Defying the Odds (The 4th Quarter Quell) [The Hunger Games Fanfiction]

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Asher

I glance over my shoulder to make sure Layla and I aren’t being followed. Or worse. But it doesn’t seem like anyone is focused on us right now. Everyone is still consumed in the bloodbath.

The image of Layla curled up on the ground, just waiting for that knife to kill her, flashes across my mind and leaves me horrified. And angry. Why would she just give up like that?

I try to shake the thought from my mind and focus on running deeper into the woods. Layla runs in front of me. Surprisingly, the thick, insulated clothes and boots don’t slow me down at all. And I don’t get too hot in them. My body stays at a perfect temperature. If we had clothes like these back home, no one would die from the cold, I can’t help thinking. But I force myself to shove away that thought as well. I need to stay focused right now. I need to be alert. I need to protect her.

 As we run, I glimpse the trees around us. Some kind of cedar, maybe? And some pine trees scattered among them, I notice as I scan the area again. That’s good. At least I know something about the arena.

We run for a while, neither of us saying a word. I’m not sure how much time has passed since the first cannon, but the bloodbath must still not be over. The cannons that account for the bloodbath casualties haven’t sounded yet.

I place my hand on Layla’s shoulder and motion for her to stop. We’re far enough away right now that no one should even be close to us. As she turns to face me, I meet her eyes and I can feel the anger rising in me again. Mixed with something else that I can’t decipher. Desperation? Fear?

“Damn it Layla,” I say, my voice quiet, but my anger easily identifiable. “Why did you do that?! What if—“ I avert my eyes as the image of Layla drowning in blood—her own blood—fills my mind. I close my eyes, but then look up. “God, what if that knife hit you?!”

“I…I’m sorry. I didn’t—I just wanted to get the ax for you.” She says, her voice shaking. My heart breaks a little as her eyes meet mine. And my resolve crumbles.

I pull her into my chest and hold her against me. My lips press against her hair.

“It’s okay, Layla.” I say, my voice gentle and reassuring. “Just, please…don’t ever do anything like that again. Don’t even think about risking your life.” I place my hand under her chin so that her green eyes are focused on mine. “Because if you risk your life, you’re risking mine too. So please…” I say, my voice breaking. “don’t leave me.”

She nods and tucks her head into my chest, while folding her arms between us. She shivers against my body, her breathes coming fast, and, immediately, my arms rub against her back.

“Layla, are you cold?”

She nods against my chest so I hold her closer to me and try my best to warm her up with friction. We stay huddled against each other for a few minutes before I can hear her breath slow.

“Better?” I ask her.

“Yeah.”

I take her hand in mine and lead her to where a cluster of trees will be able to hide us should anyone come near here. I sit at the base of one of the cedar trees, my back leaning against its trunk. The temperature of the snow underneath me doesn’t permeate through my pants. I smile up at Layla and pat the ground next to me. She eyes the snow hesitantly, causing a small laugh from me.

“You won’t feel the cold, Layla. The material in you pants is made for this.” I tell her and resist the urge to laugh again at the look on her face. But then she holds in a breath and, very slowly, seats herself to my right.