Live Free Or Let Me Die
Death until the dust, and we're waiting;
Ruined in the rust, of our craving;
It feels like, it feels like;
Don't you know the cost, of your betrayal?
Day Five
Declan Rift, District Two Female
No one has said anything to me since it happened. They all sit there in complete silence, gathered around the Cornucopia. Mercury is still asleep with a knife tucked in near his chest, Lance looks at me but quickly stares somewhere else whenever I catch his eyes. Kenzall's just by himself near the hedge, smiling as he sorts through the supplies we've got and Callista's got her back to the Cornucopia, looking at nothing in particular.
Cora's dead.
Last night when I saw her face it was if something snapped inside of me. A piece went missing and I can't seem to find it. I never planned on growing close to her, it makes me guilty to think that all I did was use her and plan to set her off as the deciding piece in the eventual fight that would lead to the career split. I planned for her to die, but then I changed it all to ensure that me, her and Lance could get away. But that didn't work because Mercury's decision led to the floor collapsing. Fortune let her get killed, whatever happened yesterday he was there and he survived. It's their combined decisions that led to my friend's death and nothing will stop me from getting justice for what happened.
It's rash, if anything it's completely stupid. I've always prided myself on controlling my emotions because a level head is always much better than one clouded with feelings that get in the way of doing what's necessary. But the death of Cora has pushed that all away and left a blank hole in my chest that only the death of Mercury and Fortune call fill. I don't know when it will happen, right now would be the perfect opportunity to just ram a sword straight through his throat and end it all. Kill the bastard will effectively end the careers but that doesn't matter to me anymore.
Or does it? Because whenever I try to tighten my grip on the sword and stand up, my legs turn to jelly and flop back down; staring at his relaxed face and feeling the intense hatred yet not being able to do anything about it. My mind's still telling me to be calm, use the intelligence I was provided with and overcome him in a way that won't risk my life.
If I kill him now the careers are over and they might all react and try to kill me. I could die this very morning and that's not something I can let happen, not when there's still Fortune out there who has to pay. Lance- he should have stuck up for me yesterday, but this goal for vengeance doesn't stretch out to him. He had no part in my friend's death, neither did Callista or Kenzall. I feel nothing for those two but I don't plan on trying to kill them unless it's absolutely necessary. Maybe I can patch things up with Lance but whenever he looks at me and turns away, it's as if something's happened between the two of us and he doesn't trust me anymore. I wouldn't be surprised, at this very point I don't know what I'd end up doing if someone set me off.
"Good morning one and all."
My entire body goes stiff- my heart beating loudly as he stretches, yawn and directs his gaze at me. He tilts his head and smiles as widely as possible. The hole that Cora's death has left fills up with fire, a red spreading across my eyes as the blood boils beneath my skin. My fingers automatically tighten around the sword handle as he stands up and walks over to a solemn Lance.
"Anything happened whilst I was resting?"
He looks up at him, expression changing to one of anger as he shrugs him off and stands up.
"No, nothing."
His eyes then meet mine for a second, eyes softening before sitting down by the opening in the hedge.
"Guys, I think I see someone."
Kenzall's standing by the other hedge now, peering out into the darkness. Mercury's got the knife that he sleeps with in his hand as he rushes over. Previously I might have felt scared about another fight but still prepared to do what must be done. Now I'll just let them deal with it, hopefully Mercury will get killed- or at least injured, the job of murdering him is up to me. Maybe the time is now when they're occupied with fighting whoever it is.
Mercury and Kenzall have both taken position behind one hedge either side of the opening, ready to leap out. Callista walks over to me and slumps down next to my legs, attempting a smile, but all it does is send a twitch through her face so she stops and watches with me as the boys deal with the unfortunate tribute.
"They must think we're not here, no one's that stupid," Callista says as she probes her forehead. I mutter my agreement and watch as the two boys cross through the hedges. Mercury and Kenzall, without hesitation, lunge at them.
It's the boy from Three and his ally, the little one from Seven.
He's fast though and pushes his ally towards the centre and leaps just out of both my ally's reach. He has his own weapon and brings it towards Mercury, slashing wildly as his ally watches on his back. He's terrified, I can see it in his eyes. Lance is staring at him but doesn't move, he's lost that determination to kill despite hating it. We'll all sit and watch as it happens.
