Savin' Me

"Show me what it's like to be the last one standing. Teach me wrong from right and I'll show you what I can be."

Ranger never noticed how eerily quiet the town was until she walked through it with company. These past few days, it had seemed like all there was to the world was her and her thoughts. And she had been okay with that. She was used to being alone, and quite honestly, there was only a few select people who she even liked being around- Hadyn toping that list. The arena had come so easy to her. Surviving and not letting her surroundings contort her view of reality, that was what she did even before she got reaped. So before when she walked these abandoned streets, they hadn't seemed so lonely. With Alexis beside her though, she began to notice the absence of background chatter.

Maybe that's what compelled her to carry on a semi-civil conversation with the career girl, or maybe she just didn't mind talking to someone new and... unbiased for a change. She would never admit to the later, but then again the reason didn't really matter.

"We've been dating two years," Ranger answered Alexis's mildly curious inquiry about Hadyn.

"I'd like to think that's about how long I've been with Nolan," Alexis smirked bitterly.

"You think?" Ranger raised a cold eyebrow.

"Yeah, we're on again off again. He's dated some of my friends during our off periods. I'm sure that will all stop once I win though. You can't say no to a victor in District Two," Alexis explained.

"If you win," Ranger corrected somewhat icily before continuing on with their conversation as if she never interjected. They were both used to the subtle competitive undertones of their exchanges now. It's part of what made their relatively new relationship work- they kept each other in check. "If Hadyn started dating one of my friends, I would make him regret it. I hate to break it to you, but clearly your boyfriend isn't worth it if he'll only date you if you win the Hunger Games."

"You don't know him," Alexis scowled.

"Yeah, it's a good thing too. I don't have much patience with charismatic cheats," Ranger smirked.

"Who asked your opinion anyway?" Alexis said, getting defensive now. "I doubt that your Hadyn is as much of a saint as you think he is. Nobody is perfect."

Ranger stopped walking and stared deep into Alexis's eyes, a dangerous fire igniting in her features. "You want to know how I met him? It was just after a fight with some of my classmates. I was mad and tired of the way they were treating me, so I was going to get them back, in the worst way possible. One of them had a little sister in the hospital who was sick, really sick. I went armed with some matches, a bucket of ice water, and a brick. Even I wasn't sure what I was going to do to that kid, but I can tell you now it wasn't going to be pleasant. He was there, in one of the sick rooms because he's been ill since the day he was born, and he said hi to me like I was a regular visitor of the Hospital. He asked who I was visiting, and when I couldn't answer, he said I could visit him. The idiot didn't leave me alone after that. He didn't know my reputation at the time, and I was just happy that he was giving me the time of day. He was popular you know, he had friends, and frankly, I didn't. I was terrified when he got out of the hospital because I knew that there would be no hiding the truth from him out in the real world. He didn't care though. A week after he got out, I was caught up in an alley way after I, um, had a run in with one of my neighbors. The other kids had rocks this time. He showed up out of nowhere, and they pelted him with me, because of the crap that I did. You know what he said when I tried to dump him afterwards? He said that nobody was going to touch his girl, like he could do something about it. Now don't you dare say a word about him because I have never met someone as good as he is. Unless you think this Nolan guy would be pelted by rocks for you. 'Cause I don't think that he would."

Alexis didn't respond, she just kept her eyes silently on the road ahead. Ranger could feel her fire burning brightly as her hand twisted around the hilt of her sword. She knew better than anybody that the truth could be hard sometimes, but nobody insulted Hadyn, not to her face. After another moment of silence, Alexis sighed. "I guess you're just the luckier one out of the two of us then. I don't know what you did to deserve him, but if I were you, I'd never let him go," she said.

Immediately Ranger felt her fight disappear. "I don't deserve him; I never did," she muttered quietly, looking at the road ahead. "Maybe that's why I have to win."

Alexis's expression twisted sourly. "Don't get too ahead of yourself. Trust me, we all just have to win," she said. "But let's be honest, that has nothing to do with who actually does."

