บท 59: A farewell

The cave in which Katniss and the others take refuge is dark and damp. Its entrance is framed by steep rocks covered in moss, which seem to have withstood the test of time. The interior of the cave is spacious, with a high ceiling dripping water from the stalactites that adorn it.

As they enter the cave, the group hurries to light some lanterns they had brought with them. The flicker of light illuminates the space, revealing rough and bare walls formed by layers of sedimentary rock dating back to ancient times.

The cave floor is uneven and covered in dirt and small loose stones. In some corners, puddles of water form, reflecting the faint light of the lanterns. Drops of water constantly fall from the ceiling, creating a rhythmic and comforting sound amidst the silence.

The air in the cave is cool and slightly humid, imbued with the earthy smell of soil and moisture. As the lanterns further illuminate the space, small markings can be seen on the walls, evidence of the presence of other living beings that have found refuge in this cave in the past.

Katniss and the others find a secure spot in a corner of the cave, where they sit on the ground and lean against the rough walls. The light from the lanterns provides them with a sense of safety and warmth amidst the oppressive darkness.

As they settle in, the cave becomes their makeshift shelter, a place where they can rest and recover before facing the dangers that await them in the arena. Despite its inhospitable appearance, the cave offers a temporary respite, a brief pause in the relentless struggle for survival.

Katniss looks around, taking in the image of the cave. She can feel the tension in the air, but also the determination in the eyes of her companions. They know they must remain alert and prepared for any eventuality, but for now, in this corner of the cave, they can find a moment of rest and a glimpse of hope in the darkness.

Once they relaxed, Katniss begins to check Jacob's body for lethal wounds, but apart from some scratches, she finds nothing more. His blow to the head wasn't too strong; he bled a little, but it wasn't alarming.

"He doesn't have any serious injuries, but his body is very cold..." Katniss became increasingly nervous.

Thresh, after placing Rue's body aside, approached Jacob and closely examined those scratches. Immediately, he noticed that those small wounds were turning increasingly purple.

"Poison?" Thresh asked, looking at Katniss.

"Impossible, last time..." Katniss fell silent. Could it be possible that the beast could poison with its claws?

"What antidote do we have?"

Desperate, Katniss frantically searches for an antidote to save Jacob from the lethal snake bite. Her hands shake among the scarce provisions they have in the cave, inspecting bottles and bandages in search of something that can counteract the venom.

In the midst of her search, Foxface approaches Katniss, wearing a concerned expression on her face. She murmurs, "I have some medicines; maybe they can help." However, filled with anguish, Katniss shakes her head and replies, "No, that won't be enough. We need something more powerful to counteract this lethal venom."

Tension fills the cave as Katniss desperately looks at Jacob, whose condition worsens with every passing minute. Helplessness and fear reflect in Katniss's eyes as she struggles to find a solution.

Just when hope seems to fade away, a parachute suddenly descends at the cave entrance. Katniss and the others rush to open it and find three syringe-like injections clearly marked as the antidote they desperately need.

Katniss takes the letter and reads, "The beast is venomous; its claws contain the venom. You must avoid it at all costs."

A flash of relief crosses Katniss's eyes as she takes one of the injections in her trembling hands. Without wasting a second, she administers the antidote to Jacob, feeling the urgency with each passing second. After injecting it, she embraces Jacob's weak body, trying to convey warmth and breath.

The effect of the antidote is not immediate, but gradually, Katniss feels Jacob's pulse grow stronger, and his breathing becomes more regular. The tension in the cave slowly dissipates as everyone watches with hope the rebirth of Jacob.

Katniss holds Jacob in her arms, feeling profound relief and gratitude for the parachute that delivered the antidote in their most critical moment. Physical closeness and human warmth become a source of comfort for both, reminding them that they are not alone in this ruthless fight for survival.

While embracing Jacob, Katniss can't help but fill her thoughts with determination and a renewed sense of purpose. Now more than ever, she is determined to fight for her life and the lives of her companions. This experience has ignited the fire of her inner rebellion, and she knows they must overthrow the Capitol and free the districts from their oppression.

Once again, the cave becomes a temporary refuge in the midst of the storm. But this time, there is a glimmer of hope burning in the hearts of Katniss and the others, propelling them to keep fighting, resisting, and defying the imposed destiny upon them.

...

An hour later, Thresh, with a look filled with sadness and anger, leaves the cave and searches for a suitable place to dig a hole to bury Rue. His strong hands grip the shovel firmly as he delves into the earth, digging with a steady but measured pace. Each strike of the shovel is a tribute to Rue's memory, a way to honor her bravery and sacrifice.

Katniss and Foxface silently watch as Thresh works. Tears run down Katniss' cheeks, mingling with the dirt on her face. Anger burns in her eyes, a fire fueled by the injustice of Rue's death. Foxface, though she didn't know Rue, maintains a respectful silence, understanding the pain that engulfs her companions.

When the hole is finished, Thresh carefully places Rue's body in her final resting place. The earth closes over her, sealing her memory in a sacred spot. Thresh kneels beside the freshly dug grave, paying his own tribute to the young ally who was taken from his side.

Katniss and Foxface approach Thresh, sharing the weight of the loss. They form a circle, united in grief and respect for the life lost. Words are unnecessary in that moment. The three of them look at each other with a mixture of sadness, gratitude, and determination.

With a lump in her throat, Katniss raises her right hand to her lips and extends it toward Rue's grave, pointing it to the sky. The three-finger salute is captured by the cameras, and then Katniss clenches her hand into a fist. Though tears continue to flow down her cheeks, her gaze fills with determination.

"We will remember you, Rue." Katniss whispers with a choked voice. "Your bravery will not be forgotten. We will fight for you and for all who have fallen."

Thresh and Foxface join the gesture, giving the three-finger salute to the sky. It is a silent oath, a promise to continue the fight and seek justice in a merciless world.

With heavy hearts, the three separate from Rue's grave and walk away, carrying her memory and the spirit of resistance back to the cave. Though the pain remains present with every step they take, they also feel a spark of determination burning within them, fueled by Rue's courage and sacrifice.

Foxface was initially afraid of these people, thinking they would kill her as soon as she let her guard down, but she soon realized this wasn't the case. They are not enemies; they are simply forced to be in this devil's game.

Boom! Boom!

Suddenly, two cannon shots are heard in the distance, indicating that two more participants have died.