Human by Christina Perri.

Human.

Your words in my head, knives in my heart. You build me up and then I fall apart.

Amery Caulan, District Eight Female.

"You need to apologise to Elena," I mumble, heart racing in my chest.

Seth doesn't answer. He sulks, back to the window. Above, Elena is silent, and my heart goes out to her. Seth was unintentionally mean. I doubt he meant it. It's both the pressure and the sadness from Uriah's death. It just has to be.

Still, it's no excuse.

"Seth, go talk to her," I say more forcefully this time, pushing it across.

Seth turns, mouth opened to say something, when the window behind him breaks, and the world bursts in pure whiteness. Heat leeches onto my face as I'm forced backwards, smashing my head into one of the machines. I cry out, attempting to recover quickly, before I feel Seth's hand grasping at mine. I blink away the pain and tears, attempting to see him, but all I see is fire licking at the walls and trailing the ceiling, like a monster slowly devouring the room.

Seth's face - now blackened with a trail of blood curving his forehead - appears into view. He shouts something, but I only hear static. Slowly, the world pieces together, fragments that make my head spin.

"We have to run!" Seth screams, pained.

Just then, another explosion shakes the fiery ceiling, followed by another and another. The plaster falls slowly, crashing around us. Seth pushes himself up onto his feet, pulling me with him.

I can't make sense of anything. It all happens so fast.

Seth tries to run, but a piece of debris crashes down in front of him, sending him sprawling. His lock on my wrist is released and I stumble after him, frantic and desperate, heart thumping wildly in my chest. I pull him up, when I hear an awful groan above me. I look up, as the next piece falls down towards us. Pushing Seth forward, I leap backwards, as the cinder lands where we were. Small pieces of glass and rubble pierce my skin, but I brush it off, ignoring the pain.

"Seth!" I scream, but the building is tearing at the seams. The outer wall seems to crack. Another explosion from below sets the final stage, and the wall collapses. The rapturous noise leaves me speechless briefly. But my heart keeps Seth's name in thought. "Seth! Seth, if you can hear me, shout out!"

A hand shoots up from the floor, submerged under dust and rubble. I climb over to him, shaking violently as I pull him out. The sheen of sweat on his forehead makes the blood turn black, his eyes bugging out of his head.

Then, my previous words ring in my own head. Elena.

My eyes flicker to the staircase, the one that leads upstairs. And suddenly, Elena appears, smeared black from the dust.

"Elena!" I scream. Seth's face goes slightly pale, but that might be my imagination. "We have to save her!"

As I try and run, Seth grabs my wrist. Another piece of the ceiling crumbles, Elena swaying on her steps. "There's no time! We have to save ourselves!"

"No!" I argue. "I won't leave her behind! Not again!"

"Amery! Help me!" Elena screams, voice broken.

The next part happens so fast. One minute, I'm staring at her caring face which looks beyond petrified, and then the next, black smoke devours her and her scream suddenly feels distant. But my own scream rings in my head.

I surge forward - Elena is not dead! - but Seth's grip is a lot stronger than I thought. Through the fire and explosions, he yanks me to the staircase, only to find it completely destroyed. My throat constricts and I cough, chest tight.

The floor suddenly peels open, and fire bursts through.

There's no way out.

I cough and cough, the room slowly filling with dark smoke. Seth coughs, too, his grip loosening on my wrist. My eyes start to turn hazy and I keep knocking into the machines, arms tiring and legs like lead.

"Seth..." I choke, but Seth continues to pull, even if there's nowhere to escape. "Seth... give up..."

And then, light cuts through the haze, and fresh air soothes my throat. I hear the clatter of metal steps. My eyes finally adjust, seeing the remnants of the warehouse to my side. My heart pulls for Elena upstairs, but the fear keeps me running and selfish.

Then an almighty groan makes Seth pause. My eyes widen as I look up, seeing the brick around the poles collapse. Slowly, the metal steps peel away from the wall, like a dirty plaster.

"Run!" I scream, pushing Seth down the steps. He rushes and rushes, stumbling and kicking at the sides, frantic and desperate. At the bottom, I don't give Seth an option: I push him and leap myself, hitting the cement hard as the stairs crash into the building over.

