Broken Promises

chapter 7

Jason sits panting on the stump of a fallen tree as Athena paces back and forth in front of him. She still doesn’t trust Jason completely even though he did save her from the Careers. Maybe she could use him to her advantage for now and kill him when there are only a few tributes left. That may be too risky because he may be thinking the same about her.

“Athena, please sit down. You’re making me nervous.” He pleads. She rests on the stump next to him and he quickly glances at her questionably.

 “Why do you keep doing that?” She asks angrily. Athena has never enjoyed being the center of attention.

“Doing what?” He inquires with his eyebrows furrowed.

“Staring at me.” Athena replies with a slight shudder from having his heated gaze upon her.

“Is someone shy?” He asks with a slight smirk playing at his lips.

“I’m not shy, just introverted.” She answers indifferently.

“I know you like it when I stare at you. It gives you feelings you’ve never felt before.” He brushes a few strands of her hair away from her ear and breathes into it huskily. His warm breath fanning across her cheek makes her stomach flutter with unwanted warmth.

“No, I do not like it. I have a boyfriend named Tyler back home.”  She gets up from the stump and heads towards the nearby trees.

“Wait Athena, don’t go.” He catches up to her easily and stops in front of her path.

“Move Jason. Move or I’ll make you move.” She answers calmly.

“And how are you-?” His question is finished shortly after she knees him in the groin with one swift motion. He falls to the floor in the fetal position quivering in pain. She walks towards her intended direction but all too soon he gets up after a few minutes and chases after her easily.

“Athena, wait. Let me explain.” He grabs onto her wrist and pulls her over to a tall oak tree and informs her to climb. She climbs up the tree obediently but not before rolling her eyes sassily and sits on a branch. He soon joins her and the pair is obstructed from view of the cameras hidden around the arena in which the audience views from. She stares at him expectantly and his next statements take her aback.

*

“Johanna helped me come up with it. She said a few friends of hers used the same trick when they were in the games.” He whispers seriously. Athena can’t believe they didn’t even tell her! She wonders if she should go along with their little game. She doesn’t have the heart to tell him no though. And Johanna thought it was a good idea so maybe it is worth a try.

“So are you in?” He stares longingly with his intoxicating green eyes. She looks away and closes her own eyes to give her time to think without unwanted pressure. She’s about to answer when they both hear talking below their tree.