Get away (Gemma)

[gemmawolf]

My mother and sister must be out shopping, because the house is empty when I use my key to get in. Or she's reported me as missing... I can't blame her really, I would do the same in her position. I quietly close the door behind me and head over to the kitchen sink. I wash my face and hands of dirt and blood, thinking over the events of the day.

The morning wasn't too bad, but at noon the heavens had opened and rain had poured, but I was about half way by then, so hopefully Jack hadn't been drenched. I let my hair out of it's loose ponytail and stick it under the tap. Not much water pours out, but it's better than having to pump it in town and bring it back in a bucket. As I tie it up again - tighter this time - I think about the last seven hours.

Along the way I had only come across two animals, both within half an hour. The first was a deer, which I launched my axe at, completely wrecking its front legs. I finished the poor thing off and tried to slice a few rough stakes off its carcass, wrapping them up in my coat and slipping the rolled up package into my pack. I should have brought one of the knives. I was just leaving when the wolf appeared, drawn by the scent of blood. I killed that with my axe too, but it was more resistant. I earned three deep rakes across my left arm for my efforts, but it could have been worse. I'd slipped on the muddy ground a few times, but got straight back up and carried on until I could hear the rhythmic chopping of wood.

It was hard to stay inconspicuous while sneaking through the lumber yard, but I managed it, scaling over the wall that led to the town as usual. And finally I arrived at the back door and let myself in. And here I am, gazing around the home that I seemed to leave so long ago. Was it really only yesterday morning?

I get to work on a note for my family, telling them of my situation (leaving out the traumatic fight, of course) and how long I will be gone. Not to worry. But I don't think it will be enough to comfort them. I leave the scrap of paper in the most obvious spot I can think of: the dining table. Then I head into the room that me and my sister, Maple, share. Our pink knitted blankets and sketches of our favourite male Hunger Games Victors bring a smile to my face. We haven't got much, but it's enough to say,"We're girls."

I lie on the floor between the beds and drag a satchel from underneath each of them. One for food, one for water, I think. While I'm in my room I change my clothes, but stick the dirty ones into one of the bags, not wanting my family to see how much blood I've lost. I take three books off our shelf, one for each day. I go into my parents' room and grab four roles of bandages, a needle and thread, some sleeping medicine and some of my father's socks. I'm sure they'll fit Jack.

I hesitate, then take my father's spare coat. I won't be able to return it, but someone's life is at stake. I can forfeit a birthday present to pay for a new one. I head back into the kitchen to have a look at our cupboards. I open one and smell fresh bread; I suddenly remember that last night was my mother's baking night! A week, for two, maybe three, people... I take half the bread, certain that my mother's vigilance in the kitchen will mean that there is more grain stored away. I find a box of plastic bottles, grab as many as I can and fill them with water from the tap. I'm wondering what else I can take when I recall a stash of snacks in my room. It takes me less than a minute to fetch a small tin of flapjacks and add them to the pile.

"What else?" I ask myself. Matches. Rope. Medical tape. Cheese? Sadly, there's none in, and the biscuits have been taken to work by my father. I'm sure that I've been here nearly twenty minutes, so I scrape all my supplies into the two bags, slinging one over each shoulder. At the last minute I slip a kitchen knife into my first bag and grab my second coat as my other one still contains the venison. I head back out into the garden, careful not to be seen, and start for the wall of the yard straight away, keen to get back before dark.

[Jack Lexington]

For a few hours I just sat and listened to the sounds surrounding me. The forest doesn't seem to be dangerous at all. On the contrary it's a very remote, peaceful place. Much nicer than some of our districts cities, with all the dirt, hunger and peace keepers. It makes me wonder why nobody attempts to live here. Obviously there are people like me and my ally or the two guys from district 2 who wander around these forests. I can picture a life in a small cabin hunting and fishing.

My thoughts go to my parents. Are they worried? Or do they think it's just another night that I'm staying in the stables of the ranch. Probably. Sometimes I stay there the whole weekend.
The person who probably knows somethings wrong is Tallulah. I've seen her every evening for the past weeks. She'll know something is off and she knows about my plans. Unfortunately she doesn't know where to look for me. Otherwise she would, I'm sure.