I look over my shoulder, and even through the tears, the dark clouds of smoke look menacing. Flames burst through the top of the building, completely devouring it. I choke back a sob. She's in there, alone. She hasn't even died yet... I'm so sorry, Elena. I failed you.

Seconds later, as if the Gamemakers have heard me, her cannon rings in the muted air.

At that point, I'm too upset to even say anything. Seth finally pulls himself up, hissing as he inspects the wound on his forehead. When he finally looks at me - and I look at him - I can't help but break down. The tears pour freely. I choke and cough and splutter, quick to wrap my arms around Seth's shoulders.

"It's just us," he whispers.

I nod erratically, buried into the groove of his neck. "Just us..."

"Amery..."

"It's okay," I whimper, smiling sadly. "We'll be okay..."

"No Amery..."

I hear the dragging sound of a boot. I snap out of Seth's neck, spinning around on the path. The boy from District Twelve - Draconis - looks at us with wide eyes, a knife gripped in his hand. He doesn't look dangerous, but he doesn't look friendly. A thick trail of blood paints one side of his face.

My heart freezes in my chest. "...no..." I whisper.

With that, Draconis seems to hum. "I'm sorry," he speaks, voice barely audible, before surging forward.

I scream, throwing myself to try and grapple with him. As the knife comes down, I manage to grab his wrist, trying to fight him away. But he's a lot stronger than me. He pushes forward, and Seth is suddenly by my side, grabbing the same wrist. With the pair of us working together, we force it back against it.

He shifts his footing. I cry as his boot slams into my thigh, forcing me down onto my knees. The grip loosens. Seth tries to fight it, but Draconis lets me go, slashing out at Seth. The blade slices across his cheek, drawing a low groan. Seth falls down, clutching his face, as Draconis advances.

Once more, his eyes find mine. I can see the regret and shame. I don't hate him, either. But that doesn't mean I'll let him kill me. "Seth, run!" I shout, grabbing the nearby glass shard. In the moment of confusion, I surge upwards, taking Draconis by surprise. As the glass slides into his gut, I whimper, Draconis choking on air.

"Amery!"

I rip it out, still shaking. My eyes fixate on Draconis as he clutches his stomach, buckling over. Blood pours through his fingers as he tries to stop the flow. For some reason, I can't look away, still holding the piece of broken glass.

Draconis curls on the floor, and what feels like hours later, his cannon resounds in my brain.

At first, it doesn't settle... but then I feel the warmth of his blood on my hands, my wrist, the tears stained on my face, and the glass falls from my hands. Seth looks up at me from the floor. A small beep registers in my ear, but I dismiss it.

"Amery?" he whispers.

I let out a shaky breath. "We need to go..." I say, hearing more of the building groan from the fiery assault. "...other tributes will find us..."

A large chime beckons around the arena. My watch vibrates against my skin.

I pay no attention to the sky above as it turns blood red. In a daze, I take Seth's hand, and flee into the woodlands as the warehouse - taking both Elena and Draconis - crumbles in a heap of black smoke and fire.

Morgan Vos, District Six Male.

"I think my leg is better," Josiah comments as I stare out of the window, on guard.

"Yeah, it's just a simple fix," Kai replies. "Any genius could've patched it up."

"Don't sell yourself short,"

"Whatever," Kai laughs, but it's strained, almost forced. I can feel the tension pretty clear from the pair of them. On the outside of this alliance, it's obvious that the pair are silently battling each other for the right of Alpha Male, as if it requires a competition.

I look outside of the small house, observing the woodlands from afar, when the second cannon pierces the air. That's two more already. That's eight tributes dead. The mere numbers quickly add up in my mind, and sure, it seems like a blessing, but feels more cruel than that. Deep in thought, I barely feel the vibration. Puzzled, I look down at my watch, before the clock tower chimes.

Then it happens. In the blink of an eye, the sky turns a deep shade of red, and the air becomes tight.

"Guys..." I whisper.

