A/N: Thanks to mangesboy01 for reviewing the last chapter! :)

Somewhat coincidentally, this oneshot was sent in by mangesboy01. I hope you all enjoy today's chapter :)

"It's such a shame for us to part."

- Chris Martin, 2002.

The 4th Annual Hunger Games

Dione Orabel (17), District 4 Female (placing 4th)

Coldplay - The Scientist (2002)

The bloodbath was utter chaos, which Fraser prepared us for. His words still sing in my head as though I just heard them a few minutes ago rather than days. The cornucopia will be in turmoil, Dione and Lach. So watch your backs and more importantly trust no one.

Four days of trailing behind the others has made the last line of advice flash in front of my eyes constantly, like shooting stars in the night sky. Our alliance with Boian and Camilla, the two tributes from District 2, was arranged by our mentors Fraser and Augustus. Sure it was a bit shaky at the beginning, but that was to be expected. This year was first year of the alliance between the Districts 2 and 4, of course it would have its bump at the start.

For the past four days, our alliance has worked well together. Taking down any tributes we catch in the marshes or the plains. Its day four and we're already down to twelve remaining tributes; eight others besides Camila, Boian, Lach and I. I'm unsure as to who all is left though. The boy from Ten I know. His face is one I won't forget. The way it contorted with disguise as he pulled a knife out of the girl from District 3's back.

It was Lach who killed her. He didn't earn that eleven in training for his dashing looks, I tell myself. And with such a high score as an eleven came a huge target on my district partners back. He was the greatest threat in these Games. Even I would rather face off against Camila or Boian rather than Lach. At least I scored the same as them: a nine. Overall, I would be an even battle.

As we tread along the marsh, my feet sink into the soft, mucky sand. I hear Camilla and Boian whispering so decide to slow down my pace. Lach is already too far ahead to hear. He's the one leading us through this marsh day and night. Can't he take a break? I know he's the so-called designated leader of this alliance. But, I sigh as my jealousy rages inside of me, taking over my current thoughts.

I've tried day and night to stand in my own spotlight, but all I ever tend to see is Lach's shadow. He outshined me in the reapings, training, the private session, and scores. The only time my spotlight came was at the interviews, and it wasn't because I said intelligent words or came across as intimidating. It was because my dress was so translucent that there was nothing left for the imagination. Nothing.

My stylists said Fraser agreed with the idea, said it would help with my image. What image? Being known as the girl with no morals? All I know is that no tribute before me had worn such a revealing dress. Plus, it wasn't like my cascading blonde hair could hide my nakedness, as my stylists constricted it up into a bun. He said he didn't want my beautiful locks stealing any attention away from his masterpiece. Since when do you call a thin bed sheet a masterpiece?

That night I was known as the girl who waited to show her assets at the interview rather than the private session. The label still sticks today. I know so by the way Boian's eyes scan me. As if hoping my training outfit will just magically appear as thin as my gown the night of the interviews. I'll never live that day down. Never.

Though, sadly the interview wasn't the worst part. The worst was the encounter that came after. An encounter with my mentor Fraser. The moment still bleeds in my mind, turning all my innocent thoughts red.

"Why did you make me wear that?" I scream, my voice cracking through the tears. My eyeliner has smeared and it now runs down my face in thick, black globs.

"It will all make sense later," says Fraser coolly.

"How…how the hell does it make sense Fraser?"

"When you come back I'll tell you, deal?" says Fraser, his hand extending.

"No, you'll tell me now!" I insist, slapping away his hand. Anger now surging up in my chest. "Why do you insist on making me look like a fool and Lach a god! Why are you screwing over my chances to win?"

"I didn't make you look like a fool Dione," he says softly, "You just have different skills than Lach."

"And what skill might that be!" I glare at him, through the black lumps of makeup. I imagine I look like a mess. I babbling lunatic.

"You have guile."

"Guile?" I ask, confusedly, though my voice softens a little.

"Yes, every woman possesses it," Fraser states. "It is sharper than any knife. And you Dione can use that knife to gouge your way to victory."

"How?" I ask. "How do I use this so called guile as a weapon?"

"Now, I can't tell you that Dione," he chuckles. "I am no woman."

I snap out of the memory and back into the arena. Just in time to catch Camilla's cynical words. "It's such a shame for us to part," she laughs.

I duck, just barely missing her swing. She wields in her hand a sword. I look around for Bioan who seems to have vanished. Where did he go?