Chip slashes open Kenzall's cheek earning him a howl of agony. He tries to get his own sword through Chip's chest but he turns just in time and the blade nearly goes plummeting straight through Mercury's shoulder.
I don't know why but that fills me with even more anger.
Knowing Mercury might die... that's my job.
"Wait here," I say to Callista before she can protest.
I don't know why I've changed my mind to do it right now, out the corner of my eye I see Lance walk pass the little boy from Seven straight towards me, but I push that from my mind and with one loud cry- knowing I may well regret this- I tackle into Mercury.
He's stunned, that much I can tell by the way he cries out with confusion. Then his eyes settle on me and the same grin appears on his face. With his knee he drives it into my stomach and throws me back slightly. My stomach's burning, I see Kenzall driving off Chip as he tries to get to his ally. Lance kicks the little boy as he begins to charge towards this fight, he doesn't go for the kill though. Instead he grabs Kenzall and throws him away from Chip.
"Go, now."
Chip shakes his head, tears brimming in his eyes.
"N-Neelo!" he shouts.
"Step closer I'll kill you."
I don't hear what happens next, my attention is focused entirely on Mercury as he tries to take me down again. Kenzall's turned on Lance, and tries to stab repeatedly but he blocks each blow. The little kid is charging now, trying to reach his ally who's watching with wide eyes as the careers fight before him.
Lance twists out of Kenzall's way and that's when it happens. Instead of the sword point impaling Lance, it goes straight through little Neelo's throat.
Chip cries out, screaming something, but the sound of the cannon overwhelms everything as Neelo crumples to the ground in a pool of blood pumping from the open wound.
Moments ago we were sat down calmly, now everything's gone crazy.
"DECLAN, LET'S JUST GO!"
Chip has gone and Lance is holding off Kenzall as Callista now joins in, trying to fight off Mercury. Lance sidesteps the next attack and grabs my shoulder, pulling me away and shouting for Callista to join us.
The boys from Two give up as we run through the hedge and down a hill, everything a blur as the rain pelts us and my heart beat drums against the inside of my ears. I just split the careers because I couldn't hold back, and instead of Mercury dying a little kid from Seven got stabbed in the throat.
"I could have finished him off," I shout over the pouring rain. Lance looks at me, shakes his head and remains silent.
I should have just sat still, let Mercury and Kenzall deal with the two boys. But I let my emotions get the better of me and now look where we are. At least we have the advantage, and I mean it when I say that soon we'll go back and finish them off. We're stronger, we have to be. Three versus two. The odds are in my favour, and then I can target Fortune.
Don't worry Cora. I'll avenge you soon, and then I'll win. I shouldn't have gotten so close to her. But it's too late for that, now we plan how to take down Mercury.
Taylor Cross, District Twelve Female
Dash spots the shop as we turn the corner. It's massive, taking up nearly half the street. The lights inside are bright compared to the dim flickering of the candles you can see through the windows of some of the other buildings. I can't say I'm exactly all that excited to be heading here, though Dash is smiling for the first time in a while.
"There's got to be tonnes of food and drink in there, we'll be set for weeks," he rubs his hands together excitedly as we step closer and closer to the main doors. He's become obsessed with the idea of pleasing me, doing everything he can to make sure I'm not upset. It goes from one extreme to the other with my ally, and as the days go by I don't know how much more I can take. He's a loyal protector but he's lost all light in his eyes, despite the cheeriness to his tone of voice the darkness is clear and soon he'll snap.
From willing to kill anyone, to ensuring I'm happy with every decision. It's too much to take in. He doesn't ask my opinion on this new find though, and to be honest I'm pleased he hasn't taken the time to talk to me about whether to walk in or not. Maybe something in there will kill him-
No. I place a hand to my head and moan weakly. What's happening to me? Wishing him to die- that's not me. Why though do I feel the need to kill him every single time he opens his mouth or makes some kind of decision for us? Anyone would be lucky to have such a dedicated protector, yet no one sees the other side to Dash that will someday break free.
I'm terrified but I can't kill him. Not when I've made sure that everyone he'll ever come across is left to run away to safety. I'm not here to take the life of anyone, I won't be that kind of person.
"How are you feeling Taylor?" he places a hand on my shoulder as we pause by the door. It's now dry here but something about being away from the rain feels out of place. Dash's grin falters for a second, but I quickly try to put together some kind of answer despite wanting to be a million miles away.