Kai is by my side within seconds, eyes frozen on the sky. "What's happening?"

How should I know? I think bitterly, but instead shrug, staying silent. Josiah shifts from behind us. "What is it, Morgan?"

"I don't know," I frown. "I... the watch and the clock tower and then... this."

In the distance, lava spurts up into the sky, almost like a geyser. As it falls, I hear a high-pitched groan. My heart freezes in my chest as more noises beckon around the arena, getting louder and louder, multiplying by the dozen.

Josiah - despite a little limp in his leg - reaches down for the small knife he found. "Be prepared for whatever might happen."

Kai nods stiffly. "Sure thing. Not like I have a harpoon or anything," he laughs faintly, but the joke isn't welcomed. Turning around, I grab my knife, staring at the doors as if waiting for something to barge through and slaughter me.

The rapturous groaning only continues to multiply, suffocating the air with wild noise.

"It's like a pack," Josiah comments.

"Maybe it's the Careers?" Kai slips in.

"Mutts," I whisper, but once more, my voice is forgotten amongst the broader boys. It'd make sense; what arena doesn't come with a twist? This one just so happens to unleash a fury of Mutts in one slot.

Just then, I see them. At first, it looks like a moving red wave, but then it peels apart into a mass of red limbs and bared teeth, barreling down the street towards the houses. As they get closer, they look more frightening. Humanoid with wiry limbs, pure black eyes and razor claws, they almost look like demons.

I drop down to the floor within seconds. Josiah and Kai don't react as fast at first, but as they realise that the monsters are slowly dawning on us, they fall down as well. Kai scrambles across the floor to collect our backpacks, just in case, when a window shatters in the distance. My heart plummets into my stomach, bracing myself for the inevitable.

I hear a scream.

Curiosity killed the cat, I think, but end up peeking through the bottom of the window against my better judgement.

And that's when I see Kalle, falling down in the middle of the street. The humanoid creatures pounce on him within seconds. He struggles to fight against their slashing nails and pointed teeth, and one even sinks down onto his arm, causing him to howl. A shiver runs down my spine. They're going to eat him...

But Kalle manages to fight back, and sprints for the woodlands. The creatures take a moment, almost pausing, before a few chase after him. The others seem to sniff the air, looking for more victims.

Kai begins to rise, but Josiah grabs his wrist. "We're not fighting them." Josiah hisses.

"We have to get out of here," Kai argues quietly.

I point my finger to the door at the back of the house. "There," I whisper.

One by one, we crawl across the floor towards freedom. Kai and Josiah might have the muscles, but it's clear that we don't want to mess with these Mutts. I'm just glad that they listened to me for once, otherwise that could've been the end of us all right there.

Outside, the air is humid and smoky, clogging up my lungs. I try and cough quietly, submerging myself into the overgrowth in the yard. Josiah and Kai make haste and hide, too. Now knowing about Kalle, I expect the creatures will check every house. Hopefully, their curiosity doesn't lead them into the yards.

"What do we do?" Kai asks.

Josiah looks at him, and then me. I only nod in answer. "We wait," Josiah smiles tightly. "It's all we can do."

Daira Lamotte, District Two Female.

I press the back of my hand to Indra's cheek. It's warm, almost sweaty. I recoil in disgust, locking my eyes with Claudio across from me.

"She's wet," I frown. "Don't you have a cloth or something?"

Claudio nods, digging into his backpack. "I do," he smiles briefly, handing it to me.

"So you're good for other things as well," I smirk, knowing that Claudio's twisted chivalry will stop him from insulting or biting back. "Look, can you go find them both? I'm bored of babysitting."

Claudio raises an eyebrow. "Don't you think we should stick by Indra, seeing as we're the closest to her?"

I nod, appreciative. "That's pretty quick of you to slate the responsibility onto me."

"Onto us," Claudio reaffirms.

I toss the cloth back to him, pulling my knife packet into my lap. I organise the remaining knives into size, ensuring that I can swiftly pull them out when needed. In all honesty, if I wanted to be a bitch, I could slaughter Claudio and Indra right now. It'd be easy. But, I need Indra for the master plan, and Claudio is a great wall for defense. Later, I remind myself.