Even though the sun is warming my skin I occassionally get the chills and when drops of rain start to fall I crawl back into Nees hut. The branches and leaves keep some of the rain away. So does her blanket but as soon as it start pooring I'm getting drenched. My chills get worse after a while and I wrapped the blanket closer around me.
My teeth are clattering while I pull the blanket over my head and fall into a restless sleep.

When I wake back up it's dark but stopped raining. Strangely enough the sounds seemed to stop as well. I prop myself up on my elbows and try to get a glimpse of what's going on. My knuckles turn white around the grip of the knife.

[gemmawolf]

I'm running as fast as I can through the dense forest, desparate to get back to Jack. The sun set hours ago, and I'm still on my way back. I'm not lost, I see the odd landmarks that I have made my own; a splintered pine, a rock in the shape of an eye, a circle of red fungi. I'm on track, but not on time. My wounds have opened up again, and my right ankle smarts with every bound I take.

I twisted it when I was clambering down a rockface. I knew it was still OK to walk on, but I didn't expect it to slow me down this much. Now I have to make up for it, even if the pain burns up my entire leg. Still, can't be anywhere near as bad as what he's had to put up with. I haven't wasted time by stopping to bandage it, either. Besides, I need to reserve the medical items for Jack.

I see a familiar ditch up ahead. It will take to long to slow and negotiate, so instead I pick up the speed and prepare to leap. I push off the edge and land with all my weight on my poor leg, crying out in agony. I drop to the ground, rub it, but get straight back up and carry on moving, tears streaming down my face.

I hear the mockingjays replicating and twisting my cry, truning it into song. I try to shut their calls out, they only make me angry. I will allow myself to be hurt, but not emotional. I look up, hands clamped over my ears, and see the oak tree and tent approaching rapidly. I skid to slow down, then carry on at a fast walk.

As I near the entrance of the shelter, my breath comes back. I push aside the leaves and twigs to find a knife pointing at me. I gasp, but manage to shove a warning out of my mouth. "Jack! It's me!" I don't wait for a reply. Instead, I dive through the entrance and lie down, desparate to take my weight off my ankle.

"I got everything we need," I tell him, removing the bags. "Have a look. I need to rest up for a bit tomorrow, but then I can head back to District 10. Who am I finding again?"

[Jack Lexington]

It takes me a moment to wrap my mind around where I am and what's happened. Then I look up in Nees red face and remember. The knife drops to the ground next to me. There's no need to defend myself from her. She came back for my sake.

I breath a sigh of relief and smile at her gratefully. "You're back. Thank goodness you made it."
As if I can't belief that she's really here, which means she hiked for 24 hours straight without much of a pause, I touch her arm with my shaky hand.

"What time is it? When did the sun set?"
I catch a glimpse of the moon up in the sky that occassionally shows itself through gaps in the clouds. It's already quite high in the sky.

When the bag lands next to me I go to the effort of actually sitting up and roam through it.
There's food, bandages, water, which I reach for and take a large drink. "I'm so thirsty! I ran out of water in the afternoon. Thank you." I'm as thirsty as if I'd done a long run.
Offering my friend some water I ask. "Did you run most of the way?" She must have. She's out of breath and her face red with small white dots.

In the bag I also find a candle and matches so I light it. Her face looks beautiful in that kind of light, incredibly pretty. This is the first time I've actually taken a good look at her-Nee- but then I spot the red stains on her shirt. "You're bleeding, Nee. I told you not to come back if you feel bad. You should take care of yourself." In between my words my teeth start clattering, which makes me wonder why. It's cold but not that cold. On the contrary. I'm actually hot.
I feel my own forehead, turn my hand over and then take hers. "Do I feel warm? I think it's started." As if it was the most normal thing in the world. But all the time I was aware that with a large cut like mine, that hasn't been cleaned properly, I'd get an infection. It was only a question how long it would take. Sighing I stare ahead because I know what this means.

OOC: Loved you last post- the landmarks and mockingjay!

[gemmawolf]

(OOC: Thanks, and it was quick to write, too because of the pace of the events. ^^ Some of my best work.)