"G-Good, great... we've now got this," I point to the shop and his face lights up again. Without asking for my permission he grabs my hand and drags me through the front door. They slide apart automatically for us and once we step through, Dash lets out an almighty cheer. I can't say I'm not amazed by the sight of all this food just left here for the tributes to find, there's a water canister not too far from where I am so I hurry over there and without even considering the consequences, I take not one sip, but so many that the canister's half empty when I place it down.
Dash is almost dancing around as he picks up random items of food and tears into them, engulfing them without worrying about making himself sick. I could slip away now, whilst he's not looking. I don't though because I just can't. I've always let people do what they want, never stood up for myself. That incident two days ago, that's not something that happens very often. Dash was going to kill two girls though, I had to do something- but now, when it's just us and there's no valid reason. I'm stuck.
"You."
I look up at Dash's sudden change in voice. His eyes are on something hidden behind the shelf and the scream of fear that follows on kicks me into action, and I run over to Dash before he can even process the thought of killing whoever it is. When I'm just about to shove him aside he stretches his arm out and places it on my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks. His eyes are cold when he looks at me, but he smiles again and turns to look at whoever it is.
I do the same and find myself staring into the startled eyes of Rhoena. Without her ally.
When I saw her face in the sky, poor Scout looking down at us, I felt overwhelmingly guilty. I don't know why, I saved her, but what did that matter considering she died anyway? I should have done more, kept the two of them by our side and insisted we formed a large alliance, but they were gone before that thought could even register. Now here sits Rhoena, hand gripped round a dagger as she pushes herself backwards away from us.
"Don't worry," I say as gently as I can, I try not to make any sudden movements. She mustn't be very stable without anyone around her. "We're not going to hurt you."
She looks up at me, and then at Dash. She cries something and waves the dagger in front of her, trying to ward us off. I'm not surprised Dash is terrifying the poor girl, after what he did she must think he's come to finish the job.
"Taylor's right, we're not here to hurt you." His voice is kind, almost too kind. Rhoena tenses up at his voice but stops moving backwards. Her grip on the knife weakens, but she doesn't let it go completely as she pushes herself up into a standing position. I hesitate- do I walk any closer? I don't get a moment to decide as she speaks up, voice wavering but remaining strong.
"Why did you try to hurt us? W-We did nothing wrong." I'm amazed at how she can hold eye contact with Dash. His smile has vanished and under those terrifying eyes if I was in her shoes I'd be sprinting from here as fast as possible. But she doesn't move an inch, refusing to back down until he presents her with an answer.
"The same reason I've based all my actions on. To save Taylor."
I used to feel a mixture of happiness and guilt at these words. Now it's left me feeling nothing but sadness for all the pain he's caused and will continue to cause in my name. He'll switch back soon, when we're presented with danger this Dash I'm currently standing with will vanish and the Dash that attacked an unarmed Rhoena will come forth.
"I understand," she mutters, putting her knife away and smiling up at the pair of us. She pulls out a slip of paper, her eyes glancing over whatever's on it, before nodding and putting it back.
"Good luck," and before I can say anything in return, she turns around and walks away. I hear the distant sound of the doors sliding apart and then we're left alone, just the two of us. Dash opens another item of food and offers me some. I take it, no point in declining anyway, he'll only persuade me otherwise.
"We can rest here for a while, prepare for what's to come."
I know what's to come. Saving Rhoena and Scout and finding her again by herself- it's made me more sure then I've ever been. I'm leaving Dash and finding that little girl, to keep her company until the worst happens. I don't know when I'll do that, but the time will come when I won't hesitate to walk away. And I'll be glad to, because the man standing next to me is not the friend I made back in the Capitol- he's what the Games create.
Chip Daemon, District Three Male
I keep running, ignoring the wind slashing my cheeks, the rain blurring everything in front. I just run and don't look back. I'm aware that I'm crying, my eyes are burning and there's an ache inside my chest and side, but that's not enough to stop. Neelo wouldn't want me to stop, not until I was safe.
Neelo...
Damn him, damn my own stupid heart. Why did I have to let him get close? Everything was fine- I had it all worked out. I thought when the alliance was first put together it was just there because it was something fun, something different that really showed everyone the way I wanted to play this game. I never planned on caring for the boy- why, why did I have to let my guard down and let him conquer the emotions I wanted to keep back.