A cannon shakes the air. I look up, smiling. "That makes an extra three."

Seconds later, my watch vibrates. I look down, but the air around me stiffens, choking me. I look at Claudio whose eyes are widen but controlled. He grabs his longsword, swiftly rising.

"What is it?" I grit my teeth, grabbing a knife in preparation. Spoke too soon.

The snarling hits my ears first. Then, a creature leaps through the charred trees, teeth bared. I shriek, frozen, but Claudio quickly impales it through the chest, launching it into the ground in one fluid motion. His eyes snap towards me. "Get Indra out of here!"

The trees seem to shake, as if they've come to life. My heart races in my chest and I heave Indra upwards, hooking an arm over my shoulder. "Why are you so damn heavy?" I snarl, attempting to drag her. Behind me, I hear the familiar thump of Claudio killing another monster.

"Claudio, I can't carry her! She's so heavy!" I complain once more, falling to my knees and taking Indra's body with me. The panic flows through my veins as I squirm free, grabbing my packet of knives. I take a final look at Claudio, spearing another monster in the air, and Indra, on the ground, before running towards the Cornucopia.

As I pump my arms, I push down the guilt. "Daira!" Claudio shouts, but I don't care. Selfish, I keep running. Let it be quick, I wish internally.

I reach the Cornucopia in seconds, leaping to grab the edge of the metal tail. I scramble up the side, standing on top. The reasonable height only worsens my fear. Red bodies line the edge of the woodlands, swarmed by the hundreds. Furiously, they pour through the trees.

On the edge of the field, Saraide and Jet run fast, chased by the monsters. "Daira!" Jet shouts. "Daira, help us!"

My finger freezes on my knives. I don't know whether it's fear or guilt, but I don't pull a knife out. I watch, eyes widen, as Saraide makes it to the horn first. She leaps onto the shell with ease. Jet, however, diverts. He rushes around the corner, meeting up with Claudio whose running from the monsters, too. The pair scoop up Indra with ease and run for us.

Saraide leaps down onto the tail, hand outstretched for them.

A shrill scream pierces the air. Another one follows. I don't know who they are, but the monsters are like water, filling the cracks.

Saraide grabs Indra's limp arms, hauling her up. I take a step forward, surprised by my will to help them. Jet climbs up and Claudio is next, just as the creatures reach the Cornucopia.

"We have to protect the sides!" Jet commands.

Claudio and Saraide take two sides with their weapons, stabbing downwards at every monster that tries to scale it. Jet takes the tail, unhooking his pernach.

I pull Indra into the middle, protected by the others. My breath comes out short as I stare down at her lifeless face. "Wake up!" I scream, shaking her shoulders. "Wake up!"

I pull my hand back, slapping Indra across the face. Her eyes snap open almost instantly, a dull hazel colour. A sigh of relief escapes my lips.

"...where am I?"

"We're under attack," I grit my teeth. Indra rises immediately, staring around with horrified eyes.

"What are they?" she whispers.

The words form and die on my tongue, trying to make sense of them. They're taller than us, but skeletal and wiry, monstrous. "Demons," I laugh dryly.

The sound of their snarling resounds in my skull. Every time one of the others kill them, they gurgle and cry, almost animal in sound. The grass beneath their feet turn black with their blood.

But they don't relent. They only persist, like mindless animals.

I look up at the construction site behind the houses, fear swimming in my eyes. It's the only place they haven't attacked yet. And it's higher, more solid.

For the first time in a years, I finally admit it to myself.

I wish Dorian was here.

Dorian Lamotte, District Two Male.

I wish Daira wasn't here.

The creatures are relentless. I peer over the side, seeing the monsters climb up the rocky walls, fighting and snarling, hundreds packed on top of each other like wild animals. Over the top, they build around the woodlands, as if waiting for some signal. And then the red wave rushes through the burnt trees, right into the dusty field.

My breath hitches when I see Daira's lithe frame, running hard towards the Cornucopia. When she mounts it, it's like a rush of relief that escapes my body.

