Out Here Belongs To Me (Jack Lex)

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Charlie Smith
Age Eighteen
District Six
The Rebel

There's a certain desperation that occurs when there's never enough, and that happens often with nine mouths to feed. How was it that the Father of all these children did it for this long, and where was the money he used? Now that all the weight was placed onto Eighteen-year-old Charlie, things have not been as smoothly. Performing any busy night the pub had, and hunting the rest of the time still had the Smith family going to bed wishing they had more. Well okay, maybe that was all that Charlie did, but she didn't know how to give up her party life in such short notice...plus the lack of sobriety helped her handle everything occurring.

Tonight though, Charlie was determined to have all her younger siblings going to bed with a full stomach, possibly even herself. For the very first time she performed sober tonight, feeling a rush and a high like none other before, and it also gave her a chance to go hunting. After every performance her body was so awake with this adrenaline like nothing else, it was a drug that couldn't be purchased. Usually a pill would be popped, or drinks would be served during these shows, but tonight Charlie wanted to attempt something different. So maybe the children won't be going to bed with full stomachs, but they'd be arriving to school with ones.

The crowd tonight was not at all kind and generous, leaving Charlie with a few coins to jingle in her boot pocket, it was quite irritating in more then one way. Not much cash, and an annoying sound with every step, she'd of have to dispose of this before exploring into the woods. It was never a bad idea for a little snack, and she had just enough for the cheapest loaf of bread...now all that matter is whether the spoiled children at home would make due with it. It still had yet to hit any of them that Charlie now had to feed all their mouths, though it was slowly beginning to. She dropped off the bit of food, and toke the time to change into more realistic hunting gear; a belt to carry her knifes, jacket to stay warm, pants that didn't crinkle with every step, and of course a game bag. There was nothing else to prepare for now.

Escaping the house was breeze with the lack of energy anyone had to question their big sister, and the fence was nearly too close to the Smith's house. A quick, silent moment to check to see if the fence wasn't activated, then she squeezed her small body underneath a loose entrance she created a few years back. The very first encounter with beyond the fence Charlie was a meir seven year old, the balls to hunt arrived when she was ten, and practically owning the place ever since. The very best part about the entire thing was how empty it was, with only animals and Charlie roaming around the place. One time she had to hide from on coming peacekeepers patrolling the place, and another she was caught attempting to get out of the district...that led to a harsh punishment of a whipping, but those were the only times on an intruder.

After the first and only time being caught, Charlie had learned to be especially careful, knowing all the tricks to stay out of trouble. As much as it called her. Now she had moved her stash of knifes further away from the fence, almost half a mile to be exact, and she also hunts miles away from the fence. With a fast run, and quick climb, Charlie was able to hunt easily, as well as not be hunted. For her sixth birthday, the age everyone received a present that represented their reasoning, Charlie the Rebel received a dozen butterfly knifes. They were her favorite, before the fence hiding them in the most random places no one would ever look. The same thing occurs out her, because after twelve years each knife is stored away in it's own special hiding place, to be transferred every so often for good measures.

One would lie under a large rock, while another is in a hollow tree, one in a trunk, and so on and so forth. It takes Charlie less then two minutes to collect them all and have them buckled onto Charlie. Another mile or two, and it's safe to finally begin her hunt. Climbing up a large tree, she settled herself into a good position. Night time was the best with little activity, and the dark nighttime making a perfect cover. Tonight, it would be a big animal, enough to feed her family for a week. A rustle comes from the north and Charlie has a knife pointed and ready to throw. Only a bright, fat rabbit comes into few, not enough to make that noise, but enough to shot for a meal. Without even hesitating Charlie threw the knife to land directly on it's forehead, taking the rabbit out instantly.

Two seconds later the true noise creator appears, from exactly where the rabbit did a second ago. "Damn it." Charlie mumbled. If it was a peacekeeper, she was screwed on account evidence laid right by his feet. A wanderer wouldn't be much better on account it as a good meal, and a free weapon. With lack of keeper uniform, Charlie decided to take her chances and go after her meal and knife. Jumping out of the tree to land on her feet, she didn't take her eyes off this newly found stranger. "Don't even think about it." Charlie muttered loud enough for him to hear, but low enough to hopefully sound intimidating. She slowly began taking a few steps towards what was rightfully hers.

