Hey everyone, hope you all had a good Christmas and new year!

Day 4 of the hunger games now…. twelve tributes left

Andromeda Ryan (D2)

Bree Lloyd (D3)

Oreen Noults (D3)

Salton Calder (D4)

Murray Greene (D5)

Medusa Krinvox (D6)

Bryce Lichen (D6)

Azalea Tigris (D7)

Audrey Manzel (D8)

Teddy Garland (D8)

Natasha Trent (D12)

Alex Trent (D12)

Enjoy the chapter, and thanks for reading and reviewing!

On the morning of day 4, Salton and Andromeda awoke early to the sound of the birds chirping. It was another beautiful day in the arena, with the sun shining over the village where the two tributes had slept. As Andromeda stirred from her sleeping bag, she saw that Salton was already sitting, looking up at the sky.

Salton turned his head towards her, smiling. "Morning Andromeda."

"Morning." Andromeda replied, returning the smile.

The two tributes paused. "Did you sleep much?" Andromeda asked.

"Not really." Salton replied.

"Me neither." She said quietly.

The memory of what had happened yesterday was playing over in both of their minds. After Alissa had been killed, Andromeda had managed to push Medusa to the ground before escaping with Salton. They had been pretty lucky that they had gotten away before Azalea had recovered for another attack.

Andromeda looked at Salton, who was sitting quietly upon a small rock. He must be affected pretty badly, surely? Alissa had been his district partner after all…

"Salton…" Andromeda said tentatively. "If you want to talk about Alissa, you know you can talk to me."

"There's nothing to talk about." Salton replied bluntly.

"Oh… ok." Andromeda responded. "I just thought…"

"Well, don't." Salton snapped. "I just need some space. Leave me alone."

Andromeda got up, teary-eyed, and walked away from Salton. Trying to stay strong, she sat herself on the wall of the building next door, looking up at the sky. She missed Alissa already. The girl had been obnoxious and a bit too bloodthirsty for Andromeda's liking, but that wasn't Alissa's fault. She was just another brainwashed, career girl, who clearly hadn't known what the games were really like before she had entered the arena. She had made enemies. And now, because of this, like so many other over-confident careers in the past, she was dead. Never to return home to her loving parents or brothers that she had spoken so fondly about. Just another statistic.

This prompted Andromeda to think of her own home, back in District 2. She wondered what her family thought of her while they had been watching. Her mother and siblings would be worried sick, as they knew how Andromeda wasn't a true career. If it hadn't been for Thea being reaped, she wouldn't even be in the arena right now. Her Father had always insisted that she would volunteer, but had been happy to mostly stop pressurising Andromeda until she was eighteen, which was when most careers would volunteer in District 2. Andromeda had already been planning how to avoid next year's reaping.

And now, she was here at the age of seventeen. All because of the stupid obsession with 'honour' that so many families had in District 2. Her Father was one of the worst for that. If a sibling is reaped, it's a sign of honour and respect for the older sibling to volunteer to take their place. Andromeda knew that if she hadn't volunteered, her Father would have thrown her out of the house faster than you can imagine.

No doubt he'll be bemoaning the fact i haven't killed another tribute yet. Andromeda thought to herself angrily. Years of pressure from her Father had weighed heavily on her during her teenage years.

(Two years ago)

"Andromeda! Is that you?"

Fifteen year old Andromeda sighed in exasperation. That was the voice of her Father, and she knew what he wanted. After an exhausting day in the training centre, the last thing she needed was an interrogation right now.

Her Father came into view as he walked down the stairs quickly. "How did it go?" He asked, concern etched on his face.

"I ranked 15th." She answered, trying to smile. Today had been the annual competition between tributes to decide who would be the volunteer this year. Andromeda knew she wouldn't place that highly, being only fifteen, but she was still proud of herself with her rank.

"15th…?" Her father repeated, looking disappointed.

"15th? That's great!" Andromeda's Mother replied, beaming at her. "Isn't it darling?" She said, turning to look at her husband.

"What? No of course 22nd isn't great!" Her Father replied, looking angry.

Andromeda moved back, slightly worried about how her Father was going to react. He hadn't yet used physical violence on any member of the family, but she wouldn't put it past him. "But Father… the trainers said I did very well for my age!"

"For your age? For your age?!" Her Father spluttered in reply. "Who cares about your age? Never be satisfied unless you're number one!"

"I know… but even if i'd have won, it wouldn't have volunteered. It wouldn't be fair on all the eighteen year olds wanting to volunteer!" Andromeda retorted.

