the thirst trials..

chapter VI

Maggie's POV

The screams won't stop. They're everlasting, coaching us where to go. They're female, young and certainly scared. It's Madison and her lover boy. Except they aren't alone. I run towards the agonizing hollers along with Kali, the wind whipping against us. There, I see her. Somehow silky, medium-length chestnut hair, dashing mahogany eyes, and the most scratches I've ever seen. She's thrown to the ground, boy on top of her, holding a knife to her neck. Isaiah just standing there, blotchy face and red, puffy eyes. I look at him with the most confused face. "I can't do anything!" he blurts, banging on a somewhat imaginary wall. Her heavy breathing and winceful eyes make me angry of such barbarism. Without wasting a beat, Kali's in him with me fight behind. With a snap, I judo-flip him over Madison. "Do the honors, will ya?" I say. Kali takes the attacker's knife and slits his throat. The warm, sticky goop splatters as he gargles it. A loud crack shatters our silence. Madison props herself up, heaving and crying, bloodshot eyes and all. "Zone 4, Maggie Tarpley, your new ally," I introduce myself sticking out my hand and flashing my biggest smile. She grabs my hand and I help her up. "Along with Kali here," I include. Kali gives a small wave as she sits, holding her knees, rocking back and forth. I turn to Isaiah, secluded from our little group. "You," I point. "You get out of here before they come for you." His sad, puppy dog eyes somehow get to me. "It's for the better," I promise. "We'll meet up somewhere. I'll see to it." He nods his head, slowly backing away, failing to keep his eyes off of his love. Or loves. Madison clutches her heart, tears in her eyes. "Suck it up, cupcake," I tell her, wiping her tears. "You know," Madison exclaims, "I Can be considered pretty hard-love when it comes to roasting doubtful tributes. But Isaiah," she looks down and cups her belly, "and this little surprise have me all out of wack." "C'mon, let's walk." We talked about the usual stuff. Setting snares, deaths, strategies. But as soon as I said, "So, about Lover Boy," the emotions started flowing in. "Well," she started, "it all began on the first day of 4th grade at school." I could see her smile at the thought of the past. "I was wearing some green, frilly crap for the occasion, hair wavy. I walked in the room, confident. I surveyed the room, looking for an empty seat. I finally found one, right next to someone whose back was turned, so I was unable to see exactly who it was. But anyways, I sat down and started coloring or something like that. When I felt a tap on my shoulder. I whipped my head around to see the most stunning thing I had ever saw. Dirty blonde hair, smiling the goofiest grin, and I couldn't even tell you what color his eyes were because they seemed to switch to a prettier shade every time I looked into them. I remember him whispering, "Oh...my...god." After what seemed like an eternity he finally said, "Isaiah Bohn, your boyfriend, obviously. And you are? Well, I know you're gorgeous, but what's your name?" My heart was pounding. My face blushing redder than a fire hydrant. "Madison Tomberlin, your new girlfriend." At only nine years old, we both had no doubt in our minds who we would spend the rest of our precious lives with. That was each other which was definitely the most precious. But, at this point, I'm not sure if we will have a forever. You know, because of the Trials?" I nod my head. We've walked pretty far, almost crossing the border into the snowy setting. Madison slumps down, taking a breather from all the sweet memories flooding her brain. "The MEADOW!" she yells, repeating this again and again. "We met at the meadow everyday. It's our place. We have to find a meadow." She looks me dead in the eyes, her eyes pleading. "We will."