Through the Struggle (Through the Eyes Sequel)

Chapter 8

The girl from Twelve and Malia were the only deaths yesterday. Today is a new day, and it's not time to mourn over Malia. We can do that after.

That was the speech Lawson gave us. I had a harder time accepting it than the others did. We were all dry now, and thirsty. We need water, or we might not make it through the night.

I had no dreams of Asher last night. It was disappointing. I wanted to see him again, without him telling me to leave.

"Lawson and I will head to the back side of the arena. Maybe there's a water source there." Amma says, packing her stuff in her bag and hauling it on her shoulders.

"No way, that's the way the careers went. It's too dangerous." Kyan objects.

"We need water, Kyan. We won't last without it." Amma says and Lawson stands beside her, ready to go.

"Then I'm going with you." He says and grabs his sword.

"No, brother. You have to stay here and help Ariston watch over Hummer and the supplies."

"I got it," I say, turning towards the conversation. "I can stay and watch him. And if the careers come, I'll see them in the water before they reach us. I can at least get two or three then."

"See, Amma? She'll be fine. I'm coming too." Kyan says and she gives in, tired of arguing.

Lawson and Kyan lower themselves into the water, but before Amma gets in she turns to me.

"We should be back before dark. If we're not, then something's happened."

I nod. "I hope nothing does."

"If it does, know what you'll have to do." She says and looks in the direction of Hummer, who's slumped over in pain.

I nod again and know that if they don't come back, it will just be me and him. I'd have to kill him eventually, because his injury won't. I just hope they come back.

She steps into the water and the three of them begin swimming towards the back end of the arena.

I turn and walk into the cornucopia, sitting next to Hummer. I slowly put my hand on his shoulders and pull him to where he's sitting straight up. His eyes open slowly. He's pouring sweat.

"The rest of them went to go find water. They'll be back soon. How does your foot feel?" I ask.

"It hurts, like a lot." He answers. His voice is weak. I laugh a little to help him feel better.

His face is pale and I reach my hand up to feel his forehead. He's burning up.

"I'll be right back." I say and stand. I walk out of the cornucopia and stand on the edge of the water. Looking up at the sky, hoping someone is watching.

"Please, please, please send something. He won't make it much longer."

I wait for a minute until I finally hear that sound of a parachute.

I see it as it lands behind me and I rush over to it. It's medicine for him to swallow, and an injection to put in his foot. I pick it up and take it into him.

"Look Hummer, you have a sponsor." I smile and he looks at the medicine in my hand.

"I can't take that. I hate needles." He says and tries to move away, but hits his foot and a scream escapes his mouth.

"It will help the pain, Hummer. Please just take it." I beg. He sits and looks at it for a while, then finally agrees. "Swallow these," I say as I hand him the pills. The pops them in his mouth and swallows.