I rub my eyes and exhale sharply, the road splits into a junction and I take the left but ensure my pace doesn't slow. I have no idea where I'm headed, just away... away from where he fell.
It was my fault. I thought for some stupid reason that we could outsmart them, take their supplies before they could return back. I was so sure they weren't there, gone somewhere else- that's what all careers do... they hunt. And that idiotic decision, the one plan I thought might just work out compared to all the shit that kept going wrong, caused the death of the one person I gave a damn about.
Lance- he should have let me rescue him. He didn't seem like he wanted to kill either of us, they were more focused on annihilating the other career pack. I should be grateful that they were fighting, no one was really focused on killing me once the girl from Two charged Mercury. How can I be grateful though, seeing that sword impale Neelo through the throat- that sight is burned into my eyes, never to be forgotten. It's all my fault- my fault, and I can't do anything to bring him back.
I wipe my eyes furiously again. I don't want to cry, I shouldn't cry, it's weak and foolish. What kind of wealthy sponsor would bother giving a crying teen something? It's not that easy though, you can't just wish away your feelings, and no matter how much I tell myself to hold it back in and just stop for a minute, I don't. In fact it starts getting worse and soon enough I feel the ground sway beneath my feet.
My back throbs with agony the second it slams into the concrete. Then my head collides and it makes the world spin in front. The tears added to the rain make it impossible to differentiate between the buildings and the bushes that appear to be spinning. It's all one messy blur of dark colours and shadows. Something light streaks through the sky and a loud booming sound follows afterwards, the rain sloshes down around me, pushing me against the ground. I wonder what it would be like to just close my eyes and die- let the rain wash me away to the feet of some unsuspecting yet willing tribute, someone who would cut me down. Would I want that? Neelo would kill me if he thought I was just going to give up because of his death. The boy had spirit even if it was hidden deep within.
I wonder what Three's thinking, looking at my hopeless form as I expel quick short breaths and tilt my head to the side. Are they laughing? Mocking me for finally giving in and letting it all go? Or are those mindless robots begging me to get back up and fight- do them proud and fight my way through to victory. I've seen it happen countless times, tributes lose their allies and instead of succumbing to despair they fight through it and use it as a beacon of hope- something to fight for. It doesn't work often, but it still makes you feel good knowing that despite the situation they were willing to do their very best.
"Come on Chip, get up, get the hell up," I whisper to myself, shaking my head and trying to find the strength to stand and walk away. All I've got is one measly knife and a bottle of water. It may be more than most, for all I know apart from the careers I could be living the good life, but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is for the first time since the Games began- what feels like a lifetime ago- I'm well and truly by myself.
Well, as 'by myself' as I can get with hundreds of cameras no doubt focusing on my face this very second.
I let my head fall back and look up at the dark sky above, no star nor cloud in sight. It's weird with this torrential downpour that the sky is completely blank, but something about it is relaxing. Maybe that's the wrong word to say considering I'm most definitely not relaxed, but it's better than what I felt up there by the Cornucopia when I could have been killed. I thought I'd be able to handle that situation, save myself and Neelo. And it was a career that saved me and Neelo died.
My mentor's probably kicking himself about how stupid I'm being. He was a kind man, shy but determined to see me or Axton through to the finale. I knew his hopes were pinned on me though, and something about failing yet another person doesn't sit well with me. It gives me the tiniest ounce of strength to push myself into a sitting position and look out at the street before me.
I have no idea where I am. This Arena all looks the same to me. Countless streets all leading off from one another, lines of houses that are locked with the rare few that have been left open for us to find shelter in. One of the doors is wide open, the next bolt of lighting gives me enough time to see the line of blood that's leading away from the building and down the left direction.
It's either that way, or going back the way I came. Both awful choices, both could lead to my death, but everything I may do could lead to that happening so I might as well take my chances. Following a path of blood can't be what you'd consider an intelligent decision, but after one decision that caused me to lose my ally maybe luck will be on my side and this blood isn't as menacing as it might be. Maybe it's just the blood of a tribute that's already died.
I stand up, somehow. My legs shake and nearly send me toppling backwards but I balance myself out and take the tiniest of steps forwards, then another one and continue to do so until I'm just an inch from the blood.
"This is stupid," I mutter, but then the smallest of laughs comes out and I start chuckling to myself as I follow this red down the street, no idea where it might lead me to.