Camilla charges again, but I parry her predicted attack, dodging her heavy but sloppy swing. To have scored a nine in training, she doesn't have great form, I think.

Camilla lunges again, but his time as she does, I swing the butt of my spear; it connects with the side of her face, sending her into the marsh. I hear her howl in pain as she flops around like a fish out of water.

I get ready for the next attack, turning my head left and right, remembering Camilla's burley district partner. Where is Bioan? I think. He could've gone far? Could he? Then as if on cue, I hear Bioan's scream followed by a canon. By the way it sounds, he must have attacked Lach. And it looks as though his plan backfired.

The brutal force knocks me to the ground; there I glance into the savage eyes of Camilla. Her eyes no longer look human, more so like a ragging beast. She's gone primal, I think.

"It really is a shame for us to part," says Camilla once more, her voice still laced with the same sarcasm as before.

"Any last words bed sheet," she hisses, a grin twisting across her face. I smirk when I see her red cheek. Looks like I left a mark on that pretty face of hers. Good.

Then the thought hits me. Guile. I have to be guile. Use the skill Fraser told me I process. And thinking back, I know exactly how to do it.

Today, I shall kill two birds with one stone.

I scream to the top of my lungs and they fill as though they're going to burst into a million pieces from the strained pressure. "Lach!" I exhale, my voice showing the damsel in distress tone I'm looking for. "Lach!" I scream again. If this works, I'll finally get my spotlight. If it doesn't, then my canon will soon be joining that of Bioan's.

"Shut up," growls Camilla as she sends a blow to my jaw. I feel dizzy from the brute force and the pain causes me to wince. But I can't stop. This is my moment and I refuse to be out shined.

"Lach!" I cry again, this time my voice cuts off as Camilla plummets her fist into my throat. I gasp for air, my throat curdling with blood.

"I'm tired of these charades," she growls, "It's time for you to di-"

Camilla's eyes flutter and I see a trickle of blood escape her lips. Within a few moments her limp body slides off of mine and crashes to the ground. A canon soon erupting after.

I glance at her body and notice the knife protruding from the back of her head. He saved me, I think. Perfect.

I quickly tug the knife from Camilla's skull, sneaking it into my shirt sleeve. Now is the time for me to put my deceitful skill to the test. The moment to Fraser what being guile really is.

Lach runs up to my battered body, panting heavily. His brow is covered with sweat and his nose bleeding. It looks as though he didn't escape his battle with Boian so easily either.

"Dione, are you ok?" he asks. "Did she cut you? Are you hurt?" His voice sounds so genuine, but I know it is false tone. He is just playing the game like everyone else. Just like Camilla and Boian.

"I'm fine," I muse. "Much better that you're here." My seductive words stroke his ego just like I planned. I wonder if Fraser is impressed by the how easy guile slips from my lips. Maybe this is a skill worth showing after all.

Lach lifts me from the ground, gently. I wince in pain as his muscular arms wrap firmly around me. I feel as though he is my protector and for a second, I feel guilty for what I'm about to do. But then I remember the spotlight he stole. My spotlight. "Him and his stupid eleven," I mutter.

"Huh?"

At the sound of Lach's words, I quickly slide the knife into my palm and plunge it deeply into his neck. Blood gushes onto my hand and Lach's screams match mine as we tumble into the marsh. It's only ironic that my body lands on top of his in such a seductive manner.

Staring into his cobalt eyes, I see his fear. He wasn't expecting my betrayal. But what did he expect? Me to just stand and wait in his shadow. Wait until the final two for him to kill me? This is the Hunger Games. And all is fair within this arena.

I purse my lips and bring them down to his ear. "It's such a shame for us to part," I purr, my voice mimicking that of Camilla's, and plunging the knife deeper into his neck. I hear a slight moan and wait for his canon to sound.

BOOM!

After sliding my hand down his breathless chest, I finally lift myself up to my aching feet. But before I head back down in search of more tributes. I turn around and give a wink to the camera. The wink is directed toward Fraser. My lovely mentor.

How's that for guile, I think, as I turn and skip down the trail heading into the muddy marsh. I will do the rest of the hunting on my own, being the last Career and all. The words bring a smile to my lips and fulfillment to my heart.

Looks like I got my spotlight after all.

A/N: If you enjoyed this chapter, please review! Constructive criticism is welcomed :)