It seemed like hours that they had been walking and on multiple occasions did they want to stop, but didn't, they needed to find water, they came above anything at the time. Finally, they found a small stream and ran to it. They put handfuls of water into an empty bottle so that way they could purify it. Katniss took the bottle over to a tree and waited for it to purify while she watched Iri clean her arms and face off. The dried blood from Iri's wound washing off to the point all you could see what the red mark stretched on her arm, slightly covered by black thread sewn on it to close it up.
"Your sewing job is holding up well, how'd you know to do that?" Iri asked.
"My sister cut herself one time trying to help me cook, from that moment on, I figured out how to close a wound with some needle and thread."
"Well thank you. You saved my life-"
"Just returning the favor, right?"
"Heh, yeah. I'm surprised you didn't let me die. I know I'm not the one after you but still,"
"Maybe, it's because I trust you. If you wanted to kill me, I'd already be dead, long before I had any opportunity to try and kill you. So if we are allies, which you claim we are and I believe we can be, then this is what comes with that. Trust and honesty."
Iri got up and walked over to Katniss who was sipping on the purified water, Iri sat beside Katniss as she handed the bottle to Iri. Iri smiled and took a drink, then she sat the bottle down and looked ahead.
"Have you ever heard the story of the Songbird, the Red Hummer, and the Copperhead in the arena?" Iri asked.
"I don't think I have, what is it?"
"It's an old folk tale known in most of District 2, kind of legend you may say. It's during the time of the 10th Hunger Games, the only games where no records can be found. Weird right? Anyway, the story goes that the Songbird, a District 12 girl, sang in the Arena and survived by "performing". But she had help. The Red Hummer, a District 1 girl, ran into the games to save her Songbird, she'd grown an affection towards her. And then in comes the Copperhead, a District 2 girl, the Red Hummer's best friend who goes in to save both of them. It's a long and complicated story-"
"Well, we have time."
"Well... maybe not here. I'll tell you the story when we get out of here and back to the Districts, how about that?"
"Deal."
"Anyways, the story turns to the point where the Songbird sings this song that has some foreshadowing of the future. But it talks about the first Rebellion, which actually did happen, caused by Maesiana Snow, President Snow's late sister, and how one day, the war will be over."
"Can you sing it for me?"
"I shouldn't-"
"Would you?"
Iri turned her head to look at Katniss who was smiling at her. Iri sighed and then looked straight ahead, at the trees in the distance and the setting sun. Then, she began to sing.
♪ You're headed for heaven
The sweet old hereafter
And I've got one foot in the door
But before I can fly up
I've loose ends to tie up
Right here, in the old therebefore ♪
♪ I'll be along
When I've finished my song
When I've shut down the band
When I've played out my hand
When I've paid all my debts
When I have no regrets
Right here, in the old therebefore
When nothing is left anymore ♪
♪ And I'll catch you up
When I've emptied my cup
When I've worn out my friends
When I've burned out both ends
When I've cried all my tears
When I've conquered my fears
Right here, in the old therebefore
When nothing is left anymore ♪
♪ And I'll bring the news
When I've danced off my shoes
When my body's closed down
When my boat's run aground
When I've tallied the score
And I'm flat on the floor
Right here, in the old therebefore
When nothing is left anymore ♪
♪ When I'm pure like a dove
When I've learned how to love
Right here, in the old therebefore
When nothing is left anymore ♪
"That was... beautiful, you have a lovely voice," Katniss smiled.
Iri smiled back at her and then turned her head again to face the trees.
"My Grandma'am Maesi called it "The Old Therebefore" which makes sense. She was also named after Maesiana Snow so it all tracks. That song has been passed down in my family for generations, along with a few others. Grandma'am Maesi likes to say it's our way of remembering the Songbird. As well as the Red Hummer and the Copperhead."
"Well, when we get out of here, you may have to teach me the other songs. Do you dance?"
"Heh, actually my District used to call me "Happy Feet" as a girl, I loved to dance but the Career Academy said dancing wouldn't win games. I haven't danced much since Reena's death, I have nothing to dance for."
"You could dance with me," Katniss said softly.
Iri turned to look at her, a bit surprised by her comment but moved in a sense. She watched as Katniss stood up and moved her hand out to Iri, ushering her to take it. Iri laughed as she took Katniss' hand and held it as Katniss pulled her close, wrapping her other hand around her waist as Iri does the same. They swayed back and forth a bit as Iri rested her head on Katniss' shoulder, smiling as a single tear fell from her eye. Not a sad tear but a happy one.
As the sun set, they climbed up another tree, tied each other to it, and this time, Katniss took first watch while Iri got some sleep.
YOU ARE READING
The Yellowjacket and The Mockingjay
Action"You would've never survived what I had to," "I guess we won't have to find out if that is indeed true." Iri is a Teenager from District 2 who is already a Victor when she volunteers for her sister and becomes a Tribute once more. She has to fight f...