[Jack Lexington]

How long have I been walking? Not sure...a few days? If you can even call this walking. The rain that started falling two hours ago doesn't help my poor state at all. Somewhere beyond the group of trees that lies ahead of me district six is waiting with anything but open arms for me. They don't know I'm coming yet and hopefully they never will. I've never been here before and don't know what to expect. Usually I venture to the lower districts but since they have outstanding warrants for me I cannot go there any more. My only options was going west.

I have to take a long break. With my hands on a fallen tree I lower myself down onto the wet stem to regain a little bit of strength. Setting my canteen to my lips the last few drops run into my mouth but don't do much for me. So I tilt my head back and let the rain fall into my mouth. It only teases my senses but doesn't quench my thirst.

Breathing is still so hard that it takes me much longer to get back onto my feet and walking. I feel a hundred years old today. Only weeks ago I was a strong fisherman, spearing cod and even fighting smaller sharks. Damn sharks.

I smile weakly at the memories of my boat out on the ocean, the waves, my nets, the fish and islands.
Now I'm stuck in between trees and rocks.

Half an hour later I've finally dragged my tired ass to a look out where I can see the fence, which is much higher and better protected than in any other district I know. How can I possible get across it?
No way in hell. All this walking and now I have to give up and make my way to another district.
I'm on the verge of crying and laughing at the same time. Call me desperate.

Turning back into the woods I decide to find a place to sleep tonight. My mouth is so dry that it almost sticks together while my lips start cracking. For about 20 minutes I walk until I find a dense bush that I could possible hide in tonight.
Suddenly a rabbit jumps past my feet and only seconds later drops dead.
I gasp and stare at the animal, stretch my hand out to touch its furr. What happened?
Behind me, not too far away a sound startles me, so I spin around and instantly duck behind a bush.
"Don't even think about it." A female voice almost makes me jump out of my skin and my heart race.
My breathing becomes rapid and I start wheezing because I can't manage any deep breaths yet.
Raising my hands above my head I try to show the woman that I'm unarmed and turn around slowly to face her.

What I see is a blonde, tough looking girl in teint clothing holding a knife in her right hand. I have no doubt she will throw it at me without hesitation. She must be a hunter, one of the brave ones that hunt beyond the fence. But if she's here there must be a way into the district.
"It's all yours." I cough out of breath.
"Put the knife down. I'm not armed." Well, that's not entirely true as I also have a club and a knife...in my backpack.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Charlie Smith
Age Eighteen
District Six
The Rebel

Even with his arms raised above his head to indicate he had no weapon on hand Charlie still kept her position with another knife. With one swift movement this guy could easily yank the knife out of the rabbit and knock a swing, probably not as fast as Charlie could react though. Still she'd rather not take the chance by putting her guard down in any means, including keepin a stern look and tone. Even with eleven other knifes at hand, Charlie refused to loose any of them without putting up a fight. It was a large number, but she had no idea how to replace them.

What was anyone doing out here anyways? Especially this guy, who once turned around doesn't appear to be in that great of shape; not bad, but not good enough to hunt. What other point was there to be beyond the fence? Once he had to cough out that the rabbit was all Charlie's, she could tell that he was in no position to fight her...at least not without a weapon on hand. Searching with her eyes, there was no immediate indication he was carrying a weapon. Apparently nothing in reach that would be faster then Charlie grabbing her own knife first.

Along with a verbal confirmation that he was unarmed, Charlie was still a bit concerned. "Right." She told not keeping her eyes of this guy while she placed her knife back onto her belt. It was only a matter of seconds without a weapon though, Charlie grabbed her game and began skinning it with the knife that had taken it's life.

Now that she felt relatively safe her mind wandered back to what this stranger is possibly doing out here. Another look and Charlie's only prediction was that he was running from something, with how exhausted and over-worked he seemed. "What are you doing out here?" She questioned, separating the good pieces of meat from the inedible ones. This ought to be interesting, she had never met a foreigner before. This guy had to be a pub person certainly, and Charlie knew all the pub people in her districts...well in one way or another.

[Jack Lexington]

The girl doesn't let her guard down and I can't blame her. Out here she was facing dangerous animals, peace keepers and rival hunters. She'd probably had to fight over game before.
When she tells me 'right' and puts her knife back into her belt I can breath a little easier. Being stabbed on top of everything else would probably put me those six feet under, that have been waiting for me for a while on this incredible journey.

