You've Got Time
The light was off but now it's on;
Searching the ground for a bitter song;
The sun is out, the day is new;
And everyone is waiting, waiting on you.
Day Three, Part One
Aryanna Ferguson, District Four Female
My eyes are blurry as I open them to the morning darkness. I laugh lightly, it still feels weird to see this never-ending black everywhere. With the back of my hand I rub my eyes and stretch out my arms and legs. My knuckles brush against the bare wall and finally when I focus on everything, I see the emptiness and my stomach does a tiny little flip.
"Oh," my voice cracks and I feel the same instinct after yesterday of just curling into a ball and hiding away. I never would have relied on Cloe before, she was always just there for me to tease but now- now I feel lost and someone else entirely without her company. I promised her we'd meet again but I don't know where to look.
The Gamemakers pulled us apart for a reason. They're not just going to let the pair of us reunite so easily, they'll save that later on when we're either forced to fight the other or there's some other kind of situation that demands one of us to die. Or both. I don't know which I'd prefer, to live without Cloe or to die with her.
A week ago maybe I could have answered that question, as twisted as that sounds. Now, it's much harder because the tribute inside of me wants that victor's spot even if Cloe has to die. And then the human Aryanna cannot see her cousin get killed, it either has to be Cloe or neither of us. I don't want to win if Cloe has to die for that to happen. And she does have to die for that to happen, there can never be two victors.
I sigh and lean my head back against the wall under the window. The rain vibrates the tiny shelter and I feel like falling back asleep to the gentle shaking. I should be out there looking for her, knowing Cloe she's doing everything she possibly can to find me. It's not because I don't want to see her again, more than anything do I want to spend just one second smiling and spending time with her that should have been spent back in Four. Maybe I'm just scared of failing to find her, or worse, having to see her die in front of me.
It's better to be hidden down here where I'll always know she's safe, unless I see her face in the sky. No. I bite my lip and push that thought back, ignore the tears and lock it away. If it hurts to just think about it, how could I cope if that horror became reality? I might die myself. Is it possible to die from losing a loved one? My mind wouldn't bear it, I'd probably shut myself down and just let someone kill me.
Get your head back in the game Aryanna, you never used to be like this.
"That was until I became someone worth something. Cloe changed me for the better."
She broke you. The old you could have won this even if she had to die. Now your heart is threatening to shatter just considering her dead.
"Don't," I must look a lunatic muttering to myself but I don't care. If they've already broken me then so what, if I die hopefully Cloe can find the strength to move on without me and win this. She deserves her life more than I do. I have no life of worth back in Four, people think I had it all but I really didn't. Humans can be awful creatures, and that kind of popularity came with lot of backstabbing. Cloe though, now that she's so much stronger she could build up the broken pieces and make something worth living, maybe my death would hurt her for a long time but it's something I know the new her could push on through. I couldn't win if she died but I know she could win if I did.
So go help her win then, if you don't care about dying a torturous, agonising death.
"Good idea voice in my head," I laugh, probably too loudly, and stand up, grabbing the backpack and pulling up the scorched hood that the lightning burnt. The rain's not what I'm worried about, it's that wind last night and the night before. If it comes again this hood won't stop anything but it still acts as some form of safety in my own mind.
I walk to the front door and open it swiftly, the hinges barely staying strong after repeatedly being attacked by the monstrous weather. This Arena really does have a mind of its own and yesterday Cloe, like me, was somewhere without an ally or someone to watch her back. She didn't die though. Those two cannons terrified me more than I've ever been in my entire life, but it wasn't her. Relief flooded through me when I saw the first face. Maybe that makes me a monster but no one in this Arena matters except for my cousin, and now that I'm determined she's going to win I can't let the others get into my head and change what must be done for that to happen.
I've killed already, I'm not proud but thinking it through it's something I've had to yet again lock away in the back of my mind. I've been doing it a lot lately but it's a good thing to be able to hide the things that threaten to break my resolve. If I'm to accept death so willingly when the time comes for Cloe's victory to become a possibility, I can't falter.
I hope you know what you're doing.
I nod and smile, stepping out into the morning rain and the breeze gently rustling the leaves and lifting up the strands of hair poking out of my hood. I do know what I'm doing, honestly I'm more sure now of what my path is than I was when volunteering seemed the best thing to do in my mind. That Aryanna seems another person entirely, a childish creature with no real brain to her, who broke her cousin and didn't even feel bad about it. The Aryanna I am now is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice as a way of making up for that.
