The Eighty First Hunger Games «MAJOR REWRITING, REEDITING, AND REVISION»

:23: Bravery Without a Cost

My mouth fell open at the cannon that could only mean Rave's death. I wanted to cry, scream, kick something, go on a rampage, but I couldn't. I had to stay strong for the cameras.

Echo and I gripped the only weapons we brought. She had brought her katana, as it was her best choice. I had brought a single knife for close cases and Panner's bow for long distance. I had been training with the bow daily, shooting the same tree from different distances. Not to mention that throwing knives were medium distance, and bows could do both medium and long. I notched a single arrow on the string while Echo raised her katana. As we headed, slowly but surely, my senses took everything in. A small breeze lifted my grown out blonde hair from my shoulder and let it fly in the wind like wheat. The different forest scents drifted gently to my nose. Birds were still singing various songs, as thin and shatter-able as glass.

Echo reached her pack first, but only after looking around the corner and checking for the absent Link. As she opened her small bag, she sighed and pulled out something shiny. Turning to me, she spoke up in a strangled voice. "Issie, I agree with Rave. You are the stronger person I've ever met and anyone ever will meet. You'll be able to kill him. I'm sorry..."

Thick deep red liquid shot into the air. I saw Echo collapse to the ground. In her right hand clutched a knife, splattered in fresh blood and implanted deeply in her heart region. I checked her breathing and heartbeat, both of which were still. Echo had died instantly. I closed her eyes and did my best to pull out the knife and make the wound disappear beneath her jacket.

I was alone now.

Alone with Link.

Wherever he was. I looked to the last bag on the table. It was purple with a black 12 on it. I pulled the strings and drew open the light bag. It was about the size of a pack, and I was excited to find its contents. I looked in the stomach of the bag and found...

...nothing.

It was empty and quite dark. I felt around and my fingertips grazed a thin ridge. Grasping the paper, I yanked and pulled it out. The thin paper had a few scribbled words on it in a familiar long cursive lettering.

They're not the only ones who believe in you. Your stakes are high, trust me. Not just in the Games and the Capitol, but the rest of Panem has put their faith in you.

~K.E.

That note gave me the faith I needed to track Link down to the end of the arena, which was exactly what I decided to do.

I removed the arrow from the bow and put it back in the quiver before slinging the bow over my back.

I headed toward the mountain of rocks, assuming it would be Link's most favorable choice and my least favorable. After tripping three times and slipping down a few yards twice, I reached the summit and looked around for any signs of activity.

He made it too easy. Running down the steep slope, kicking up dust and small rocks in his path, escaping sloppily. I notched a single arrow and closed my eyes, hoping for 100% luck and 110% Katniss-aim to be on my side.

I gripped the string with the right amount of squeeze. The tips of the fingers on my right hand pressed gently against the side of my lips. My palms sweated gently as I held the shaft of the bow. My breaths evened out, I blinked a few times, aimed to where he'd be in a second, and released the string all in two moments.

The arrow shot through the air like the tongue of a toad. It wobbled a little, but mainly stayed straight. The stiff feathers helped propel it evenly through the warm air. As the arrow got smaller and smaller, my hope wavered. If I didn't hit him, he'd know my location. If I did hit him, the Hunger Games would be over. Who knew who the world held for me after the Games?

I squinted and attempted to single out the shiny metal arrow away from the bright sunlight. I saw Link's running form, the arrow's fearful flight, and the stick drive into Link's back.

The cannon rang out through the still arena.

One thought ran through my head.

I had just won the Hunger Games.

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I know, I know, I know these are getting shorter. I apologize, but it's drawing to a close and I'm sort of rushing. I'm sorry.

Well? Any thoughts? :D

Well, now for the last chapter and the epilogue!

WHOOOOO!

Filipo97/Lindsey

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