Hi guys!

Thank you all so much for the lovely reviews and support! I love to hear what you all think and your reviews are the only reason I keep posting! Thank you all so much!

Answers to reviews –

- Melvin and Joslyn are like Beetee and Wiress. I thought that their characters were pretty important for plot development so that's why they're part of the group.

- The Mockingjay part starts in about ten chapters or so. I was thinking of stopping this story and starting a sequel but then I had some ideas and decided to carry on to 50 chapters for this story :D

So once more a huge thank you for everything and hope you enjoy!

Chapter 33 – We're a Team

John – Day 2 (1 PM)

I wipe the sweat out of my eyes as I watch Joslyn and Melvin explaining something to Maren and Sophia. I don't trust the two newcomers, even though Sophia claims they'll help us. They seem nice enough, if not extraordinarily clever, but that doesn't mean that they won't slit our throats in our sleep. After everything that's happened, I don't want to be killed in the middle of the night without being able to defend myself.

Nearby, Joseph and Marina are swimming in the sea, their laughter reaching my ears as they splash around. Watching them playing and flirting causes a lump to form in my throat; that's how Sarah and I were once. Once when things were so easy and we had our whole lives ahead of us. I hadn't realised then just how lucky I was until now. I hastily blink back tears, not wanting to look weak but it's so hard when she's gone. She was everything to me, everything, and now she's gone forever.

I close my eyes, picturing her beautiful face in my mind. That kind smile, those beautiful eyes…I'll never see them again, never see her smile or hear her laugh. I take in a shuddering breath, trying to blink back the tears in my eyes, but the pain in my chest makes it impossible. It's so strong and painful that I'm surprised it doesn't break me. If I thought I knew heartbreak before then I was wrong.

"Joseph, stop it!" I open my eyes as Marina laughs, dodging out of the way as he splashes her. Joseph grins and then lightly tackles her in the water, causing another stream of laughter. They're both acting like kids and I clench my fists angrily. I can feel my anger growing as they continue to laugh; they're going to attract the careers if they're not careful.

"Idiots! Stop being so-" I start to get to my feet as Joseph laughs particularly loudly but then someone reaches out and grabs my arm, stopping me from rising. I look in shock to see Stanley smiling at me, lighting shoving me down onto the sand again. He grins but there's a slightly guarded look on his face.

"Hey, don't be mad at them. They're just having fun," he says. It's so unlike him to be reasonable and for me to be the out-of-control one that I just do as he says. He settles down next to me, watching as Marina and Joseph swim lazily in the sea, not having heard me. If I didn't know better, you'd think we were on holiday.

"They're being stupid," I scowl. "Every career is going to know our position because of them!" I snap. Stanley looks at me knowingly, his face almost kind for him.

"They're having fun," he says again. "And after the night we've had, they deserve it" I clench my teeth, anger taking over me. Maybe it's the only way I feel like I can act; maybe it's Sarah's death catching up to me. Maybe because the others are acting like they've suffered as much as me when they haven't lost the one they love. I'm the one suffering here.

"Oh right, you had such a hard night," I scowl. "At least you didn't lose the girl you love," I snap, my hands clenching into fists, fighting back tears. Stanley sighs and he almost looks old, his face lined with weariness. His skin has a slight grey tinge to it, as if he's deprived of sleep.

"No, we just lost two friends instead and watched a tribute we didn't even know sacrifice herself for us," Stanley replies calmly. "Dude, if I'm being reasonable, then you know something is wrong," he smirks, but I can tell he's trying to be kind.

I sigh, watching the sea glint in the sun, trying to calm down. Stanley's right; I'm not the only one who's had a hard time. I think of Maren, who broke down when she realised that she'd killed one of her own race but who had to piece herself back together after Sarah was killed. She did it for me and I've been nothing but ungrateful. Sophia lost the only other survivor from her Games whilst Joseph has to live with the guilt that someone died for him and he doesn't even know their name. We've all had a hard night.

"I'm sorry," I whisper softly. "It's just…" I trail off, not sure what to say. I feel hot tears flood into my eyes but I try to blink them away, not sure what Stanley would say.