Ranger dropped the conversation after that. She had gotten into a debate with Alexis about what it takes to be a winner earlier that day. She'd rather not get into that conversation again. The training academy in District Two had truly mastered the art of brainwash because Alexis never sounded more like a career than when she was talking about the qualities real Victors had. Ranger simply didn't care what she had to say on the topic.

Suddenly, Alexis stopped dead in her tracks. "Do you hear that?" she asked. Ranger paused, pricking her ears to the wind as she searched for a disturbance. At first, she heard nothing, but then the wind turned, carrying with it the sound of voices and laughter. The two girls exchanged a look, and silently moved towards the source. No matter what their differences were, when it came to the hunt, both of them were on the same page.

Creeping closer to the sound, they moved to the side of the street, slipping in between two houses and peeked into the road adjacent to it. Coming around the bend, Ranger saw the two boys walking beside each other. She recognized their faces and named them easily. She never learned their names in the Capitol, but with Alexis constantly talking about them and their impending deaths, she couldn't imagine a world where she didn't recognize Rubin and Airin on sight.

"I just can't believe this is how things are turning," Rubin said as they came within ear shot. He looked rather dejected.

"Yeah, it's definitely not the way I thought it would be," Airin sighed wistfully. "We can still find Cree though right? It's not over until every single one of us is dead."

Alexis glanced over at Ranger, her expression was stony, but determined. "I want Rubin," she said quietly. "Idiot thinks he is still going to get the alliance back together."

Ranger nodded, a bitter smirk crossing her face. Alexis hadn't seemed as overjoyed about Porcelain's death as she might have expected. She had wanted to do the deed herself, to be the one to put an end to the feud. Rubin would be a poor substitute for her- he was a good guy, she knew it all too well. Really, he wouldn't be a substitute at all. The only reason she had to call the boy from One was because she didn't think Ranger was talented enough to take him on herself. Ranger didn't feel like arguing over it though. There was nothing valiant about jumping into a fight that was clearly over her head. She knew she was going to be able to take Airin though. Hadyn would understand the crime she was about to commit. She had to do this. If this went successfully, they would be in the final ten. The two girls waited in the nook between the two houses as the boys continued their walk through the street. When they got close enough, the girls would pounce.

"And how much longer do you think we have until she dies too? I mean, Porcelain was no saint, but... But she was from home," Rubin's face twisted with pain. Then he softened, looking sympathetically at Airin. "Sorry, you're probably hurting worse than me. I know you and Rocio were really close. Closer than I was to Porcelain. I'm just frustrated."

"No, I get it man. It doesn't matter if she was your best friend or not. She was one of us and so she was important right?" Airin.

Ranger could feel her heart beating in her chest as the two boys got close. A few more steps, that was it. Beside her, she could practically feel Alexis tensing. This was it, their moment. Everyone was watching at home now. All the people who hated her so badly, they were about to see her soar.

Alexis moved first. She leaped from their hiding spot slicing her axe forward, looking to decapitate. If it hadn't been for Airin, Rubin would have been dead. The career from Four heard Alexis before his partner had any chance of seeing her. On instinct, Airin ducked, pulling Rubin to the ground with him. Rubin was caught completely off guard as he hit the ground hard. He could feel his head start spinning again- a lingering after affect from the explosion.

Airin drew a knife out of his pocket. It was their only weapon from the Cornucopia that they had left. He leaned right as he heard the swishing of a blade cutting through air beside his ear, dodging an attack.

"Rubin?" he called out nervously.

"Alexis," Rubin said as he clutched his head, steadying himself. It was the explosion; it had given him some sort of very minor concussion. He couldn't allow it to throw him now though.

He wasn't surprised to see his old ally again. From the second the bomb detonated he knew she was his to kill. He watched as she slashed again at Airin and he miraculously deflected the blow with his knife. He hadn't been lying when he said he had been trained well, but still Rubin knew it was only a matter of time before Alexis got the better of him. He needed to go help.

