Nightmares And Seashells

chapter twenty-three

They decided to eat while walking, keeping the conversation to a minimum as to not draw any unwanted attention.

It had been a good couple hours and no more cannons. So it was safe to assume all that were left had spread out by now.. and unless there was a magical lake somewhere out in the sand dunes. Most if not al of them would be in the forest by now. Looking for whatever shade they could get.

Avery slowed down when she heard Jaspers speak up.

"You know Avery I'm surprised with you."

"Oh? And why is that?" She asked looking up at the boy.

"Well you didn't seem to think anyone would have you as a target until the scores came out. I thought that would be everyone's first thought when you were reaped." He explained

"Why would I be a target that early?" She asked again only getting more confused.

"Well I know I'm from the same district so I know better but by the reactions on the other victors faces on stage when your name was called. It was safe to assume they all knew you. Even if they covered it up right after."

Avery stopped. She hadn't thought of that as a factor. Of course people in four new she's lived in victors village her whole life but she hadn't watched her reaping. She was there, so she didn't think she needed to.
Not knowing what else to say she changed the subject.

"You know Riggs you're smarter than you look." She said jokingly bumping his arm as she kept walking.

They walked another hour or more when Avery found a tree with lower branches.

"Hey jasper do you think you could boost me up?" She asked pointing at the tree.

"Maybe I'll be able to spot some sign of water."

"Sure thing shorty, hop up!" he said bending down.

Once she was on his shoulders he stood back to his full hight then using his hands older her feet boosted her further so she could grab the lowest small branch that could hold her weight.

After he made sure she was secure he took his sword back out stood guard.

After making it as high as she could go safely she looked in every direction not seeing any large bod of water but noticing the trees getting a little greener to the right of where they are now. Taking that as their best bet she started making her way back down the tree. Just as she reached the lowest branch she looked around. Not seeins Jasper made her stomach drop.

"Jasper!" She whisper shouted looking around and listening for any sounds.

She nearly fell from the tree when Jasper came around the other side in a panic.

"Quick Avery jump! The careers are only a little way behind us. We gotta go. Now!" He said as fast and quiet as possible.

Avery didn't have to be told twice, jumping down she closed her eyes as she fell. She opened them again hearing Jasper grunt quietly while catching her and setting her back on the forest floor.

"Let's go right! it's our best bet for water I think." Avery said taking off in that direction while Jasper followed both keeping their weapons out just in case.

It had been quiet for nearly and hour, after the first twenty minutes of running they both slowed. The lack of water really taking its toll as the day was turning into the evening.

Avery stopped in her tracks when he spotted green moss on the ground in the distance.

"Jasper look, moss means water!" Avery said making her way that way.

Once they made it to a break in the trees they found a small stream.

The sight making them smile at each other.

"Okay it looks clean enough, but better safe then sorry let's put a tablet into all three once we fill them. Then we give it a little while before drinking any. We can find somewhere to camp close enough we can refill in the morning. I'm sure beween the two of us all three bottles will be mostly empty by then with how hot its been.. But not so close other thirsty tributes will stumble into our camp." Avery told him filling her own bottle.

"I saw a steep ridge of rocks about a mile back. Might provide some cover from behind, we can take turns sleeping. You used more energy than I did so I'll take first watch." Jasper offered, putting his two bottles back into his bag and slinging it onto his shoulders.

Once they set camp, it began to get dark. So they settled in and drank a decent amount of water while sharing some of the meat.

The day seemed to go bye really fast don't you think?" Avery asked quietly.

Looking over at the girl, Jasper shrugged his shoulders.

"It's probably so the people watching can get some sleep without missing anything. Since most of us will already be sleeping." He offered.

"Get some sleep Winters, I've got your back."

As Avery started settling down to sleep, she shot back up immediately. After hearing a scream in the distance.

Jasper was already on his feet sword drawn looking out into the darkness.

"Boom."

"That's ten.. these games are going quickly." Avery sighed settling down.

"That's a good thing.. for us." Jasper sighed sitting back down.

After a few hours, Jasper woke Avery.

"Hey Winters, I can't keep my eyes open any more and I don't want to fall asleep on you." He said gently shaking her.

"Also you missed the anthem it was the boy from 2, both from 3, the girls from 5 and 7, the boy from 8, both from 9, and both boys from 11 and 12." He informed her as he got settled in his sleeping bag.

she drank a few sips of water to wake herself up, then started packing up her sleeping bag. Thinking he'd already fallen asleep Avery jumped slightly hearing Jaspers voice again in the darkness.

"I know you've avoided knowing the names of the others in here with us but the boy from nine... I killed him, his name was Aaron Martin. I think.. we need to remember those things.." Jasper said his voice sounding broken.

"The girl.. the one from seven did you get her name too?" Avery asked looking at her shaking hands.

"Lilly.. her name was Lillian Mynk."

"Thanks Jasper, get some rest..."

After she knew he was sleeping for real this time Avery let out a sigh. Looking up at the dark sky she let a few tears fall while taking shaky breaths.

"I'm sorry Lilly..." she said her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

In the viewing room Finnick sat watching the girl cry.

"Oh Aves don't break now.. it's not my mom.."