"Look, I know the others have suffered, and I just wanted to make sure that you knew," Stanley says, looking annoyed that he's not making himself very clear. "I just wanted you to realise that. But it still doesn't make your loss any easier," I nod, tracing my fingers in the sand. The lump in my throat is huge and I swallow a few times, not sure what to say. I want to break down and cry but the only person I feel like I can do that with now is Henri and he's miles away.

"I just…I miss her," I whisper, my voice broken. "I'd do anything to see her again, see her smile, hear her laugh," I suck in a breath, pulling my knees to my chest to ignore the flash of pain. "I just want her back," I whisper, pressing my lips together to stop myself from crying more.

Stanley watches me for a long time and I wonder what it must be like for him. Like me, he lost the girl he loved to in the Games and like me he had to hide it to prove that he was still strong. But unlike me, he wasn't in as deep and didn't love her as much. I wonder what it must be like for him to see me like this, knowing that was like that once. It must be hard on him too, must bring back memories.

"I wanted Maddy back every day after her death," When he talks, I can hear the pain in his voice. "I wanted to apologise for everything, for putting her at risk" he sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I wasted a lot of effort feeling sorry for myself and feeling guilty for things that hadn't been my fault. Don't do the same,"

I stare at him in shock, unsure of what to say. I'd never known that he felt guilty about Maddy's death, but then maybe I never wanted to acknowledge it. The way he spoke in Navaria, the way he always looks so sad whenever we talk about our Games, the way he protected Marina and Joseph from me…Maybe Stanley is still guilty to this day. He's just learnt to live with the guilt so that it doesn't weigh on his every thought.

"You still love her?" I ask him softly. Stanley shrugs, looking away from me and towards the others. They're crowded around together, talking and I can even see a smile on Maren's face.

"No…I miss her…still feel guilty," Stanley sighs. "But I don't love her anymore. I've moved on, as I should have done a while ago," he smiles sadly. "Doesn't mean that I won't avenge her death," he says, a firm tone in his voice. I nod, trying to hide my shock. Maybe if Stanley could do it, then I could.

But then I think of Sarah, her beautiful face and personality and I know that I can never get over her. How can I? Someone that perfect will never exist ever again and I'll certainly never have the pleasure of knowing them. Black despair and grief washes over me and tears flood into my eyes again, threatening to pull me into the silent stillness that I'd taken on after her death. It takes all my effort to keep strong and not allow that to happen.

"But," Stanley laughs grimly. "I can only say that a year after her death," He notes. There's a lighter look in his eyes and he gently pats my back, standing upright. "But don't forget, you have us. You have your friends around you," He doesn't have to add that of course in a few days we could all be dead.

He heads away, whistling cheerfully to himself, but I can't find it in me to smile. The talk doesn't change anything; I still miss Sarah more than anything. Now that Stanley's gone I start to feel the grief wearing me down, reminding me of her missing presence. I feel like a part of me is missing and is never coming back. I want to curl up in a ball and cry without worrying about cameras or sponsors or careers. But I don't have the luxury and I know Sarah would expect me to carry on fighting. It's that thought that makes me continue to fight.

"Here," Maren heads over, some fish in her hands. It looks raw but I realise, when my stomach grumbles, that I'm so hungry I could eat anything. I smile and take it from her, watching as she settles down next to me. Her face is lined with weariness and I can sense her exhaustion.

"You should sleep," I say softly. She looks at me oddly, as if expecting me to revert to my comatose state but I nod encouragingly at her, to show her that I won't do that. She sighs, rubbing her temples.

"I can't," she whispers. "I see their faces," she winces slightly and I notice the vulnerable air around her.

"Whose?" I ask gently. Maren rests her head on her knees as she wraps her arms around her legs.

"The career I killed," She says. I think of the career that she killed, the one she had to batter to death with the rock. I haven't even thought about the boy I killed but it's different; he killed Sarah. He had it coming. Thinking of her death makes me feel sick so I quickly think of something else, not wanting to return to that mental state.

"And who else?" I ask. She sighs, her eyes fixed on the sea.

"My family's," she admits. "I can't help but wonder if they'll be ashamed of me. If they're alive even," She bites her lip in worry and I remember my own dead family. I hadn't thought about my grandparents in a while, but it was like Stanley said; the grief stays with you yet you learn to ignore it. You learn to live with it without even realising it's there after a while. It's so normal that you get used to it.

