Timber

Chapter Twenty-Two: Rides & Revelations

Percy scowled at the body bag before turning back to face Hazel. "I want her handcuffed and blindfolded immediately," he commanded.

Leo stiffened next to her, "I'll blindfold her, but handcuffs aren't necessary." When Percy did not move, Leo lowered his tone, "I'll take personal responsibility for her. Hold me accountable if anything happens."

Hazel clutched Snow's coat closer as if she could disappear beneath its folds.

Percy's eyes narrowed, and after a moment, he relented with a terse "Okay." He leaned in toward Leo, his tone hard. "Don't think I won't."

With a final, lingering glare, Percy nodded to Leo and Senator Snow and stalked trudged toward Dr. Gaul. He threw himself into a seat beside her, and it was clear that Dr. Gaul was delivering a stern lecture. Percy, unusually subdued, hardly put up any resistance.

Senator Snow, breaking her train of thought, turned to her with a reassuring nod. "You are in good hands," his eyes flickered to Leo.

Festus waved a long finger, "Careful with my tribute, Leo."

Festus and Snow then found seats with Dr. Gaul and Percy. Leo exhaled a deep, weary sigh as he tended to Hazel's wounds. Hazel's attention was repeatedly drawn to the body bag lying on the floor. The reality of its contents – a mentor, no less – weighed on her consciousness. She had sensed something was off with Ian but never imagined it would escalate to such a horrific outcome. Was it any wonder the people of the Capitol hated those from the districts? She stared at the unmoving body bag. Can I really blame them?

Leo's gloved fingers navigated her marred, sensitive skin. "Alright, I need to put this on you." Hazel knew he was referring to the blindfold without needing to look.

"It's okay; go ahead," she sighed. It wasn't like she could object. Leo said nothing as he wrapped the cloth around her eyes and tied it behind her head.

"I'm going to use some glue and bandages," he informed her. "We don't have sutures on board."

Hazel inhaled sharply, her nerves on edge. "Okay," she agreed. "I guess being glued back together in a moving helicopter is better than being stitched up anyway."

"We'll see. A word of warning: the glue might sting a bit."

She nodded in understanding, bracing herself for the sensation. As Leo applied the glue, a warm sensation escalated to full-blown burning. She clenched her teeth and tightened her grip on Snow's jacket, drawing it closer to her face. The faint aroma of roses emanating from the fabric was oddly comforting. Leo worked his way from her neck to her shoulder, down her back, and along her upper arm.

"You know, I never would have guessed he was your brother," Hazel commented, hoping to distract herself from the unsettling jerking of the helicopter and the burning of her skin.

Leo paused in his task. "I get that a lot."

"I can relate."

"I can imagine you do," the sound of the rotors muffled Leo's voice.

"But you know I definitely like you better," she responded.

He let out a dry laugh, "Yeah, I also get that a lot."

"Ahh, that's where we differ. Everyone loves Silus," Hazel let a faint smile form.

Leo hummed in response and continued to his work.

"That was a brave thing you did today. Most tributes wouldn't have risked themselves like that. They would have just let them be crushed."

A knot formed in her throat. "I just did what felt right."