Her allies come running, too, frantic and fearful. Daira doesn't do anything, but that's the point. She shouldn't have to. Not for those poisonous monstrosities.

But it doesn't quite end.

The monsters don't stop. They target the Cornucopia, leaping into the air, only to meet the fateful blades of Daira's pack.

Instead, I focus my attention to look for a way out. I lean down, poising an arrow into my bow. With the heat clinging to my back, and the pebbled roof scratching my stomach, I aim carefully at Daira's head. She doesn't see the monster that slips past the lousy defence.

I release my arrow.

It shoots through the air, swaying in the breeze, but my aim has never been wrong. Years of solitude and training have perfected it. It sinks into the red skull of the creature, slamming into the Cornucopia.

Daira's head suddenly snaps to mine.

I can't see her expression, but I can only assume it's thankful. I sink deeper against the roof and lock another one, lying in wait.

For my sister, I'll waste every single arrow, and then beat any opponent with my bow. For her, I'd easily hand my life over. My family don't matter. They've never really had. Daira was the only person who understood me, treated me like her entire world, and never left my side... until she grew up. But I cling to the day that she understands my love for her breaks the rules, but that it's okay, because happiness knows no bounds.

A rough scrape breaks my thoughts. My eyes widen - heart pounding in my throat - and swiftly roll over. The creature digs its heels in and leaps. My finger releases the arrow, and it pierces the monster's throat. Black blood sprays my face before the monster lands on top of me. I yell, freaked out, helplessly pushing at it to roll away.

As I shove it to the side, it's too late.

Another red, skeletal head peers up the staircase, teeth bared. I scramble to my feet, hands shaking violently as I try and lock another arrow into place. But the creature is fast. It launches across the rooftop with surprising speed. Before I can react, a large claw lashes out at me. I yell as the claws scratch across my shoulder, rivulets of blood pouring down my shirt. I hit out the quiver but the creature grabs it, tossing it into the distance.

My eyes widen. "What are you...?" I whisper, but the creature only smiles, widening a blackened mouth.

It lashes out again. I try and fight it away, but a claw clamps around wrist, yanking me to the ground. My head smashes against the pebbles and stars explode in my vision. The humanoid runs a black tongue across its lips, before launching down.

Somehow, in that moment, I grab one of my arrows and hold it in place. The creature - without the ability to stop - seems to impale itself onto my arrow. Even with death around the corner, it smacks its lips and snarls, blood pouring onto my stomach.

Continuing to shake, I throw him off of me, scrambling to my bow. I grab it - slide the arrow in properly - and spin around to face the staircase.

My heart hammers against my chest.

Then I hear the stomp of something much heavier.

For Daira, I promise myself, just as the metal door is ripped from the frame.

The creature - exactly like the others, only bigger, bulkier, with a star-crescent on its forehead - smiles wickedly at me, like I'm food.

I dig my heels in, clenching my jaw until I feel my teeth ache. My finger shakes, but doesn't move from the arrow.

The monster doesn't move at first. It waits, watching me with black eyes, as a pack of miniature red ones surround it.

It's the leader.

Without thinking, it seems to sum up in my head. I aim the arrow upwards, and the creature seems to flinch, roaring as it rushes at me.

Fear paralyses me for a moment. But then I remember my job, my family and home and my duties as the older brother, and force myself to study my aim. As the creature leaps, I release the arrow. It soars through the air, upwards, slicing through the star imprint on the monster's forehead.

A rush of hot air slams against my body, knocking me off my feet, as the creature lands in a heap of crimson skin. It cries and whimpers, blood pooling around the body. The other creatures don't move. They watch, frozen on their leader, apparently.

I scramble backwards, gritting my teeth and clutching my bleeding shoulder.

Then, the monster implodes, sucked up into a black hole that pops like a balloon. I cover my face as warm chunks of meat and blood shower me, churning my stomach into a sickened knot.

When I peel my eyes open, the dirty, grey sky reappears, and the monsters seemingly vanish into thin air.

I breathe hard, pulling myself to my feet. Immediately, I look to the Cornucopia, to see the Careers coming together on the field once more. Daira is there, still alive. I let out a sigh of relief, collapsing onto my knees.

