Broken Promises

chapter 28

Athena’s eyes peel open and she squints unconsciously away from the brightness leaking in from the cave’s opening. She rolls onto her back and yawns as she stretches out her sore muscles. She sits upright and glances around the cave. She notices she’s alone. The only thing in here other than rocks is her axe sitting precariously against the mouth of the cave. She scowls as she stomps towards it. Jason deserted her! She should have seen this coming. She knew he didn’t want her going to the feast but did he really need to leave her here? Athena quickly grabs the axe and runs her fingers through her knotted hair as she steps out into the arena in pursuit of a very overprotective boy.

                Jason continues to watch warily as the girl from District 9 weeps over her lost counterpart. He notices that her orange stuffed lion is still sitting right on the end of the line, unfazed by her presence. Actually, all of the animals look charming in their cuddly positions. The guards of the backpacks- the penguin, bear, elephant, monkey, and lion- sit directly in front of their corresponding bag. All he needs to do is get passed the elephant to collect his bag and flee. It seems easy enough if he didn’t know that the elephant would turn into a clawed beast threatening to yank his throat out. First and foremost though, he needs to get to that girl. He sprints around the back of the Ferris wheel unnoticed. He leans against the side of it and tries getting the girl’s attention. At first, she doesn’t hear him over her loud sobbing but once she does turn in his direction, everything falls apart. Turning in his direction caused the girl to look towards her adorable stuffed lion. On cue, Jason sees the lion extend and leap towards her throat maniacally. His retractable claws yank and tear at the exposed flesh until the girl is left scratching and prying at her neck. The large cat swaggers back into its position- its job complete. He knows he should try helping her, but it’s no use. She will be dead within minutes due to oxygen loss and it is his fault for calling to her attention. Jason decides now is better than ever. He rights his sword in his tight grasp and steps near the line of animals. Since he’s staring horizontally at them, the elephant has not seen him yet. He closes his eyes and says goodbye to Athena one last time. He steps into view of the red stuffed elephant and all he sees is red.

                Athena stomps through the forest rather loudly. She couldn’t care less though. If anyone did near her, they’d be sorry. She’s a very angered woman on a mission. She reaches the edge of the carousal and she sees a horrendous sight in front of her. She gasps and quickly covers her lips with her palm. She sees a young girl being viciously attacked by a small stuffed lion. Athena sees its claws tear away her throat in less than five scratches. It staunches back to its position in line with the other plush toys. God, the Gamemakers really got inventive this year didn’t they? Athena doesn’t notice Jason stepping out from around the Ferris wheel until he comes face to face with a red stuffed elephant. Her body is racked with a wave of horror when the animal lunges towards Jason’s throat. Jason falls onto the dirt prying the animal off of his neck. She’s already running towards him. She trips over her feet a few times but rights the axe in her hand. She sees the elephant’s tusks rip a gash through Jason’s neck. He groans out in pain and an ear splitting scream passes her lips. Jason gets a hold of the elephant and holds it high away his head. Athena flings her axe towards the beast and it buries itself in the monster’s chest. She glances at the elephant on the ground and comically, its eyes and smile shift back to those of a child’s toy. She keels over from a sob that rakes her body at the sight of Jason. He has his hands clamped over his throat and he’s gurgling obscenities. A steady flow of hot, salty tears slip their way onto her cheeks.  She rests her hand on Jason’s forehead.  She pushes back his matted hair and stares into those orbs of green that she’s come to love for such a short amount of time. As if he had just noticed her presence, he stiffly turns his body to face her. His eyes lock onto her and a whole new wave of pain washes over her. She should be the one on the ground. Not Jason. He deserves to live longer than she should.

                “Athena.” Jason’s hoarse voice croaks out. She looks back up into his eyes but has to blink through the tears. Once focused, she sees Jason reaching to grab her hand. He clasps it tightly and brings it up to his lips. He places a light kiss before speaking once more.

                “It was only a flesh wound.” He smirks before sitting upright and pulling Athena onto his lap. And that’s when she smacks him on the back of his head yet again so hard, he sees stars.