"They would be proud of you for fighting for them," I say softly, wrapping an arm around her. If she's surprised, she doesn't say anything. In fact, she moves closer to me, her head resting on my shoulder. For now, it seems that I'm returning the favour and looking after her.

"Thanks," she says softly, not looking like she believes me. "I'm sorry you know. About Sarah's death…I wish…I don't know what I wish," she finally sighs. I squeeze her shoulder, looking out to the sea and the cornucopia.

"I know exactly what you wish," I say, my voice hard. "You want to make them pay" I look grimly at her, thinking of the mogs, the murderers who have ruined my life. Who have ruined every Loric's life.

"And we will," Maren says. "We'll make every single damn one of them pay,"

Xxx

Stanley – Day 2 (2 PM)

"So what do we do now? Hang about until the next attack or trick?" Joseph asks, chewing on some fish that Maren caught for us. We're sat on the rocks of the cornucopia, claiming the island for ourselves. There are enough of us that most other tributes would be scared to fight us; even the careers would be stupid to do so. There aren't enough of them compared to our number.

"Enjoy the weather," Maren replies. "Pretend we're on holiday," She lies on the rocks, basking in the sun, grinning at Joseph in a playful way. I never realized that there was this playful side to her at all but I kind of like it.

"I don't know what kind of holidays you've been on, but I don't think I ever want to join you," Joseph grins, sitting on a rock and letting his legs soak in the water. "But I will admit that a holiday that consists of fighting does seem like your kind of thing," he teases her. Marina looks up from restocking her arrows into one quiver, a light smile on her face.

"I don't think your idea of a holiday would be much better," she teases him. "Hiking, cliff diving…sounds more like a training camp," Joseph sticks his tongue out at her and I laugh, joining in one the conversation.

"What would you rather do? Sunbathe, shop, take in the local culture? Sounds like a shit holiday," I say sarcastically. Maren rolls her eyes, straightening up, and playfully glaring at me.

"Your idea of culture only stretches to food," she points out. "If you opened your mind, it could be fun," I wrinkle my nose, shaking my head at once. I have a feeling that she's not into that stuff either but is just backing Marina to prove a point. Girl power and all that crap.

"Walking around a stuffy old ruin sounds like my holiday from hell. Give me a hike any day," I protest. Joseph nods along and Marina laughs, slinging her bow and arrow over her back.

"Well then, you boys will have to go off on your hiking holiday and us girls will go to a beach to chill," Marina grins at Maren, who nods in agreement. "What about you John?" She turns to John, who's been following the conversation with a soft smile. "Which holiday you joining?"

"I think I'll do the culture," he says, putting on a sophisticated voice. "And leave you barbarians to your holidays" I laugh, chucking a pebble at him, but he dodges. Sophia grins nearby, lazily lying on the rocks and enjoying the sun.

"Well, seems for the moment, we're stuck with the boys' holiday," she laughs. "Hiking and fighting for us, no sunbathing just yet," Joseph raises an eyebrow, pointedly looking at her.

"So what are you doing right now then?" he grins. Sophia flips her finger at him and we all laugh, all enjoying the moment. Maybe it's the sun or our full stomachs that make us feel better, or maybe it's the feeling of safety that being in a large group does for you. No matter what it is, this is the most relaxed I've felt in days and I can tell it's the same for the others. I've never really seen the playful side from people like Maren and Sophia and it's nice. I wish I could see that part of them more often.

"Does anyone actually trust the newcomers?" Maren nods to Joslyn and Melvin who are far away enough to not hear us, bent over that funny piece of wire that Melvin can't let go of. They're in their mid-twenties and are extremely intelligent but have kept to themselves. The only ones they've really been talking to is Sophia.

"I think so," Marina sits up, a frown on her face. "They keep planning ways to kill the careers and not us. Besides, I think we could take them if they turned on us and they know it," I nod in agreement. We could easily take the two of them without blinking an eyelid if we wanted to.

"The real problem is-" Joseph begins to say when Joslyn and Melvin head over to us, an excited look on their faces. Melvin still has the coil of wire in his hands, absently stroking it as if it's a pet. I wonder if he's right in the head.

"Guys, we have an idea for the-" They're cut off by the funny chiming noise again, this time only ringing two times. As always, the ringing noise sends a shiver of dreaded anticipation down my spine and I look around, expecting a new disaster. The others are up as well, their faces wary, waiting for the next trick. Will it be more mutts? Or will it be some natural disaster with a twist? I can't see anything so I assume it's because we're not in the jungle and I can only imagine the latest horror in there.