My shoulders drop a little when she turns to the rabbit and starts skinning it. Food. That looks so good. Not that I'd eat any raw meat but once that rabbit is cooked it will provide for a great meal. Not mine though.

Carefully i sit down on a fallen tree and take easy, shallow breaths while she asks what I'm doing out here.
For a moment I wonder which of all my storieds to tell her. After all I've been roaming from district to district for a while and have a great repertoire of stories. The time in four has changed me though. So all I answer is. "Run away...look for a way into your district."
At least she's not really on the legal side of things so I'm not too worried she'll tell the pks about me.
Who woudl believe her anyway. the world has watched me die on TV screens.
Now that I'm growing a beard, have longer hair and dropped some weight I don't even look the same.
"I ran into some trouble." I tap on my chest, where the bullet tore a hole into my lung. "Now i need a new home."
My eyes scan the tough chick next to me. "And you?"

[Jack Lexington]

The girl doesn't let her guard down and I can't blame her. Out here she was facing dangerous animals, peace keepers and rival hunters. She'd probably had to fight over game before.
When she tells me 'right' and puts her knife back into her belt I can breath a little easier. Being stabbed on top of everything else would probably put me those six feet under, that have been waiting for me for a while on this incredible journey.

My shoulders drop a little when she turns to the rabbit and starts skinning it. Food. That looks so good. Not that I'd eat any raw meat but once that rabbit is cooked it will provide for a great meal. Not mine though.

Carefully i sit down on a fallen tree and take easy, shallow breaths while she asks what I'm doing out here.
For a moment I wonder which of all my storieds to tell her. After all I've been roaming from district to district for a while and have a great repertoire of stories. The time in four has changed me though. So all I answer is. "Run away...look for a way into your district."
At least she's not really on the legal side of things so I'm not too worried she'll tell the pks about me.
Who woudl believe her anyway. the world has watched me die on TV screens.
Now that I'm growing a beard, have longer hair and dropped some weight I don't even look the same.
"I ran into some trouble." I tap on my chest, where the bullet tore a hole into my lung. "Now i need a new home."
My eyes scan the tough chick next to me. "And you?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Charlie Smith
Age Eighteen
District Six
The Rebel

Now that this guy wasn't much of a threat, Charlie toke a better look at him; with shaggy hair that connected with a similar beard, and appears to not of had a healthy diet for quite some time. He had to be out here for some time now, attempting this run away thing. But why would he escape into another District? This boy seemed much more interesting then any one in her own district. They were called wanderers, right? The ones that illegally traveled from district to district, some even staying in the woods. If by any chance Charlie survived until the baby of the household was an adult, that would be exactly what she'd do.

A confident grin spread across Charlie's face when this stranger stated that it was her district. He probably didn't mean it in the context that she believed, but her ego was taking over. "You've got one thing right." She shared as she retrieved to her feet to collect wood within a few yard radios. "It is my District." Charlie told, emphasizing the my. It wasn't even close to being her district, but being the only performer in that area, it certainly felt that way.

It toke a few minutes after Charlie's last comment to build up a good share of fire wood, and after placing them in the best way for everything to burn, she sprinkled it with flame-catching leafs before bringing out her lighter. After several seconds of holding the flame a fire slowly began to grow. The look on this stranger's face clearly indicated he was starving, and maybe she could get some more information out of him after a small meal. "I could help you get into the district." Charlie told as she placed a few pieces of raw meat onto a long stick.

"Ever try freshly killed game?" Charlie asked as she placed one stick over the fire, almost instantly a delicious smell filled the air. The previous question of the reason to being beyond the fence it brought back up, but reversed for Charlie to explain. "I have eight other mouths to feed back home." She shared before holding up another long stick with a few pieces of raw rabbit meat she held it out to this new guy. "For your name." She offered as a trade for the meat.

[Jack Lexington]

Carefully I watch her every move because I've become generally weary about strangers. Who knows whether I'll become her next 'meal'. That thought is so cruel that I have to remind myself that not everybody is after me.

The girl has short hair, almost like Cameo who I met about two years ago. She's not as thin though but packs a good amount of muscles.

This one seems quite nice because she lights a small fire and puts a few strips of meat on two sticks. My mouth starts watering as soon as the first smell of grilled meat travels through the air. I can't help but lick my dry lips.
What's even better is that she says she could help me inside the district. Curiously I raise my brows. "Yeah? Would you do that? I swear to you I'm not going to do you any harm." With a sad laugh I add. "I couldn't even if I wanted to but don't you worry..."

