tell the trees ; aspen & nora

Sleeping is still a struggle for me. At the very least, I don't fight it when I start to doze off come sunset. Reece takes the first watch, and Nora offers to go second, followed by Willa. That means a full night's sleep for me, more or less. They don't need me until morning, everything is fine, I can close my eyes and dream of pretty things. Definitely not sharp teeth and claws.

A couple hours later, I'm blinking in the dim light. Because of course. I groan, annoyed at myself more than anything, tired to my core but still charged with adrenaline. I stay still for a moment, willing myself to pass back out, but all of my senses come to life. It's time to go, much as I try to convince my brain it's entirely not time to go.

I sigh, sitting up and scanning the area until I see who's currently watching over our camp. It's Nora, quiet and still as a flower in the field. I rub my hand across my face, knowing that I definitely deserve the scolding I'm going to get. I had one job, and it was to get some rest, and now I'm rising to my feet and walking over to the ally I know the least.

"Um, I think I slept as long as I'm going to. I'll take over now." My arms are crossed over my chest, a cool breeze blowing around us. The burning of my cut only bothers me if I think about it, so I pay it no mind. "For Willa, too. I'm honestly all good to go from here." I scratch my nose awkwardly, quietly swearing when I remember it's still healing.

In my defense, it's easy to forget.

"Or, uh, I can just hang out? I need something to do." Without invitation, I lower myself to the ground, sitting down beside her. "Seen any monsters in the lake?" I fidget, not really sure what to say, or do. There's a particularly annoying thread on my shirt I can't stop pulling on. Maybe that's a metaphor. Maybe I like to ruin things. Sheesh.

Talk about bleak.

Not that I've been trying particularly hard, but I find it difficult to get a read on Nora. I know enough to feel confident that I'll do what I can to protect her, as long as I'm able, but it kind of fizzles out from there. She's kind, and careful with her words, and I'm not sure what to do with that. She's just another tribute. Her life probably sucks more than mine does.

I wonder if that's what bothers me.

That it doesn't seem to phase her.

Maybe there's something to learn between war and peace.

"Don't feel like you have to stay, but... I wouldn't mind."

The stars shine gently, and they burn.