But then the Careers start to move. And not just anywhere, but towards me, direction aimed for the construction site that's below me.

A small smile graces my face. "It's time," I say to myself, as if hearing Daira's hushed words once more. "It's time."

Josiah Kirsche, District Ten Male.

And as quick as it started, it finishes. The monsters, roaming the streets and scouring the area, just vanish into thin air. I peek through the grass, as the sky above turns grey once more.

"It's all clear," I mumble, pushing myself up onto my knees. "You can get up now."

Kai and Morgan swiftly follow, the latter looking like a mole as he pops up. For some reason, the creatures never passed the houses. They stormed in a few, but not past it. Morgan's advice for the backyard proved to be vital.

"Why'd you think they didn't search for us?" Kai asks.

"Probably laziness," I shrug. Why question it? I'm thankful for the twisted luck, they should be too.

"I'll grab the supplies, and we should head somewhere else," Morgan says, turns, and silently walks back to the house.

When he's gone, Kai hums, the kind that says he's got a lot of thoughts on his mind and clearly wants to share.

"What?" I question him.

"Morgan is acting... strange..."

"No offense, but Morgan is a little strange," I point out. "Doesn't mean anything dangerous, does it?"

Kai nods stiffly. "I suppose so... I don't know, it just feels weird."

I laugh faintly. "You're letting the arena get to you already, Kai."

Sometime later, Morgan returns, the two backpacks slung over his shoulders. His solemn face looks conflicted, as if he's lost in thought. I'll ask him about it later, when Kai isn't about. It might just stir up more paranoia and pull at the seams of this alliance. I really, really don't need that. It'll destroy this alliance if Morgan is shady and Kai goes loopy.

"Where are we even heading?" Kai questions.

"A few houses over," I nod, staring at the bandage wrapped around his hand. "I don't want to stray too far. The monsters can be back at any time. We'll get in another and barricade or something."

"Sounds wise," Morgan smiles softly.

"Yeah," Kai agrees.

The awkward tension filters through the air. Kai stares at Morgan who proceeds to look at the ground, unaware. I step forward. "I'll lead the way then, ladies."

I take the boys through the backyards and out onto the next street. I scan the area - either side of the road - before crossing to the next set of houses, closer to a small river. The soft sound of the water is surprisingly calming.

I push the door open gently, the house as barren as the last. "Here," I decide, stepping into it.

"Why this one?" Kai complains. "Why not the next one?"

"I don't know, but someone has to do something, don't they?" I jab playfully, but the look on Kai's face is anything but friendly. He seems a little pissed by that comment. "Look for some furniture to close us in. Our exit will be the door at the back, like last time."

As Kai heads on upstairs, Morgan hangs around the couch.

I step towards him carefully. I've never really been one for heart-to-hearts, but I can't have everything falling apart. "You alright, Morgan?" I ask him kindly.

Morgan drops the backpacks to the couch. "I'm fine... why?"

My hand goes to pat him on the shoulder, but the funny look makes me recoil. "I was... you know... just like checking and everything. It's important to feel... appreciated?"

Morgan smiles wryly. "Okay... I feel appreciated?"

I shift uncomfortably, finding it too awkward. Yeah, no, I'm definitely not into this. "Good," I give him a nod. "Yeah, that's good. Just find some stuff to barricade us in."

When Morgan pries himself from the backpacks, suspicions get the better of me. As he disappears into the kitchen, I take my opportunity and pull a backpack towards me, quietly unzipping it. Underneath the bandages and stale bread, however, is a small, empty vial. I roll it over, but there's no label. Is it... for poison? I can't help but think.

Frantic, I scramble through the rest, but come up empty. I lick my lips and zip it back up.

It wasn't me, that much is obvious.

But I also own neither backpack.

Morgan has claimed one, and Kai the other. I can't even tell the difference between the two.

So, what, one of them is plotting?

Fuck, I clench my fists, What happened to brothers-in-arms? I know I can't talk, but fuck, we're not even halfway and someone is preparing genocide!