She practically offers me some meat for my name. Unfortunately that's the one thing I can't give her.
So I don't reach for the stick. "I can't tell you my name, I'm sorry. All I can offer is my nickname. Some friends call me Fish."
Lowering my eyes I admit.
"Do you happen to have any water on you?" I clear my throat because it's so damn dry but even that small movement makes my chest ache.
"All I could find out here was a lake full of alge."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

For a minute she questioned why she was being so kind to this stranger, Charlie certainly wasn't the type to be nice to random people. Well better yet said she was the type to concentrate her time on targeting the threats around her district. Starting fights was much easier then be sweet, but this guy before her was no threat...right now at least. "I'm not." Charlie reassured when he told her not to worry, she couldn't help but chuckle a little. Some good karma could help Charlie, plus she was still curious about even further outside this district.

"Trade though?" Charlie couldn't help but attempt to get as much stuff as she possibly can. "I want more information about out there." She points to the opposite direction from her district.

One thing occurred to her though, there was no way Charlie could possibly sneak this guy into her house with eight younger siblings. "Small issue though." Charlie squinted her face hoping this wouldn't effect the deal. "My house is jam packed full." She shared, attempting to think of an answer.

Even though the real name of this guy couldn't be answered, the nickname was good enough. "Couldn't think of anything better?" Charlie questioned giving anyother small chuckle as she handed over the stick of rabbit bits to Fish. "The assumption you're from District Four is plenty." She gave a sarcastic smile leaving the guess at that, after all Fish come from number four.

Reaching into the bag she held her game Charlie pulled out a bottle of water, giving it a light throw to either land in Fish's lap or for him to catch it. "Of course, Fish need water." Charlie couldn't help but joke, realizing she had a few bites of cooked rabbit in front of her. She knew she would have to find some more game before returning home, feeling a bit selfish she's eating rabbit while her family's at home stuck with bread.

[Jack Lexington]

The girls not about to give things away for free, she wants information. This time on 'out here', which is something I can tell her a lot about. Her curiosity is understandable, too, and since she's out here hunting there is no danger that she'll tell on me.
"That i can do." I nod with a slight smile.
About her living situation I tell her. "Don't worry. I wasn't expecting you to take me in...I just want to get into the district, not your home." A home with a bed and running water would have been nice though, especially considering the poor condition I'm in.

Her guess about district four, which is the only ocean front district is bang on, yet I tell her. "There are fish in every river out there."

Her joke when she tossed me her canteen provokes a slight chuckle and therefore a world of pain. The hole that bullett tore into my lung isn't anywhere close to being healed up. I cough and gasp for air while my chest seems to tighten and tighten radiating pain into my arms and abdomen.
"Oh shit, don't make me laugh!" I gasp once I can get a bit of air in again.

The rabbit in her hand looks too good to be ignored so I point at it. "May I?"
Then I start offering information in exchange in a low voice.
"You can walk for almost four days until you come to the next district. You have to follow the ridge and then turn south. A river will guide you most of the way but then it's just woods. There are lots of bears, boars, wolves and some weird animals out here. It's pretty dangerous."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

A smile crept upon Charlie's lips when they finally agreed on a good transaction. "Peachy." She replied with the smile not fading a bit, after all it'd be a shame not to help this guy who looked in complete poor conditions. But after all the one thing Charlie knew was to never do anything for free, especially towards strangers. Favors were rare for the ones she truly cared about, the eight youngsters awaiting at home. As much of a pain they were, there were the only ones to witness the kind side of Charlie...the side that wasn't too big, and need some serious work.

It was a sigh of relief that Fish wasn't expecting a place to stay, after all that was impossible. He was an adult, and once past the fence could figure out his own way. A chuckle escaped Charlie's lips hearing Fish's excuse that there was fish in every river, and there for his nickname couldn't be pin-pointed to District Four as easily. "Not enough Fish to be given the nickname." Charlie gave a sly comment, her instincts were always spot on, at least that's how she always felt. "No personal information about you, fine I get it." She gave up on trying to figure this guy out, it seemed to be the opposite of what he wanted.

