he thinks itˇs the safest place； who am I to argue？ Besides； even if I could make it to the trees； it would be impossible for Peeta to outrun them on that leg � Peeta！ My hands have just landed on the metal at the pointed tail of the Cornucopia when I remember Iˇm part of a team。 Heˇs about fifteen yards behind me； hobbling as fast as he can； but the mutts are closing in on him fast。 I send an arrow into the pack and one goes down； but there are plenty to take its place。
Peetaˇs waving me up the horn； ¨Go； Katniss！ Go！〃
Heˇs right。 I canˇt protect either of us on the ground。 I start climbing； scaling the Cornucopia on my hands and feet。 The pure gold surface has been designed to resemble the woven horn that we fill at harvest； so there are little ridges and seams to get a decent hold on。 But after a day in the arena sun； the metal feels hot enough to blister my hands。
Cato lies on his side at the very top of the horn； twenty feet above the ground； gasping to catch his breath as he gags over the edge。 Nowˇs my chance to finish him off。 I stop midway up the horn and load another arrow； but just as Iˇm about to let it fly； I hear Peeta cry out。 I twist around and see heˇs just reached the tail； and the mutts are right on his heels。
¨Climb！〃 I yell。 Peeta starts up hampered by not only the leg but the knife in his hand。 I shoot my arrow down the throat of the first mutt that places its paws on the metal。 As it dies the creature lashes out； inadvertently opening gashes on a few of its panions。 Thatˇs when I get a look at the claws。 Four inches and clearly razor…sharp。
Peeta reaches my feet and I grab his arm and pull him along。 Then I remember Cato waiting at the top and whip around； but heˇs doubled over with cramps and apparently more pr