I can't let either of them know. So, I slide the backpacks together, and slip upstairs silently. Kai is in one of the bedrooms, staring at the musky bed. As I approach him, he points to it, as if it isn't so painfully obvious.

I stop short of him, my gut clenching at the reminder of the vial. "What?"

"Help me move it?" he asks.

"Why can't you move it yourself?" I narrow my eyes, holding back the growing smile on my face.

He holds up his hand. "Because I have a hole in my hand and it hurts. You just got a cut leg. Let's not pretend that you aren't milking it."

I laugh faintly, grabbing the frame of the bed. "Well, come on then."

With my help, we easily slide the bed free and to the edge of the staircase. Kai gives it a good shunt, and it shatters as it falls down the stairs, shaking the derelict house. Morgan rushes out to the ruins of the bedposts.

"What happened?" he asks, frantic.

"Barricade," I smile wryly. "It wasn't going to get down any other way."

"It's broken..." Morgan mumbles. "It won't be stable enough now."

"Use it to cover the windows and doors then. Not a barricade, but board the windows up and block the door," I suggest instead.

As Morgan gets to work collecting the broken pieces of wood and taking them through the room, Kai leaps over the steps, heading on down. The swift movements only make me grow more suspicious.

I won't crumble under the paranoia, though. But I also won't let whichever person destroy this alliance with their cunning ways.

It has to work this way, or no way at all.

Saraide Thalassa, District One Female.

The sound of the anthem seems to stop everyone. I pause, looking up at the sky. For some strange reason, my heart hammers against my chest, drowning my head in noise.

I know five of the deaths, all from the bloodbath. But another three have also died, three we don't know.

The first face, as expected, is Cosmo Fleming, followed by Ancyra Chepstow. Uriah Quick is next, face stuck in a mournful expression. I nod along, when Athalie Ivers appears. She was one of the others. And considering that no cannons sounded during the demon assault, it can only mean we have competition elsewhere. Next comes Merona Rosales, and then Elena Cortez, who sends a rush of guilt through my veins.

We let them go, and someone died anyway.

Feels like a waste of a life.

Draconis Cor starts the beginning of the end, and with Anastasia Marrel rounding it all up, District Twelve is out of the running completely.

When the sky returns to grey, I look down, surprised by the sadness that flows through me.

I didn't know these people. And bar one person, I never killed the others. I've never really felt this way before. I've never had someone to truly mourn or cry over.

"We're down pretty far," Jet comments. "There are... sixteen of us."

"I see you can add," Indra smirks.

"Nice to know that you haven't changed," Jet frowns, looking at Claudio. "Claude, is there any chance that you could scout out the construction site before, you know, we get there?"

"Why?" Daira quickly intercepts, frightful. "I mean, why do we need that? As a group, we're stronger."

I study her emotions, her posture. It's not someone who cares. It's someone who has ulterior motives at hand.

I step forward, out of my comfort zone. As everyone stares at me, rather than shrink into myself, I straighten my shoulders. "I believe it's necessary to be cautious," I recite, trained words that flow from my tongue. "Maybe I should go instead?"

"Stupid idea," Daira spits, crossing her arms. "But if you want to be a martyr, then so be it."

"Why are you so adamant about it, Daira?" I turn, questioning her.

"Because we shouldn't have to listen to Jet all the damn time!" Daira whines. "I mean, in all fairness, we're a democracy. What happened to everyone getting a say? Seems like the Jet show!"

Jet seems taken back by that. "I never meant for this to become an issue... it was to stop the arguing, not increase it."

"Then I vote that we just head on out there together," Daira hisses. "Indra?"

However, Indra's eyes aren't blown wide or snarky. No, ever since she's returned, there's been a dullness behind her original personality. It's still there, but not as powerful. I'm sure Jet appreciates that. "Yeah, whatever," Indra grumbles, looking away.

Something isn't right about this. "I vote no," I say quietly.

"Likewise," Jet drawls, looking curiously between everyone, as if he can see it too. "Claudio?"

