Fire Star (a Merome story)

{chapter nineteen} no escape from reality

JEROME'S POV

I've finally told someone. Its a massive weight off my chest. Today, we are searching for a water source and people to kill off. The atmosphere is tense as we all know that only one of us can come out alive.

"You guys get water, I'll find the locations of the other people. Meet at the Cornucopia at noon." She trudges off as we wave goodbye to each other. Two guys died yesterday, we can only think that they will never come back. There are 10 people remaining.

"Kathera seems like a nice person. Maybe we should team with her in another Hunger Games." Mitch says

"There won't be another Hunger Games."

We walk in silence.

"I won't let you die, Jerome. After all we've been through. I love you."

"If you die I will have nothing to live for. What's the point?"

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the freak and the fag." A person says from behind us.

We turn around slowly.

"When this animal tried to murder me, I learnt a valuable lesson. Kill everyone you don't like."

<<<<<<<FLASHBACK>>>>>>>>

It's November 2nd, we are walking slowly back from another round of hunger games.

A voice comes from above.

"Freaks." It says

There is a levitating boy above us. A flying piece of bedrock came spinning toward us, I freeze for a second before losing control. I pick up the nearest thing and smash it into his face. He is knocked out of the air and falls onto the ground. I see my friend on the ground, pick him up bridal style and run back to our house.

<<<<<<<<<<END OF FLASHBACK>>>>>>>>>>

"You?"

"Yes. And thanks to you, I can do even more!" He clenches his fist

There is a scream in the distance. A cannon fires.

Tribute ChrisN9103 has fallen

9 tributes remain.

"What did you do to him?!"

"Why don't I show you?"

A hologram appears in front of us, all the other tributes are either sleeping or eating.

"One."

A tribute drops to the ground and turns into dust.

Tribute TotallyBlue has fallen

8 tributes remain

He murders the next 4 as we watch helplessly.

"Five."

It's Kathera.

"NO!" I scream and rush towards him but I am stopped in my tracks.

"I said, Five."

Tribute KatheraForest has fallen

"How dare you!"

MITCH'S POV

It's all happening. There is a new void in my heart where Kathera once was.

"How dare you!" Jerome screams

"What are you going to do about it? She's already dead. And so will you be."

I watch what has happened to the other tributes. Jerome falls to the ground, resisting him. A strong sense of panic and anger rises up in me. Time stands still as the overwhelming feeling I have not had for a month flows through my body. My head explodes with knowledge and a new powerful wave of anger shoots through my feet and through my arms.

"Never." A purple beacon of light surges from my hand. This time, I do not die. I rush to my friend.

"Are you Ok?" I cry as I shake him.

"Hhh...' He murmurs. "How did- You look so cool like that, you know."

A smile of relief rushes to my face and I squeeze his hand. We ignore the sound of hovercraft landing. Several seconds later an invisible force grabs us, pulling us upwards. I look up. Oh my god.

"Do not move or you will be terminated." A deafeningly deep robotic voice states. "You will be collected and assessed by the Emperor."

I try to break free of the force but my stupid fiery hands cannot break it.

"Jerome!!" That is the last word I say before I lose consciousness.