"You're bleeding, Nee. I told you not to come back if you feel bad. You should take care of yourself." He starts chattering, but I can see the slight shine of sweat on his face in the pale candlelight. He feels his forehead, then gets me to check it too. "Do I feel warm? I think it's started." Infection? I have another look through the bag, mainly for the medicine that I packed, and bring out the tablets.

It won't be strong enough, I think we both know that. But if he can just hold out... "Yes, you're burning up. Have these with some water; they'll bring your temperature down. I brought down a doe in the forest; I've got some steaks rolled up somewhere. I'm going outside to start a fire and cook them. You'll probably feel better by the fire." I go back outside, a match and the meat held in one hand. I pick a site a good few metres from the trees and shelter, not wanting to burn down the forest.

I grab some twigs that were too small yesterday to make use of. Today they're wet - they won't do to make a fire. I sit on my haunches, blow air out of my cheeks and think. I need to make a nest for the flames. I head back to the tent and grab my old clothes from the rucksack, still dry from being kept out of the rain. I dry the twigs with my shirt before arranging them into a pile, then tear lengths of my tight itchy trousers and set them alight. I never liked them anyway, I tell myself.

Once a good fire is going I wrap the meat up in the rest of my trousers and put the packages on the fire, and wait for the food to be cooked, praying that the heavens don't open again.

[Jack Lexington]

So I was right.
While Nee is looking for firewood outside I roll the bottle of pills around in my hand. The name on the package doesn't mean a thing to me but I'm glad she brought them anyway.
I take one and swallow it but the thing gets stuck in my throat I quickly wash it down with some water.
Through the opening I watch Nee work at her fire. She's inventive, I have to giver her that. I'm actually really greatful that she's back now. The 24 hours alone in the forest were very lonely. Under different circumstances they might have been entertaining but not like this.

When the fire is big enough to send sparks flying into the night sky I decide to pull the big jacket from her bag on and crawl outside. The fabric is rough but warm and the thing is so big it simply can't be hers.

For a while I watch her turning the meat with a stick. It's starting to smell really nice and makes me realize that I haven't really eaten anything all day.
I'm not quite sure what to say but I want to break the silence between us.
Pulling the jacket tighter around my shivering shoulders I scoot closer to the fire because I'm no longer hot but cold.
"What did your family say...you know when you said you're heading back out?"
She must have really understanding parents, this brave girl.

My green eyes are fixed on her every move. It's almost as if she's at home in the forest. She must have lit a fire a million times.

[gemmawolf]

"What did your family say...you know when you said you're heading back out?"

I bite my lip and prod the meat with my stick. “I didn’t see them. I just left a note. I should have found them, told them face to face, but they would never have let me go again. But I wish I’d seen them . It could have been the last time they see me...” I feel the tears start to flow and wipe my face. “Sorry, I’m all right, don’t worry about me.”

But it’s true, isn’t it? In the last day I’ve encountered a wolf and sprained my ankle; before that we nearly died when facing two Careers. I feel a burning longing for home, but suppress it. You’ll either see them again, or won’t, I tell myself, no use crying about it. I take a knife from my bag and cut through one of the steaks. It’s still a bit bloody in the middle. “Only another ten minutes,” I estimate. My mouth is watering from the smell, but I won’t risk food poisoning, especially with Jack’s fever.

Assuming it’s just a fever, I remind myself. But I know what it is. None of the weapons were clean back there, with spending days exposed to the woodland. Spores and bacteria could have easily made their way into the wound alongside the blades, causing an infection – potentially fatal if it isn’t treated. I can only hope that our enemies are falling to the same fate. Hopefully he’ll be able to find the healer for his father and get himself seen to at the same time. But I doubt that he’ll be continuing with that quest for now.

I smile, seeing my friend wearing my father’s coat. “It’s my dad’s,” I tell him. “Keep it – I can buy him another. My pay is decent enough at the lumberyard.” My mind wanders to my work, where a certain someone must have missed my presence dearly. He won’t be happy when I tell him about how I've shared a tent with a complete stranger. Oh well, I had no choice. A fine excuse! I smile, thinking of his face, but it hurts to consider the distance between us, so I say, “How did you do with the knives?”