"What is that thing?" John frowns, forgetting his grief for the moment. Ever since our chat he seems to be working hard on ignoring his pain. "It keeps happening," I watch as Marina turns around in a circle, her eyes taking in the gravel spokes. Understanding dawns on her face and she turns to us, an excited gleam in her eyes.

"It's a clock!" She says. Joslyn's eyes light up at once and she looks around, her mouth opening in shock as she takes everything in. I try and see what they're seeing but it's not making much sense. I guess there's a reason they say that I'm better for the fighting. Intelligence isn't my kind of thing. I'm the kind of guy where it's better to tell me what to punch.

"Wait, what?" Joseph frowns and I'm relieved not to be the only one slightly confused.

"Marina's right, the arena's a clock," Joslyn says softly. Maren and I share a look of confusion and Marina laughs kindly, pointing to the spokes.

"Look, twelve spokes, like twelve hours on a clock. There's a ringing noise every hour for a new Gamemaker trick," she explains in a rush. I nod in understanding, taking in the arena with new eyes. I don't understand how I didn't get it before.

"So at 11 there was the fog and then at 12 the monkeys" Marina says excitedly, her face lit up. Maren jumps onto the rocks at the edge of the island, taking in the arena keenly. Nearby, Joslyn settles on a rock and starts humming to herself as she dips her feet in the sea. She seems happy now that we've figured out that the arena is a clock.

"So all we have to do is wait for something that's big to figure out the time and where the threats are. Then we can just move from sector to sector! If it's like a clock, it'll go clockwise," Maren says excitedly. I shake my head, an idea forming in my mind. Joslyn continues to hum and it starts to really bug me.

"The Gamemakers aren't stupid. If we did that, it would be easy to figure out. The chiming already gives it away. I bet that this clock isn't in order at all and that the tricks jump from random sectors to another. No order at all," I say. Sophia nods, unusually quiet for her. I'm thinking of telling Joslyn to shut the hell up because her humming is driving me mad.

"So we just have to hope that we're not in the sector that the trick is in. We have a 1/12 chance I guess. It could be worse," Sophia shrugs. Marina sighs, settling down on a rock again, Joseph next to her. I sigh in annoyance, when I realize Joslyn's humming has stopped. I turn to see if she's all right, glad that the sound has stopped at least.

I turn just in time to see her throat being slit.

"No!" I yell but it's too late. The cannon booms and she falls into the water, dead, her blood staining the sea red. From behind her body, Callum rises, a spear and dagger in his hand. He throws the spear at me at once but I duck and it hits the cornucopia with a clanging noise. Callum turns to run, but I chase him, furious that he killed Joslyn. I hear the others shouting for me to stop but I can't control my anger. Joslyn was unarmed, innocent, helpless…

"I'll kill you, you sick bastard!" I yell, chasing him around the cornucopia. I hear more shouting and then the clash of metal as the others fight off the other careers. I hear another cannon and I turn to see Joseph pushing a dead boy away from him, a grimace on his face. I can see Maren fighting a girl, and nearby Marina has her bow armed, aimed for Callum that killed Joslyn. He's just out of my reach and I gesture for Marina to shoot him, when I hear a thud behind me.

"Stanley, watch out!" I hear someone scream and then something tackles me from behind. The air is knocked out of me as I hit the rocks and I feel something cold pressing against my throat. I dig my elbow into my attackers stomach and she moves back with a grunt. I get to my feet, my heart thundering, as my hands fumble for my pipe staff. I turn to stab her with it when something cold and sharp presses against my chest. I look down to see that the tribute has a sword pressed right against my chest.

"Don't move, or you're dead!" The girl snarls in triumph. I grimace, wanting to bat it away but I know that she'll move quicker since her weapon is in place. I hear another shout and I prepare to act-

The ground beneath us suddenly jerks, as if in an earthquake and my feet go flying out from me. The girl is tossed away with the movement and as I fall to my knees, I grab the ground at once, clinging onto the rocks. The centre island begins to move quickly, as if we're a massive, spinning wheel. Waves crash around us and the world spins around me crazily as the island spins around, speeding up maddeningly.

