The crisp night air stung Christian's throat as he squinted into the darkness in search of his brother. It was cold, nothing compared to the land that was his home after that event, but certainly enough to send a shiver down his spine. They couldn't risk a fire after all, not while they were so close to the district.
The district… He was going to have to split with his brother and go his own way soon. This part of the plan made him nervous. He didn't really want to leave the easily distracted Australian alone in a place like this. Or was that unsettled feeling more connected to a fear that something might happen to himself? He wasn't sure.
His thoughts were cut short by something eight-legged and hairy suddenly dropping onto his shoulder. He stifled a yelp and the spider was flung off in a series of ungraceful flailing movements.
"Jack you munter," he hissed as his brother dissolved into fits of laughter behind him, "what part of 'being stealthy' do you not understand?"
"Obviously enough to creep on you," Jack said, his grin visible even in the dim moonlight, "you needa lighten up mate."
Christian shook his head and muttered something about high-maintenance idiots. How Jack could act like some five year old in a situation like this was beyond him.
"Chrissy," Christian glared at the use of the nickname, "We'll be right. We just gotta waltz in there, wait 'till the signal and waltz right out again."
"You're forgetting the part where 'there' is a bloodthirsty fight to the death," said Christian grumpily.
"Ehh, details aren't my strong point," Jack waved a dismissive hand in front of his face, "we're strong, we'll cope."
Silence fell upon the two and for a moment Jack's expression betrayed worry.
"Christia-"
"You're right," Christian said quietly, eyes trained on the ground.
Jack blinked.
"Details aren't your strong your strong point," Christian pointed to the ant nest that Jack was standing on, "I think there's one on your leg."
Jack just laughed, much to Christian's irritation, though he did step away from the nest rather quickly. Christian glanced up at the moon, he really did need to get moving. Jack seemed to sense what he was thinking as his smile became strained.
"You better get to eight safely," He said, "I can't go in without me' backup can I?"
"I'll be fine Jack. You're starting to sound like Alf-" Christian caught himself before he finished the name, but Jack winced anyway.
"Like Alfred used too," Jack's grin had turned into a solemn grimace, "It really did used to drive big bro nuts huh. "
"Jack.…"
Jack shook his head and looked up at his brother, mouth set in a determined line.
"We're doing this for them," he said firmly, "We can't let them down."
Christian smiled grimly and shook his head, "We won't."
"I'll see you in the games." It wasn't a question.
"In the games," Christian agreed.
Without another word Christian turned and left, leaving Jack to make his own way into district twelve. Maybe they'd both be fine, he thought as stepped carefully through the night.
Vengeance was a powerful motivator after all.
It's finally up! If you've read the old story, lemme know If you like the new style. I have actually already completed three chapters, but I'll lay off on updating to give me time to write more before I get bogged down with work.
Also, I've been considering cross-posting this onto A03, but I guess I'll decide on that later.
Anyway, I'll see you next chapter, Enjoy!