Chapter Ten

 
The following day Xander died.

On the seventh: Porter.

On the eight day, the anthem turned on, and only Minke's face popped up into the sky. I completely forgot about him. All that was on my mind at the moment was Shia and Fara. And how there was only five left. And three of them were some of my closest friends.

I still hadnt asked Ana or Water what went on that day. In fact, I had been leaving to go collect berries and such. I had seen a few deer or whatever, but had been much to preoccupied to try and kill one, let alone have to bring it back to camp. We had food, and I frequently went back to our old camp to get water, so we were good. And I decided not to press the death of Water's best friend. It was Ana who decided to come to me. It was around eleven at night, and I was up keeping watch, when Ana sat down next to me.

"Plaite killed her. Not Shia." I didnt speak. "He and I were making the fire, and Plaite took the girls to get water. I heard her scream, but Rhanona wasnt hit until she was back at camp. Plaite shot her with his bow and arrow..." I didnt say anything. After a moments pause, she continued, "Shia seemed surprised. I dont think he was in on their plan. Plaite aimed at Water, and Shia jumped on him. He killed him. And then ran away...Then you came back all bloody..."

I heard her sobs before I saw them. I had pointedly been facing forward, unable to look at Ana and tell her that I actually killed Kaulke. But when she cried I turned to her. I pulled her into a tight hug, wrapping my arms around her and treating her like a baby. I closed my eyes.

We stayed like that for a few minutes. And when I opened my eyes I saw Fara, just standing there, a couple yards away, watching us. Our eyes locked, and as if in slow motion, she shot her bow - which had been at the ready.

I was prepared to die. I really was. Zione could be sent to distant relatives. He was young, probably would only vaguely remember me. My friends wouldnt care, because they'll all be dead. Gale would only be sad because he'd loose that presdigious title of 'The Last Mentor.' The Capitol Resistance would care for only a moment before trying to steal Zione to use as the new face. I was completely ready. I could care less if I was shot in the heart.

But then I remembered Ana sat between me and the oncoming arrow. I pulled away from my best friend in the whole wide world, and tried to move her. But it was to no avail. Within second, Fara's weapon was lodged in the middle of her chest. It missed her heart. It missed everything, and she was alive. In pain. My eyes welled with tears as I took off my jacket, wrapping it around the shaft of the arrow. I knew i shouldnt pull it out. It would only cause her to bleed out.

In my worry over Anastasi, Fara had marched over. She was standing above me when she finally spoke. "Dont worry, Snow. I'll come back for you later. Just thought it'd be fun to watch you cry on national television when I win."

I had half a mind to attack her, but I had to spend Ana's last moments with her, not the enemy. So I grabbed her hand.

"Ana. Please. Please dont die."

Gently, Ana took her hand from mine. I watched as an accusing look came across her face. "She was...Fara was there...you saw her...I was your shield..."

"What?! No, Ana. I was trying to get you out of the way! Please!"

"Liar. It was...your plan...your plan all-" she coughed up blood. I lurched at the sight of my beautiful friend dying, blood staining her pretty blonde hair. She had the blonde hair I always wanted. I always wanted to be her.

When i was little, my parents would travel. They would go everywhere. I always wanted to go with. But i wasnt allowed. So when I met Anastasia - who went with her parents everywhere they went (and they were both escorts, so they went everywhere) - I was delighted. I had someone my own age who could tell me stories of the fun family vacations. Of the people she met. The adventures. Slowly, it evolved into a great friendship. A friendship I think I might have died without. She was my confidant. I loved her like a twin.

And now she was accusing me of trying to off her. I cried more, collapsing next to her body. The blood oozing from her slowly spread towards me, but I couldnt move. I could only wallow in her words.

"all...all along. I hate ..." I was dreading it. "I hate...you...Mick...ie...Snow."

She told me she hated me with her dying breath. She was dead. The cannon sounded and I let out a ripping cry. I fell asleep that way and when I woke up Ana was gone and there was a parachute by my hand. I left it there for a while, knowing it was Gale saying 'I told you so' some how, and curled up next to where Ana's body had been.

I heard Water call for me a few minutes later and I stood, grabbing the parachute as I went. I tossed it to Water when I approached her.

"What's in it?" I questioned, grabbing a water bottle and washing off my hands. The little brunette hadnt seen them yet. She nodded, opened the can, and grumbled.

"Just a bunch of ... um ... things in plastic..." She trailed off. I turned towards her, blushing when I saw the stack of condoms in her hand. I dropped the water, snatching them from her. 12 of them.

"I dont get it... I did nothing! I literally sat there until they let me out. Gale, why'd they give me a 12?"

"To make others hate you,"

I glared at them before dropping them. "Pack up the stuff, Kay?" Water gave me a funny look before nodding and shoving everything into my backpack. I grabbed it from her, throwing it on my back. I roughly grabbed her hand and had to pull her from our camp.

"Where's Ana?" she whined, trying to stop me. My eyes watered again and I looked away. But somehow I couldnt tell her the truth; that Fara had been here. That that she-devil killed my best friend to spite me. Water could be next, and she'd freak.

"She ... Killed herself, Water. I tried to stop her, but she said it was probably for the best," I lied through my teeth. Water looked at me with her big eyes and believed me, nodding and jogging to catch up.

We'd been walking for two hours straight when I heard Shia's voice, shouting at me. Instinctivly I grabbed Water's hand tighter and pulled her forward. We darted around a tree just as Fara's arrow shot by. Up ahead I saw a large wall. The wall leading to the Capitol. I glanced to see Fara was still coming, and then I pulled Water forward. We made it to the maze of the alleys and had just hidden when we heard Fara's heels click on the paved roads.

After ten minutes, her footsteps had drifted off and we emerged, relieved. We both trooped into the Center, glanced for Fara, and when we didnt see her, we crossed to the safest place - the Cornucopia. It's walls gave protection against Fara's eyesight. And I bet there's a bunch of weapons still in there. Water ran ahead to try and find food while i walked slowly, trying to regain my breath.

We were unfortunate. Fara let out a murder cry, then ran forward - leaping nimbly over crates and boxes. I glanced at her, and pelted for Water. But the little girl had no protection, and my friendship with her is probably what killed her.

Water died. Instantly, I hope, because as soon as Fara's arrow wedge itself in Water's small chest, a cannon sounded. And i tripped over my own feet trying to reach her. But as soon as I was over her, I cried, letting out my own scream. It mingled with my tears and was muffled when I leaned over her body.

At least she didnt say words telling me she hated me. I hoped she loved me. But the suspicion on her face when I told her Ana was dead. I never thought one could change their minds as quickly, but Ana... Just the though of my former bff killed me inside and i hardly heard Farra approach, ready to strike me dead.

I heard a pounding of feet, and had just glanced over my shoulder to see Shia barrel into my enemy. He brandished a knife and had a fist fight with Fara. I was so shocked, my eyes wide and hurt, that I did nothing to help him. It felt like hours but was probably only seconds before Fara straddled him, aiming a knife at him. We locked eyes for a moment before she took the fatal blow.

And i sat there, rigid. I had nothing left. A few relatives here or there that I've never met. Zione. That was it. I will be alone.