Koder Saffron, District Six Male
Daraeh continues to stare at me, even when I look away. She's making it difficult to protect her, all this hate I feel that she has towards me- it's sad. Dimanine and... Avalon, their deaths were my doing, I know that, but she won't let it be forgotten. Maybe she's actually trying to mask her hatred and is just failing. I hope that's the case, I don't want it to be the other option.
"Do you want to sit down?" I ask with a smile. "We've been walking for a long time."
"And we're going to continue walking," she replies coldly. I see her eyes flicker towards mine, a frown on her face, and then she looks out on the front. She's had one of those beautiful sponsor knives in her hands since she received them, the others are shining attached to the belt. Each rain drop makes them stand out even more against the black of the jacket, I want one but I know Daraeh won't let me so there's no point asking.
Keeping my mouth closed isn't easy for me, back at home people used to get annoyed because I was so chatty but it was always fun to see what my actions did to people. I miss my wooden sword and cape, I wish they'd have let me take those here with me, then I'd really look the part. Now I'm just the hero in boring clothes, trying to protect a girl who hates me more than anything. I've never really had someone hate me before, dislike sure, but never hate. I want to start up a conversation, and I have tried, but she just shoots me down and continues walking with quick strides further and further into this section of the Arena.
For all I know, we might just be going in circles. Everything looks the same to me, and except for the massive building rising in the distance we saw earlier- some kind of theatre perhaps which Daraeh wouldn't let me explore- nothing's jumped out as exciting. I miss fighting, battling all the dragons and witches and evil creatures that I imagined around the district, sometimes I'd find an actual evil witch- like my Aunt- but they were always too difficult to get my hands on. In here my mission was supposed to protect my princesses from the evil careers and that failed, but there are still careers left. I wish Daraeh would let me do something, anything, but she's so stuck on 'finding somewhere' that the fun has been sucked right out of this all.
Avalon and Dimanine dying, that wasn't fun, but the idea of killing a career in the bloodbath was. I remember that feeling, swimming inside my stomach and filling me with this strange fire that made me move faster, made me feel the hero that I actually am. I want that, and I need Daraeh to give me that.
"We should find someone," I blurt out. Her shoulders tense and she stares at me again with that look in her eye, the one that tells me to keep my mouth shut and follow her. But this time I'm serious, I can protect her from whatever monster that tries to hurt us, but if you think about it we're not going to win if we keep running and hiding. Let's do what we're supposed to do.
"There are less than half of us left. M-maybe, I think so anyway. We could find someone and maybe, get rid of them. It would help us get further won't it?" I stumble over my words but keep the grin on my face. Daraeh's forehead creases and she looks at the knife in her hand, then back at me. Her eyes narrow and she shakes her head, then goes back to staring at the street in front of us.
"If a tribute comes our way we'll take them out, but I refuse to go hunting. That's for the careers, we're not like them."
"If you hate the careers so much let's go find one and kill them then! I hate them too, don't worry we can protect each other and take them out-!"
"NO!" she shouts, pointing a finger straight in my face. I whimper, my heart plummeting straight into my stomach. She shakes her head again, this time much harder and lets her hand drop to her side. "I hate them- they wanted this hell. But we do not go out of our way to kill, I refuse to be that person."
"What person? A tribute? Well Daraeh, you are one so deal with it!" I scream back. It takes a second before I register what I've just done. I fought back against the one person I'm trying to look after. Her face twists into one of anger, I get ready for her to slap me or something, but she turns and storms off. Boots harshly marching against the concrete.
I've never shouted at someone who wasn't evil before. And Daraeh is not evil, she's just confused. I know that I can get her to like me again, otherwise she wouldn't have saved me and continued to put up with me even after Dimanine had died. Something deep within her is telling her to stick by me, and whatever voice that is inside her head, that's the voice that will eventually help me protect her properly- without this constant hatred she has towards me.
"I'm sorry!" I shout after her, she's gone quite far but I run as quickly as my legs can carry me. Her steps are much larger, but she's slowed down and lets her shoulders relax as I reach her side. Her eyes turn to look at me, and then she shakes her head again.
"You're my ally Koder, I will look after you. But understand... we are not going after anyone, especially a career. If we're going to kill it will be in defence, because that's what we all have to do. I am a tribute, and I've given in to the fact that if I want to win I will have to take the life of someone. But that will happen when it has to happen, not before. Never before."