"Right, off we go then," I say out loud to the road ahead. Somewhere within this Arena my cousin is searching for me and I must do the same. It might take an hour or it might take a week. I don't care. Cloe's this year's victor and it's now my goal to ensure that nothing, not any tribute or any damn trap or mutt, gets in the way of that.
Taylor Cross, District Twelve Female
Dash repeatedly attempts to put an arm around my shoulder and each time I shrug him off and smile gently, trying to ease the anger that's run rampant within him. He's still the same devoted Dash, his mission being my own survival, but the murder of that girl... he's changing and I'm terrified. Everytime I try to stand by his side without contact, I see through the corner of my eyes that he shakes, his eyes are almost feral whenever he sees the slightest movement and for the time being I'm just too tired to try to coax him into being his usual calm self. He may have the obsession but I want the old Dash back more than anything.
"You should put your hood up, stop the rain ruining your hair," he says without looking at me. The quality of my hair is the least of my worries, besides it's so far gone that there's no point attempting to protect it from this weather. I'm more worried about my own ally standing next to me than the other tributes. That's what's constantly on my mind, not how hard it's raining and this hood flapping behind my head.
"Come on put your hood up Taylor." He turns to face me and I see the rage inside. Maybe it's guilt that he killed, or maybe its the power that he now knows that he can kill for me and nothing can stand in his way. I'd rather it was the first, if it was guilt I'd try to empathise and help him. If it's the latter... I don't think I can stay with him for much longer.
"I'm fine Dash, really, don't worry about me."
"No. No Taylor," his fingers clench into fists and my heart skips a beat. My breathing comes out fast and sharp and when he steps forward, instinctively I flinch and move backwards. His eyes meet mine and change, just for a second, before he turns and shrugs his shoulders.
"Suit yourself. Just make sure you keep up, it's easy to get lost," he then walks off and leaves me hanging back for a few seconds. Would he have attacked me? It was all over a hood but this is Dash, the smallest thing could set him off.
What do I do? I want to leave badly, but I want to stay just as much. I was willing to use him but now I can't stop picturing the girl from Three and what he did to her because of me. She was trying to get supplies, she wasn't going to hurt us. But in his eyes she was and that was enough to warrant a grisly end with one stab through the heart.
"Quiet."
Dash steps back to reach me and leans forwards on his toes, eyes cast ahead. I see a flash of movement and pull out the shard of glass. It's cold and slippery but I hold onto it tightly and watch as two girls come into view just ahead.
"Stay behind me," his voice is cold as he takes silent steps towards them.
"No Dash," I whisper after him. "Dash let them be."
Please, not again. Not again.
The two of them are heading straight towards us, through the rain we must seem a blur but we're still noticeable. So why haven't they ran yet?
Dash is creeping closer and closer, pulling out the single sword he has to kill the girls with. I'm not much of a fighter and I'm not sure how much control I have over Dash anymore, but one thing I know I can do is stop him from killing these little girls. I won't have him use me as the reason why he'll murder again.
"GIRLS RUN!" I scream as loudly as I can.
The two look up. I recognise the girls from Five and Seven. Scout and Rhoena. One of them squeals and then the two turn and sprint away. Dash roars, swears and curses to the rain around him, and then sprints after them. No. I won't let him.
I was never the fastest but something pushes me to help these two girls. Diane tripped over me and ended up dying. I won't let Dash take out two people who have more to live for than him and myself. I don't want to die but I refuse to win if the way to get there is by letting some... animal, butcher innocent children.
He really is an animal isn't he? The realisation acts as both a blow to the gut but a source of relief as well. Maybe now I can get away from him without feeling bad about it. But first I have to stop him. Nothing has mattered more than this.
Through the rain I can barely see the back of him. He's taking quick strides towards the two girls and when they bolt round the corner he dives and catches one of them.
"No!" I shout and push my feet against the road as fast as possible. I hear him laughing and then muttering with himself. Maybe he's trying to convince himself this is the best thing to do. Or he's already made up his mind and is enjoying this moment. He doesn't get any more time to think. The girl from Seven lets out a cry and rakes her nails down his cheek. His scream cuts through everything and makes my blood run cold. But it doesn't stop me. Just as Dash lets Scout drop to the ground and raises his sword to charge the other girl, I barge into his shoulder and step in front of him.
The adrenaline coursing through me subsides and the pain in my side increases tenfold. I pant harshly, blinking back spots and watch as Dash stumbles to stand up.