And like before, Claudio is swallowed by the pressure. I don't blame him. I'm loyal to Jet because of our home, and he to Indra. It's why, out of the others, I relate to Claudio the most. We feels obligated, and deep down, I can see the same sense of sadness that I feel inside.

"I think we should go together," Claudio seemingly surprises everyone. "It feels safer, that way. And the sky could change at any moment, and it's better to be together, than apart."

"Fine," Daira grumbles, stomping ahead.

Indra and Claudio follow, but Jet hangs back. He lingers by me, and when I look at him, he smiles softly. "I'm glad you saw it too," he says quietly.

"About Daira? I did," I answer, nodding along.

I edge slightly away from him, but Jet is persistent. "So will you back me up?"

"You know I will," I reply, still uncomfortable with the distance. "We need to be vigilant."

"But of course," Jet smiles. "It's just nice to know that you have my back... we just need Claudio to understand that, too."

Leaving the conversation at that, we follow the others through the crippled trees, heading back out onto the streets. The row of houses are easily swallowed by the construction site beyond them. Daira moves faster, with Indra and Claudio tailing her. Jet and I pick up our speed.

"Through the houses, or around?" Claudio asks, but Daira storms through a house and out the back, her small body barely seen through the overgrowth and weeds. Everyone simply follows.

Beyond the backyards is a bridge covering a small stream, sewage tunnels on either end. Everyone eases across it quietly. On the other side, the metal railings rattle under the slight breeze.

Claudio hoists it open, and everyone climbs through, backpacks on our shoulders and weapons drawn. The rubble crunches as we walk across the yard, pass abandoned machinery and tools. The main building casts a giant shadow on us all.

"Are we heading to the top?" Jet asks, trying to do right by Daira's commands and place some sort of serenity between us all, no matter how hopeless or pointless it may seem.

Daira looks up briefly, before nodding. "I guess so," she mumbles.

"Ladies first," Jet smiles.

"I think you should go first, if we're playing stereotypes, of course," Daira smirks. "Be the big, bad protector that you want to be."

My gut twitches at the sound of her words. Jet gives me a look - one that spells everything out to me - before conceding. "Certainly," he smiles triumphantly, placing a foot on the staircase. "But stay close, won't you?"

"Don't worry, I will. " Daira smiles.

Despite all the reservations, I follow everyone up the stairs.

Something might happen. Then again, it might not. I have a duty to Jet - to stand beside him against the others, if necessary - but more importantly, a duty to myself and my family. And, sadly, if it happens, I'll take the necessary steps to ensure one of them succeeds.

The blog for this story is demonswithin hunger games . blogspot - all deaths will be notified here!

Elena Cortez, District Eleven.

Draconis Cor, District Twelve.

All deaths will be based on realism, story arcs and whether or not the submitter is reading the story. Obviously, reviews let me know this, and if said submitter chooses to not review, I have no idea if they're reading the story, and therefore, am more inclined to keep other tributes over said submitter's tribute. Each decision is painstakingly hard but must be done. Everyone knew the odds when they created a character. I would hope you stick around, but if not, I understand.

Meg, Elena was something I had always wanted in a long time: a chubby tribute. I wanted someone who was realistic but proud, not a gimmick, and Elena was that. If I went by favouritism alone, Elena should've made the Final Three. But realism presides over that, and unfortunately, Elena wasn't made to go far. I loved her whilst she lasted.

Dracones, likewise with Draconis - if I went by favouritism, Draconis would've, more than likely, died in the bloodbath. But I had high hopes for him and awarded him a higher placement. Then, I realised that being a loner and with his personality, I didn't have much plots or development. So, I let him go out with a bang...literally.

I would love for you to answer a specific question I have for each chapter!

So, who wants to guess on the whole demon/watch/red sky scenario going on, and how it works? ;D

Who will die next?

Favourite POV?

And, of course, a general review on my writing? It's invaluable!

This chapter sets up everything else, basically. You've now seen what lurks in that ravine, and what the watches do, just not how they work. Two worlds collide? Should help you. ;)

The demons will appear more often. The characters will face a lot in this arena, like, seriously.

On that note, we've lost a quarter of the tributes, and it's about to get more hectic!