Voices of the Dead: A Hunger Games FanFiction ©

7. Bodey

Smalls and I had watched the fire burn for only a couple more minutes, then with a sigh of defeat, we walked away. We would be easy targets if we stayed there. The bonfire was enough so that any tribute around could see it. We were basically broadcasting our location.

We ran off into the night, not stopping until the fire was far behind us. As the night faded and a new day approached, we decided to make camp near different group of collapsed buildings.

Our food had already been dwindling, and it without Macon around, there was no one to hunt.

“We’re going to have to learn to ration this stuff better, we’re almost down to the last bits,” Smalls said as his brow furrowed in worry.

I played with my slingshot and then perked when I thought of an idea.

“Wait, why don’t I go hunting!” I showed him my slingshot and the dagger I’d kept in my belt. “Remember when those jabberjays were attacking me? I killed a bunch, it shouldn’t be too hard to find other birds.”

Smalls frowned and shook his head quickly. “No, we shouldn’t split up. It’s not safe to go out there alone.”

“But I’d be right back, I would just take like a couple minutes to find us some food.”

“No Bodey, you have to stay.”

I slumped to the ground and frowned at Smalls. What made him think he could tell me what to do? “Don’t act like you know better, we’re the same age,” I snorted, “I’m a good hunter, and at least I know how to use a weapon. You haven’t even used that blowgun I got you.”

Almost instantly, I regret my words and the tone in which I’d delivered them. It was the worry and stress that had made me snap at him.

“Oh really? We’re the same age? Coulda’ fooled me with how you were acting last night,” he narrowed his eyes, “you risked both our lives screaming like a kid back there. And I know how to use a weapon, I just choose not to.”

My remorse was gone at his words and I stood up haughtily, jabbing my finger at him. “I was worried about Macon! The real question is why weren’t you? He risked his life for us and you didn’t even bat an eye when he didn’t come out of that house.” I was really mad then. “You probably never even really cared about him.”

He spoke through clenched teeth. “I was worried, but freaking out about it wasn’t going to help anything. If someone had heard us, we’d have been killed on the spot, and then Macon’s sacrifice would’ve been for nothing,” he glowered at me. “Don’t pretend to know me Bodey. I did and still do care about Macon, and that’s why I’m telling you to stay here. He wouldn’t want you running around risking your life.”

I wanted to argue some more, but I felt suddenly drained. I relaxed my posture and then sat back down on the ground. “Fine, I’ll stay.”

With the issue apparently over, we both set up camp when the sun began to set. I still wasn’t satisfied though. I knew I could bring us food and I hated feeling like I was being bossed around by someone who thought I was some kind of loose cannon.

Smalls was supposed to be guarding, but when I saw him drift off, I acted. Gathering only my sling shot and a water bottle, I snuck out of the building we’d been hiding in. Searching the downed power lines and rooftops, I tried to keep an eye out for anything that seemed bird-like.

Everything seemed fine until I heard the footsteps. Loud and heavy, they were steadily approaching me. Suddenly, I didn’t feel so brave. Smalls had been right, this was stupid. I tried to hide in the shadows but as I was trying to run away, I kicked a pebble and gave away my position.