[Jack Lexington]

When Nee talks about her family I can tell that they are close. Leaving them and not knowing whether she'll see them again is a tough decision-a brave one. Just like me she's still living at home. Going on this dangerous journey is something she has taken upon herself for a complete stranger-me.
I stare into the fire and wonder whether I would have done it for her or whether I'm worth it. My answer would be yes, to both questions.

"I'll be drooling if I have to wait another ten minutes. I haven't eaten anything since this morning." On cue my stomach is growling almost as loud as some of those wild creatures surrounding us.

"You work at a lumber yard?" That comes as a surprise seeing her slender figure. "No wonder you're tough." Biting my lip I try to stop my teeth from clattering. "You're probably a whole lot tougher than me. You'd make a great career but that would be a total waste of resources. You're way too precious for that." What I'm referring to is her courage and dedication-saving somebody she barely knows.

I smile when it comes to the knives and point at the bush not too far away from out tent, that is lit by the light of the fire. "Check that. I'm much better with the knives than my dads bow. I used to be a pitcher for our school team when I was younger." Somewhere over there must be the dead giant squirrel.

Gosh I have to get rid of that jacket. By the fire I get so hot all of a sudden that I'm afraid I'll melt on the inside if I keep it on. So I struggle out of it and use it as a cushion instead.
Hungry and worn out I rest my chin on the rolled up bundle and watch the flames dance in front of me. They catch my attention so easily.
While I sit and stare shivers are running down my back and I instantly wish I hadn't taken the jacket off but now I'm too tired to pull it back on. I'm aware what's happening with me but feel too bad to fight it. I only wish I could get some meat and tea in my empty stomach to regain some strength before I pass out.

"Maybe we should change our plans. I don't think I can hang out here another couple days."
The emphasis is on can't - not don't want to.
"What do you think about trying to make it to your district?"

[gemmawolf]

Take him back to District 7? I hadn't considered it; or maybe I had, but dismissed it immeadiately. I have my reasons, I tell myself, but they're selfish reasons. He couldn't stay at my house - I won't endanger my family like that. And how do I explain my ventures beyond the fence if I am caught? But I know, with his infection, busted legs, lack of blood and energy, it's his best chance.

And I won't condemn anyone to death, not even if it means problems for myself.

"I think it's your best shot," I reply, turning the meat over one last time. "But even then it means trouble. I re-enter through the lumberyard and climb the wall near the cabins - how are you supposed to get there quickly enough that we aren't seen? I have to run a little, hide, then run a little again, then scale the wall.

"And where will you go? I'm sorry Jack, but I don't want to drag my family, my little sister, into this. If I'm punished, I want them to be free of guilt. There's a stables on the other side of town. We don't have many horses back home, but they're around to pulling carts. If I could get you to the stables, could you rest there? Under cover, of course. I'll bring you food to and from school."

It's the best I can offer right now, but maybe a full stomach will help me to think. Unable to resist the smells any more, I pull the steaks off the fire and let them cool. It's all I can manage not to drool all over them. Three chunks of meat. I cut the largest in half. "This would actually be pretty fun, if we weren't stranded. Camping in the woods, cooking the old fashioned way, planning a hike; which, by the way, includes ditches, ledges and rivers. But we're overpacked - I'm sure we'll find a way around things."

[Jack Lexington]

I'm glad she agrees that it might be my best shot because I know I won't make it back home. When Nee tells me about all the obstacles we have to overcome I see that chance fade fast as well. I can't climb or run or jump, heck I can't even walk by myself. Even if we made it there against all odds rest and food are not going to heal me. Only a doctor, preferably a surgeon can help me, whom I have no money for. And who would help a guy from a different district and risk his own neck. A shudder runs through me. My hope is sinking and with that my mood becomes bitter and I draw back into my shell only staring into the fire while she goes on about having fun camping in the woods.
That doesn't interest me. All I want is to survive and keep my leg. But my hopes are so slim I could cry right now. I don't cry nor do I do anything else. With my head on the bundled up jacket I stare into the fire while I'm freezing cold, desperate, hopeless.
Not even the meat can tempt me now. So I close my eyes and try to blend out the hunger, pain and shivering. Unsuccessfully. I should eat, I should put on that jacket, I should be as brave and strong as Nee, who still thinks we can 'hike' around ditches, ledges and rivers. The girl is risking a lot for me but right now I'm just too terrified to die out here.