Just a weak joke and small laugh brought this guy Fish some pain from the inside, that will probably be more withheld information, but either way it made Charlie feel bad. She could remember numerous times of being in desperate pain and having absolutely no one come to her aid. But this was the Districts, and a kind heart was rare around here. Charlie had to know a place she could sneak him, and it came down to one option. "Drink some water it should help, no?" Charlie advised as Fish struggles to catch his breathe.

"I have an abandon little cottage quite a ways from my place." Charlie shared. "It'll be perfect to stay out of people's eyes until you heal up a little." Who used to constantly visit that house, or the poor women that used to be trapped in there was information she wasn't ready to share. Plus Charlie wasn't the type of person to give out information, she preferred to wait to someone to ask. Certainly by the time they arrived there the questions would begin, but that was a little away.

Getting completely distracted by the conversation Charlie had completely forgotten to hand over the food, or at least let Fish know it was fine for him to take some. "Of course." Charlie told handing over the stick with a full array of rabbit meat. Now they were slowly beginning to warm up to one another, realizing they were no threat, and neither of them were in a position to go rat on the other one. A mental note was tattooed into Charlie's minds with the directions Fish was giving. The last thing she wanted to encounter was another district she was completely unfamiliar with. "I have a while before I can make an escape anyways." Charlie told with full disappointment in her voice, if she could escape now she would. "Remind me to write it down when I get a chance." She gave a little joke hoping that Fish wouldn't go off into another cough attack.

Her share of the food was gone, and now the important thoughts rang inside of Charlie's brain. She needed to get food for the others before even thinking of returning to her district. "Looks like it's our first test to see if we can trust one another." A coy smile spread to Charlie's face. "I need to go hunt for my family, if I don't return before the sun rises, you'll know I've ditched ya." Another sarcastic joke that Charlie couldn't help but give. "That's not going to happen though." She reassured. "And to prove it I'm leaving my water, and you can finish the rest of the rabbit." Bit and pieces of the good parts of the rabbit still laid untouched and uncooked, certainly Fish couldn't complain about this arrangement.

[Jack Lexington]

Her care and understanding is a pleasant surprise, especially out here. The only other person , who treated me that way, even though I tru;y didn't deserve it, was Nitya.
Thankfully I take the bottle of water and carefully swallow a few small sips. "Thank you." Once the pain subsides a little I shoot the blonde girl a look out of the corner of my eye and explain with a slight smirk. "It's not a matter of many fish but a matter of how big !" I explain by spreading my arms out and showing the size of about three feet.

She tells me about a cottage, which makes me listen up....an abandoned cottage. Sound just like the one I used to live in in district four. "Sounds great. Is it inside the district?"
What a stupid question. How many cottages were outside?
Actually I had seen a few small cabins in the woods.

Thankfully I take the stick with fresh meat from her and instantly bite into some of the grilled meat at the end. The taste is overwhelming. It makes my mouth water and provokes a few joyful grunts. "Oh, this is soo..soo good."
I smack my tongue while I bite off more and chew every bite thoroughly.
"Really good. Thank you."

Then I listen to her tell me that she wants to escape. "Why do you want to escape. There's not much out there that you don't have and if you go far enough so people have more you'll stand out like a sore thumb...then they spot you, catch you...punish you." My voice becomes lower as I remember my recent experience. It's something I never want to go through again. They damn near killed me. At least they tried. If it hadn't been for Nitya and her brothers I'd be six feet under now.
"It's not worth it, trust me."

It's time for Charlie to go hunting so I nod in approval.
"At least point me in the right direction if you might not come back."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It was a bit humorous for Charlie to listen to Fish explain further of why his name wouldn't relate to the ocean, by the size and not the number. Clearly no personal information was going to be drawn from this guy, not now at least. That was understandable, people were pros at pretending and one conversation shouldn't gain that much trust. Hence the reason Charlie offered the cottage, the memories of sneaking someone into her room after a party and never get caught. Well then again she also never met anyone at coy as she was. "Of course." Charlie responded though she really wanted to comment that a big fish needs a big pond. But that was enough cracking down on the traveler for now.

"Yeah it's inside the district." Charlie answered, "but as close to the outskirt as you can get." She wondered if she should also add the history to the place, or at least to just stay away from basement. That could wait until at least arriving there, figure out exactly what to say. If it was possible Charlie would like to ignore the story all together, Fish seemed like the person not to ask.