"Taylor, don't do this."
The girl from Five is staring at me with wide eyes, blinks back a few tears and joins her ally behind me. The two are technically my enemies in the eyes of everyone else, but right here and right now they're two people I will protect from this monster in front of me.
"Dash these two girls were just walking. You killed once, using me as the excuse, I won't let you do that again. Never again."
He snarls and raises his sword. I prepare myself and get ready to push the girls away as he charges, but then his eyes change and he lowers the weapon.
"You'd pick them over me?"
"I pick neither. But I can't let you do this."
We're all heavily breathing as we wait for someone to make a move. When what feels like the first minute passes I hear footsteps and look behind my shoulder. The two girls are running away as fast as they can, holding hands and disappearing round a corner. When I turn to face Dash again he tries to smile but when he can't he shakes his head and starts walking back the way we came.
"I'm sorry. From now on I'll only protect you from those who are trying to do you harm."
He probably doesn't mean it. Next time I doubt I can reach him in time and stop him from killing someone who doesn't deserve death at his hands. But then again, maybe he does mean it and he's changing back to the Dash who was my friend. I won't know unless I give him a chance.
"Thank you, that's all I ask."
We walk on in silence but I feel my fingers automatically gripping on tighter to the shard in my hand. One day soon I'll have to use it, maybe take a life with it. It could be Dash I have to kill or it could be someone else. Either way, I don't want to turn out like the man I'm watching transform in front of me. I'd rather be dead than change into some being without a heart. I guess I have to make the most of the time I have left, I don't want to die, but I don't want to survive either with murder on my conscious. Dash thinks his plan will work but he has no idea that right now I'm not as committed to saving myself as he is.
I'll see how things go. Maybe I won't have to kill and can still win this. But that requires the use of Dash and I can't go back there again. I drag my feet against the ground and look behind me. At least I saved those two girls. I did something of worth in this dreadful place. That's what matters to me now, helping those Dash sees as a target escape his desire to kill them. I won't stop him from every tribute out there, the careers mainly if he was foolish enough to attack them, but I'll do my best.
Helping fellow tributes to survive is probably the worst plan I could ever come up with but it's what I want to do. Dash has his plan and I have mine. We each need a cause that's important to us, one day soon though ours will clash and the consequences could be bad. I could die. I don't know how I feel about that yet.
Athena Night, District Six Female
It feels like we've been walking in circles. Nothing is different except for the size of the buildings or the outside design, like those creepy bushes, and that just infuriates me further. I volunteered not for the love of murder, but the outcome after winning, plus the thrill of what the Games are like. That's why this Arena makes me angrier as the minutes pass and Tiller leads us nowhere.
He's out of his depth, completely lost to his mind which is trying to patch up the credibility it used to have before the bloodbath. Now none of us can look at him the same way. Ander and Mohair may spend their time together and think I don't hear them whispering, but I know they'll be with me on this one. Tiller will need to go eventually and if he doesn't actually set a proper course of action I may just do it today.
I never dealt well with anger. Sometimes I could keep it at bay but when that anger is a result of boredom, the results were always bad and Tiller shouldn't try to push me further in that direction. He wanted to create an alliance based on the destruction of the career packs. He's lost that goal in mind, the drive we all shared to take down the two packs and ensure an outer district victor. I count in that group now and I once was determined to do whatever it took to ensure Tiller's ideas came to fruition. Now, I want that fight, but Tiller doesn't. I can't take on the careers without the others backing me up, even the useless Tiller. He could be good bait, or someone I can let the careers kill to ensure a getaway if things get bad.
It's vile but we do things like that to get further in this fight for life. Emily-Mae was the only one who truly understood that. I miss her. The others are probably glad she's gone or at least not remotely effected by it. I always tried to get her to open up and be someone I could put my trust in. I never had her pinned down as loyal but she died because of that faith in our cause.
Emily-Mae wanted the careers dead. Tiller can't put it off any longer.
"We need to talk," I announce from behind him. We've been walking for a few hours and I can tell we all want a rest, any excuse to just stop. Tiller turns to face me. I can tell he's not happy with anything, the constant debate inside about what to do must be torturous but I don't care for him. I care for what we stand for, not the individual members. It's probably a good thing, making attachments could get me killed so I'm glad if it came down to it I'm hoping dispatching of these three won't be too hard. My nose may be throbbing still but it's not like the break will effect my performance.