Suddenly a second girl appeared from behind Alexis. "I thought you wanted Rubin," she said through gritted teeth. Alexis didn't respond. Instead she backed away from Airin and spun to face him. Rubin unsteadily rose to his feet, raising his fists up in front of his face, ready to defend himself. Hopefully Airin would be able to last on his own against the Outer District girl.

"You should never have broken up the alliance," Rubin said as Alexis approached.

"Why? Because you were thriving under it? If you ask me we are all better off now. Just look at the numbers. It took us splitting up, and since then four people have died, each one a big competitor," Alexis responded evenly, her expression a mask.

"Three of whom were all in our alliance," Rubin shot back. "One who was your district partner... And... And the other who was mine."

Alexis swung her axe forwards and Rubin smacked the flat of the blade away with the back of his hand. "Sorry Rubin, I can't say I'm sorry Porcelain's dead. The bomb was always meant for her," Alexis said. His expression sank momentarily as he finally accepted what Alexis did. Then his eyes shifted and he clenched his jaw. The time to talk was over; the fight had just begun.

Alexis swung her axe forward, going for his midsection. Rubin ducked low, driving his fist into her stomach. She grunted as she took the hit, stumbling backwards slightly. Rubin persisted while he had an opening, punching again, this time hitting her in the side of the rib. Alexis felt the wind expel from her lungs painfully. Before he could punch her again, she threw herself backwards, skidding in the dirt as a small cough escaped her lips. Rubin didn't pursue her to the ground. Instead he stayed where he was, fists raised, bouncing on the balls of his feet, waiting for her to get back onto her feet.

Alexis got up, gripping her axe with both hands this time. She would have to fight smarter than this. Rubin was dangerous. He was most secure with a spear, but obviously his close combat skills weren't lacking. Every career had to take lessons in fist fighting, and he was strong to begin with. She would have to be careful not to take any wild swings. Clearly he knew how to take advantage of an opening.

Gritting her teeth, Alexis darted towards Rubin again, her axe barred. She raised it high this time, cracking it down upon him. He stepped closer to her, putting his arm up and catching the axe just below the blade, in the wooden section. He grunted painfully as he felt the force smack against his defense. Alexis wasted no time. Before he could land another punch in her gut, she landed one in his, twisting her fist as she did so. He cried out as he stumbled backwards. Now it was Alexis's turn to take advantage. She swung her axe again, going for the kill.

Somehow, he managed to roll out of the way; however, she still managed to clip him, cutting a shallow cut in his shoulder. He twisted his arm around, punching her hard in the wrist. She yelped as her grip of the axe slipped, leaving her weaponless. Immediately, she backed up, her eyes trained on her weapon. Rubin didn't pick it up though, instead he rose to his feet. Alexis couldn't help but notice the way he swayed as he did so. He was off, in a bad way. Something was bothering him, she just wasn't sure what.

"We do this the right way. Career to career," he breathed, raising his own fists. "Not that you've ever heard of a good clean fist fight." Alexis responded with a scowl as her eyes watched him warily. Then he attacked.

Beside them, Airin and Ranger were having a spar of their own.

Ranger had her sword out as the the two circled each other dangerously. Both of them were playing a waiting game, hoping their opponent would attack first. Ranger jabbed at Airin, and he side stepped. She knew he could hear her attacks before they landed on anything. His excellent hearing was saving his life. He couldn't attack her though. To initiate an attack would speed up the action to the point where he might not have the reaction time to save himself.

Alright, she had a plan.

Ranger swung her blade to the right, swishing far enough out so that he was easily able to dodge. She moved from there, pulling her knee up, aiming for the vulnerable area between the legs. He somehow anticipated that too, as he shoved his hand down, knocking it against the impending attack, stopping Ranger. She kept going, arching her sword around and driving it towards his neck. A look of panic passed onto his face as he raised his hand up, catching the sharp edge with his palm. He gritted his teeth as blood began to trickle down his arm. Ranger dragged the blade towards her, deepening the gash in his hand.

