Through the Struggle (Through the Eyes Sequel)

Chapter 9

Kyan told me to go to sleep, because he saw how much the decision hurt me. I walk back into the cornucopia and lay out my sleeping bag. I crawl into it and look at Hummer through the darkness. How could I leave him? He's been my closest friend lately, and I can trust him over Amma and Kyan. If we're the last three, they'll turn on me in a second.

I rest my head and close my eyes, trying to forget it, to not think about it. Hopefully Asher will come to me tonight. I need to feel him again, to hold him in my arms. Our first kiss was in my dream, but it felt so...real. Like he was actually there with me, laying over me and showing his love.

It takes me a while to find sleep, but finally, it comes.

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My eyes slowly open a few hours later to a figure kneeling above me. My vision adjusts to the darkness and I see Asher's features.

I smile a little and sit up to my elbows.

"You came back." I say with a smile and lean up to kiss him. He kisses back passionately and moves his hands to the side of my face. The kiss feels so real, I'm almost convinced that he's actually here in the Games. But I know that this is only my dream, and I pull away, beginning to wonder why he's here.

"Ariston, the careers are coming. Wake up. They're almost here." He says, his hands still on my cheeks.

"When can I see you again?" I ask, frantically, trying to stay with him for a while longer.

"This is the last time. Try to win, Ariston, for me." He says and a tear slips down his cheek.

"I love you." I sob, not trying to argue. He brings his lips to mine quickly and we share one last kiss.

"Now wake up."
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When I jump awake, it's bright outside. My alliance is still sleeping. I throw the sleeping bag off of me and sprint out of the cornucopia and to the rocks. The dream was right. The careers are already in the water, slowly swimming towards us. I sprint back into the cornucopia and literally pounce on top of Kyan. He jumps awake and looks around, panicked.

"The careers are here! Get up!" I yell. I shake Amma and Hummer awake. Amma stands and grabs her axe. I rush over to Hummer's bow and quiver and sling them over my shoulder.

"Get in the water and go into the jungle! Use bags to help you float." I yell at Hummer and help him stand. He jumps up and down on his right foot and I hand him bags that will float. Kyan, Amma, and I run out of the cornucopia to see they are half way here. They pick up their pace when they see us. Hummer jumps into the water and begins paddling through, very slowly. I grab the bow and load an arrow, firing quickly. Luckily, it lands in the District One boy's shoulder and he cries out. I load another and shoot quickly, but miss just off the top of the girl from District Three's head.

I load again, but it's no use, they're too close now for long range. The District Four boy pulls himself on the rocks and charges at Kyan. He tackles Kyan and they go sprawling out on the ground behind us. The District Four girl climbs up next and charges at Amma. I throw the bow around my shoulder and pull out a knife, watching as the girl and boy from Eight, and the girl and boy from Three surround me. They probably planned to take me out.

"Don't you think four on one is a little unfair?" I ask, teasing them.

"If you don't put up a fight, we'll make it quick." The girl from Eight says. They're circling me now.