Kim Tembo

Kim Tembo is a supporting character in the first season of HBO's The Last of Us. She is a in a post-apocalyptic that had been ravaged by the . She is affiliated with and the in the .
== Biography ==
=== Background ===
Prior to 2023, Kim grew discontent with living under and the 's rule in the quarantine zones, deciding to join Marlene and the Fireflies. She hoped to find a cure for the with the group.
Over the years, she grew in rank, becoming the leader of a cell unit in the Boston quarantine zone, where she orchestrated attacks on military convoys and checkpoints in the summer of 2023. She is also tasked with monitoring and keeping her safe.
=== Events of HBO's The Last of Us ===
By the summer of 2023, Kim's attitude towards her cause is strained. Under orders from Marlene, she had ordered several attacks across Boston, leading to four of their members dying. Angered, she confronts Marlene in their briefing room, angered Marlene is withholding information about the girl Ellie. Marlene has Kim's deputies dismissed and reveals that Ellie is genetically immune to Cordyceps, and Kim pledges to do what she can to help.
The next day, the arrives to trade Kim and Marlene a car battery. However, it is revealed to a be a fake, leading Kim's unit to attack Robert's group, ending with only Kim and Marlene left alive. Marlene is left with a wound to her abdomen and Kim's right ear is severed by a bullet. While Kim helps Marlene back up, fellow smugglers and break into the hideout to find Robert. Upon hearing Marlene offer to have Joel transport Ellie to the Fireflies rendezvous at the State House, Kim challenges her, insisting on moving the girl herself, but Marlene points out that she is in no condition for such a task. Kim reluctantly allows Joel and Tess to leave with Ellie.HBO's The Last of Us episode 1: "When You're Lost in the Darkness"
== Appearance ==
Kim has short hair, wears a white short-sleeved shirt, dark pants, and boots, and keeps a loaded Colt pistol on her person. After a shootout with Robert's crew, the exterior of her right ear is mangled by a bullet, permanently compromising her hearing.
== Personality ==
Kim is headstrong, demonstrating a willingness to challenge Marlene when she feels it to be necessary. She also has a strong commitment to the Fireflies' cause and is idealistic.
== Relationships ==
=== Marlene ===
Kim serves under Marlene's leadership and is loyal towards her. However, her loyalty can be strained, notably expressing doubt when Marlene kept withholding information about Ellie towards her. Once Marlene told her about Ellie's immunity, Kim's loyalty was fully restored.
== Behind the scenes ==
* Kim is portrayed by Zambian-Canadian actress Natasha Mumba. Rumors of the character initially spread after the actress added a credit for "Kim Tembo" to her Instagram bio.
== Gallery ==
Marlene injured TV.jpg|Kim with an injured .
Marlene talking.jpg|Kim talking to Marlene.
== References ==
Category:HBO's The Last of Us characters
Category:Members of the Fireflies (HBO series)