Apparently Fish had to be almost on the same boat as Charlie, no pun intended, because he really enjoyed the meal. "I'm glad you like it." Charlie said with a laugh. "My younger siblings are so spoiled they refuse to eat it until they're hungry enough."

The idea of escaping into the wilderness isn't appeasing for Fish, who questions Charlie with disapproval. Who could blame him with the condition he appeared to be in. "I wouldn't go to the Capitol." Charlie nearly felt offended, maybe upper districts had it a little better, but district six wasn't all that bad. "I have a while before I can even consider it." The blue eyes gave a suttle roll trying to remember how old the baby of the household was. Really young that was for sure.

Even with leaving the water bottle and remaining rabbit, Fish doesn't fully trust yet. Once again, who could blame him. "That way." Point a bit north/west and the direction she always toke just by instincts. "But you won't get passed there with out me." Charlie warned before leaving, after all she was planning on coming back.

Now that they had made too much noise around this area, Charlie would have to search farther for some live prey. Possibly tonight will be more then rabbit and squirrels. It was still some where early and there would be several hours before the first ray of sunshine broke through the horizon, so there was time to go a bit farther. It toke ten minutes to silently go through the woods an entire mile, and with in an hour, with many breaks, she was a good three of four miles. Better things grew out here, like onion, root and carrots. Plus rabbits liked this area as well. Picking for some vegetables to seem healthy, she waited to spot anything.

It was completely unexpected but as Charlie quietly searched and gathered, a fox was curious to what she was doing. It was a relatively small one, compared to the mutt animals she'd seen before, but still a lot of weight. Vegetation must be striving now that it's warm out here, it's crazy to think the capitol missed out on so much land. At first the red coat and coy movements completely startled Charlie, until getting her head on straight to realize her potential at hand. Very slowly she reached for one of her knifes and in one swift moment toke out the fox. It was fast, but darted in the wrong direction, because the aim for the forehead simply landed in his stomach. It was the worst feeling no killing an animal on the first blow, even with how heartless Charlie may seem.

Quickly she went to finish the job and take the fox out of his misery, apologizing a few times before skinning to get the good meat into the game bag. This was exactly what she needed, and as soon as she was done began heading back to Fish. All in all it toke roughly three hours with the journey to and from, hunting as well as gathering.

It'd be no surprise if Fish would of fallen asleep by now, and as Charlie noticed the signs of arriving back to the location she began slowing down. She had never been outside of the fence with anyone else, but her guess was that she'd probably throw a knife if Fish surprised her out here. A few light whispers of "Fish", Charlie made her way over so they could make the risky trip inside of the district, making a little noise as she walked to warn him.

[Jack Lexington]

The girl is doing more for me than a lot of people have in my whole life without getting something back from me. After all food and water should not be underestimated. For me her directions are even more valuable though. I desperately need to find the civilization again because I'm in no shape to go hunting by myself.

While Charlie goes off to hunt some more game for her big family I enjoy the roasted meat she has left me and quench my thrist with the water from her canteen. I can't help but be thankful and like the girl for what she's done for me. It can't be my good looks that are attracting her like it had been the case when I was still roaming around the lower districts charming my way into girls hearts and beds.
Right now I look like a scarecrow, bony, pale and only half alive. The beard doesn't help a friendly approach either so she must simply be a kind person. Like Nitya. I miss her so much. oh how I wish I could hold my girl in my arms but I know that won't happen for a while because she needs to stay safe. My presence can only harm her right now.

With that in mind I lean my back against a tree and close my eyes.
I don't even realize that I've been asleep until I hear somebody whisper my nick name.
As soon as I notice that I've been sleeping I wake with a start, push myself to my feet way too quickly and look around. But my vision balcks out as soobn as my blood drops into my legs and I start swaying like a leaf in the breeze.
Finally my blood returns where it belongs and I see her blond hair. "You!"
Breathing a sigh of relieve I lean back on the tree clutching my chest. "Holy shit, I've fallen asleep."
She's dragging a skinned fox with her so I know her hunt was successful.
"Good job, is it time to go back now?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Clearly Charlie's preventive measures of not startling Fish didn't work because once she came across the startled skins & bones guy he was clearly on guard after dozing off. Now it was a bit more obvious of what condition he was in from the blood draining from his face and muscles like Jell-O. As long as Charlie could manage to get Fish to the cabin everything would work out, now the only trouble was doing it successfully. Truth be told she had never brought someone from an outside district, but it sure did sound risky and dangerous. Well only if caught of course. The only problem was the person she was sneaking in, how well he could be coy given the circumstance he was in.