I have no fight left in me to argue back so I simply nod and let her lead the way again. I plan on having the fight, to vanquish all the evil from this Arena because that's always been my goal. To protect the people who need protecting and destroy everyone who's out there to do them harm. Daraeh can't see that, and Avalon tried to understand and failed. But that won't stop me from doing what I need to do.I just have to somehow draw Daraeh towards the fight and protect her then and there when she has no choice. I'll make her see, protect her when the times comes, and then she'll like me again! Our alliance can work- I'll make it work.
Athena Night, District Six Female
I've been following him since yesterday, since him and that Cora girl ruined everything for us. Funny thing is, I'm not entirely angry, a part of me is glad that Tiller is now dead and I'm by myself. Tiller was useless, dragging our entire alliance through the dirt, there really was no hope for him. However it is a pity that Ander and Mohair turned on me, we could have continued on and taken out Fortune with little trouble, after all if he hadn't have elbowed me in the nose – which still burns every time I think about – I'd have killed him yesterday when I had the chance.
Still I'm not about to give up the perfect opportunity to get another career on my kill-list. I don't know why him and Cora appeared from underground or why they weren't with the other careers, but I have to make sure I find him and kill him before he has a chance to find his allies. There was another cannon though earlier, for all I know it could have been his.
I've been walking this part of the Arena for a while now. Fortune crossed through the hedges and down another hill trying to cut me off, and unfortunately it worked as I've seen no sign of him for ages. The Arena's particularly spooky today, the mist from yesterday is thickening and rising and the rain's pouring even harder. Occasionally I swear I can hear what sounds like moaning but that might just be my imagination.
My actions have been quite sluggish as of late, even now my pace is slowing down. I'm tired, every step my body protests against but I can't give Fortune enough time to completely evade me. Following him through the night was probably a stupid mistake to make as I've had no sleep, but it's worth it if I can just give the Capitol the show they want and take him out. Plus I'm excited, when the two of them popped out from those concrete stairs, I wasn't just angry- the adrenaline kicked in and made me realise why I had volunteered in the first place.
Another lightning bolt attacks something in the distance followed by a few more, once again the weather is growing more intense as the days pass, however as long as it doesn't bother me I'm fine. As I turn the next corner, thunder begins rumbling in the clouds and then I hear it-
The moaning again.
Only this time it's louder and a hundred times as terrifying. There's a sickening crunching sound mixed with shuffling. Like something's struggling to walk. I can't quite see this portion of the street, the streetlights we occasionally come across aren't around here except for one just in the distance, flickering on and off.
This might be something I'm going to regret, but all I've tried to do is bring a bit of excitement into my time here, and risk-taking is something I pride myself on. With little hesitation, I take the first step into this darkness.
The animal-like noises increase. I can tell there are multiple sources but I try to push down the fear growing in the pit of my stomach, my fingers clenching and unclenching, and carry on walking. I wonder if Fortune would have taken this route, or whether he'd have turned back and gone the other direction.
I barely have a second to consider this thought when I hear the sound of grunting and something whistling through the wind. It could be a sword, or a knife, but the heavy noise it makes and how slow it seems to be going it could easily be his hammer. I've found him.
And he's fighting something.
The second I make this realisation I'm well aware that there are others around us, only these aren't tributes. The moaning and other noises that make my heart beat increase, steadily grow louder and louder as I feel a presence by my shoulder. Luckily I'm quick, and before whatever it is can land a blow, I swing my knife and feel it stab into skin and out the other end.
I pull my blade out and wipe it on the sleeve of my jacket. Whatever it is it isn't dead, just lying on the ground scrambling for my boot. I give it one good kick, sidestep another one that lunges for me and sprint towards where the noises of Fortune fighting can be heard.
He must have as fine-tuned senses as I do, as the heavy block of metal from his weapon nearly comes flying into my face which I only just manage to avoid.
"Athena, couldn't resist could you," his voice is laced with pain, he's breathing heavily and for a moment I feel a sense of admiration towards this career. His grace with the weapon mixed in with sheer brutality, plus determination to not back down. I'm jealous.
I don't like that feeling so I mask it with a laugh and stab into something that walks over to me, hands nearly getting a grip onto my shoulder.
"What the heck are these things?"
It's unsettling being in this level of darkness, the dim light in the distance is only illuminating the outline of those closest to me, I can make out Fortune's body when he's right next to me, but then he vanishes the following second.