"Indeed." Her Mother agreed. "Respect is important, as you constantly remind us!"

"Don't patronise me woman!" He growled in reply. "The only thing that's important is keeping the Ryan name at the top of the district." He turned to Andromeda. "You're not going to let me down, are you?" He asked fiercely. "You're going to be number one next year aren't you?"

Andromeda opened her mouth to reply angrily again, but her mother looked at her from behind, and shook her head silently in gesture. Andromeda understood.

"Yes Father." She replied.

(Present day)

"Andromeda."

The voice brought Andromeda out of her thoughts, as she turned to look at Salton, who had come to find her. "Thought you wanted some alone time?" She asked irritably.

"Look, I'm sorry." Salton said. "I'm just not feeling too good right now. I miss Alissa."

"I miss her too." Andromeda replied, becoming teary-eyed. Salton pulled her into an embrace, and they stayed like that for a while, comforting one another, each of them glad to still have an ally.

"She made life easier in the arena… I miss her bubbly nature." Salton said sadly.

"It feels weird, just the two of us." Andromeda added. "Weird to think that the career pack was eight members strong just three days ago."

The two of them were sitting down on the grass, with Salton still having his arms wrapped tightly around her. It was a weird feeling for him, he had never been this affectionate with a girl, what with his awful time at the community home. He wasn't even sure if she felt comfortable with him hugging her.

"Makes you wonder how differently things might have turned out if it just been the normal career districts." Salton sighed. "Let's face it, Azalea has been the main cause of any issues we had."

"Maybe." Andromeda replied. "Although if Azalea hadn't been on the scene, I'm sure Runyon would have been equally argumentative and controlling."

"I guess. But in my opinion, Runyon was just a brute force, and nothing else…. he was stupid." Salton paused. "There's something more to Azalea…. she's manipulative, and she's got some intelligence about her."

"Do you think she has a chance of winning?"

"Not if I have anything to do with it." Salton replied, a determined look in his eyes, as he got up.

"What are you doing?" Andromeda asked curiously.

"I'm going on the hunt. Azalea killed Alissa….and I'm gonna be the one that kills her. I won't let her win."

"Salton, are you sure that's the right thing to do?" Andromeda asked, a worried expression on her face. "Her and Medusa are a lethal team together."

"And so are we." Salton replied. "We're still careers, and we can take them. Also, sponsors will fast lose interest in us if we don't do anything."

"You're right."

"If you don't want to come with me, I understand."

"Of course I'll come with you." Andromeda said, getting up to stand next to him. "We're in this together…"

Bryce was not in a good mood. He had spent the whole of Day 3 in constant pain, his head wound still throbbing, giving him the feeling that someone was smashing something repeatedly against his head. He was desperate to find the District 8 pair again, to get his revenge.

But now, as midday on day 4 approached in the arena, Bryce had not come across another tribute since day 2, let alone Teddy and Audrey. He was now pacing through the dark woods, hoping to find a cowardly tribute hiding in there. But before he could delve further in, he was greeted by an amazing sight. A parachute with a capsule attached was floating down towards him, and Bryce could hardly believe it.

Someone has actually sponsored me! He thought to himself in delight, catching the capsule as it landed. His joy only increased upon opening it, as inside were six bread rolls, a big bottle of water, some fresh bandages, as well as the best gift of all.

It was a hatchet, a weapon in a similar style to an axe but slightly smaller.. Bryce held up the shiny red and white metal weapon happily, weighing it in his hands. It was an odd choice of weapon for him, but he was hugely appreciative nonetheless, as his only previous weapon had been a small knife! He then saw a note at the bottom of the capsule.

Love from your fanclub! You will be Victor Bryce.

Bryce was baffled. He, of all people, had a fan club? He genuinely thought he was dreaming. Despite this, he looked up at the sky. "Thank you." He whispered softly.

After enjoying a couple of the bread rolls, he decided to try out his new weapon. Bringing the hatchet behind his head, he brought it swinging into the nearest tree to him. The weapon made a satisfying crunching sound as it made connection with the tree, and Bryce smiled in delight.

With this new found confidence, Bryce continued his journey through the woods. Despite their uninviting darkness, the boy actually found himself enjoying his walk. It was mostly peaceful, with only the sounds of the leaves blowing and tree branches rustling in the wind. Most tributes would be terrified of such silence, but after spending the last few years of his life locked in that rotting District 6 jail, any sense of freedom was like heaven to Bryce. The ability to be able to walk wherever he wanted, even if it was in the arena, was a feeling that he had not felt in quite some time.