"What's wrong?"
"Everything. You. Us. We need to do what we came together to do."
"Don't start Athena," he goes to turn away but I won't put up with him stalling any longer. I lunge forwards and clamp a hand down on his shoulder. He makes no noise as he struggles to get out of my grip, but I've trained so it's simple for me to get him to face me. He's shaking and he may have once been good at hiding emotion but I can see how terrified he is.
"Athena don't," Ander says from behind me. He's always so cold and harsh to us, Mohair's the only one he changes around. Maybe I could use that to take them down. I don't know. I know I'm not as smart as Tiller and his plans, but I know I can fight and if the time comes for me to have to kill these three I'll do it without hesitation. I just need Tiller to understand.
"You put our alliance together to fight the careers, not roam about without any goal in mind. I want to attack them." I release my grip and cross my arms, staring him down. He mumbles something before straightening up and locking eyes with mine. He's still terrified of me but for once I admire him trying to push past that.
"That was the plan before we lost three of our members."
I sense the two boys from Eight stepping up behind me. Mohair stands to my left and Ander to my right. We're all now facing Tiller, we did all come together for a purpose and now he's saying we don't have one anymore.
"Why are we sticking together then? Why don't we just split and get it over with?"
He whispers something to himself again and shakes his head harshly. He's slowly losing it as the hours go by. We can all see it happening and I won't let this bomb just waiting to go off be the death of me.
"I'm leaving."
Tiller shakes his head again and Mohair creeps over to join Ander. I know they're waiting for the right opportunity to split. Maybe I could join them, Tiller's the burden of this alliance. Funny how things change, our once strategic leader falling so low that we don't even consider him part of the alliance any longer.
"A-Athena you can't."
"Give me one good reason why I should stay?" I ask harshly, he fidgets again and takes a small step back. If he's going to attack me he should know that it won't end up going well for him. Day Three and we're already about to break apart. We should have just joined the careers. Probably not a good thing for an anti-career to think about but whatever.
"We'll go then. Attack them, i-if it means you'll stay.
I raise an eyebrow and let my shoulders relax slightly. "Really?"
I don't believe Tiller has the courage anymore to lead such an attack, but if he's willing to follow my wishes than I can stay for a little bit longer. Until he dies or the careers all die.
"We plan first of course. Not today. But tomorrow. Yes. Yes we'll fight tomorrow." He's now smiling and nodding like a crazy person. His emotions are all over the place and he quickly turns and starts walking down the road. He's shaking again with each single step. I look over at the two boys and shrug my shoulders. They both look at me with anxious expressions and I smile gently.
"He's losing it, but don't worry. I'll watch your back if you watch mine. I can't wait for this, can you?" Neither say anything or make any kind of movement. I frown and turn to walk off. This is all I've wanted since I joined this alliance. I'm a cautious person and I know my limits, but I wouldn't volunteer if I didn't want to fight and now I get the best fight of them all. Against the careers. Finally, we're doing what we're meant to be doing!
Brazen Quincy, District Nine Male
I stretch out my arms and yawn loudly. My legs kick out and there's a loud thump as Isaac falls from his chair. He groans under his breath and I laugh out loudly, each individual noise echoing down the walls and shaking the stage. I love it here, Isaac thinks we should move on but that spotlight stuck on the centre is too entrancing. Nothing's happened yet, not a single movement on the stage, but when it does begin I want to watch the show.
My friend's such a downer, ranting about death and how my ignorance will only lead to our downfall. Where's the Isaac I grew to care for? He was like me and we vowed that together we would make it to the finale and give the Capitol the best darn fight they've ever seen. I hate that he's now so quiet and melancholy, always sinking into his seat and talking to himself. I still plan on making it to that finale and I want my friend to be there too, however the way things are going he'll end up walking out on me.
You don't want that to happen do you Brazen?
No, why would I? Isaac is the best ally ever, the two of us are invincible. The murder of that little girl will wear of soon I'm sure and he'll back to his usual antics in no time. I'm giddy with excitement as I think about him coming back to his senses and appreciating how much this theatre needs to be explored. That stage is too inviting and I won't leave until I've seen what happens.
Fine, get yourself killed.
"I won't, now shut up."
Isaac sits up and stretches out his arms, yawning and rubbing at his eyes. He ruffles his short blonde hair and when he sees me, he looks away and gets himself up.
"Did you say something?" he mutters, taking a seat.