"My bad," Charlie attempted her way of apologizing as she came into Fish's view. She wasn't sure what was exactly wrong with him but it seemed like her needed some serious medical attention. That's another huge task on its own, and one that Charlie would be unsuccessful at unless she brought in her younger brother. Either way he wouldn't get any form of a doctor unless he actually got into the district, so for now she had to concentrate on that.

Who knows, maybe Fish is more experienced then Charlie was giving him. He could possibly know his own way around, or at least how to figure it out. With everything going on currently Charlie didn't need a second task, but Fish was in no position for her to have the non-heart to abandon. She could at the very least get him into this cabin, take it from there.

"I can tell." Charlie commented to Fish falling asleep while she was a way. "Next time you should find a little hide-out maybe." She suggested in a joking tone, not wanting to sound mean. It was odd, usually Charlie was the first person to be mean, but Fish was too non-threatening to do so.

With nice game and a desire for slumber it was exactly time to go when Fish asked if that was the next move. "Sure is." Charlie informed gesturing her head towards the direction they were going before taking the lead. She was used to going fast, possibly even using trees to stay out of danger, but with Fish it had to all be on ground and slow. It was clear that he wasn't going to be fast, so she didn't even bother trying or asking for that matter. Tree after tree she followed the same cut path that brought her to where they encountered. Not soon enough, but eventually the tall large gate came into view. Charlie continued down the line of fence, staying covered by the forest and assuming Fish would know to follow. Sooner or later her special spot was found and they were nearly safe.

There was no loud hum as there always is when the fence is on. It was easy to predict when it'd be on though, during the reaping, when someone important is coming into the district, and of course when the Capitol feels threatened. The last reaping had just passed, and no one special was here. It's difficult to see but there was a loose spot that swung back to its place when not held open. Like a tiny door that was bendy and tight. Only a stronger pull was necessary for taller Fish to go in, Charlie had only created this escape thinking it was for herself and herself only.

Another long mile as it feels like, but hidden among tons of trees similar to outside the district was the abandon cabin her father used to work in. It gave her the creeps just looking at it; she had avoided this place since the departure of her Father to the DC. Just a few months had worn down the place quite a bit as well, or maybe her Father just never cared for it in the first place. "Welcome to your new home sweet home." Charlie sarcastically greeted as she pushed the front door open.

[Jack Lexington]

It takes me a moment to fully wake up and actually get up, which is a struggle. Once I stand and take a few breaths I'm okay though.

Soon I find myself following her lead. Why I trust her I'm not sure. Maybe it's because she doesn't look the ype who will rat me out. After all she wants something from me and I could easily tell somebody what she's doing beyond the fence. This girls simply doesn't look like a threat. Much more like a savior.

We follow a path that takes us back where we first met and then further towards district 6. I become pretty nervous once a tall gate came into view. This is it. The entrance to the district. Not that anybody is ever allowed to use it but it does exist and mark the border. It also increases my chance of being caught. My heart rate picks up leaving me panting even though we're walking slowly now.
"Wait a second. I need a moment." I wheeze behind her.


Slowly I follow her further down the fence until we reach a spot where there was a loose spot that swung back to its place. The hole is so small that I can barely squeeze trhough. I pull my head in but my jacket gets caught on the fence and I'm stuck. Instantly I feel trapped. If I stay like this for more than a few seconds I might be seen and that would be the end.
Struggling back and forth I tear on the jacket until I slip out of it revealing my shirt that still bears the bullet hole in it and what's left of the blood stains. It's a very sad reminder of what happened.
As quick as I can I free my jacket from the fence and pull it back on even though it's so warm today.


The last mile I'm merely dragging my feet. If it's much further I won't make it. By now I have to stop every few meters to catch my breath and I can taste that nasty copper taste on my tongue again.

"Welcome to your new home sweet home." I finally hear her say when we reach an old, abandoned cabin.
Barely making it inside I slump down on the floor in the corner and close my eyes.
"Holy shit." I curse but then remind myself that I should be thankful.
"Thanks for bringing me here. I really appreciate it."
I need a moment just to regain enough strength to offer her a smile.
"Not many people would do that. You have a big heart."