"Stanley!" Someone calls my name and then John tumbles past me. It takes all my effort to grab his arm and pull him away from the churning water that would drown him in seconds. He grabs the rock close to me, shooting me a grateful look. Nearby I can see Sophia clinging to the rocks, her face buried against the rock. I remember her once telling me that she can't swim very well, and the only way she got to the cornucopia just yesterday was her telekinesis. I try to crawl over to her to help her, but it's too much effort and I don't want to be swept away.

I hear the rushing of the water and I shut my eyes, pressing myself against the rock desperately. I hear shouting nearby but no one can be fighting on this. They'd die or be thrown off. I hear a groaning sound and I look up to see some of the weapons being freed from their cases or racks due to the force of the wind. I duck down as an axe flies over my head and I hear a yell of pain. I have no idea if that was one of my friends or not. I cling to the rock, my fingers digging in and nearby I watch as Joslyn's dead body falls into the water, washed away immediately. The water is a churning mess and I cling on tighter, desperate to stay safe.

"Stanley! I can't hold on!" I hear Sophia scream nearby. I watch as her hand slips from the rock and then she tumbles towards the water, her mouth opening in a scream.

I react without thinking, knowing that she can't swim. I jump off the rock, grabbing her around the waist and then we hit the water with a loud splash. It's chaos. We're spun around and around and around, the water everywhere. My breath is snatched from me and I'm desperate for air, but I can't see the surface. Sophia clings to me, apparently terrified, as her nails dig into my arm. I hear the roar of the water and feel the force of the waves as we tumble over and over, worried about hitting the rock spokes or the island. Then it's all over. There's a sudden stillness as the island stops moving. The waves continue, not dying down completely, and a wave knocks Sophia and I onto the gravel spoke, both of us clinging to the rock.

I hear shouting and see the others running towards us, all of them safe, if not a little scared. There's a large bruise on Maren's face and I can see blood on Melvin's face but it seems that everyone is ok and unharmed. I can't see the careers anyway and I bet they ran away. They better have done, for their sake.

"Are you all right?" I cough onto the ground, watching as Sophia gasps for breath nearby, her face pale. She's trembling as much as I am but I don't know if it's from cold or fear.

"I'm fine," Sophia nods, coughing up water. She reaches out, placing her hand on mine for the briefest moment. "Thank you, Stanley. You saved my life," she says softly, a vulnerable look on her face. Then the others run over, helping us stand up and making sure we're all right. John pulls me to my feet, patting my back, his face filled with concern. Nearby, Marina heals Maren's face, whilst Joseph acts as a guard, preparing for another attack. I stand shakily, feeling oddly vulnerable after the trick and my knees feel weak.

"What the hell was that?" Maren demands, peering around for the careers but it seems that they've gone.

"They wanted the careers to go," Sophia whispers, her teeth chattering as she wrings the water out of her hair. "They want our fight to be postponed until later. For the grand finale"

Xxx

Adam (3 PM)

"This is urgent," Henri says, locking his office door behind him. "We're getting the tributes out of the arena,"

I choke on my coffee, the liquid spraying out onto my shirt. I blush furiously, trying to wipe away the stains but coffee is a nightmare to get out of white clothes. Nearby, Alicia smirks, but she looks too nervous to really appreciate the moment. Hannah stays in the back of my mind, always there and listening, but we're not as close as we once were. After I found out that she had lied to me from the beginning, it's never been the same. How can I trust her anymore?

"Ok, but how?" I snort. "The arena is built like an underground bunker with a force field. There's no way they can break it," Henri shoots me a tired look, the bags under his eyes more pronounced than ever.

"That doesn't matter. The technicalities and complications don't affect you," he snaps. I wince slightly and his face softens once he realizes he was being harsh. "Some of the tributes inside the arena know the plan and have already conducted a way of getting out. All that you need to worry about is coming with us,"

I stare at him in stupid shock. "You're taking me away? To where?" Alicia snorts again but her eyes are filled with nerves. She's scared of something but I have no idea what it is.

"We're going to the Resistance's headquarters. It's the only place that you and the Victors will be safe now," she explains. I frown in confusion, shaking my head.

"But I'm your insider spy. I could be so much more helpful here," I protest. Henri sighs, rubbing his temples in exhaustion.