"No, nothing," I lie and smirk when he stares at me again. He looks so sad all the time so I lean forwards and poke him hard in the shoulder. He does nothing but I just laugh. Soon he'll lighten up but until then I won't stop trying to annoy him. It's his fault, we were meant to be fighters and he's sucked the life out of things.
"Are we going today then?"
"Going, why would we be going?"
One of the curtains rustle and I leap up with excitement but it's just a false alarm. I can feel his eyes burning into the back of my head and when I whiz round he coughs and averts his eyes to his lap. It's been boring just sitting here, sure I want to be out there getting myself closer to victory, but I won't give up this opportunity and I know he'll stay with me regardless of his own thoughts and wishes.
"We waited the whole of yesterday and nothing happened. Let's just go."
"Something will happen today, I can feel it."
He stands up and pulls the backpack strap over his shoulder. He straightens up and stares me down, eyes glowing with something that this new Isaac's shown a lot of lately.
"We're going, that's that."
"No we are not!" I shout and stand up. Okay he's really starting to piss me off now. I step forwards and his shoulders tense as we close the gap.
"Nothing is going to hap-"
There's a loud thumping sound, like a heartbeat only made louder by being broadcast through the speakers spread about the theatre. The curtains retreat completely into the sides and a ticking begins.
"See, what did I tell you."
I smirk triumphantly and watch Isaac go bright red. He can't fight against it now. I sit back down and grab the chair in front of me with both hands. This is so exciting! Isaac sits next to me but obviously doesn't show the same enthusiasm. The thumping continues as does the ticking until it becomes so loud I clench my eyes shut.
"Wait. Brazen. Doesn't that sound like the bloodba-"
A gong sounds and the stage goes dark. Drops of water fall from the ceiling and the setting behind comes into view. Cardboard hedges have been constructed as a light tapping sounds out from somewhere. A large wooden figurine walks out. Its head tilts slightly to look outwards and my heart jumps into my throat.
Its lips have been drawn out into the cheeks, red marks smothered all over the wood. The limbs are disproportionate and out of place, it looks like every arm and leg is broken. A single string is attached to each limb and it walks all funny, something in the rafters above controlling it as it walks onto the stage.
"It looks like it's smiling," Isaac whispers in horror. I don't want to stay here anymore. I feel all cold and watch as it slowly twists its neck so the puppet is staring at the pair of us. Another puppet comes out from the darkness, this one is darker and shorter but a lot larger in the arms. That terrifying red smile is still cut into its lips and cheeks and it walks all funny over to the first one. Then with its two big hands it yanks the first puppet's head off and laughter erupts from the speakers. I squeal and jump up from the seat, toppling forwards into the one in front. Isaac helps me up and leans closer to my ear.
"They're recreating the bloodbath. With these puppets."
I can't even say anything. I don't want to look, but it's like I can't stop watching as more and more puppets come onto the stage in all their horror and kill one another. As the water falls and blurs with the red smiles and crooked limbs I can hear a faint shouting.
"Brazen!"
I blink and look around. Somehow I'm right in front of the stage getting a front seat view as a puppet with dark curly hair faces off two other puppets. Another puppet gets in the way... Katri? I don't know why but my feet walk up the steps. This isn't me controlling myself, it's like I'm one of these nightmarish puppets and strings are pulling my legs onto the stage to join them.
"BRAZEN!"
Isaac's shouting and bolts from the seat in the higher section of the theatre. My feet stop when I'm stood centre stage. The Katri puppet turns to me as the other three walk off. It's so much larger in person, bigger than the real Katri and a giggle bursts from the speaker as it walks towards me.
A leg twists and creaks and an arm pulls me in by the shoulder. I let out a scream but nothing inside of me seems to push me to run away.
It's like its hugging me and my arms stretch out and reach to the wooden shoulders. We embrace and then I feel the cold fingers draw up my back. It breaks the hug but keeps a wooden hand clenched round my neck. When I finally break out of whatever trance I was in, I start to struggle. But it's too late. My eyes are locked with the black button eyes of the puppet and the blood red smile drawn across the lower face. With a single jerk of the hand, a white hot pain radiates around my back and slowly things start to fade as I feel myself crumple to the floor.
Someone's screaming in the distance but I can't make out the words as I fall into the cold, but peaceful, arms of death.
Callista Avallone, District One Female
My body shakes again and when the punch inside my skull sends a shocking wave of agony through my body, I bite down hard on my tongue to keep back the yelp. They can't know yet, for now I'm good at keeping it down, hiding the truth from my allies. They'll only pounce on my weakness, cast me aside, or even worse- kill me.