"I don't know, but I'll make a deal with you. We kill these things together, then we fight. No turning on each other, we need as much help as we can get."
"Honestly, I was just about to suggest that."
Neither of us need to say more as we kick into action. These mutts must be human-like as the vague outlines suggest they've got the head, torso, arms and legs of any individual. But the smell that accompanies them actually burns, and a few seem to have missing limbs. Whenever I brush up against one something wet adds to the rain that's drenched my clothes.
"Do these bastards actually die?!" I scream over the wind that's now picking up. Seriously, the Gamemakers are taking this to the extreme. Darkness, rain, lightning, thunder, mutts and now this insane wind to put up with!
I'd complain if I didn't feel another hand grip onto my arm and try to pull me back. Like yesterday I replicate the movement Fortune inflicted that damaged my broken nose even further. My elbow crunches with the face of the mutt and it falls backwards, taking down another one with it.
Something erupts from its stomach and slides down its worn jacket, puddling around my feet. I get the overwhelming urge to throw up, however right now doing that might result in death, so I hold it down and step closer to Fortune who's doing rather well.
My knife is stabbing holes, but his warhammer is literally taking off limbs with the force behind each attack. Their bones are brittle, I can make out that much, so his weapon is definitely effective.
"There's too many," he says through individual breaths. I feel his eyes on me for a second and my blood runs cold. I can't see his eyes but I know this sensation. It's not a good one.
"Fortune..." I raise my knife but it's not his warhammer that goes to smash me to pieces, his other hand flies out and pushes me backwards. This time I can't keep my balance and I feel the ground rise to meet me. My back lands in the puddle of slime, I try to rise but a hand bends down to touch me and then more hands.
As they swarm me and I try to kick and scream my way through, I see Fortune's outline turn and disappear, his running footsteps adding to the noise these creatures are making. Nails break my skin and I howl with pain, this relentless wave of mutts piling onto my body, grabbing at everything they can find.
I shouldn't have come down here. I let my stupid, foolish pride over making my one life worth it overcome the decisions I should be making, and now here I am, a slow death my punishment.
Cloe Harker, District Four Female
The loneliness has really started to creep in now. I thought I could have handled it to begin with, work out a way of dispelling the nightmares and paranoia at each corner I took, and pretend that I had Aryanna by my side- something to guard me from this Arena whilst I searched for the real her. But it's vanished, all of that gone and it's really sunk in how every single turn I make could result in me dying before I find her, or each cannon could be hers. One has already sounded today and countless times I've had to tell myself over and over that it isn't my cousin's. She wouldn't want me despairing over her, or jumping at my own shadow. I don't want that either, those past years of being terrified and quivering in the dark are no more, this new frame of mind is what will get me through to reuniting with my cousin and then when it gets down to only one victor... well we'll decide it then and there what we could possibly do.
I really hate thinking about that, letting it sink in. I thought the possibility of her dying would kill me originally, then I properly had a good think about it and realized that maybe if she did have to die, at least if I won she'd never be forgotten- something none of us tributes surely want to happen. But now it's really terrifying me the thought of seeing her face in the sky, or when it comes to the finale her having to die.
Best not to dwell on that yet.
Halfway down this street – one that looks identical to pretty much every single one I've taken these past few days – I spot the pile of blood, stretching out and leading into the distance. My stomach churns- who... or what, could have this much blood? If it's a tribute maybe it's the one whose cannon rang out earlier- what if it's Aryanna?
I ball my fists up and shake my head frantically. N-No it isn't her, I have to stop panicking otherwise I'll never survive further down the line. I've already been walking around aimlessly, no clues in sight, so without even thinking about it I begin walking further and further down this street, the blood trail thinning as I reach a patch of darkness, only illuminated by a distant light flickering on and off.
And then something groans and I leap backwards, toppling to the ground.
It's hard to process what's going on, the pain in my skull added to the harsh beating of my heart is clouding everything, making it all a bit blurry. The groaning is weak, but full of agony. Whoever – or maybe whatever it is – is in a lot of pain. I want to get up and walk away, be the tribute I should be and leave them to their fate. We all know mercy isn't a good characteristic to keep around in here, but I'm not about to allow my humanity to crumble and let this poor person continue with this.