It was then that he became aware of several small, black coloured bugs, crawling around him. Bryce didn't think much of it at first, but a few seconds later, there were hundreds of them all around him. Bryce jumped into an attacking stance with his hatchet, waiting for the inevitable attack from the mutts.

But it never came. The bugs did not appear interested in attacking him. Instead, they were forming two lines parallel on either side of Bryce, which continued to stretch out in front of him, winding through the trees. It was then that Bryce realised what the gamemakers were doing. They were laying out a path, that they clearly wanted him to follow.

Well I'm not doing that… Bryce thought to himself. Bound to be a trap.

He attempted to step through the path of bugs, but as he did so the creatures suddenly jumped to life, with hundreds of them jumping onto the leg he had moved. Bryce swore loudly, before pulling his leg back into the path that had been created. He saw with relief that the bugs' interest had subsided.

He wasn't sure what to do now. He was clearly not going to be allowed to leave this path without a fight. But what was waiting for him at the end of the path? Bryce was tempted to make another attempt at leaving the bugs behind. But then again, they were mutts. And he had seen himself how quickly they had jumped on him when he had simply tried to take one step away.

With a sigh, he began to walk further into the woods, keeping in-between the two lines of bugs. The improvised pathway was very windy, moving in and out of the trees, and taking him in a different direction to the one he had planned. Bryce swore under his breath. What were the gamemakers playing at?

But as the pathway approached a clearing in the woods, and Bryce heard two familiar voices, it became clear why the gamemakers had led him here.

Teddy and Audrey froze as Bryce entered the clearing, him holding his new weapon and grinning broadly. "Looks like the gamemakers did me a favour!" Bryce laughed.

"How did you get that weapon?" Audrey asked, terrified of the hatchet swinging in his hands.

"I've got some fans by the looks of things." Bryce replied with a smirk. "Unexpected, but nonetheless appreciated." It was clear from his stance that he was not messing around this time.

"Here to kill us then?" Audrey said defiantly.

Bryce looked at her. "You're foolish, tempting fate like that…"

"P-Please guys…" Teddy pleaded. "C-Can't we f-form an a-alliance or s-something…?"

"Not a chance." Audrey said instantly.

"Glad you agree District 8." Bryce laughed again. "I'm not one for alliances… in prison you learn to get by on your own."

"D-Don't you feel l-lonely?" Teddy asked. "H-Here, in the a-arena, on y-your own?"

Bryce snorted. "Are you stupid? That's what the Hunger Games are all about. There's only one victor. You two do realise that, if by some miracle you both make it to the final two, you're going to have to kill each other anyway?"

Teddy and Audrey looked at each other nervously. They were well aware of this, but it hadn't been brought up. Neither of them particularly wanted to talk about that issue just yet.

"Anyway…. I haven't come here for another chat." Bryce continued. "I'm here to kill you both. Especially you specs." He said, as he gestured his hatchet at Teddy. "I haven't forgotten what you did on day 2." Bryce rubbed his head in pain.

"Y-You were k-killing…" Teddy began a response, but stopped in shock as Audrey threw a rock at Bryce.

"Run Teddy!" She screamed, as the rock sailed past Bryce harmlessly. The two of them took off back into the deep trees of the woods. Bryce smiled, and went running after them.

Audrey and Teddy darted in and out of the trees, trying to be as agile as possible. Despite Bryce being physically fitter, the district 8 tributes had the advantage of being smaller, which allowed them to make their way through the woods in a nimbly manner. As they got further away, they could hear Bryce shouting at them.

"This isn't over District 8! I'm coming for you!"

The two didn't stop running until they reached an enormous tree, which hid them well. Teddy looked round the side of the tree from behind, and was relieved to not see Bryce.

"P-Phew, looks l-like that's o-over!" Teddy said in relief, turning back to Audrey.

"Yeah…" Audrey replied, sounding less sure. "We'll have to find somewhere else to camp though."

"No p-problem." Teddy smiled, leaning back against the tree. "There's g-got to be p-plenty of other s-similar places in the w-woods."

Then suddenly, Bryce popped out from the other side of the tree, and before either of the district 8 tributes could react, swung his hatchet straight into Teddy's face. There was a sickening sound as the sharp blade of the weapon cut deeply right through the middle of the boy's face. Teddy choked in pain, blood pouring freely out of the wound as he collapsed onto his knees. He could faintly hear the sound of Audrey screaming, as Bryce brought his hatchet up to attack again.