I mean, Mercury knows I like a drink, but he nor any of the other tributes know the extent to which alcohol is much more than just something to take now and again. Now that I'm not going to get any – I mean, who would sponsor a girl with a bottle of red wine – things don't look so good for me. But that doesn't mean I can just give up, I'm not that pathetic to curl into a ball and let someone take my life. I'll give them the fight they want until I have no more strength inside.
I just wish I could have a sip of something. This sickness is killing me.
"Well that's the top floor done then," Mercury claps his hands loudly, the echo causing a thousand waves of pain inside my head, and I shake again, gripping onto my stomach. He walks back over to the three of us and nods firmly.
"As far as I know there aren't any surprises waiting for us in this mansion. We can set up our base here, there's easy access to a balcony that overlooks the front courtyard. You can't see over the hedges to the Cornucopia but we'll see Iris or anyone else coming up the hill long before they spot us."
He's grinning proudly, happy with the advantage we have. Mercury doesn't see past the current security, it should be clear to him that within this mansion a thousand different horrors could become unleashed. There are those weird suits of armour standing on platforms and I'm pretty sure there are secret passages somewhere, it just has that creepy feel to it. But our leader is in charge and if he says it's safe then I'll play along. Plus an argument might just make me scream and so far no one's acted suspicious yet towards my behaviour. I'm trying my best to talk quietly as much as possible, to keep that bond I've tried to build up with them all, but I'm so tired. Too tired. My body is tired to the point of not even wanting to kill Iris anymore, that's how fatigued I am.
"What do you think, Callie?" He sneers and sticks his tongue out at the glare I send his way. Callie used to be a fun nickname, what all the boys called me, but Iris picked it up and now it sends anger through me and that kind of emotion doesn't help the nausea. I relax and smile, nodding gently.
"It's perfect. Can we rest?"
"Rest? The day's only just begun Callie. We can sit down but we're not resting, that was another cannon about twenty minutes ago and slowly more and more will die. We need to be ready to stage an attack on Iris and her dogs."
Ugh. I try to show I'm okay with that but the pain must show on my face as he raises an eyebrow and looks me straight in the eyes. When I feel my cheeks go warm I almost blurt out that I'm fine but he ignores it and looks over at Fortune.
"You alright with doing some planning, still want to join them?"
"We join when Iris is dead. Like you said." His voice is filled with malice but he doesn't rise to the bait. I like Fortune despite his coldness, and Mercury's still a lot of fun. Yet that reality check at the bloodbath, it made me see them all in a different light and now I can't get that out of my head. Even Kenzall stands in my way of getting home and if he does reach that victory spot – if any of them do – then it means I'll have died. It scares me more than anything and whenever I had to deal with fear I had a drink. It hurts. I hate it so much.
"Good. If any of you have any objections to the way I'm leading this alliance than by all means let me know, but I have our best interests at heart, believe it or not. I mean for the careers to join up again but Iris has to die for that to happen, we won't lea-"
"Lead an attack on the careers in case we lose someone. We've been over this every day," Fortune states calmly but the fight's there. Mercury scowls at him but brightens up immediately. This'll all blow up in our faces soon enough and I'd rather it happened later than sooner. My naivety at believing we could all be friends may have gone but I still like them, they're all decent enough people and if a fight breaks out amongst Mercury and Fortune I don't know who's side I'd pick. Maybe I just won't pick, instead sprint away from it all.
No. No I won't think like that. Chances are we can all stick together until it's absolutely necessary that we split up. Mercury and Fortune are just boys and boys do this kind of thing, trying to always gain the upper hand over the other. It'll all blow over eventually when they realise they need each other.
Mercury sits down and we all follow him. He takes off the one backpack he has and chucks all the knives he's gathered into a pile he's making before taking a sip of water. I do the same and soon enough we're all hydrated, the water doesn't help the headache entirely but it eases it somewhat. There are some painkillers somewhere in this bundle but that'll arouse suspicion and too many questions. I can handle it for now, I shouldn't worry myself.
"Well it's clear that despite Iris being what holds us all back, she's the least threat in that alliance. If we jump in at the right time we might be able to salvage that alliance before they break apart. Cora won't be any trouble, as far as I know she relies on Declan too much-"
"Far too much," Fortune whispers, loudly enough for us all to hear him. Mercury shoots him a nasty glare and nods his head.
