Through a Fox's Eyes

Chapter 25

"Katniss! Katniss!" The strangled cry of Rue woke me up from my slumber. It's very faint, so it must be far from when I am. I get the sudden impulse to run, I don't know why, but my mind tells me to help the little kid. If someone's gonna win, if it's not Marvel, then my bet is on Rue. 

I ran, ran as fast as I could. It's not too late.

A scream ushered itself towards the woods. Rue's scream. As I reach the clearing, I stop cold in my tracks. It's Marvel, running away from it. He doesn't see me, and I was about to scream his name when he stumbles back.

"Marvel!" I shout, unnable to stop the tears. He's hit with an arrow. Katniss' arrow.

"I killed the little girl. Katniss shot an arrow at me. I am sorry" His cheeks were wet with tears, hs head craddled in my legs. "We should treat your back"

"No Emi. It's no use, I'll die anyway, I'm just happy you're here." He says. His breathing is slow; I know the life is draining from him. My eyes get blurry from the tears, I don't care if anyone sees us, if Katniss comes back and shoots me too, I don't care, I'm done, everything is taken away from me, and I can't even do anything about it.

“The baby, it’s gone.” I choke out. His eyes get more wet, he’s helpless, laying in front of me, it’s like a role reversal; I’m the one superior, but that’s a sick thought. I focus on his face, his sharp features, life fading from his cheeks.

“I still love you, you know. And even though the baby is gone, I still would do everything for you to win. If I could.” He says back. I don’t know what else to say. I know that telling him that everything is all right is ridiculous, when we were forced into the arena, everything is wrong, and with the games still happening, it’s still wrong. Nothing is okay, and never will be.

“I.. I love you so much, Marvel.”

“I love you too. I’ll love you even though my heart stops beating, I’ll love you even though I don’t know where this death will take me, I’ll love you even though I don’t know if I’ll still be there even though I’m gone, but you’re the one and I will always love you. Forever.” His hand touches my cheeks, and I sob uncontrollably, all my strength drained from me. He’s going, he’s leaving me and I’m all alone again.

“I’ll come with you… wait for me.” I manage to say. His smile is all I see, and it’s all that matters now. I even hope some trbute kills me now. I just want to die, because it’s a far better option than being left alone.

“No Emilia, no. You will win this, you are going to. Please, do it for me.” He says. “Goodbye Emilia, I love you.”

His eyes close and his head goes limp. The cannon fires and I am left with nothing.

I can’t think, I can’t think, I can’t think.

I kiss his lips one last time, his warmth still in them. I get his pack and his jacket; I roll him to the side, and run away from the spot. I spent about three hours running, thinking about nothing, nothing else than getting away from here. As I run, I trip over a branch and I stumble, my world spinning, and I land hard on my side, blood surges from my arms from cuts I got, and my side stinging. I cry out, not only from pain, but also from frustration. Is this day gonna be worse?

I get up after a few minutes, soaking in mud, I examine my injuries. My side has a big bruise, a little violet mixed with a few red dots, and my right arm is covered in cuts. Luckily, the river is nearby. I soak up and let the river wash away my pain. I think of Marvel, I think of his last moment with me. It was all so sudden, I never thought that he would die today, but I faced reality. Every second somebody may die. It’s the Hunger Games after all.

Night quickly approached, and I set camp a few meters away from the river. Marvel’s pack has dry fruits and a cream for cuts. I silently say a prayer, thanking and wishing for Marvel’s great travel ahead. I eat the whole pack of fruits, the whole day I haven’t eaten anything, and wait for the anthem.

The loud anthem wavers and I scan my surroundings, thankful for the little light the anthem provided. I only saw the river. No potential harm was seen, and I looked up. The anthem was over, and Marvel’s handsome face greeted my eyes back. Tears streamed down my face, and this time I let them. I even let out a silent whimper. Everything is getting easier if you let it out. Then Rue’s face comes out and the seal of the Capitol comes back out. The sky went black again and I wipe away my tears. Tomorrow will be another day without Marvel, and this time, he’s never coming back.