Last Steps

Inside the cave, time passed slowly as Jacob and Katniss struggled to recover from their wounds. The atmosphere was gloomy and damp, with the distant echo of rain still persisting outside. The faint light of the torches dimly illuminated the space, casting dancing shadows on the rock walls.

Every hour that passed was crucial for both of them, aware that they needed to be in top shape to face the remaining two professionals. Although the task was risky, they took comfort in knowing that both Cato and Clove were equally or even more injured than they were. That small advantage provided them with a spark of hope amidst the uncertainty.

Jacob and Katniss took care of each other, tending to their wounds with care and utilizing the scarce medical resources at their disposal. The sharp pain and discomfort were constant, but they refused to let it stop them. They focused on healing as quickly as possible, aware that time was against them.

While resting, they exchanged looks filled with determination and complicity. They communicated without words, sharing a deep understanding and mutual trust that had strengthened throughout their arduous journey in the Hunger Games. Together, they had overcome countless obstacles and survived life-threatening situations, and now they were ready to face any challenge that came their way.

Hours passed, and gradually they began to feel the effects of rest and treatment on their wounds. Energy slowly returned to their exhausted bodies, and although they were not yet at one hundred percent, they felt strong enough to face the next battle.

The silence in the cave was occasionally interrupted by the whisper of the wind and the constant dripping of water seeping through the cracks in the rock. In those moments of calm, Jacob and Katniss took the opportunity to review their strategies and hone their skills. They sharpened their weapons, reinforced their determination, and mentally prepared themselves for the final confrontation.

As time passed, the cave became a temporary sanctuary, a refuge where they could recharge their strength and find solace in each other amid the harsh reality of the Hunger Games. Even if only for a brief moment, the weight of their situation seemed to lessen, allowing them to find a respite in the darkness.

With each passing hour, Jacob and Katniss drew closer to their ultimate goal: victory and survival. Together, they were determined to face any challenge and do everything in their power to secure their future. In the cave, surrounded by shadows and slowly healing wounds, they forged their determination and prepared for the impending confrontation.

At one point, Jacob decided to break the silence and said, "I entered these games with the purpose of seeking a dramatic death, although I never admitted it, that was my real intention. I thought, at that moment when you volunteered to save your sister, that maybe I could be of help, I wanted you to win from the very beginning."

"Jacob, you..." Katniss rose slightly from where she was sitting and approached Jacob, holding his hands, trying to alleviate his state of mind.

But Jacob, right now, wanted to be honest at least one more time with Katniss and everyone who could hear him. "As a child, I never learned to love myself. I was always a foolish idiot seeking attention and love from my parents. I complained and tortured myself for feeling different, without knowing that I was the different one."

"I was born different from my twin brother. Now that I think about it, I wasn't a good brother, a good son. I should have been grateful for being given life and being fed without asking for anything in return." Jacob, with his slanted eyes, murmured words that no one could hear: "Yes, I killed the boy who was beating up my brother. If it hadn't been in that alley, I would have done it somewhere else with much more violence. That was just a coincidence..."

With all those wounds on his body, it was unlikely that Jacob could win the games. At least right now, as he felt, he knew he didn't have that possibility. Now, he had forgotten what would happen to him if he died in this place. Would he return to his original world or simply sink into silent darkness?

Was he being a pitiful child once again? He had forgotten. Right now, he and Katniss are just kids. Since he arrived in this world, Jacob didn't search for anything in particular. If he joined a group of rebels, it was purely by coincidence, not because he sought it himself. But now, if he survives, of course, he will do his best to change that.

"Katniss, if someone has to live, it's you..." Jacob was interrupted by Katniss at the last moment.

"No, neither of us is going to die. You still have to live your life and discover the good moments that you can find by living," Katniss said, even if she deceived herself with those words.

"I know, but if even so..."

"Don't say that. We've healed so many wounds not to survive..." Katniss said, "Jacob, I don't even want to talk about it."

"Then, tell me how your leg is..." Jacob straightened up and asked Katniss about her most important injury.

"It's fine, the medicine the sponsors sent is more than efficient to heal the wound. It's just a matter of time before I can move with ease." Katniss smiled slightly.

...

The next day.

"How much time do you think we have until the Gamemakers force us to come together?" Jacob asked with a mix of curiosity and concern in his voice.

Katniss ponders for a moment, trying to calculate the situation. Her eyes wander over the landscape, contemplating the tranquility that seems to prevail at that moment. Then she responds with some resignation, "Well, considering our ally died almost a day ago, it's likely that the audience has had enough time to place bets and get bored. I suppose it could happen at any moment."

Silence takes hold of the place as both of them process the idea of having to face the other two remaining tributes. Uncertainty and tension hang in the air.

Katniss, staring at the horizon, continues, "Yes, I have a feeling it will be today. I wonder how the Gamemakers will do it. Will it be an official announcement? Will they personally come looking for us?"

Jacob remains silent, unable to find a suitable answer. The situation in the Hunger Games is as unpredictable as it is dangerous, and the methods used by the Gamemakers are a mystery to them.

"Well, until that happens, there's no point in wasting a day of hunting," says Katniss with determination. "However, we should take the opportunity to eat as much as possible and be prepared in case we run into trouble."

The need to stay nourished and prepared for any eventuality becomes evident. Both of them know that survival in the arena depends on their cunning and physical strength. Katniss stands up and begins to examine the available supplies, seeking a way to ensure they have enough food to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Meanwhile, time marches on relentlessly. The uncertainty of what is to come weighs on the minds of Jacob and Katniss, but they have no choice but to continue with their survival strategy. Together, they are determined to do everything possible to stay alive and protect each other until the end.