Katniss is only being kind, trying to show her companions comfort in this trying time. However, she can see that her kindness is met with trepidation. The stallion is weary of her and while she wishes he would trust a little easier, she cannot blame him. He does not know her. He does not understand that she has only ever hurt someone in the wake of battle. Never has she tricked another into doing something potentially harmful.
She looks down to the water, hearing the warning tone as he offers her to be the first to test the waters. She knows to be cautious for she has seen what pools in The Rift are capable of. But this isn’t the Rift. This place is different and albeit safer. She can sense that these pools are nothing more than heated water from the earth’s core.
Eyes watch as Isra steps forward, dipping her horn into the waters and watching as if she might be afraid that acid would dissolve it away. What did this place harbor that forced those living here to feel as though they must question everyone and everything? What had happened here?
At her words, Katniss blinks her eyes, her focus back on the small pool of warm water. She stares at it for a moment before she looks to Lysander, her gaze almost threatening. She lowers her head to sip from the warm water, her gaze never leaving his. She is daring him, daring him to finally trust her. The water is warm and it warms her body from the inside out. Nothing burns her throat, her body does not cease, her lungs continue to breathe. She is still very much alive, despite how much he might think this pool will harm her.
Her eyes only leave his as Isra enters the pool. Perhaps he trusted Isra. Perhaps now he might see that this pool is not harmful and perhaps even, he might be one step closer to building trust with the black mare. “Surely now you can see that it is quite safe.” She looks back to the pool her body slowly following suit and following Isra into the spring. She settles there until the water is just over the top of her back. Her head is still high above the water and the warm is soothing. The warmth eases her cold and sore muscles while the heated air around them fills her lungs with warm moisture. It is a heavenly feeling. “I do not mean any of you harm. Perhaps in time you can see that.” She speaks truth. She will never harm another if it is unwarranted. She takes her fights to the battlefield, not a secluded spring.
It is only Isra’s voice that draws away her eyes. She has heard many stories of places that she speaks of. She thinks of each of her homes, each of the places she had worked so hard to rebuild and yet…all failed anyway. Perhaps Katniss is mistrusting of lands because none of them have ever shown her a kindness. Each one has harbored ill memories and yet buried deep, each one has a few good memories. “…and what is your story?” Thunder rumbles through the cave, the sound echoing and near deafening. Lightning still strikes above and Katniss raises her eyes to look towards the flashes. She does not feel safe here. This is not Utopia. This place is deceiving…
@Lysander @Isra
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