He cried out in pain, retracting his arm and staggering backwards. His face looked tired as he tentatively touched his injured hand with his fingers. It appeared that he already knew how things were going to end, and the thought saddened him. "Don't blame a blind kid for trying," he told Ranger with a sad smile.

Letting out a loud battle cry, he charged at her. She looked up at him, completely and utterly confused. He barred his knife as he ran. "Rubin get out, get out now," he screamed. Then he brought his knife down upon Ranger. She stepped to the side dodging it, but he kept coming. He pulled his arm back and stabbed again, and again. She backed up, further and further, aware that soon there would be nowhere left to go. She brought her sword up, trying to slice the knife out of his hands, but it was pointless. He was too agile with the small weapon for her to be able to do anything.

Alexis came out of nowhere, grabbing his arm mid stab and stopping him in his tracks. Ranger took advantage, driving her sword through Airin's chest. He let out a gurgled cry of pain as she did so. But still he was smiling. This had always been his purpose- to die in place of others. First it was Hartley, and now it was Rubin. He could rest peacefully knowing that this was the way things ended.

Ranger looked over at Alexis confused. She had a black eye, and her lip was bleeding, but she seemed to be okay. Over in the middle of the street, where she had been fighting Rubin, the boy from One was nowhere to be seen- he had gotten away.

Boom.

Airin's body slumped, and Ranger pulled her sword out, letting him fall to the ground. Alexis let out a low curse. "I almost had him, all I had to do was pick up my axe and he would have been dead," she said.

"I didn't need your help," Ranger replied evenly, staring at Airin's body with cold, numb eyes. She had done that. She had killed him. "You should have kept followed him."

"Airin distracted me," Alexis said quietly. "I lost my focus. If I had kept fighting, I probably would have lost at that point."

Ranger nodded. Alexis's instinct for self-preservation was almost as sharp as her own. "Come on," she said. "He can't have gotten too far."

Cree didn't react as yet another cannon fired. Idly she wondered who it had been. Was Rubin dead now too? Porcelain's face had been in the sky yesterday. Shaking her head, she reminded herself that it didn't matter. She wasn't going to go back to them, even if they were alive. At this point, it was probably better that they die. It meant that maybe she was a step closer to returning home. Because she desperately wanted to go back. She'd made the decision the other day after her run in with District Seven and Eight. It wasn't about the fame and the glory anymore. All she really wanted was to go home again.

Standing up, Cree decided that she was going to keep moving. She was in the middle of one of the crop fields now, and was heading away from the castle. She wanted to put as much distance between that wretched Cornucopia and herself as possible. As she began walking, she felt her stomach grumble. She was tired of eating tomatoes and lettuce though. Another thing she missed from home- real food.

"Hey Chaff," she called to the sky. "I know that I might have been a little rude to you last week, and I'm really, really sorry." She felt her voice crack and she closed her eyes. She needed to sound strong now. "I would really appreciate it though if you sent some food. Like, maybe some soup from the Capitol or something."

She waited, looking at the sky with pleading eyes. There was no sound of beeping parachutes though. Instead, she was met with silence. In her throat, the lump that had been forming for the past few days began to thicken, and she felt the tears begin to sting her eyes. She couldn't cry, not now. They would all be watching her. This would be giving them what they wanted. She couldn't give them what they wanted.

Out of nowhere, a deep roar vibrated through the air. Cree looked up, feeling her heart start to beat in her chest. What was that?

It sounded again, this time slightly closer.

Cree looked around at the horizon. Where they trying to kill her? Was this it?

Out of nowhere, she saw the beast rise on the horizon. She felt her blood run cold as she watched it approach her. It's broad wings flapping powerfully as it came at her full speed. She didn't move as it approached her. From the beast's mouth, it spewed fire, charring the earth. It's yellow teeth were bared. It stopped just as it reached her, it's blood red eyes glowing like a cat's. Shining scales coated it's body, and sharp talons acted as it's fingers. What was it? Some kind of snake-like bird?

She would never find out. Closing her eyes, she allowed the tears to finally escape from her eyes. It looks like even the Capitol didn't like her. What a shame.

