the exhaustion begins to seep into our bones. Sweat trickles down my forehead as I lean against a sturdy tree trunk. The sound of our heavy breaths linger in the air, but is quickly interrupted by the blow of 3 cannons.

Ryder breaks the silence, turning around to face me. "You okay, Colebeck?"

I respond with slight sarcasm, "Shouldn't I be the one asking?"

Finnick and Katniss are beside us, having what sounds like a tense conversation. My attention is drawn to their exchange as I catch a glimpse of Katniss retrieving her machete, holding it up to Finnick.

"Want to face the Career pack alone?" Finnick questions calmly "What would Haymitch say?"

"Haymitch isn't here," Katniss states firmly, her grip on the machete unwavering.

They stare at each other for a moment before Peeta interjects, cutting the tension. "Let's keep moving."

We continue our journey and Peeta takes the lead, cutting down vines, forging a path for the rest of us. Suddenly, a chilling scream escapes Katniss' lips, piercing through the surrounding silence. "PEETA NO" she cries out, but it's too late. Peeta's machete slices through a hidden force field, and a surge of electricity courses through his body, launching him backward.

Katniss rushes to his side, panic etched across her face. The air thick with worry, Finnick takes charge and begins resuscitating him. The rest of us are frozen, our eyes locked on the scene unfolding before us. Each passing second feels like an eternity.

Peeta gasps for air, his eyes fluttering open. A sense of relief washes over us, mingled with disbelief at his miraculous return. Katniss, overcome with emotion, hovers over him, her voice choked with tears.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ:*

We keep trudging through the forest, our minds still reeling from the recent scare with Peeta. The urgency to find water or food weighs heavily on us, hope of finding any signs dwindles with each passing moment.

Exhaustion begins to take its toll, and eventually, we decide to set up camp. As we are settling down Ryder can't help but make a snarky remark.

"Ah, the star-crossed lovers, So inspiring." His voice dripping with sarcasm. "You know, I'm still upset that I didn't get an invite to the wedding."

Katniss rolls her eyes, but doesn't respond while Peeta manages a chuckle, and deflects the comment, avoiding unnecessary conflict. But Ryder is relentless. He continues taking jabs at them, finding amusement in it. It's not long before Katniss retorts the insults right back at him.

I begin to grow tired of their bickering. "Shut up, Ryder. You're giving me a headache." Ryder turns his attention to me, his face contorting into a mocking smile. "Well, well, Calissa," he taunts. "I guess you can't talk either, can you? Not after what happened with Nyx."

Memories of my failed relationship flash through my mind, reminding me of the pain. I had dated him before the games, but after I got back it turned toxic. I was emotionally unavailable and Nyx couldn't deal with that, with me. I could never blame him though, we were both so young, and I was still trying to make sense of the trauma I had endured.