[gemmawolf]

I can see that he's upset, but who wouldn't be in his situation? I've told him - in a roundabout way - that there's no hope. Great job, genius! I think. He's not eating well, but I've nearly finished my food. I try to think of a bright side to the situation, but my camping comparison fell flat.

I feel anger burn inside me for a moment. I've done so much for him already, and he can't even eat his damn food! But I remind myself that I wouldn't be alive right now if it weren't for his appearance; I would have died two days ago at the hands of two blood-thirsty Career boys. So while it's hard work and pointless in the end, I won't give up on him.

I smile and say, "If you don't want any more we can put it back in the bag. Now that it's cooked it will last a few days. Why don't we sleep here tonight, assuming the rain holds off? It took so much work to get a fire going, we might as well use it. It'll keep animals away, too."

I sort out our bags so that nothing can get into them as we rest and use one as a pillow. I lie down not far from the flames and watch them dance against the curtain of black. Even though my body is tired, I can't seem to get to sleep. There are so many good reasons explaining it that I don't want to think about it.

(OOC: Sorry, my posts are getting gradually shorter! Ha ha! I'll step it up a bit when they're not just laying around; I'm better with action.)

[Jack Lexington]

I can sense her anger when she talks about wrapping up the food. It's clear. She'ds come back all the way, she's hunting, cooking and I wallow in self-pitty or, even worse, give up.
I actually don't but I'm as low as I can be so my only reply is. "Yeah."

For a brief moment I turn my head and watch her pack the bags and then make her uncomfortable bed next to the warmth of the fire. Then she seems to doze off. So I keep staring in the flames until my eyes close as well.
For a while I sleep until my own shaking wakes me up. The fire is down to a few glowing pieces of wood, that don't give off much warmth any more. If I don't add any wood it'll go out and give way to the fierce creatures of the wood and the biting cold of the night.
I roll over and sit up. Then I drousily try to get up but fall back on my butt because sharp pain knocks me off my feet. Instantly I'm reminded why I've stayed on my behind for almost two days. Within my reach I can only find small sticks, some brush, most of it damp from the night but it'll have to do.
Sparks and smoke fly up in the air when I toss it in but soon I am rewarded by a warmer, bigger fire.
In the light of it I can see Nee stirring and wonder if she is okay but remain quiet.

Somehow I manage to go back to sleep for a while, in between I repeatedly throw sticks on the fire and finally fall into a deeper sleep when the sky is turning grey instead of black because its early morning.

When I wake up the sun is already visible in between the trees so I roll over and stretch my sore back. The hard packed ground is anything but a comfortable bed.
"Morning, sunshine." Is my attempt to let Nee know I haven't given up and she shouldn't either. "Looks like a good day for a hike."

[gemmawolf]

I stretch, then rub my back. I would have thought that my coat offered better protection from the hard bumpy forest ground, but we all make mistakes. “Good morning to you too. How are you holding up?” I suspect that he’s in pain, so it’s a stupid question really, but I have to make conversation before I go out of my mind! I spent nearly a full day on my own, only wittering on about what I’m going to do when I get home, and we barely spoke last night. We both know that this isn’t good, I think, standing up and bringing some bread to the fire, which is dying slowly.

“We can make toast, eat and then get ready to go. I don’t care if you’re not hungry, Jack; if you don’t have something good this morning you won’t be strong enough to get to District 7. Let’s face it: I can’t carry you, at least not all the way. There’s a few things we can try to get you back, but it’s not going to be easy. Sorry.” I’d be just as miserable in his situation, but I need to enforce basic survival. I hand him the bread, two pieces skewered on a stick, and tell him to hold them above the flames, then go a little into the trees to find two suitable branches for what I plan.

