Kapitel 69: Thanks for everything

Jacob felt a strong push that threw him to the ground, but his exhaustion was such that he could barely focus his vision clearly. Sliding down a small slope covered in dirt and dry leaves, his vision became blurred as he tried to comprehend what was happening. Amidst the confusion, he managed to make out Foxface, who seemed to be searching for something on his body.

The fleeting thought that he was being robbed crossed Jacob's mind, but it quickly dissipated. Foxface was his ally; it didn't make sense for her to betray him like that. However, upon noticing the wounds covering the young woman's body, he understood the true reason for her desperate search. She was looking for something to help him, to save him.

"No, there's no time, you have to get out of here..."

"The Career tributes will be looking for us..."

"Please, save yourself..."

At that moment, Jacob tried to tell Foxface to flee, to leave him behind and go. He knew he was too weakened to carry on and that he would only be a burden to her. But his words were ignored by Foxface, who, with determination in her eyes, injected him with the antidote to the poison carried by the giant beast.

The cold liquid coursed through his body, providing a sensation of relief and renewal. Although his vision remained blurry, his mind began to gradually clear.

"Wait, what about you?"

Jacob saw Foxface move away in a completely different direction, leaving him behind. It was evident that she had decided to take another path to face the challenges that awaited them.

A mixture of gratitude and concern filled Jacob's heart as he watched his brave companion fade into the distance. He knew that he must now find the strength to continue on his own and face the dangers that still lurked in the dark and treacherous arena.

With deep sadness in his heart and a sense of helplessness overwhelming him, Jacob activated his Optical Camouflage Device. The small device started emitting signals and flashing lights, enveloping his body in a cloak of camouflage. The advanced technology allowed him to blend in with the surroundings, becoming practically invisible and making it difficult for his opponents to detect him.

Once the device was activated, Jacob remained motionless, firmly holding his weapon in his hand. The heaviness of exhaustion and physical weariness began to overwhelm him, enveloping him in a deep sleep that slowly took hold of his body. As fatigue overcame him, a metallic sound echoed in the air, the distinctive sound of a "pung" indicating the death of another tribute.

"I hope you're alright..."

...

The persistent rain fell upon the arena, mixing with the dense fog that spread throughout the area. Water droplets slid down the trees, forming puddles on the soaked ground. The air was filled with moisture, and a penetrating cold seeped through the drenched clothing.

The landscape was splattered with blood and the lifeless bodies of the mutated beasts that had been defeated in the fierce battle. Their twisted and mutilated corpses lay scattered on the ground, a grim evidence of the conflict that had taken place. The contrast of fresh blood with the rain that diluted it created a gloomy and sinister scene.

The constant sound of rain mixed with the echoes of muffled footsteps and whispers of the wind among the trees. Puddles expanded, forming small mirrors reflecting the prevailing darkness and confusion. The patter of drops falling on leaves and the ground created a melancholic symphony that resonated in the ears of those still conscious.

In the midst of that desolate scenery, the sound of water and trampled mud became the soundtrack of tragedy. The now red-tinged puddles were mute witnesses of the bloody and brutal battle that had been waged. Each step taken left imprints on the muddy ground, leaving a mark of the desperate struggle for survival.

As the rain and fog persisted, shrouding the arena in a somber veil, the environment transformed into a desolate and gloomy landscape. The combination of natural elements and the trail of death surrounding them created an oppressive and awe-inspiring atmosphere where life and hope seemed to fade beneath the relentless storm.

"Run, she went in that direction!" shouted Clove, who ran with difficulty while chasing a nimble and elusive figure.

Swoosh!

An arrow flew towards Clove, leaving a mark on her cheek. She felt her blood boiling; she could die at any moment because of that arrow.

"Where did you leave your partner?" Cato, covered in wounds, ran after Foxface, who advanced among the trees, trying to escape.

Cato and Clove, both injured but furious, chased after Foxface as she tried to escape through the soaked terrain. With each step, her ragged breath resonated in the air. However, in a moment of carelessness, her feet got tangled in a mound of loose soil, and she fell to the ground with a dull thud.

Cato, who had caught up with Foxface first, approached quickly. Instead of attacking her immediately, he decided to gather information.

"Where is Jacob?" Clove asked urgently, her gaze fixed on Foxface. Foxface, still breathless and with desperation in her eyes, didn't respond. Her lips trembled as she struggled to find the right words.

"Forget it, I'll take care of killing her."

Furious at Foxface's resistance, Clove approached swiftly with a knife in hand. She was ready to finish her off once and for all. However, before she could carry out her attack, Foxface scooped up a handful of mud from the ground and threw it directly at Clove's face. The mud splattered, covering her face and obscuring her vision.

"Ahhh!"

Taking advantage of Clove's momentary confusion, Foxface pounced on her with determination. Despite her injuries and the pain coursing through her body, she managed to stab Clove twice in the side before Cato intervened. With a precise kick, Cato knocked down Foxface and quickly impaled her stomach with his sword.

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

Breathing heavily, Cato approached Clove, who lay on the ground bleeding profusely. With effort, he helped her to her feet, holding her gently. Both injured but determined to survive, they supported each other as they slowly made their way back to the Cornucopia.

"Hoo..."

As Foxface advanced slowly, clutching her bloody stomach, she felt overwhelmed by the harsh reality of her situation. Although she had chosen to trust Katniss and had fought bravely, the consequences of her actions now caught up with her relentlessly.

Each step became more painful, and the tears mingling with the rain on her face reflected the internal torment she was experiencing. Despite her apparent calm and faint smile, she knew her body was slowly succumbing to the mortal wound in her stomach. Life was slipping away from her with each ragged breath.

As her steps grew more unsteady and her vision blurred, Foxface clung to the memories of her brief but meaningful connection with Jacob and the other tributes. Although their time together had been short, they had shared moments of camaraderie and trust that had filled her with a sense of belonging and purpose.

However, she now faced her final destiny. Despite the hope she had experienced, her wounded and weakened body constantly reminded her of the inevitability of her imminent death. Farewell words and feelings of gratitude and affection towards her companions filled her mind as her strength dwindled with each step.

In the midst of the rain and fog, Foxface struggled to maintain her composure as she leaned her body against a tree. Though physical pain and weakness consumed her, she tried to keep a spark of bravery and assurance alive, knowing her family was watching. She knew her time was running out, but her spirit refused to surrender before making it clear to people that she was not a girl who ran in fear.

"Mom, Dad, I'm sorry..."

With tears mingling with the rain and the sound of her own weak heartbeat echoing in her ears, Foxface slowly closed her eyes. Though life slipped away from her, she found solace in having fought with honor and having shared fleeting yet meaningful moments with those she now left behind.

"Survive, Jacob and Katniss..." Foxface murmured before ceasing to breathe.

Thunk!