The Capitol Games

Chapter 18: Awakening

The sound of yelling cuts through the thick silence like a blade through air. I am falling in a dark black abyss, but all I can think about is the voices. I know those voices. Dart. Flávio. But why are they yelling? Finally I have a reason to wake up.
My eyes open as if I had just awoken from a peaceful nights sleep. Straight ahead, I see the metal ceiling of the insulated cornucopia. My eyes shift around trying to see something, anything, but I only see dark black and grey shapes.
"She's awake." It comes out as a whisper, from a corner of the cornucopia.
I try to sit up, but instead have to settle from propping myself on my elbows, my head throbbing and swirling.
"Both of you are okay." It comes out as a statement rather than a question.
"Yeah, Doll, I'm fine. Flame, on the other hand, well, he has a couple of black eyes." A voice to my right says. Dart.
"It's Flávio, and I am perfectly fine, thank you." Yup, definitely Flávio.
I notice the slightly bloodied bandages around his waist and forehead. The white fabric almost matching the boy's skin tone. He was so pale.
"You were stabbed weren't you? And, of course, it's all my fault. I couldn't help you and you got stabbed. I never should have let you get hurt. I'm so stupid." I say, tears starting to form in the corners of my eyes. I am so done with these people. I hate them so much. Katniss took everything away from me. Everything.
"The gash I got on my arm is fine, Doll, thanks for asking. It really shows you care." Dart butts in, sarcasm dripping off his tongue.
"You said you would throw me to the tributes! You've lost my trust already. The one person who actually cares about me is hurt, so yeah, I'm concerned for him. You should try it sometime. It would make you more human." I spit, remembering the fight vividly.
"Yeah, well, I'll have you know that I was the one who saved you from the hypothermia. I used my medicine to heal you. I cared for both of you while you were healing," Dart says, glaring at me as he stands, " We're the last three. They won't let us stay this way for long. Someone has to win. And that's going to be me."
"What did you do?" I ask, a little uneasy about the recent news.
"Nothing yet. I'm just biding my time. They're going to send mutts, I know it. And I don't plan to be the one they rip to shreds." Dart replied, turning to walk away.
"That's unfortunate. I don't plan on losing either. Guess you'll have to change your plans." I say in a noticeably fake sad tone.
I stumble to my feet, and steady myself. I take a step, but I trip, and fall towards the earth. Luckily, Dart catches me in his arms. We spend some time just staring at each other like that, lost in each other's eyes. I see a small smile form on his lips just about the same time I feel one beginning on mine. I close my eyes, wanting to save this moment forever. Then, something soft and warm covers my lips. My eyes shoot open to see Dart, his eyes closed. I shut mine back, not really knowing what to do in these situations. I timidly kiss back, enjoying the moment that feels so right.
"I thought you were leaving so you 'wouldn't get ripped to shreds.' Seems to me like you better get a move on. Now." A harsh voice spits out, bringing us back to reality.
My face heats up as he pulls away, smirking.
"She's a real good kisser. Too bad you'll never get to experience it." Dart states, turning to face Flávio. I'm confused. I kissed Dart, but that doesn't mean I can't kiss Flávio, too. Besides, the kiss meant nothing. Right? I can't decide.
My eyes widen on horror as Flávio charges Dart with a knife.