I find two thick branches with a good length and lop them off at the trunk, then bring them back to the fire. The toast is coming along nicely – I give a nod of approval – and begin to chip away at the wood. “We’re not going anywhere this morning,” I say, not looking up from my work, “but this should save you hours of dragging. I’m making you a pair of crutches.” I carry on with the work, only stopping for a few minutes to wolf down my toast, until each branch has a handle at each end. I’m sure that they’re light enough to use, but I don’t want him splintering his hands since he’s going to be putting all his weight into them, so I use the last of my old trousers to wrap around the handles, making them softer.

“I’ll be hiking, you’ll be hopping.”

[Jack Lexington]

I'm going to do my very best to get out of here. My mind is set on it and Nee's help greatly appreciated so I take the sticks with the bread and hold them over the fire. "I'm hanging in there. Not that easy to get rid off. You?" The bread is slightly brown and smells really good so I take a bit bite out of it to fill my empty stomach.

I look up and follow her with my eye. What on earth does she want with those branches? I'm hoping she's trying to make some sort of carriage to pull me but she declares that I will be hopping. I can't help but frown since I'm pretty sure she is serious and will get upset if I laugh at her.
"And which of my screwed up legs am I going to use to hop?"
Biting me lip I look into her eyes. She's not going to take no for an answer so I reach for the stick, that she carefully wrapped and then for the other one.
"Give me a hand, will you?"
Sitting up straight I place one stick on the ground in front of me, then push the bottom of the other one against the ground and try to push myself up using my right leg to stand. Not only am I weak from blood loss and a lack a food but also does my leg hurt like hell. Groaning I fall back on my butt.
Not willing to meet her eyes I try again but this time I use the other one, my cut leg. To suppress the pain I grit my teeth and blow out air. At least this leg doesn't give in despite the enormous pain. It's going to be really slow and torture but it's my only chance and I'm determined to take it.
While the muscles in my jaw are working I stabilize myself and actually stand for about half a minute before I can't take it any longer.
More or less graceful I fall back down on the bundled jacket.

I can see how disappointed Nee looks so I squeeze out. "Hopping it is."
An hour later we've eaten up, gathered our things and are on our way. I have to rest every few steps, sweat and groan but we slowly move towards her district.

[gemmawolf]

"Hopping it is." I feel bad for making him put pressure on either of his legs, but it’s the only way he’ll be able to move. But his cut leg is a bit better than his broken one. It’s going to take forever, but we’ll make it. I’m determined to get him back, because if he isn’t healed and can’t walk, he’s never going to be able to get home. I grab the bags, refusing to let him add any more weight onto his leg, knock down the shelter and kick damp leaves over the fire. The traces of our existence will gradually disappear from this place, aside from the trees with missing branches, which will take a few years to clear up. But the forests are so vast that no one will find us; they would have followed our tracks already.

At the thought I scan the trees, but nothing is out of the ordinary. I head off in the direction of my district, the sketched map held out in front of me. I’m careful not to walk too fast, as Jack has to stop for a few seconds every couple of steps. I encourage him to put his weight into his hands more, but there’s not much more that I can do to help his pain, aside from forcing another set of tablets and water down his throat before we really get going.

I’m silent as we walk; I probably wouldn’t hear him if he says something. My thoughts are preoccupied and paranoid about our supplies. I had prepared for a three day trip to District 10, including sleep. But this will hold us up for longer, even if it’s only thirty miles west. Water is important, but common in the forest. Food will be trickier, but so long as I can find some plants and possibly some meat, we won’t starve; and there are still matches for a fire. But my old clothes are gone, so if we get wet weather a fire is out of the question. Medicine will last if we spread out the doses. “I think that if you have the pills twice a day, once in the morning, again in the evening, they’ll last us the journey. They should help with the pain.”

I try and map out the obstacles ahead. The ditch and ledge require a bit of work, and there was a wide river at one point, although it was shallow. Animals will cover the entire trail, but hopefully they’ll keep their distance from humans. Hope. Wasn’t everything resting on lots of small hopes right now? I hope we don’t die out here. I hope he won’t be crippled. I hope that we aren’t caught.