That night, Petro and Auden watched the sky from the forest. Auden gasped as she saw the two faces appear. "Two careers," she whispered quietly. "Petro, that means that the only careers left are Rubin and Alexis."

Petro nodded. "Yeah. They're dying off pretty quickly," he agreed.

"I bet that means one of us will win," Auden smiled as she hugged her feet tight to her chest. She looked happy for once, as she sat with him beneath the leaves, and she was. The thought of a non-career winning made her happy. "Who's left?" she asked.

"Other than the careers? You, me, uh the boy from Six, the boy from Seven, both from Eight, and the girls from Nine and Ten. I think that's it right?" he said.

"At least someone who deserves it will probably go home," Auden said. She didn't say who because honestly, they both didn't think they had a chance. Even if they had made it to the final ten by some miracle. They were each waiting for some monster to appear out of the darkness and take their lives.

"I think I'm going to go for a walk," Petro said, standing up. Auden nodded, as she rested her head against the tree. She was learning to give Petro some space. He usually took two to three 'walks' a day, and the alone time seemed to be putting him at ease. At first they had made Auden jumpy, but after the other night, when he had tried to leave her. Well, whatever was going to make him stay, she'd do.

She listened to the forest sounds as she sat there. A lone bird was tweeting in the distance, singing sweetly before it drifted off to sleep. Crickets seemed to be everywhere, as they chirped relentlessly, talking to each other. Even the rustling of the leaves in the trees set her at ease. She smiled. Sometimes she could pretend like things weren't so bad in here. When there was no thought of death, and no sign of others. Especially at night when she and Petro were just sitting around hanging out. It was like finally she was among friends, even if there was just one of them.

Through the darkness, she heard someone cry out. Her eyes flew open and she jumped to her feet. Only one thought crossed through her mind as she flew through the forest: Petro had to be okay. She sprinted in the direction he had gone, moving through the trees. She came upon him suddenly, tripping over his fallen form. He let out a pained groan as her foot collided with his back.

"Crap, Auden are you okay?" Petro asked as he pushed himself to his feet.

She rolled over, pushing herself upright. "Are you? I heard someone cry out. I... I thought that maybe, you had... like Cutter," Auden said in a panic, her eyes scanning him hurriedly.

"I'm fine, I just tripped on a root," Petro assured her. "See, no injuries."

"Your arm is bleeding," Auden said. Petro looked over at his wrist, his face turning bright red when he saw the blood had seeped through the cotton shirt.

"Oh, it's just a cut from the fight with the girl from One," he said hurriedly. "I must have reopened it."

"Let me see," Auden said, reaching out to take his wrist. He jerked backwards though, sinking away from her.

"No really that's okay," he said.

"Petro," she said, her eyebrows furrowing. Swallowing, she chewed her lip. "I may have read a book somewhere about medicine and cuts and stuff. I um, I might be able to help."

"But I don't need any help, see the bleeding is stopping already," Petro said, holding up his arm. She was truly worried though. If he had a cut that was still bleeding from two days ago, then it could be infected. Acting on impulse, she leaped forwards, catching his arm and pulling his sleeve down. What she saw made her freeze, a low gasp escaping her lips. Petro's face went white.

"Oh," Auden said, not able to comprehend how to react. His entire arm was covered in small white scars that were illuminated under the moonlight. Most of them were completely healed, but a few were still relatively new as dried scabs covered them. The one that was bleeding seemed to have been reopened from Petro's fall.

"I told you I'm fine," Petro said, pulling his sleeve back up. "I think I'm going to go now."

Aude felt panic grip her heart. "Wait. Wait, Petro I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to, to..." her voice trailed off as he stopped, and turned towards her. His eyes were shining in the moonlight. A lone tear made its way down his cheek.

"Auden just leave me alone. You don't understand," he said.