"Firstly, we have other inside spies. You're not the only one. And anyway, once you help us get some helicopters to save the tributes, you're not going to be a spy anymore," he explains. I stare at him, confused about the helicopters.

"As a Gamemaker, you have access to the hovercrafts that go in and collect the bodies of the dead tributes. We need you to get two of those and we'll man them with our own men to collect our tributes and take them to safety," Henri adds. I nod, understanding dawning over me.

"And once the Gamemakers see that I've used those two hovercrafts to save the Loric, they'll see that I'm a traitor, that I helped you," I state the obvious. Alicia frowns nearby, propping her elbows on her knees. She seems to have a problem with the plan.

"Can't they counter-command though and turn the hovercrafts around with those computer systems?" she asks. I shake my head, my mind spinning.

"I can shut down the digital system so that the only people who can control the hovercraft are inside the thing. And if that's manned by your people, then they're not going to care about following Gamemakers' orders. I'll also cut off the tracking devices in the crafts," I explain. Alicia sighs, throwing her hands up in the air.

"They'll notice before the crafts leave the city! It's a crazy plan!" she snaps. I shake my head, her temper reminding me painfully of Hannah's when something didn't go her way.

"No they won't. There are a good couple of hundred since their purpose is for more than the Games but for war too. Gamemakers won't notice two gone, especially if authorized by me, and if they do, I'll tell them it's for some more deaths tonight. They won't care, they won't think twice about hovercraft. They won't imagine that the arena can fall," I explain kindly.

"Won't they have hovercrafts ready anyway once the arena is down?" Alicia points out. Henri nods, a frown on his face.

"Yes, but not immediately. Ours will be in position to swoop in the minute the arena is down. They won't have as much warning," he explains. "By the time theirs arrive, we'll be long gone,"

"Fine," Alicia sighs. "It seems like it could work. But why two?" she asks Henri, who she clearly trusts more. She's avoided talking to me unless it's necessary ever since our talk the other day and I know she means what she says about not forgiving me. But I also mean what I say about wanting to revenge Hannah's death, even if it means it's Ivan who I have to take the revenge out on.

"One to get the tributes. Kat and I will be in that one," Henri begins. "The other will head straight to the Resistance with you two, some mentors and some other important people," he says, looking down at his notes. I frown but don't say anything. I'd prefer to help the tributes but I know that they won't trust me at all, and I'd be safer in the other helicopter.

"I want to help the tributes though!" Alicia protests. Henri shoots her a look, annoyed.

"You'll be more helpful staying out of the way. This is going to be tricky enough without you wanting to show off," he snaps, but not harshly. "Alicia, there will be many opportunities to show what you can do. This isn't one of them," He says more gently.

"Fine," she bristles. "When do we leave?"

"This evening," Henri explains. "Adam can get the helicopters at 11.30 pm, half an hour before the arena falls. That gives us time to get there but not enough time for the Gamemakers to notice. Then you two will go in the first one, and the second one will head for the arena," Henri explains.

I swallow nervously, my heart hammering in my chest. So much is happening; we're leaving the Capital, saving the tributes and I've become a fully-fledged traitor. I can't believe this is all happening and I know I'm not really taking it in. But I have to because this time tomorrow, I'll be a member of the Resistance.

Xxx

The waiting is awful, Hannah says nervously, biting on her nails. It's not even evening yet and I'm stressed. I can't order the crafts until half an hour before we go and I'm on edge, terrified. I pace in my office, my heart pounding frantically.

This is all happening too fast. The Games are ending tonight and I'm going to the Resistance to be a fully-fledged traitor. I don't know if I can do this, even though I want to help the Loric. But never before had my life been in danger until now. With my life on the line, everything is so different.

Adam, there's no point stressing. You've got a few hours yet before we order the helicopters. Please, just relax. You're setting me on edge. I sigh, sitting down on my chair, my eyes landing on the clock. At least eight hours to go. Eight hours of painful waiting.

"I can't believe the Gamemakers don't even suspect a thing," I whisper. I'd told them earlier that I was going to release two helicopters at 11.30 to deal with the inevitable dead bodies for this evening. The other Gamemakers had agreed without even batting an eyelid; they were too proud of the success of their Games so far to even care.

