The Capitol Games

13

OCTAVIA

My whole body felt heavy like it was filled with rocks. It was a struggle to open my eyes. Thin light shone down, illuminating fine particles of dust floating in the air. I was in a pocket of dirt which wasn't comfortable and it made my back ache. My shoulder flared on and off with hot pain that made me gasp but it left quickly.

I tried to remember how I got here. My bag, sword, and baton sat next to me but when I moved to touch it, my arm flared up again. I remember running after Adriana, the end of her muddy hair disappearing into the growth. Then the cold dirt pressed against my cheek.

I decide: screw the pain. I couldn't sit here. I didn't know how long I've been here and Sebastian might be hot on my tail. I flip over, digging my teeth into my pale. Everything was in the same place in my bag. With the help of the wall, I sit up and am instantly overcome with nausea. I tuck my head between my legs, waiting until the waves stop before throwing my bag over my shoulders, tying the baton back into the loops around my waist and holding my sword.

This definitely wasn't District 11. I was either in one of the Districts I haven't explored yet or back in 10. I wondered what happened to Adriana. If she got away. Maybe I'd see her face in the sky tonight, unless I already missed a day, and then I might not know till the end.

My knees refused to move properly as I got up, tripping over myself and then pushing me back to my feet again. I took a few small steps forward until the cave cracked above me.

The roof was about to fall in. More dirt flew into my eyes and I hastily wiped it away, resulting in another sharp pain that came out as a hiss between my teeth. I moved forward through the haze, trying to make it to one of the large holes that ripped open to reveal the sky before the roof crashed down on me.

Then a figure jumped into the hole. I brought up my sword, my left arm aching terribly and I help to awkwardly in my right. I swung at the figure, imagining Cassius's or Haille's shocked face.

The tribute ducked my swing and let out a high-pitched squeal that I recognized instantly.

I let the sword fall from my hands, my chest heaving. "Adriana?" My voice was hoarse. I could make out the silver tinge to her hair. "We have to get out of here. The roof is falling in." I grab her hand and try to tug her up towards the hole. I don't get how I'm going to get out with my arm but—

"Octavia, it's fine! That was just me walking. The house is steadier than it looks."

"House?" I stop.

"That's what I call our new home. Now go sit down. You look like shit." I was still in a daze as Adriana pushes me back to the alcove, leaning me against the wall. She pried the sword from my hands and ripped off my backpack as if she thought I'd run away.

Her snowy skin caked with dirt and grime turned her nails black. Her hair was in a high ponytail on her head and the mud I threw on here was still there, but it was wearing off. She'd have to re-apply soon.

There was a rope wrapped around her waist. Hanging down from it was three thick rabbits and one snake. Definitely District 10.

"How did you get those?" I demand, pointing at the game.

Adriana smirked back at me as she started to fan a small pit of embers. "By being quiet."

I snort in disbelief. "Yeah, okay, how'd you really do it?"

"I'm going to remember this conversation next time you get shot because your dumbass can't run in a zig zag."

"If you don't remember I was protecting your dumbass from getting shot because you can't run in general."