"But I want to," Auden answered quietly. He stared at her, looking like he was in agony. Auden felt her heart swell suddenly. This wasn't right. It wasn't about alliances anymore. No, he needed her, he just didn't know it. She wasn't going to let him walk away. No, she was going to be the friend to him that she never had. "I'm not going to let you leave. I'll... I'll follow you. If you want me gone, you'll... you'll have to kill me."

"Cutter's the first person you've ever lost Auden. Just let me go, you don't understand," he said suddenly, his voice harsh and his expression emotional.

"You keep saying that I don't understand, but you never say why. If I don't understand anything, than why are even here? Why didn't you leave earlier? You have to give me a better explanation than that," Auden said, stepping forwards, determined.

"My mother hung herself," Petro said bluntly. "I was four years old I walked in and found her hanging by a rope from the ceiling. I didn't understand what was going on, so I sat down and started talking to her like it was any other day. She never responded though. She left me. And you know what? She's not the exception. This is what people do, they leave you. It's just how the world works."

Auden's face softened, as her heart broke for him. He was hurt, that was all, so incredibly hurt. "Maybe they left because you wouldn't let them stay," she said, crossing her arms. Her face felt wet. Now she was crying too. "That's what's happening now you right now. If I leave it's because of you, not me."

He stared at her, his face contorted with salt water and hatred, not for her, but for the world. He hated the world for what it had given him. But maybe in the eleventh hour, it had shown him something good. Just before he was going to die, it had cut him a break. It had given him Auden.

"And you promise," he said.

"I do," she replied.

"Then this can be my test. Prove it, and maybe I'll believe you. Maybe."

Suddenly, the sound of trumpets interrupts their conversation. Claudius Templesmith's voice rings through the arena. "Tributes, I congratulate you for making it this far into the Games. It is my pleasure to cordially invite you all to a feast, located at the entrance to the Capitol, tomorrow at noon."

Petro and Auden each exchanged a knowing look. No amount of food was going to be worth the blood that would undoubtably be shed at this feast.

"I do hope to see you all there. I'm sure that you could all use a little nourishment to get you through the rest of the Games," Cladius finished.

Silence was left in his wake.

"I'm not that hungry anyway," Petro said, shrugging.

"Yeah, maybe next time," Auden laughed nervously.

Then the two walked back to their camp, both of their faces wet and their hearts exhausted. But something was better between them. Auden could feel it. Maybe tomorrow would be a better day.

Savin' Me by Nickleback

A/N RIP Airin and Cree

Airin- I loved the idea of his character. He was blind, but he was by no means useless, and he was definitely pretty valiant. I don't think I did him justice though. Especially in the beginning of the Games, I wish I had given both him and Rocio some more face time. He did sort of come into his won these last few chapters at least. Let's be honest though, he was sort of doomed from the start. A blind tribute was only going to be able to get so far. I think he did pretty well though, considering everything. Going out twelfth definitely is something to be proud of for him. Also, I sort of needed Rubin alone. You'll find out why next chapter *wink* *wink*. Thanks to Blue Eyes Arch Angel for submitting him.

Cree- Again, another character I loved. She was very complex, though I think again, I didn't portray this as well as I could have. She had run her course though. I developed her to the point that there was nowhere left for her to go. I think most of you saw that too, as a lot of you have mentioned that her arch has run out in reviews. Thanks to Funny-Bunny-lover for submitting her. Hopefully you liked the way she changed in the end :)

On a different note, I know a lot of you have been asking if I'll be writing another SYOT. I think the official answer is a yes now. (I reserve the right to change my mind). I had some arena inspiration the other day, so I think it's fair to announce the news now. My working title is Forever Bound (this is subject to change). I'm going to run submissions the same way I ran them for this story. Pm me if you have any questions on that. So start thinking of new tribute ideas. I'll probably post the form on my profile as we start getting closer to the end (about 7 more Games chapters until you know the victor). I'm not going to hand it out this early though because I don't want anyone sending in tributes just yet. I just thought I'd put this on your radar.

Anywho we're in the final ten, and we will definitely be in the final eight by the time the next chapter is done with (at least two deaths that means).

Until next time

-Tales