Yeah well, they're stupid and arrogant. They don't think for one second that their arena can fall and the tributes can escape, she says. I nod, putting my head in my hands. Hannah hesitates but I can feel her desire to speak to me, to talk.

Adam, I don't want things to be like this between us. I can't stand it, she whispers. I shake my head, wanting to run from her but she's always there. I can't escape her, no matter how much I want to right now.

"What do you want me to say? That I'm ok with you for betraying me? For lying to me from the beginning?" I laugh bitterly. "That everything was a lie," Hannah shakes her head, reaching out and placing her hand on my arm. The only problem is that her hand just passes straight through.

You know that everything was not a lie. That I do care for you...deeply. Besides, we've both made mistakes, Hannah reminds me. I wince painfully, shaking her hand off, even though she wasn't even touching me.

"Yeah, I know. I let you die, I let Ivan kill you," I snarl, my voice filled with anger. "What can I do to make up for that? I've done everything!" I sob, pressing my hand to my mouth. My eyes are filled with hot angry tears, and I just feel like my heart's been broken again and again and again.

Adam, stop blaming yourself! You never let me die! I made the decision to die, Hannah says angrily. I knew what I was getting into when I took on the Resistance's plan and got involved with you! I wince at her tone but don't say anything. What can I say?

I never blamed you for my death, Adam. It was never your fault. I know that you would have given your life for mine if you could…I just wouldn't let you. I sniff, wiping away the tears from my eyes. For the first time since her death, hope blossoms in my chest.

"You really have forgiven me?" I whisper. She smiles at me, sitting in front of me, her hair falling around her face beautifully. Her eyes are filled with tenderness and some other emotion I can't read.

I never blamed you to start with. That was all me, she says softly. We've all made mistakes. You should never have blamed yourself for my death. I should have told you about the Resistance and the plan initially being theirs. I should have trusted you more, she whispers, reaching for my hand. I let her rest hers on mine; both our skin pale, though hers because of her ghostlike form.

"It doesn't matter," I whisper. "It changes nothing. You still helped me in the end. Still stayed with me through everything. The beginning might have been different from what I thought but that never changed the ending," She shakes her head, her mouth working as tears slip down her cheeks.

No, I should have told you. I was just so scared that you would hate me so I kept lying and lying and lying. You're too special to me and I didn't want to lose you, she whispers, tears in her eyes. I open my mouth to say something but she carries on.

I know it was their idea, but I was the one to choose you. I knew you were special the moment I saw you. And…I was the one to bond with you…to become friends with you. I nod, feeling better for the first time in a while.

"None of it was a lie? The being friends part?" I ask. Hannah shakes her head, her eyes kind.

Adam, you were my friend the moment you changed. You've been the best friend I've ever had. You've given me everything and I've just hurt you. I'm so sorry, she looks down but I shake my head at once, wishing I could hold her for once.

"Like you said, we've both made mistakes. But there's no point lingering on the past," I say softly. And I mean it. Hannah hurt me by not telling me the truth, but then how can I blame her? She was scared of losing me and I'm the only thing she's got left. And she's never left me when I needed her; she's always been there for me, and that more than makes up for her lie. We've both made mistakes but if we're going to survive this coming war, and I'm sure there will be a war, then we have to work together. We have to trust one another implicitly.

Hannah sighs, and reaches out, pressing her hand against my cheek. I feel the briefest sense of warmth but I don't know if I'm imagining it. I want to lean into her hand, have her arms wrap around me, but I know that will never happen.

Please forgive me, she begs, tears slipping down her cheeks. I don't deserve it, I know, but please. She sniffs and I smile gently, reaching out and pressing my hand against her cheek. If she feels it, she doesn't say and I can't feel anything.

"I never blamed you to start with," I use her line and she smiles softly. "We both had our secrets…both had our reasons. The past should stay in the past," I say. Hannah nods, her face more determined than before.

We have to forgive and forget and move on, she says. And I never lied about you being my best friend to me, Adam, The only friend I've ever had.

"I know," I say softly. "But none of that matters now. I…I trust you, no matter what," I smile softly and she returns it. "We're a team, Hannah. You and I, we'll always be a team,"

Hannah nods, smiling but there are more tears in her eyes. "Always"

So hope you all enjoyed! The next two chapters are going to have a lot of action and be pretty big!

I'm going off to Uni next Saturday so I'm planning on updating on Friday.

Please review!