"Yes far too much. The real problem is Declan and Lance. Declan is clever, too clever for my liking, she probably has her own plans once Iris is dead. Lance is tough, we could take him down if we combined our strength but he's determined and could easily take one or two of us with him."
"Maybe we should just ignore that alliance, even when Iris is dead." I blurt out. Everyone turns to look at me but instead of backing down like I might have done previously, I stare back at them.
"I mean it. We're all worried about what plans they might have and the strength each of them possess. Instead of thinking about what could happen and risking our necks why don't we just... not ally with them?"
Fortune immediately shouts out his disagreement and I see Kenzall shaking his head. He's quiet, almost sinks into the shadows but he's here now and Mercury raises a hand and smiles when I look at him. He'll help me, defend me surely? Me and him, we're close regardless of my feelings now.
"We're allying with them Callie. But I hear what you're saying, don't worry, things will work out once Iris is dead."
And with that my simple suggestion is brushed under the carpet and Mercury continues to dictate what we could do and what could happen. It's always about what may or may not happen, but if we don't risk it we don't die. Simple as. If things weren't so overwhelming, if I didn't feel sick, I might voice my opinion again and again until they listened to me. But I lean back on my shoulders and let the boys do the talking. I'm slowly realising that Mercury doesn't consider me an essential part of the alliance, and that's terrifying. Soon enough I won't be needed anymore, maybe I'm not needed now but for the time being he likes having me around. But when he's ready to break the alliance and win this thing he won't hold back from running one of those blades through my heart.
I just have to be quicker than him. He can do all his planning and I'll do mine. Then we can see who comes out on top. I don't want to turn on my allies but I'll do what I have to, because there is only one victor and as much as I like them all I'm not ready to die. Not for a long time.
Iris Odessa, District One Female
Lance grunts when I pass him and begins to start piling the supplies into different stashes. I look over my shoulder and watch his eyes lock onto mine and the fury that swims in those blue irises. Irises. Iris. I giggle and turn away, walking over to my own backpack and the sword and knives that I've kept to myself.
Lance might be ticked off with me, in fact this entire alliance is probably got some kind of vendetta against me, but I'm not worried. Why should I be? If they wanted to have me out of the picture they'd have taken my life during the bloodbath where I was more vulnerable than I am now. But they didn't so it means that despite how much they disagree with me, they still see me as leader. I can ride that respect all the way to at least the final eight, then the final three... and then victor!
I clap my hands and sit down, picking up the sharpest and most beautiful blade I have and running my fingers along the sharp edge. Declan is still nursing Cora after yesterday. I don't know why she bothers, the girl is long gone with that deep stab wound to her back and occasionally her breathing comes out high and sharp, blood droplets spurting from her lips. It's clear she's gone but I might as well let Declan continue on with her pathetic attempts at helping her recuperate. Although I doubt changing the bandage and giving her lots of water will stop her from dying.
It just shows even more so how prepared I was for this. I knew my allies would have to die for this so it only made sense not to even get close – plus it helps that they're all idiots – but the others all seem to have some kind of bond. Let them cry over each other, worry when the other gets a scratch. More fun for me then.
With a flick of my wrist I send the blade through the air. It catches the rain and the drops sparkle as it whistles through the breeze and I catch it. Cora screams again but I've become less annoyed at hearing the monstrous screeches. Declan's trying to soothe her, stroking her hair over and over again and when Cora starts to walk around again, Declan offers her shoulder to lean on.
"Iris."
Lance is glaring at me, again mind you. He then gets up and walks over to me, broadening his shoulders and landing with a soft thump on the concrete just before me. I stretch out my arms and lean backwards onto my elbows, raising an eyebrow as he balances himself on his knees and stares straight into my eyes.
"Yes?" I smirk at the quiver in his legs. "Do you have something you want?"
"We're going."
A stone seems to tie itself to my heart and drops all the way to my stomach. Then it rises, bringing a wave of anger with it that spreads all the way through me and with a loud screech I stand up and point at him.
"No you are not."
Declan and Cora are looking up at the pair of us. I see the faint outline of a smile and that's when I start to shake. They're turning on me already? No. That's not what is meant to happen. I was hated but respected, the hate meant nothing, it was the respect that was important. Now I have neither?
"You can come too if you want."
"Where on earth are you going?"