Everything flashed before him. The bullying at school, his loving sister Olivia, his homosexuality, and Carson. The image of the boy he loved hung in Teddy's thoughts as Bryce brought his weapon down onto the boy's skull, and he felt nothing more.

The sound of the cannon made Medusa jump.

"Bit on edge are we?" Azalea laughed.

"Shut up." Medusa replied. "I was just lost in thought…"

The two girls had been like this most of the day. Both mostly silent as they searched the arena, currently in the valleys, on the hunt for more tributes. Azalea hadn't felt as comfortable today as she had done previously in the games. The way Alissa had been before she had killed her was playing over in her mind. Azalea had hated the district 4 girl, and thought it would be very enjoyable to kill her. But there was something about the way it had gone that had given Azalea the chills. The way Alissa had cried, and screamed for her Mother, as Azalea had delivered the final blow. It had been a different kill to Karina and Runyon.

Am I feeling remorse? Azalea mused to herself. But then she pulled herself together. Of course she wasn't. Her Father had always trained her to be ruthless and unforgiving, and that's the way she was going to be.

"Azalea?"

Azalea suddenly realised that Medusa was asking her a question. "What?" She snapped.

"Looks who's lost in thought now." Medusa said, smirking. "I was just wondering who you think died?"

"How would I know?" Azalea replied, rolling her eyes. "As long as it wasn't District 12 I don't give a fuck."

"Oh yes. They're our kills." Medusa grinned sadistically. "I'm taking Alex."

"Let's see what happens, eh?" Azalea glared at her. "Don't go thinking you can make decisions like that though. Remember who led the career pack."

"Oh yes, and that turned out magnificently didn't it?" Medusa laughed.

"You're lucky I like you." Azalea growled.

Medusa laughed again. "Don't you care about Salton and Andromeda then?"

"Of course I do." Azalea replied sharply. "But their time will come."

"Who's left anyway? Apart from those two and District 12?"

"That district 3 pair." Azalea answered.

"And my lovely district partner." Medusa grinned. "Wouldn't mind another scrap with him at some point."

"You sure about that? I'd say he's one of our main threats." Azalea replied. "If we come across him then we'll kill him, but hopefully the gamemakers will take care of him."

"They're bound to, filthy prisoner!" Medusa laughed.

"There's the district 5 boy as well. Can't remember his name." Azalea said.

"And the district 8 pair I think. Pretty sure I haven't seen them in the sky yet."

"That's everyone." Medusa smiled.

"No real threats then, apart from Bryce." Azalea laughed. "Killing the district 12 pair will be easy."

"That Alex boy got a 9 though." Medusa pointed out.

"Whatever." Azalea snorted. "Got to be some kind of mistake there."

Medusa didn't reply, wishing that Azalea wouldn't underestimate some tributes so much. She half-wondered if that would be her downfall…

Many Capitolites often forgot that Medusa was only fourteen. Standing tall at 5 foot 9, with her scar on her face, and her shiny black hair, some had even claimed that they thought she was eighteen. But mentally, Medusa was dealing with the games well. She had found herself thriving on the violence, which stemmed from her history of petty fighting back in district 6. And in her head, Medusa truly believed she could become the youngest victor ever.

The two tributes stopped upon the peak of one of the rolling green hills, and Medusa broke into a smile. "Look down there."

Down near the base of the hill, tucked into a low valley, was a tribute. They couldn't see who it was, but that didn't matter to them. The two girls could smell blood.

"Let's hunt." Azalea smiled.

The tribute that they had spotted was Murray. He was exploring the valleys, trying to find a source of water, which he had spent most of the day doing, without much success. His heart sank as he saw the two careers he recognised as Azalea and Medusa charging down the hill towards him.

It was then he began to panic. He had his sword, and he could fight, but there was no way he could take on two careers. And who knew if the other two careers were hiding somewhere else.

Murray turned on his heel, and did the only thing he could do.

Run for his life.

R.I.P Teddy Garland… Aww, I did end up loving this guy. When I first received this submission I wasn't quite sure what to do with him, but then the partnership of him and Audrey just worked so well together, and I know that many of you loved this pairing. I also really enjoyed writing Teddy's scenes concerning his homosexuality. Teddy did seem popular, and I was tempted to keep him in for longer, but I'd had his death planned like this right from the very start. Also, his death is important for some character development for Audrey, but hey…. let's save that for another chapter ;)

Hope you enjoyed it, and let me know what you thought!