I nod, to no one in particular, and stand up. My hands are shaking as I walk closer and closer. A light spluttering noise replaces the groaning and I see the blood, now pooled around something crumpled on the concrete.
A light comes on just by the nearest house, I squeal and quickly raise a hand to block my eyes but then I see it. And my lunch comes up in one wave of burning liquid, scorching my throat as it puddles around her, the blood stretching further.
This... poor girl... she's been practically torn to shreds. Her chest is still rising, and one eye is open, staring at me with the agony creasing her face. Everything about her makes me want to run away screaming, pretend like this isn't happening. But I can't move away, because this... girl- she doesn't deserve this.
Her stomach's been ripped open, something that can only be her guts is showing through the fabric. One of her arms has been torn apart by the elbow down and her other hand is missing three fingers, one lying next to the piece of bone jutting out. How is she still alive?... it's not fair- it's not right.
"P-please," her lips part, bloody spurting out as that single word manages to reach my ears. Even her voice, that weak voice, is laced with agony.
She wants me to end it.
My hand starts shaking even harder as I take out my knife, the blade clean from all the blood that's already been spilt. I don't want to have to kill her, every fibre of my being protests as I take one step, then another and finally I stand over her, my eyes locked with her single eye half-open.
Her brown hair is slick with blood, clinging to her scalp like another skin. But I recognise her, as well as that '6' I can see, barely poking out through the guts splattered up her jacket.
Athena Night.
I hated the sight of her, but right now all I want to do is reverse this pain for her, take it all away and give her the life she should have lived.
But that's been taken from her, even though she chose this, she didn't deserve... this- to be ripped to pieces by some mutt. I'm not even terrified of encountering whatever did this, right now all I care about is giving her the one thing she needs now more than anything.
"I'm sorry."
I say nothing more as I raise the knife and send it straight into her chest.
BOOM!
It's verging on complete silence, no more agonising sounds, nothing but my beating heart and shallow breathing. The anthem takes that all away, like it was waiting for me to kill Athena. First up is her face, shining down as it was before whatever tore her apart set to work on ripping that all away.
At least Aryanna isn't dead...
But I killed someone.
It was a mercy kill, don't feel guilty.
I wish it was that easy, right now I want to curl up and sleep the night away, but all those kind of feelings... they're not for now- not for me to show ever again.
Next up is Neelo from Seven and then it all goes quiet, nothing but myself and Athena's bloody corpse.
I've now got a kill, I now know what Aryanna must be feeling every single passing day. This is torture, I just want it to be over.
Live Free Or Let Me Die by Skillet
Neelo Tomatak, District Seven Male
Athena Night, District Six Female
nightfuries, Neelo's development from the little lazy boy who used his conditions as his main excuse in life, to someone who wanted to do right by his alliance (especially Chip) and do what was necessary, has been a highlight of mine through this story so far. I know I didn't give him the spotlight very often compared to a lot of other tributes, but I still enjoyed it whenever he did come up so I'll miss him greatly!
Glimmerish47, Athena was often compared to Emily-Mae, but the differences I saw within those two is why I killed one of them in the bloodbath, and kept the other for this long. She was reckless but still displayed characteristics that showed she wasn't all that bad towards others, she just started to lose it towards the end because she wasn't getting what she volunteered for. I will miss her, but this was the right time for her to go as I had no future plans for where to take her.
Author's Note: Not including this chapter, there are now ten chapters remaining of the Games! Afterwards I will have an epilogue showing the victor returning to the Capitol and then his or her home district! My plans may change, but like I've said before I've never liked reading long Games, and I can't push myself to writing Games that stretch on for more than twenty or so chapters! I think this is the best way and I hope you all agree :)
Last chapter I was really pleased with, unfortunately this one not so much. Some stories I read the arena takes focus a lot more than the tributes, for me I want to put the spotlight more on the tributes and what's going on with them. Though of course what happens in the arena is important to me, so I think I'm maintaining the right balance that I was hoping for!
This is the last chapter to have six POV's. From now on up until a certain point in the future there will now be five POV's!
Question time!
Stand out POV and why?
As of this moment, now we're in the top twenty, who would you like to see as the Victor?
I'm not expecting so much thought put into the last question, of course it's still early so opinions will change as these tributes develop more and more, but I'm still interested in who at this very moment you want!
Thanks for reading, the next update might be a little later than usual as I have a friend coming to stay round for a few days but I'll do my best!
