Of Victors and Tributes

Chapter 22: Meadow's Lullaby

I've never run as far or as hard as this, maybe not even when those mutts were chasing us. I ignore the pain in my scorched hand, legs pumping violently as I vault over roots and even a fallen log. I somehow keep myself from tripping and falling, putting my arms out for balance if I think I might tip. I dodge branches and vines and trees, and at one point I narrowly avoid squashing a brightly colored frog. But all I can focus on is her.

How could I do this? No doubt it's my fault that she was found. If I had been there to guard, we could've possibly slipped away without being noticed, or even attacked whoever was coming at us. I didn't think that Pearl and Spark would actually keep hunting after losing all of their things! How do they even have the strength to stalk around in the middle of the night, or the bravery to not worry about being attacked by a better off tribute and get killed? I know they have weapons, maybe two or three, but I thought the lack of food and the destruction of their bodies would keep them wallowing by the Cornucopia. Well, it looks like I was wrong. And now Meadow is going to pay the price.

But who else is that? Pearl and Spark, surely, unless the girl from 3 has decided to make a guest appearance. There is one more voice, though, unaccounted for. It was only once, a loud yell, and I think that it might have been Axel. What, was he following us around? Had Meadow seen him, and that's why she suggested that we keep track of our things? Hell, it could have been Axel who killed her when he saw me leave! Maybe he even teamed up with the remaining Careers for whatever reason, trading knowledge of food for protection. Could that be it? Have I really been so foolish?

I barrel through the woods at an inhuman speed, and finally I notice a familiar, strange looking tree. The voices, yelling, taunting, talking, are getting closer, so close. Why haven't they quieted? Do they know I'm coming, but don't care? Surely this is some kind of trap, Pearl would know I'd come back if Meadow were in danger. I don't care.

Pearl and Spark are retreating when I make it to the clearing, and I'm shocked to see Axel is driving them off. His leg is bleeding heavily, but he's yelling fiercely, waving his weapon at them. Pearl turns and looks ready to take him on when she sees me.

"You're too late, Golden Boy," she taunts. I grab a knife from my pocket and run at her, throwing it as hard as possible. She shouts when it catches the corner of her arm. Her eyes are filled with fury. But Spark grabs her, and they disappear into the woods.

"You're weak, Pearl!" Axel screams after her. I expect her to come charging back, but she doesn't. Axel turns and looks at me, single eye wide. His jaw is clenched.

Meadow didn't even have a chance to stand up when she was attacked. There are several cuts on her body, blood practically spewing from them as they seem to be based around major arteries. Three large stab wounds, likely from a trident, are definitely the worst and are based around her stomach. Meadow looks at me, her blue eyes lacking their usual twinkle. Her lips are softly parted, and she looks surprised to see me. I drop to my knees beside her.

"Where did you go, huh?" she questions weakly, a small trace of a smile on her face. Tears well up in my eyes. She's going to die hating me for leaving her, for letting her die.

"I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry," I attempt. She shakes her head, and I think she won't forgive me, but her smile is still there.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it," she replies. "You were strong enough to do what I couldn't. You were always stronger."

"No, that's not true. You kept me alive. You're so strong, Meadow," I tell her.

"You were always stronger. Out of all of us," she repeats, and her voice continues to soften. Her hands, which had been clutched over her stomach, now finds my face. "You'll win, yeah?"