Lance now has the upper hand and joins me in an upright position. He points at the opening in the hedge where we left on day one to kill the boy from Three. A kill Lance tried to make me feel bad about.
"We're going up the hill to take out Mercury. You can stay here, but we're going."
He ignores my order to get back. Declan helps a stumbling Cora over to the opening, they've already collected weapons and a few backpacks full of supplies. Lance shoots me a backwards look, smirks and then they disappear into the darkness.
No! I knew Lance had it in for me, I should have gotten between him and Declan and hushed their whispering, but I thought it was funny to watch them plot and plan.
"You aren't getting rid of me that easily," I shout loudly, grabbing onto the sword tightly and running to where they disappeared. The houses are rare and far apart up the hill. The cobbled road is smooth so it's easy to sprint up and see their backs as they near the opening to the massive building sitting proudly on the hill. Mercury has that? He could be anywhere in that building. And Declan calls herself smart, a million traps could be sprung in there taking us all out. I even know that!
"Lance! Declan! Cora!" I shout and wave my arms frantically as they disappear over the curve of the top. Lance walks back, shakes his head but waits for me to catch up. My lungs are burning but I don't give him the satisfaction of seeing me in discomfort. I smile and barge into his side, pushing forwards and taking my position in front of the group.
"If there's a fight I'm leading it."
"You won't hear me complaining," Lance says almost too calmly. Declan looks at me and then at Lance. Something's going on but the prospect of taking out Mercury – and Callista – is too exciting an opportunity to pass. Now I'm actually eager, and riding off the excitement I sprint into the courtyard before me, the steps leading up to an open door. Open. Shit.
I see them step out from the sides, just in front of another tall hedge that leads on to a strip of darkness. I can't see what's past the hedges except for the opening.
"You're earlier than I expected," Mercury announces, clearly terrified. I mean, come on, he doesn't stand a chance.
I see Callista step up to join him and all the anger and excitement comes bubbling out into one loud roar. Callista steps forwards and raises a sword. She puts a hand to her head but instantly lets it drop to her side. Little Miss Alcoholic is missing her wine. Poor her.
I laugh and raise my own.
"I've been looking forward to this."
Callista shrugs her shoulders and starts stepping forwards. I also begin the charge but then we both stop. Mercury and the other two aren't joining in, and when I look back neither are my own allies. Cowards. I knew they were more bark than bite.
"What are you doing? Come on!" I wave my sword in the air and begin walking to Callista but she's not moving at all.
"Merc?" Her voice is high; soft yet full of fear.
"We propose that we join alliances." Lance shouts over the rain and wind. Mercury nods his head and both him and Fortune smile and lower their own weapons.
"But my dear Iris, we're fed up of your petty rivalry with Callista. Time to settle this once and for all. You two will fight and one of you will die. Then the careers will become whole again."
He says it with such glee in his voice that for a second I don't even see a teenage boy in front of me. But Callista's squeal and the way she pleads with Mercury snaps me out of it and I raise my sword. This is what I've wanted to do since the two of us volunteered. I won't back down now and it serves me better if Callista is terrified.
"We're friends," she says, still looking back at Mercury who stands with an unwavering smile. Poor Callie looks like she's about to give up, too bad for her. With one almighty battle cry I charge towards her, closing the gap, more than ready to shut her up for good.
You've Got Time by Regina Spektor
Brazen Quincy, District Nine Male
Olive, Brazen was a joy to write but his personality matched Isaac's far too much and people seemed to prefer Isaac over him. Plus with development already beginning for Isaac, Brazen had no more plots and it was his time to go. Thank you for submitting him!
Author's Note: I've been planning the Iris and Callista showdown for sometime now so Day Three has been cut into two chapters. It could go either way, or maybe neither will die, only I know ;) I feel like I might be going through these tributes quite quickly but honestly I've never been a fan of reading long games so I don't plan on writing games that last about 30 or so chapters.
I haven't planned every chapter to come so I can't say how long they will last but they won't be over too quickly, I can assure you of that :)
The lower town is basically like any average sized town you come across. A park, the houses, shops, a theatre etc. More to come of course, Brazen's scene was difficult as I've pictured the puppets in my head for ages now but they were hard to put into words. Oh well XD
One final note, those who have a tribute in Madhouse, or are just reading it, I will be updating as soon as I have every tribute so don't worry about that.
Question time!
Stand out POV and why?
Predictions for outcome of Iris vs Callista?
Thanks for reading, and to those who review an even bigger thanks. Your comments keep me going :D