Alive

Chapter 8: An Understanding

5 Months Later

Amy

I was back in the arena. I saw the career pack heading towards me. I screamed and ran away as quickly as I could. I was unarmed and I couldn't defend myself. I felt an arrow pierce my leg and I yelped in pain. The pain was only there for a moment. I was in shock. Less pain. I looked back right before the dagger implanted itself into my forehead.

I woke up screaming. I heard the sound of feet on wood. Jake appeared at the door to my room. Jake had insisted on sleeping on my couch until the victory tour. He said that he was worried. He looked at me sympathetically.
"Night terrors?" He Asked. I nodded silently. He walked over and sat on the edge of my bed. I sat up. He smiled at me sadly.
"I know... I get them too. What happened?"
"I was in the arena..... I.... I was alone and unarmed. The careers found me..."
"I get that nightmare too. The thing was, we weren't alone. We had each other. And, we had Elijah and May." I nodded. I leaned over and hugged him. He hugged me back gently.
"It's okay..." he said softly.
"No! It's not! Remember what they said? We're mentors now. We have to train new recruits each year and then watch them die!"
"I know. It's a terrible, sadistic game." He said softly.
"I wish we could change something about it"

"I know, Ames, I know"